Philadelphia boasts business opportunities, exciting urban life, and a population of over 1.5 million. With ever-changing developments in how Philadelphia residents live and work comes an ever-increasing reliance on rideshare services such as Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare options.
The convenience offered by these services sometimes gives way to unfortunate accidents, which can have severe consequences. Individuals involved in such mishaps are often left grappling not only with physical injuries but also with tedious legal battles and complex insurance claims. When you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you need a trusted Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyer by your side.
Selecting the right legal representation for your rideshare accident case is critical. Here’s what sets The Rothenberg Law Firm apart:
Five Decades of Experience
Our team of experienced lawyers has both the breadth and depth of knowledge specific to car accidents and ride-sharing crashes in Philadelphia. We understand the nuances of local laws and the complex contractual terms riders agree to when using rideshare services.
Commitment to Clients
We believe you deserve more than just legal representation; you deserve a partner. You can expect personalized attention, compassionate assistance, and dedicated advocacy at our firm. We stand with our clients from start to finish, ensuring your narrative is heard and your rights protected.
Tangible Results
We have a solid track record of successful rideshare accident claims in Philadelphia. Our commitment is to make the legal process as straightforward and beneficial for our clients as possible, with the ultimate goal always being to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Transparent Fee Structure
Our policy is simple — if we don’t win, you don’t pay. Our contingency fee-based system eliminates upfront costs, making top-tier legal services accessible to everyone.
Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident doesn’t have to be daunting and stressful. You have the right to reliable and compassionate support through your recovery journey, and our rideshare accident lawyers are here to provide just that.
An Overview of Ridesharing Accidents in Philadelphia, PA
Over the past decade, ridesharing has significantly transformed the landscape of urban transportation in cities across the globe, and Philadelphia is no exception. In one recent year, over 1,100 fatal accidents occurred on Pennsylvania roads. As an economical and hassle-free alternative to traditional taxi services and public transit, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have gained popularity among everyday commuters, tourists, and those who prefer not to deal with the challenges of city parking.
These ridesharing services operate through user-friendly mobile applications that connect passengers with drivers operating their private vehicles for hire. Riders can view the driver’s rating, vehicle information, and estimated fare before confirming the ride. Furthermore, rideshare apps give riders the ability to track their driver’s location in real-time, promoting perceived safety and transparency.
Despite the convenience and efficiency of these services, they don’t come without risks. Due to various factors, ranging from driver inexperience to the inherent risks of city driving, rideshare services have seen a surge in associated accidents. In many cases, these accidents are caused by other negligent motorists on the road, not the rideshare drivers. According to official reports, up to 94% of traffic fatalities involving Uber vehicles were due to third-party drivers. Such accidents pose unique challenges because of the convoluted insurance structures, and the terms and conditions riders agree to when utilizing these services.
Understanding your rights as an accident victim and the legal responsibilities of rideshare companies is crucial to securing justice if you’ve suffered injuries due to a rideshare accident. That’s where a seasoned Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can be an invaluable asset.
Despite their convenience and growing popularity, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are not without risks. The surge in rideshare usage has coincided with an uptick in associated accidents. A study by the University of Chicago found that ridesharing services could potentially be linked to a 3% increase in the number of traffic fatalities across the United States.
Common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving — drivers frequently use their phones to accept rides and navigate
- Speeding
- Drowsy driving due to long hours on the road
- Unfamiliarity with areas and roads
If you compound these factors with the dense traffic and hectic pace of a city like Philadelphia, the potential for accidents further escalates.
In contrast to taxi services, Uber and Lyft drivers use their own vehicles, meaning that they are independent contractors rather than employees of the companies. This situation often causes confusion in accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
Both Uber and Lyft maintain high-limit liability insurance policies that can cover up to $1 million in damages per accident. However, this insurance coverage applies under specific conditions. For example, the coverage applies only when the driver has the app on and is carrying a passenger or on the way to pick up a passenger. If the driver is not currently servicing a passenger request and has the app off, their personal insurance would bear responsibility for any accidents.
When a rideshare service driver is involved in an accident, the question of liability becomes complex. The responsibility possibly falls on different parties depending on the exact circumstances of the accident. It could be the ridesharing driver at fault due to negligent driving, the rideshare company for not conducting thorough background checks or maintenance checks, or another driver or entity could be at fault.
These complexities make it all the more important to engage a personal injury law firm that understands the unique dynamics of rideshare services and has experience in determining liability in such cases. Using that knowledge, we’ll fight to make sure you receive fair compensation.
