Pittsburgh Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

Pursuing Full Compensation for Victims of Rideshare Accidents in Pennsylvania

Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are modern conveniences that many could not imagine living without. That being said, accidents happen, and when an Uber or Lyft is involved, the path to compensation may seem long and winding. Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. is here to help you navigate this path and recover your maximum compensation as quickly as possible.

Our attorneys have litigated motor vehicle accident claims for more than 40 years, earning national recognition from industry organizations — Super Lawyers® and The National Trial Lawyers, among others — and, more importantly, our peers and clients. Our individualized approach to personal injury law has helped us achieve six- and seven-figure verdicts and settlements for our clients time after time. If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, we want to advocate for you. There is no charge unless we win, so why wait?

Contact our Pittsburgh firm online today to arrange a free consultation with our Uber & Lyft accident attorney in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania Rideshare Laws

Pennsylvania has specific laws that govern rideshare services and the responsibilities of drivers and companies. Understanding these laws is crucial when pursuing a claim after a rideshare accident.

• Classification of Drivers: Uber and Lyft drivers are generally considered independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction affects liability and insurance coverage.
• Insurance Requirements: Pennsylvania requires rideshare companies to provide insurance coverage that varies depending on whether the driver is logged off, available to accept rides, or actively transporting a passenger.
• Reporting Accidents: Drivers must report accidents to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) if there is significant injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
• Safety Standards: Rideshare drivers must comply with vehicle inspection requirements, maintain a valid driver’s license, and adhere to traffic laws.

These laws form the foundation for determining liability and insurance claims in a rideshare accident case. Furthermore, Pennsylvania is a "choice no-fault" state. This means drivers typically choose between limited tort and full tort coverage.

• Limited Tort: Restricts your ability to sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet a "serious injury" threshold.
• Full Tort: Allows you to seek compensation for all damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of injury severity.

Crucial Note for Passengers: If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft during an accident, Pennsylvania law generally treats you as a "full tort" claimant, regardless of what your personal auto insurance policy says. This is a vital protection that an experienced Pittsburgh rideshare accident lawyer will use to maximize your recovery.

Who Can File an Uber & Lyft Accident Lawsuit?

Pennsylvania law grants anyone injured in an accident — including Uber and Lyft accidents — the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In order to win the lawsuit, however, the accident victim (or plaintiff) will be required to establish that the at-fault driver was negligent in some capacity.

Several examples of negligence for which a driver could be held liable include but are not limited to:

• Speeding
• Acting Recklessly Due to Road Rage
• Running Red Lights and/or Stop Signs
• Talking on the Phone or Texting While Driving
• Driving While Drowsy, Stressed, or Mentally Preoccupied
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs
• Overloading Their Vehicle with Passengers

Therefore, the Uber/Lyft driver is not always the one at fault for an accident; sometimes, the Uber/Lyft driver is the victim of negligence and may qualify to file suit. Other potential plaintiffs include injured Uber and Lyft passengers, passenger car drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and more.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Liability in rideshare crashes depends heavily on the driver’s app status at the time of the collision:

Driver is logged off

If the rideshare app is turned off, the driver is considered off duty. In this case, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage when the app is off, so any accident that occurs during this time is handled like a normal car crash involving a private vehicle.

Driver is logged on but hasn't accepted a ride request

When a driver is online and waiting for a request, limited coverage applies. Uber and Lyft offer contingent liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage is secondary and applies only if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim. However, there is typically no coverage for the driver’s own vehicle damage during this period.

Driver has accepted a ride or is carrying a passenger

Once the driver accepts a trip or is transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s full commercial policy becomes active. This usually includes up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Drivers may also receive contingent collision and comprehensive coverage if they carry those protections on their personal policy, subject to a deductible.

Insurance Considerations in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, making claims complex. Understanding coverage is essential.

• Personal Auto Insurance: Typically applies when the driver is logged off. Coverage limits may be low.
• Rideshare Company Insurance: Varies by driver status—limited coverage while waiting for rides, full coverage when transporting passengers.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage: Protects victims if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.
• Medical Payments (MedPay): Covers immediate medical expenses regardless of fault.
• Claim Negotiation: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts; an attorney can handle negotiations and disputes.

Our team can analyze which policies apply and ensure victims receive the maximum compensation available under Pennsylvania law.

Types of Compensation You May Receive

Victims of rideshare accidents in Pittsburgh may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on injuries and damages.

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy, and future medical costs.
• Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and potential future earnings if unable to work.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of vehicles, personal belongings, and other damaged property.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases of extreme negligence, additional damages may be awarded.

Our Pittsburgh rideshare accident lawyers can calculate the full value of your claim and ensure all forms of compensation are pursued.

Pittsburgh Uber & Lyft Accident Claim FAQs

Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Pennsylvania?

A: Pennsylvania has statutes of limitation that limit how long you have to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Timelines can vary depending on the claim type and the parties involved. Contact a Pittsburgh rideshare accident lawyer promptly to preserve your rights.

Q: Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

A: It depends on the driver’s app status and the facts. When drivers are logged in and accepting rides, the company’s commercial policies often apply. In some cases, a direct claim against the company is possible; in others, claims proceed against the driver and insurer. Your lawyer will evaluate the best route.

Q: Will my medical bills be paid quickly?

A: Insurance companies sometimes delay payments while investigating. If you have health insurance or PIP (personal injury protection) coverage, those may cover some immediate expenses. A Pittsburgh rideshare accident lawyer can press insurers and pursue interim relief when necessary.

Q: What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?

A: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, other coverages may be available — including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy or the rideshare company’s excess policies, depending on the situation. We will explore all avenues for recovery.

Why Hire an Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney in Pittsburgh?

Plaintiffs have the option to represent themselves in court, but when you are pursuing compensation for catastrophic injuries, the defense likely comprises highly skilled attorneys who will explore every avenue possible to avoid accountability. Having a highly skilled attorney of your own is the best way to give yourself a real chance of winning.

Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. has a team of seasoned trial lawyers with decades of experience in handling the entire process of litigation, from case preparation to resolution. We are driven by a passion to make a difference in the lives of our clients by recovering them the compensation they need to move on from devastating accidents. At our firm, our clients are always our top priority.

To get in touch with our Pittsburgh Uber & Lyft accident lawyer, call (844) 383-0565 today.