If you’ve been injured as a passenger in an Uber accident in Pennsylvania, you may not be sure where to even start looking for support. Uber and Lyft accidents can be some of the most complicated to sort out, because so many different insurance policies are involved and it can be very confusing for someone–particularly someone who is recovering from serious injuries–to know where to turn.
Should I file a claim with my insurance?
No. Although that seems like a natural starting point, you want to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, not your own.
Do Uber and Lyft insure their drivers?
Yes. All Uber and Lyft drivers are required to maintain personal automobile insurance policies. Additionally, Uber and Lyft provide supplemental coverage when drivers are working between rides, and provide substantially increased supplemental coverage when they are actually transporting passengers. When an rideshare driver is transporting passengers, they have supplemental insurance of up to $1 million in liability and $1 million in underinsured coverage.
Does it matter who is at fault?
Yes. If your rideshare driver is at fault, you will be able to file a claim with Uber or Lyft’s insurance provider. However, if another driver is at fault, you will file a claim with their insurance provider. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim with your rideshare driver’s insurance provider to cover the deficit left by the at-fault driver’s coverage.
Why hire a personal injury attorney?
Even if you elect to file a claim, it is still best to have an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to guide and advocate for you throughout the process. Insurance companies do not want to pay out a dollar more than they have to, and often deny full coverage on legitimate claims in hopes that the claimant will drop it and save them money. Having a lawyer ensures that insurance companies will take you seriously and that you will not be taken advantage of. When you hire an attorney to represent you, they will become the point of contact for insurance companies, freeing you up to get back to recovering from your injuries and living your life. Your attorney will also handle settlement negotiations with the insurance companies, advocating zealously on your behalf, and ensuring that you get the absolute top dollar compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering, instead of merely a reimbursement for already incurred expenses, which often leaves victims paying out of pocket for treatments that continue to be necessary after the settlement has been reached. An attorney knows that damages do not stop just because the accident is over, and will make sure to anticipate and pursue compensation for any future expenses that will be necessary due to the accident.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you have been injured while riding in a rideshare vehicle, such as an Uber or Lyft, it’s important to speak to an Uber accident attorney as soon as possible. Pennsylvania has a time limit on how long you have to file a claim, so don’t waste any more time. Schedule a free initial consultation with the personal injury attorneys at the O’Donnell Law Offices serving clients in Kingston, Wilkes Barre, Hazleton and Pittston at 570-821-5717 or online today. There is no fee or costs until we win your case.
Resource:
uber.com/us/en/drive/philadelphia/vehicle-requirements/