Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver in Scranton? Contact The Slocum Firm today to schedule a free consultation today. We can help you get fair compensation.

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident in Scranton, PA, you know how stressful and confusing the aftermath can be. Understanding the liability rules in rideshare accidents is essential for protecting your rights and seeking fair compensation.

At The Slocum Firm, we’ve helped countless accident victims navigate the legal system’s complexities. We understand the unique challenges in these cases and are committed to fighting for your best interests.

Here, we will discuss the key factors determining liability in rideshare accidents, including the role of the rideshare driver, the company, and the insurance coverage involved. We’ll also explore the common injuries and damages that can arise from these accidents.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to contact The Slocum Firm for a free consultation. Our experienced Scranton rideshare accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Rideshare Liability

Liability in rideshare accidents in Scranton can be complicated because multiple parties could be at fault. 

Unlike traditional auto accidents, where determining liability is usually straightforward, rideshare accidents involve various factors like the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident, the insurance policies in place, and whether the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or had accepted a ride request.

Who Can Be Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

In a rideshare accident, determining liability is not as simple as it might be in other types of car accidents. Various entities could be held responsible, including:

The Rideshare Driver

The rideshare driver is often the first party considered for liability in a rideshare accident. If the accident occurred due to the rideshare driver’s negligence—such as distracted driving, drowsy driving, or reckless behavior—they could be held liable for the damages. 

However, whether the driver’s personal insurance policy or the rideshare company’s insurance policy will cover the damages depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

The Rideshare Company

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically consider their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. 

This classification can complicate liability issues. However, rideshare companies do offer liability insurance coverage, which may apply depending on when the accident occurred:

• When the driver is offline or the app is off: The rideshare company’s insurance policy does not apply. The driver’s personal insurance policy is the only coverage available.
• When the driver is online but has not accepted a ride request: The rideshare company’s liability insurance may offer limited coverage, typically up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
• When the driver has accepted a ride request or is en route to pick up a passenger: The rideshare company’s insurance coverage typically increases significantly, offering up to $1 million in liability coverage.
• When the passenger is in the vehicle: The rideshare company’s insurance coverage is generally at its highest, with up to $1 million in liability coverage and coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists.

Other Drivers or Third Parties

In some cases, other drivers or third parties could be liable for the rideshare accident. For example, if another driver was responsible for the accident due to reckless driving, they could be held accountable for any damages, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.

How to Prove Liability in a Rideshare Accident

Liability in rideshare accidents in Scranton can be tricky to establish because rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. Here’s how you can prove liability if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident:

Document the Accident Scene

Immediately after the accident, gathering as much evidence as possible is essential. This includes:

• Taking Photos and Videos: Capture images of the accident scene, the rideshare vehicle, and any visible injuries or property damage.
• Gathering Witness Information: Collect contact details from witnesses who saw the accident.
• Police Report: Ensure that a police report is filed. This document will be crucial in the claims process and any legal action you might pursue.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention immediately is essential. Documenting your medical expenses and treatments is crucial for establishing the extent of your injuries, which will be important when seeking compensation.

• Medical Bills: Keep records of all medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment plans.
• Ongoing Treatment: Document any ongoing medical care or therapy you require due to the accident.

Notify the Rideshare Company and Insurance Providers

Inform the rideshare company (Uber or Lyft) about the accident as soon as possible. You must also notify your insurance company and the driver’s insurance policy provider.

• Rideshare Company’s Insurance Policy: Uber and Lyft have specific liability insurance that covers different scenarios, depending on the driver’s status during the accident.
• Driver’s Personal Insurance Policy: In some cases, the driver’s insurance may also come into play, mainly if the driver was not actively engaged in a ride at the time of the accident.

Consult a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Scranton, PA

Given the complexity of rideshare accidents and the involvement of multiple insurance companies, consulting an experienced attorney is highly advisable. A rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal landscape, manage insurance claims, and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

• Free Consultation: Many personal injury lawyers offer a no-obligation consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options.
• Fair Settlement: An experienced attorney with a proven track record can negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

File a Rideshare Accident Claim

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation, your attorney can help you file a rideshare accident claim. This claim may be filed against multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or other drivers involved in the accident.

• Insurance Issues: Be prepared for potential complications with insurance companies, as they may attempt to deny or minimize your claim.
• Claims Process: Your lawyer will guide you through the claims process, ensuring that you meet all deadlines and provide all required documentation.

