When a rideshare accident happens, figuring out who is responsible is often more complicated than a typical car accident. Unlike most crashes, rideshare accidents can involve multiple insurance policies, questions about the app, and several potentially liable parties.
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer in West Chester will know how to proceed. At Postman Law, we have recovered over $3 billion for clients. We help passengers, rideshare drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists handle these complicated claims.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, a personal injury lawyer in West Chester from our team is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve based on the details of your case. Reach out to us for a free consultation.
Compensation Potentially Available for Rideshare Accident Victims
If someone else’s negligence or actions caused your injuries in a rideshare accident, whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses caused by the accident.
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Pérdida de salario y reducción de la capacidad de ganancia
- Pain and suffering due to the accident.
- Emotional distress like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- Property damage if your vehicle or other items were damaged.
The value of your claim depends on your injuries, financial losses, and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer serving West Chester, call 844-767-8626
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Liability in a rideshare accident depends on how the crash happened and who was responsible. More than one person or company may share liability.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- El conductor de coche compartido: If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident by speeding, driving distracted, or acting negligently, they may be responsible for your injuries. Depending on whether they were using the app, different insurance policies may apply.
- Another At–Fault Driver: Sometimes another motorist causes the crash. In these cases, you may be able to file a claim against that driver’s insurance while also determining whether rideshare coverage applies.
- Uber o Lyft‘s Insurance Coverage: Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage in certain situations when drivers are using the app. The amount of available coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.
- Vehicle Manufacturer or Mechanical Defect: In rare cases, a defective vehicle or faulty auto part contributes to a crash. If a mechanical failure caused the accident, the manufacturer or another responsible party may be held liable.
West Chester Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me 844-767-8626
Understanding Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Periods
The insurance available after a rideshare accident depends on the driver’s status within the Uber or Lyft app.
App Off
If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app, the accident is generally handled like any other car crash. The driver’s personal auto insurance typically applies.
App On, Waiting for a Ride Request
Once the driver turns on the app and is waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability insurance if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the accident.
En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Trip
After the driver accepts a ride request and while transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft generally provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage, along with other coverage that may apply depending on the circumstances. Determining which policy applies can be complicated, making it important to speak with an attorney.
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Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in West Chester
Like other drivers, rideshare drivers can make mistakes behind the wheel. However, the nature of rideshare work creates additional risks. Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Looking at the rideshare app or GPS instead of the road.
- Driving fatigued from working long hours.
- Unfamiliarity with West Chester roads and neighborhoods
- Speeding to complete more rides or reach passengers quickly
- Frequently stopping, making lane changes, and making sudden turns while picking up or dropping off riders.
No matter how your accident happened, Postman Law can investigate the cause and identify who may be responsible.
What to Do After an Accident and How a West Chester Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
The actions you take after a rideshare accident can protect both your health and your legal claim. Here is what to do after your Uber or Lyft crashes:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting examined creates important medical records.
- If you were a passenger, report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app. You should also exchange contact and insurance information with everyone involved in the crash.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage if it is safe to do so. If witnesses saw what happened, try to get their contact information.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an experienced law firm.
- Contact an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in West Chester.
This last step is where you can take a step back from things like paperwork, understanding insurance policies, and other processes that can come next. A lawyer can determine which insurance policies apply and handle the legal process while you focus on recovering.
Contact a West Chester Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
After a rideshare accident, important evidence can disappear, and insurance companies may begin working to limit what they pay. Acting quickly can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim. But doing so can be challenging on your own. A rideshare accident lawyer in West Chester is here to take on all of the hard work that comes with these claims.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, turn to Postman Law for experienced legal representation. Our team includes highly credentialed attorneys with Ivy League educations and elite legal experience.
Reach out to us to schedule your free consultation with an experienced attorney. You pay no attorney‘s fees unless we recover compensation for you.