I Was Hit by an Uber: What Are My Legal Options?
Ubers and Lyfts are extremely convenient if you’re trying to get around on the weekends or need to conveniently get from point A to point B. Yet collisions can always happen on the road, which is why it’s important to speak with an attorney at the Foley Law Firm about whether you should file a car crash lawsuit.
If you were hit by a rideshare vehicle, you may wonder about your legal options. Our lawyers in Scranton and Stroudsburg, PA, want to explore that in a little detail below. We encourage you to contact our law firm so we can delve into your case in more detail.
Pennsylvania Rideshare Insurance Laws
For rideshare companies to operate in Pennsylvania, certain insurance requirements have to be met per state law.
When a driver is available to pick up a rider but does not have a fare, rideshare companies must provide:
- $50,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- Up to $100,000 for death and bodily injuries per collision
- $25,000 property damage coverage per collision
The above coverage kicks in if the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy refuses to cover costs.
When a driver is en route to pick up a fare or has a fare currently in the vehicle, rideshare companies must provide:
- At least $500,000 for death, bodily injury, and property damage coverage per collision
- First-party medical benefits, including $25,000 for passengers and pedestrians and $5,000 for other drivers
Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident
When determining settlement amounts or damages sought in court, it’s important to consider the matter of liability.
Like normal car crashes, liability depends on which party in the crash acted negligently and how their actions contributed to a collision. An investigation can help determine the cause or causes of a rideshare crash, as well as who is primarily to blame for the accident occurring.
Uber Accidents With a Pedestrian or Bicyclist
In addition to crashes with other vehicles, an Uber or Lyft driver could hit a pedestrian or bicyclist. The injuries caused by these types of collisions can be severe, with the potential for lasting disability and changes to quality of life.
Uber Accidents That Injure Rideshare Passengers in the Vehicle
Passengers inside of a rideshare can also be injured when an Uber or Lyft driver acts negligently. In the case of a collision with a vehicle while there is a fare in the rideshare, the passengers in the Uber or Lyft could have grounds to sue based on their injuries.
How Our Lawyers Can Help Accident Victims
Rideshare accidents can lead to several complexities, particularly when the rideshare company could be partly responsible for a crash. For example, if Uber or Lyft did not properly screen one of their drivers, this could mean the an unsafe individual was allowed behind the wheel.
The team at our law office can help you determine if you have a case and help you seek a fair settlement or damages in court. We can handle the litigation process so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Contact Our Accident Lawyers in Scranton and Stroudsburg
You need a lawyer who will listen to you and assess what happened objectively. Look no further than the Foley Law Firm. To set up a consultation with our trust team of legal professionals, contact our law offices today.
