Being involved in an accident while using Uber or Lyft, whether as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, can be challenging. These incidents often present unique legal concerns due to the involvement of multiple parties. The process for reporting them is not complicated, but the aftermath could be.
What Are the Steps for Reporting a Rideshare Crash?
After a rideshare accident, call 911 first. Safety is the priority, and you and others may have injuries. Also, law enforcement officers can write a police report at the scene, serving as key evidence. If possible snap pictures of both vehicles, license plates, and visible injuries. It is also wise to take photos of the scene—skid marks, traffic signs, weather conditions, and so forth.
Report the accident to Uber or Lyft as soon as possible. Here’s how to do it:
- Uber: Open the app and tap the blue shield symbol on the bottom left side of your trip’s map. Then, select Report a Crash. That’s the fastest way to use their website or call customer service.
- Lyft: Open the app and its main menu. Choose Support and Safety, then tap Get Help. You can also report Lyft accidents online and by phone.
What Insurance Coverage Applies in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
The insurance coverage available for ride-sharing accidents depends on the status of the driver at the time of the incident:
- When a driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is the only coverage that applies.
- If the app is on, but the driver has not yet accepted a ride, both Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage. This can offer some compensation for injuries and damages but may not be sufficient for all claims.
- Once a ride has been accepted, or a passenger is on board, the companies provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. This includes higher limits for liability and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, potentially covering significant medical expenses and lost wages.
What Are Pennsylvania’s Car Accident Laws?
Pennsylvania follows a “choice no-fault” insurance system, allowing drivers to select either limited or full tort coverage. This choice impacts the ability to recover compensation for certain damages.
- With limited tort coverage, drivers can pursue compensation for medical bills and other financial losses, but claims for pain and suffering are restricted unless the injuries are serious enough to meet specific criteria.
- Full tort coverage permits claims for financial losses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering without limitations.
The state mandates minimum levels of liability insurance for drivers, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. These requirements apply to ride-sharing drivers as well; as mentioned, Uber and Lyft typically provide supplemental insurance policies, which can cover accidents under various circumstances depending on the driver’s status with the app.
Who Could Be Held Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Determining liability in ride-sharing accidents can involve multiple parties. The ride-sharing driver may be liable if their actions, such as distracted driving or speeding, contributed to the accident. Other motorists could also share liability if their negligence caused the collision.
Although Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, there may still be circumstances where the companies themselves bear some responsibility, especially if issues with the app or company policies contributed to the incident.
Establishing liability is essential to any personal injury case, as it affects who is responsible for covering the damages. Our West Chester car accident lawyers can help identify the parties involved and pursue appropriate compensation.
The Delaware County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Represents Clients Injured in Uber and Lyft Accidents
The Delaware County car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can fight to pursue justice for your Uber or Lyft accident case. To learn more, call our Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania offices at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form. We serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.