Pursue Legal Action if Necessary

You may need to take legal action if a fair settlement cannot be reached through the insurance claims process. This could involve filing a lawsuit against the rideshare company, the driver, or other liable parties.

• Legal Representation: Having a law firm with experience in rideshare accident cases can be crucial in court. They can present your case effectively and fight for the compensation you deserve.
• Third-Party Liability: If other drivers or entities contributed to the accident, they could also be liable in the lawsuit.

Common Challenges in Proving Liability in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how we travel, offering convenience at the tap of a rideshare app. However, when a rideshare accident occurs, determining liability can be a complex process. 

Whether you’re a passenger, a rideshare driver, or another party involved, understanding the nuances of liability in rideshare accidents in Scranton can be critical for obtaining fair compensation. Below, we’ll explore some common challenges when proving liability in rideshare accidents.

Determining the Rideshare Driver’s Status

One of the most significant challenges in rideshare accidents is establishing the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident. Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, and their insurance coverage varies depending on whether they were actively transporting a passenger, en route to pick someone up, or simply logged into the app waiting for a ride request.

• Driver Not Logged Into the App: If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app when the accident occurred, the rideshare company’s insurance policy typically doesn’t apply. The accident would fall under the driver’s personal insurance policy, which might not provide sufficient coverage.
• Driver Logged In, Waiting for a Ride Request: When a rideshare driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride, the rideshare company’s liability insurance provides limited coverage, typically less than when the driver has accepted a ride.
• Driver En Route or Transporting a Passenger: If the rideshare driver had accepted a ride request or were transporting a passenger at the time of the accident, the rideshare company’s more substantial insurance policy would likely apply.

Identifying the Responsible Parties

Rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties, each potentially sharing liability. These could include:

• The Rideshare Driver: The driver’s actions, such as distracted driving or drowsy driving, may have directly caused the accident.
• Other Drivers: If another driver on the road was negligent, they might share liability.
• The Rideshare Company: In some cases, the rideshare company may be partially responsible, especially if they failed to properly vet the driver or if their app encouraged unsafe driving practices.
• Third Parties: Other parties, such as pedestrians or bicyclists, could also be involved, complicating the claim process.

This web of potential liability makes it crucial to gather solid evidence at the accident scene, such as a police report and witness statements, to help clarify who is responsible.

Insurance Coverage Complications

Insurance issues are another common challenge in rideshare accidents. The overlapping insurance policies of the rideshare driver, rideshare company, and other drivers involved can create confusion during the claims process.

• Driver’s Personal Insurance Policy: A rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy may not cover accidents while the driver is logged into the rideshare app, leading to denied claims.
• Rideshare Company’s Insurance Policy: Uber and Lyft offer varying liability insurance depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Navigating these insurance policies can be difficult without the help of a personal injury lawyer.
• Multiple Insurance Claims: In some cases, numerous insurance companies may be involved, each trying to minimize liability. This can delay obtaining fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress.

Proving Negligence and Liability

Proving negligence in rideshare accident cases often requires a thorough investigation. This involves demonstrating that the rideshare driver or another party failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the accident.

• Gathering Evidence: Collecting evidence, such as dashcam footage, phone records (to prove distracted driving), and accident scene photos, is essential in proving negligence.
• Legal Representation: An experienced attorney with a proven track record in handling Uber accident cases or Lyft accidents can be invaluable. They can help navigate the legal landscape, deal with the insurance company, and work towards securing maximum compensation.
• Personal Injury Claims: The claim becomes more complex if serious injuries are sustained. Proving the extent of bodily injury, including medical bills and ongoing medical expenses, is critical to achieving a fair settlement.

Challenges with Rideshare Companies’ Legal Strategies

Large rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have extensive legal resources and often employ aggressive strategies to minimize their liability in rideshare accidents. This might involve:

• Disputing Liability: Rideshare companies might argue that their driver was not at fault or that the company’s insurance policy does not apply due to the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
• Downplaying Injuries: Insurance companies may try to downplay the severity of injuries or dispute the necessity of specific medical treatments, making it harder to recover fair compensation.
• Lengthy Legal Battles: Pursuing legal action against a rideshare company can lead to lengthy legal battles, making it difficult for victims to obtain timely compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Contact a Scranton Rideshare Accident Lawyer

The aftermath can be confusing and stressful if you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident. At The Slocum Firm, we understand the unique challenges you face. Our experienced Scranton rideshare accident lawyers are here to help you. 

We will fight for your rights to make sure you get compensated for your injury-related medical bills, lost wages, and more. Call 570-209-7376 today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve.