New Castle Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys

What to Do If You Are Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident

If you were involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, whether you were the passenger of the rideshare vehicle or an occupant of another vehicle, there are several things you should do to protect your safety, your health, and your rights.

After an Uber or Lyft accident, try to do the following (if possible):

• Call 911 if anyone appears severely injured. Wait until paramedics arrive, and make sure the police come out to the scene of the accident.
• Tell the police officer at the scene what happened. Be honest, but avoid admitting fault or assigning blame. Request a copy of the official police report, if possible.
• Write down the names, contact information, and insurance information of the other parties involved, including the rideshare driver.
• If you can, take pictures of the scene of the accident, as well as any injuries you have sustained and/or any damage to your personal property.
• Seek medical attention if you were not treated at the scene or transported to a hospital. You should always see a doctor after a motor vehicle accident.
• Report the accident to your insurance company within a reasonable timeframe, but avoid providing a statement, signing anything, or accepting a settlement without talking to a lawyer.
• Contact a personal injury attorney with experience handling car accident claims, specifically those involving Ubers, Lyfts, and other rideshare vehicles.

Recovering compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident tends to almost always be more complicated than filing a standard car accident claim. We strongly recommend that you reach out to an experienced attorney, like ours at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, for help navigating this process.

Who Is Liable for Damages After a Rideshare Accident?

Liability after a rideshare accident depends on numerous factors specific to the case. Most often, Uber and Lyft accident victims can seek compensation for covered losses through their own auto insurance providers by filing a no-fault, or personal injury protection (PIP), claim. However, PIP coverage may be insufficient, especially when you have suffered severe, life-altering injuries.

In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation from the rideshare company. Although Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services generally classify their drivers as “independent contractors” (rather than “employees”), thereby shielding themselves from liability in many cases, they also offer insurance coverage during certain “driving periods.”

These driving periods are defined as:

• Period 1: The rideshare driver has the app turned on and is waiting or actively looking for a ride request but has not yet accepted one.
• Period 2: The rideshare driver has the app turned on and has accepted a ride request but has not yet picked up the passenger/the passenger is not in the rideshare vehicle.
• Period 3: The rideshare driver has the app turned on, has accepted a ride request, and is actively transporting the passenger/the passenger is in the rideshare vehicle.

During period 1, Uber and Lyft both offer varying degrees of coverage for those involved in accidents caused by the rideshare driver. When a rideshare driver causes a collision during periods 2 and 3, both Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in insurance coverage.

Common Injuries in a Rideshare Accident

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impacts often cause whiplash, leading to significant neck pain and restricted movement.
• Back Injuries: Herniated discs and other back injuries are common, potentially resulting in chronic pain and disability.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head injuries can have severe, long-term consequences.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a collision can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions can cause significant pain and limit mobility.
• Internal Injuries: Harm to internal organs may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
• Emotional Trauma: Psychological impacts such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression are also common after an accident.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Possible damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all expenses associated with medical treatment, such as hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and any forthcoming medical costs related to the injury.
• Lost Wages: If the injury stops the victim from working, they can claim compensation for lost income. This also extends to diminished earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to their previous line of work.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims can seek damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
• Property Damage: Compensation for any personal property that was harmed in the accident, including the repair or replacement of the vehicle.
• Loss of Consortium: If the injury has affected the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family, they could be qualified to compensation for loss of companionship and support.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the rideshare driver’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, the court may grant punitive damages to penalize the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior in the future.

Why You Need an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney

The complexities involved in Uber and Lyft accident cases make them unlike typical car accident claims. It is extremely important that you work with someone who understands the law and knows how to properly investigate and litigate your claim.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, our New Castle rideshare accident attorneys have decades of experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation. Multiple attorneys at our firm are Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialists by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a distinction achieved by only about 2,000 practicing attorneys in the nation. We have earned a reputation for aggressive client advocacy; insurance companies know that we will go to trial, which often helps us obtain favorable settlements for our clients without ever having to step foot in the courtroom. Even if your case does proceed to trial, you can rely on our team to fight tirelessly for you and the maximum recovery you are owed.

When it comes to helping our clients navigate the legal system, we don’t just say that we care—we prove it through our actions and our dedication to every individual we serve. We invite you to get in touch with us today to learn how LGKG can help you with your Uber or Lyft accident case.

Call our New Castle Uber/Lyft accident lawyer at (724) 576-8855 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at one of our multiple offices located throughout Western Pennsylvania.