Can You Sue Uber for a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

Rideshare services have become a popular mode of transportation in recent years. Thousands of people depend on companies like Uber to commute to work and school, or to get to weekend outings. Whenever people step into a rideshare vehicle, they expect to arrive safely at their destination. Unfortunately, you could be hurt in a car accident while using these services. What can you do if you are involved in an Uber accident? Can you sue Uber for car accident injuries? The Conshohocken car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Fishman, P.C invite you to keep reading as we answer these critical questions about injury claims for Uber crashes in Pennsylvania.

Can You File a Lawsuit Against Uber for Car Accident Injuries?

Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than direct company employees. This means if a reckless, careless, or negligent Uber driver causes a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, the company can deny liability. However, Uber provides coverage to their drivers through their liability insurance. This means if you are involved in an accident while riding from point A to point B, you could potentially receive coverage from Uber’s insurance policy.

Uber’s liability policy covers up to $1,000,000 per accident for personal injury, for property damage, and uninsured or underinsured drivers. However, the protection granted by this policy depends on whether the Uber driver was logged into his or her application during your trip. If the driver were not logged into his or her account, you wouldn’t receive coverage from Uber. However, depending on the situation, you could potentially file a claim against the driver and his or her insurance company.

Most car accident lawsuits are based on a negligence theory. Negligence occurs when a person doesn’t behave or act as a prudent, reasonable person would in a specific situation. Therefore, you may have cause to file a lawsuit based on negligence if another person’s careless actions led to your injuries.

Pennsylvania is a “modified comparative negligence” state. Under this system, a plaintiff can recover if he or she proves the defendant was more at fault for the accident than they were. However, the amount of damages is reduced by their own contributory negligence. For instance, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages, but were found to be 10% at fault for the crash, you would receive $90,000. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you determine the best course of action after an Uber accident.

What to Do After an Uber Accident in Pennsylvania

After being involved in an Uber accident, you may have more questions than answers. Uber has no clear guidelines detailing what passengers should do in the event of a crash. Therefore, most people rely on what little information the rideshare service provides through their website. While you could potentially receive coverage under Uber’s liability policy, there are some essential factors you need to consider before deciding to file an Uber accident claim. Here are the most important things to do after an Uber crash in Pennsylvania.

Seek Medical Attention

Safety should be your primary concern after any car accident. You should seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries you might have sustained during the accident, such as bone fractures or head and neck injuries like whiplash. A medical evaluation is essential to prevent further health complications after an accident. Once a healthcare professional has examined you and you are out of immediate danger, it’s time to consider the next steps.

Obtain All Necessary Information

Make sure to gather as much information on your accident as you can. The more specific and detailed the information, the better. In particular, try to get information about the other driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance. You should also take time to get all relevant information from your Uber driver as well.

Report the Accident to the Police

Make sure to call the police after being involved in a car accident. After the police show up, they will make an investigation and write a detailed report. The police will likely gather information related to the date and time of the accident, personal information of all parties involved, witnesses, injuries, and a description of the crash. All this information can help with your injury claim later in the process.

Conshohocken Uber Accident Lawyers Handling Personal Injury Claims

After being involved in a car accident, the only thing on your mind should be recovering from your injuries. You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. Let our more than 50 years of experience work for you. Our skilled Conshohocken personal injury lawyers can help you hold careless drivers accountable for your injuries, losses, and pain. To talk more about Uber accident liability in a free and confidential consultation, call the law offices of Jacobs & Fishman, P.C. at (610) 941-4250, or contact us online.