Philadelphia Rideshare Accidents Lawyer
In recent years, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how Philadelphians get around. Whether commuting from Chestnut Hill to Center City or catching a late-night ride home, passengers rely on these services for their convenience and accessibility. But with this rise in popularity has come a troubling increase in accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
Rideshare collisions raise unique legal and insurance questions that don’t apply in ordinary car crashes. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver of another vehicle, your rights and your ability to recover compensation will depend on the details of the crash and the coverage in place at the time.
At Benedum Law, we help injured clients across Philadelphia understand their rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. Here’s what you need to know about rideshare accidents, who may be liable, and how to protect your claim after an injury with the help of an experienced Chestnut Hill car accident attorney.
The Rise of Rideshare Accidents in Philadelphia
The streets of Philadelphia are busier than ever, with thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers operating at all hours. While ridesharing has made transportation more accessible, it has also contributed to new safety risks on the road. Many drivers work exceedingly long hours, rely too heavily on GPS apps that distract from the road, and make frequent stops in high-traffic areas—all factors that increase the risk of accidents.
In densely populated neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill, narrow streets and limited parking create even more hazards. Rideshare drivers may stop in bike lanes, block driveways, or make sudden U-turns to pick up or drop off passengers. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers often pay the price for these unpredictable maneuvers.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Philadelphia
The causes of rideshare accidents in Philadelphia are similar to those of other car crashes, but several risks are amplified in the rideshare context. These include:
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Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers are often juggling GPS navigation, multiple app notifications, and passenger communication while driving.
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Driver fatigue: Many drivers work long shifts, often on top of other jobs, increasing the risk of drowsy or inattentive driving.
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Unfamiliarity with routes: Drivers may be new to the area or heavily reliant on turn-by-turn directions, which can result in unsafe last-minute maneuvers.
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Improper pick-up or drop-off locations: Stopping in active traffic lanes or crosswalks can endanger passengers and pedestrians alike.
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Reckless driving to maximize earnings: Because rideshare drivers are often paid per trip, some may speed or take risky shortcuts to increase the number of fares completed.
Passengers aren’t the only ones at risk. Pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles can also suffer serious injuries when rideshare drivers behave negligently or fail to follow traffic laws.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Liability in a rideshare accident can be complicated due to the layered structure of responsibility between the driver, the rideshare company, and potentially other parties. In Pennsylvania, a key question is whether the rideshare driver was logged into the app and whether they had accepted a ride request at the time of the crash.
There are generally three insurance scenarios, depending on the driver’s status:
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Driver not logged into the app: If the rideshare driver is off-duty and does not have their Uber or Lyft app open, their personal auto insurance policy applies. The rideshare company typically has no responsibility in this situation if the driver causes an accident through distracted driving or other negligence.
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Driver logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride: If the driver is available to accept rides but not actively transporting a passenger at the time of the crash, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.
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Driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger: When a ride has been accepted or a passenger is in the car, both companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in many cases.
Determining which of these scenarios applies is critical to securing the compensation you deserve. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, including the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company itself for negligent hiring or inadequate safety protocols.
What Injured Victims May Recover
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Philadelphia, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. These may include, for example:
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Medical expenses, including hospital bills, physical therapy, and future treatment
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Lost income, including time missed from work and diminished earning capacity
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Pain and suffering, for both physical injuries and emotional distress
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Property damage, such as damage to your vehicle or personal items
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Punitive damages, in cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior
The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your daily life, and the availability of insurance coverage.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Philadelphia
Taking the right steps after a crash can protect both your health and your ability to pursue a personal injury claim. Whether you were riding in an Uber or Lyft, driving your own vehicle, or walking near a rideshare pickup spot, it’s important to act quickly and carefully.
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Get medical attention right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, some symptoms can take hours or days to appear. A medical record creates essential documentation for your claim.
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Call the police and make sure an accident report is filed. Police reports can clarify fault and document who was involved.
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Gather evidence at the scene if you’re physically able. Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, the surrounding area, and any traffic signs or signals. Get contact information from the rideshare driver and any witnesses.
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Report the accident to the rideshare company. Use the in-app reporting features for Uber or Lyft to ensure the incident is documented on their end.
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Avoid giving statements to insurance companies until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. Insurers may attempt to minimize your injuries or assign you partial fault.
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Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney who can evaluate your claim and guide you through the legal process.
How Benedum Law Can Help
At Benedum Law, we understand the confusion and stress that often follow a rideshare accident. These cases are not as straightforward as other car accidents, and insurance companies, whether it’s the rideshare company’s insurer or the driver’s personal policy, will often do everything they can to limit your recovery.
We take a hands-on approach to every case, carefully investigating the circumstances of the accident, identifying all available sources of insurance coverage, and working with medical and financial experts to fully value your claim. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, time away from work, or long-term pain and suffering, we fight to make sure you’re not left to bear the burden alone.
Our firm proudly serves clients in Chestnut Hill and throughout the Philadelphia area. We are deeply familiar with local traffic patterns, common accident locations, and the legal procedures in Pennsylvania courts. When you work with Benedum Law, you’ll have a dedicated advocate on your side every step of the way.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a rideshare accident in Philadelphia, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you can start protecting your rights and building a strong case.
Reach out to Benedum Law today for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
