Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become a regular part of our transportation system. Many people rely on rideshare services for daily trips throughout Philadelphia. For the most part, rideshare companies make it convenient, simple, and cost-effective to travel throughout large cities without owning a motor vehicle or utilizing public transportation.
Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured in rideshare accidents each year. Some research has indicated that the introduction of rideshare services, including Lyft and Uber, have increased the number of traffic accidents in some areas. The reasons for the increase in traffic accidents could be related to a variety of factors, including more cars on the road as people use rideshares instead of public transportation options.
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, our Philadelphia attorneys can help. Call us at (215) 732-5555 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Who is Responsible for a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare accidents can be complicated. Passengers are rarely responsible for causing an Uber or Lyft accident.
In most cases, a Lyft or Uber accident is caused by the rideshare driver or another motorist. In some cases, defective automobile parts, weather, or hazardous road conditions could be factors in rideshare accidents in Philadelphia.
Sorting out all the parties who contributed to the cause of the rideshare accident is the first step our Philadelphia rideshare accident attorneys take. By identifying all parties who might share liability for the crash, we can maximize your chance of receiving full compensation for your injury claim.
Is the Rideshare Company Responsible for Damages Caused by a Rideshare Accident?
When Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies began increasing in popularity, there were problems related to rideshare accident claims. The companies denied liability. They claimed that rideshare drivers were independent contractors who used their personal vehicles. Therefore, the rideshare company could not be held liable for any damages caused by accidents.
Insurance companies for rideshare drivers also denied liability for injury claims. Most personal car insurance policies specifically exclude liability for commercial purposes. If a driver is transporting a passenger for payment, the personal car insurance policy does not apply.
Therefore, rideshare passengers could not recover compensation for their injuries unless another motorist caused the accident. Other motorists had the same problems when an Uber or Lyft driver caused a crash.
Through intense pressure, local regulations, and legislation, Uber and Lyft now provide their drivers with limited insurance coverage. Rideshare passengers and others injured in a rideshare accident can now file claims with Uber and Lyft seeking compensation for their injuries, financial losses, and damages. However, filing a claim does not always mean that a victim receives the compensation they deserve.
Battling a Rideshare Insurance Company
Rideshare insurance policies do not cover all claims. They are also handled by large insurance companies that are in business to make money. Paying large injury claims is not good for business. Therefore, rideshare insurance companies are just as aggressive and ruthless in handling rideshare injury claims as they are in handling any other traffic accident claim.
In some cases, rideshare insurance companies are worse. They hide behind technicalities and exclusions to avoid paying valid injury claims. They also blame other drivers for accidents caused by their rideshare drivers.
Never assume that pressing a button on a rideshare app to report an accident ensures that you will receive fair compensation for your injuries. You must prove that the rideshare driver or another party caused the accident that resulted in your injuries before you can recover compensation. There could be competing insurance companies trying to avoid liability for the claim, and you could be caught in the middle.
Do I Need a Philadelphia Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer?
The Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyers of Pansini Law Group have experience handling claims involving rideshare drivers. We understand the laws governing these types of claims and the tactics used by the rideshare companies and insurance providers to avoid compensating victims.
If you are going to battle with a rideshare company, you need an experienced legal team at your side. We have the resources, skills, and knowledge necessary to handle these complex personal injury cases.
Our success record speaks for itself, as does our reputation within the legal community of being aggressive, passionate advocates for our clients. Our Pennsylvania trial lawyers stand up to the insurance industry and large corporations inside and outside of the courtroom.
Call Today for Your Free Case Review with a Pennsylvania Rideshare Accident Attorney
Contact Pansini Law Group by calling (215) 732-5555 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injury case. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Philadelphia are here to help you as you navigate the complicated process of filing an Uber or Lyft insurance claim.