There can be confusion and uncertainty in the aftermath of a rideshare accident. However, the steps you take immediately following the accident can significantly impact your ability to file a successful claim later on. Here’s a helpful guide on what to do after an accident:
- Prioritize Safety: If you can, move to a safe location off the roadway. Do not leave the scene of the accident before law enforcement arrives.
- Call 911: Always report the accident to the police, regardless of the perceived severity. The official police report can act as essential evidence when filing a claim later.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you’ve suffered injuries, even minor ones, seek medical care immediately. Some injuries may not manifest until later, so it’s crucial to have a medical record documenting the harm suffered.
- Document the Scene: Record as many details as possible about the accident. This includes the location, time, weather conditions, and descriptions of the incident. If it’s safe and feasible, take pictures or videos at the scene.
- Gather Information: Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of all involved parties, including witnesses. Ensure you have the rideshare driver’s name and details about the vehicle. Note your trip details in the rideshare app.
- Report the incident to the Ridesharing Company: Inform the rideshare company about the accident through their app or their website.
- Consult a Rideshare Accident Attorney: Seek legal advice before filing a claim with an insurance company or speaking with a claims adjuster. Our firm’s experienced Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyers can provide the guidance and assistance necessary to navigate post-accident procedures, ensuring that your rights and best interests are protected.
As a rideshare passenger, you have the right to be compensated for your damages if you’re injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This includes remuneration for not only physical injuries but for financial and emotional suffering as well.
Compensation in an Uber/Lyft accident claim typically includes:
- Medical Expenses: This includes repayment for medical bills incurred due to the accident, such as emergency services, hospitalization, surgery, medication, and ongoing treatment or rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages and Income: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income and future earning capability.
- Pain and Suffering: Serious accidents often lead to physical pain and emotional distress. Therefore, a wrongful death lawsuit typically includes compensation for physical discomfort and emotional suffering directly resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: If you had personal property damaged in the accident, such as a mobile phone or laptop, you could be entitled to compensation for repairing or replacing those items.
Determining the exact amount of compensation you deserve can be a complex task, requiring an in-depth understanding of local laws and legal precedents, skilled negotiations with insurance companies, and potentially taking the case to court. Our team of dedicated Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyers is ready to work tirelessly to ensure that your compensation reflects your suffering and losses accurately.
How Long Do I Have to Seek Compensation After a Philadelphia Uber Accident?
The statute of limitations is the time limit within which a legal action must be taken, starting from the date of the incident or discovery of harm. Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. This two-year limit also applies to rideshare accident claims, meaning victims have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit seeking damages. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, depending on the specifics of the case.
Failing to file within this timeframe can make you ineligible to pursue compensation, regardless of the strength of your case. Therefore, contacting a skilled car accident attorney as soon as possible should be your priority after you seek medical treatment.
If you or a loved one has been in a rideshare accident, you might be pondering the necessity of hiring a lawyer. Here is how our Philadelphia rideshare accident lawyers can help:
Navigating the Claims Process
Our lawyers guide you through the complex legal landscape surrounding rideshare accidents. This includes determining liability, interpreting insurance policies, filing a claim, and pushing for the maximum compensation possible.
Gathering and Analyzing Evidence
A successful personal injury claim often rests on the strength of its supporting evidence. We obtain and analyze crucial evidence such as accident reports, medical records, eyewitness testimonies, and rideshare data.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies frequently aim to pay as little as possible. Our lawyers fiercely advocate for your rights and negotiate with these companies to secure fair compensation commensurate with your suffering and losses.
Representing You in Court
If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court, where we will champion your rights and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
While you focus on recovering physically and emotionally from such a traumatic event, we focus on obtaining the justice you deserve. The Rothenberg Law Firm offers the support, legal experience, and dedication necessary to seek the best possible outcome from your claim. With us by your side, you can rest assured that your best interests are being looked after every step of the way.
Secure Your Future with The Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP
Allen L. Rothenberg, Esq., Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming: injuries to recover from, losses to reconcile, and so many legal complexities to navigate. However, remember that you’re not alone. You have rights, and we’re here to protect them.
At The Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP, Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers offer a commitment to standing by your side, fighting for justice, and ensuring that your ride doesn’t end with an accident.
Our team of dedicated Pennsylvania Uber and Lyft accident lawyers brings a wealth of knowledge and a results-oriented approach to handling challenging cases like yours. Let us take the wheel and guide you toward a future where justice and compensation help you recover, grow, and reclaim your life.
Contact us today or call 1-800-624-8888 for a free consultation. Remember, we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis – so financial fears should never prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve.
Philadelphia Office Location
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP
1420 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 1-800-624-8888
