Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim with the Help of a Lawyer

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have become one of the most popular ways for people to get around when they don’t want to drive, take public transportation, or a taxi. Unfortunately, the popularity of these services has resulted in an increase of cars on the road. More cars on the road mean more car accidents. When an Uber or Lyft is involved in a motor vehicle accident, it can create questions of legal liability for the accident and financial responsibility for any damages or injuries that result. Fortunately, Uber, Lyft and many other rideshare services provide an insurance policy that covers motor vehicle accidents, depending on the circumstances of the accident. 

Uber maintains a program that provides up to $2 million in liability insurance coverage for its drivers in Philadelphia, applicable to any incidents that occur between a driver’s acceptance of a passenger’s request for a trip through to the drop off of the passenger. Lyft maintains a similar program that provides up to $1 million in liability insurance coverage for drivers in Philadelphia that is applicable to an accident that occurs when a driver is notified of a passenger’s request through to the time that the passenger is dropped off at his or her final destination. 

What Are Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Policies When an Accident Occurs in Philadelphia?

Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies are intended to be a first-use policy that steps in front of the driver’s own personal or commercial insurance coverage. However, Uber and Lyft require each of their drivers to maintain the minimum insurance coverage required in the state where the driver lives to be eligible to drive for Uber and to access its insurance coverage.

In addition to the benefit of being the front-line insurance, both Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for any occupant of the Uber vehicle, whether driver or passenger, to provide coverage for medical expenses and other damages incurred when another driver is responsible for the accident and has insufficient insurance or no insurance coverage at all. Uber and Lyft’s insurance also provide additional comprehensive and collision coverage to the driver for his or her vehicle that is in effect whenever the driver is picking up or transporting a passenger. However, like comprehensive and collision coverage in private insurance policies, Uber and Lyft require drivers to pay a deductible before accessing this coverage.

When the driver is not actively on a trip – that is, either driving to pick up a passenger or transporting the passenger to his or her destination – Uber and Lyft also provide a third-party liability policy that provides up to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damages, which meets or exceeds minimum insurance requirements in every state. 

Who Has Liability When Another Driver Is Responsible for the Accident?

In some cases, an Uber or Lyft vehicle is hit by another motorist. When this happens, private insurance companies may try to disclaim coverage on the grounds that the Uber or Lyft driver was using his or her vehicle for commercial purposes, especially when the driver has not included his or her rideshare work into his or her personal auto policy. However, depending on the circumstances of the driver and of the accident itself, Uber or Lyft may also refuse to provide any insurance coverage. When Uber and Lyft and their insurance companies try to disclaim coverage, especially when another motorist other than the Uber or Lyft driver was responsible for the accident, it may be necessary for the injured parties to seek the assistance of an attorney to help them pursue a claim for compensation. Even if you are not having trouble with Uber or Lyft or their insurance company, it is still advisable to speak with an experienced attorney after being in an Uber or Lyft that was involved in an accident to ensure that your rights and options are protected and that you receive the full amount of compensation that you need and deserve.

Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Uber Accident Case in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an Uber accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Marrone Law Firm, LLC represent clients injured because of Uber accidents in Philadelphia, Center City, University City, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (866) 732-6700 or fill out our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 200 S. Broad St., #400, Philadelphia, PA 19102, as well as an office in Cherry Hill, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.