Key Takeaways:
- Liability for a rideshare crash depends on the specific phase the driver was in on the app at the time of the collision.
- The rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy becomes the primary coverage once a driver accepts a ride request.
- Injured passengers are generally covered under the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy if the rideshare driver is at fault.
- Seeking immediate medical attention and documenting the scene is necessary to protect your right to compensation.
If you are involved in an Uber/Lyft accident in Delaware County, the rideshare driver’s app status at the exact moment of the crash determines whose insurance pays. While all drivers must maintain personal insurance, rideshare companies provide supplemental commercial coverage that increases when a driver accepts a ride and picks up a passenger.
This blog describes how to determine which policy applies to which situation.
Why Are Rideshare Crashes Rising in Delaware County?
Rideshare services have significantly increased the volume of vehicles on the road. In Delaware County, traffic congestion on major routes often contributes to the likelihood of a collision. Furthermore, rideshare drivers spend long hours navigating unfamiliar areas while relying on their smartphones for directions and passenger requests.
This divided attention frequently leads to distracted driving, increasing the risk of a crash. If you are injured due to a driver’s negligence, an Uber/Lyft accidentlawyer in Delco can investigate the crash and help you hold the at-fault party accountable.
How Does Rideshare Insurance Work in PA?
Pennsylvania requires all motorists to maintain minimum liability auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. However, standard personal auto policies generally exclude coverage when a driver is transporting passengers for a fee.
Because of this gap, transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft are required to maintain supplemental rideshare crash insurance in PA. The state’s Public Utility Commission mandates that these companies provide specific insurance coverage limits to protect their drivers, passengers, and other motorists.
Whose Coverage Applies During Each App Phase?
Rideshare insurance operates on a three-phase system that dictates which policy is active:
- Phase 0 (App Off): If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is the only coverage that applies.
- Phase 1 (App On, Waiting for Request): When the driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride, the rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim. This typically includes $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- Phase 2 and 3 (En Route and Passenger on Board): Once the driver accepts a request and while the passenger is in the vehicle, the rideshare company’s primary commercial policy applies. This usually provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
What if You Were an Injured Passenger?
If you suffer an Uber/Lyft passenger injury in Pennsylvania, you are typically protected by the rideshare company’s commercial policy. Because you were in the vehicle during Phase 3, the $1 million liability coverage applies to your medical bills and lost wages if the rideshare driver caused the crash.
Determining who pays for an Uber/Lyft accident in PA can become complicated if another motorist is at fault. In that scenario, you would pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. If they lack adequate coverage, the rideshare company’s uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may apply.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Crash?
Taking immediate action after a crash is vital for your health and your potential personal injury claim. You should follow these steps as soon as possible:
- Seek Medical Care: Get evaluated by a doctor immediately, as some injuries may not present symptoms right away.
- Call the Police: Obtain an official accident report, which is essential for insurance claims.
- Document the Evidence: Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries. Collect contact information from all drivers and witnesses.
- Report the Accident: Notify the rideshare company through their app, but do not provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
- Consult a Lawyer: Speak with a legal professional to discuss your options following a car accident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Does my personal car insurance cover me if I am an injured rideshare passenger?
Your personal auto insurance might offer some first-party medical benefits, but the rideshare company’s commercial policy is usually the primary source of compensation for passenger injuries.
Can I sue the rideshare driver directly?
You can file a claim against the driver’s insurance if they caused the crash, but since they are independent contractors, their personal policies typically deny coverage while they are working. You will likely need to rely on the rideshare company’s supplemental insurance.
How long do I have to file a claim after an Uber/Lyft accident?
In Pennsylvania, the “statute of limitations” for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Been Involved in an Uber/Lyft Accident? Our Experienced Delco Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Can Fight to Get You the Compensation You Deserve
If you have gotten into a rideshare accident in PA and need legal help to evaluate your options, contact our Delco Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. For an initial consultation, call us today at 610-565-3700 or submit our online form. With office locations in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.