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Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have completely changed how Pennsylvanians take short-distance trips that were once only covered by traditional taxi services. However, innovation does not always improve every aspect of the industry it is targeting, and one of the biggest downsides to traveling by rideshare vehicle is that you have no real guarantee the person driving you around will act safely and skillfully behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, this means that Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Erie are hardly uncommon, and crashes involving rideshare vehicles can sometimes have devastating and even life-threatening consequences. If you were recently hurt in a wreck like this, you have help available from experienced auto accident attorneys at Lowenthal & Abrams in understanding and enforcing your right to seek financial recovery from the people responsible for causing you harm.
How Insurance Plays Into Rideshare Accident Claims
Thanks to Pennsylvania’s choice no-fault system, virtually everyone who gets hurt in any kind of car crash in the Commonwealth is required to seek compensation through their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage before they can even think about pursuing a third-party lawsuit. One largely beneficial aspect of Uber/Lyft crashes in Erie, though, is that a person who has been injured in an accident usually has access to extensive insurance coverage through the rideshare app involved in the wreck.
Both Uber and Lyft have liability insurance policies that provide up to $1 million in total coverage for everyone injured in a crash involving one of their drivers if that driver was actively carrying a passenger or traveling to pick up an accepted ride request at the time of the wreck. If a driver for one of these apps gets into an accident while logged into the app but before they have accepted a ride request, each company provides liability insurance coverage of up to $50,000 for a single person’s injuries, $100,000 for all injuries, and $25,000 for all property damage per wreck.
Other Obstacles to Recovery After an Uber or Lyft Wreck
If insurance does not cover all losses stemming from a rideshare crash in Erie, the right of a person injured in that crash to file suit for additional compensation may be limited by what type of personal auto insurance they have. More specifically, people with limited tort car insurance policies may only be able to file suit if they sustain a serious injury that will result in long-term disability/disfigurement or if they meet one of a few other exemptions that a qualified lawyer can go into more detail about if needed.
Additionally, any amount of fault that an injured person holds for causing their own injuries. For example, if they were speeding when a drunk Uber driver crashed into their car could be held against them as comparative negligence. This generally is not applicable in cases involving Uber or Lyft passengers injured in wrecks caused by their own drivers, but it can be a serious obstacle to recovery for people driving their own vehicles who were caught up in a crash involving a rideshare driver.
Get Help from an Erie Attorney After Your Uber/Lyft/Rideshare Accident
All this just goes to show that seeking financial restitution after a car crash involving a rideshare vehicle can be much more complicated than many people expect. Fortunately, you can improve your chances of getting a favorable result from your claim by getting help from a legal professional who has experience handling similar cases in the past.
A conversation with a knowledgeable lawyer will give you answers to important questions and confidence about the next steps to take following an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident in Erie. Call today to schedule a consultation.
