Pennsylvania Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys

Understanding Rideshare Accident Claims in Pennsylvania

Uber and Lyft are now part of daily transportation in Pennsylvania. But when one of their drivers causes a crash, things get complicated. These companies require their drivers to carry special insurance that's different from normal car insurance. The type of coverage depends on whether the driver was waiting for a ride, picking someone up, or already had a passenger. This can make it difficult to determine who is liable for what after an accident.

Here’s what to do after a rideshare accident:

• Get medical help. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor.
• Call the police. Their report is important evidence.
• Gather evidence. Take pictures of the scene, get witness info, and note the driver's name, insurance, and app status.
• Report the crash to Uber or Lyft. You can do this through the app.
• Call a lawyer. Rideshare cases involve tricky insurance rules. An attorney can protect your rights.

Keep all paperwork, including medical bills and messages with insurers. Our team can help organize this and make sure nothing gets missed.

Pennsylvania also uses a modified comparative negligence rule. That means if you're less than 51% at fault, you can still recover money. But if you're found mostly to blame, you can't. So it's important to have clear evidence. 

Handler, Henning & Rosenberg works to make sure defendants don't lay the blame on you, getting plaintiffs the compensation they deserve. Call (888) 498-3023 today to get started or reach out online.

Fighting for Rideshare Accident Plaintiffs in Central Pennsylvania

Rideshare accidents happen more often than people think. A study from the University of Chicago and Rice University found that ridesharing is linked to a 2–3% rise in deadly crashes nationwide. In 2010, traffic deaths were at a record low—but as Uber and Lyft grew, so did fatal accidents.

According to Bloomberg Second Measure, Uber handles 76% of the rideshare market, with Lyft handling 24% as of March 2024.

If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, the Pennsylvania Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at HHR are ready to help. We’ve handled thousands of car accident cases and recovered tens of millions of dollars. We help clients pay medical bills, recover lost income, and secure their future.

Whether you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, or you were riding as a passenger, call us to learn your options: (888) 498-3023.

Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents in Pennsylvania

Uber and Lyft push drivers to stay on the road as much as possible to meet rider demand. That means long hours, often up to 12–14 hours at a time. This can lead to driver fatigue. Drivers are also under pressure to answer ride requests quickly, which can lead to distracted driving—especially in busy places like Harrisburg.

Common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Drowsy driving
• Aggressive driving/road rage
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Defective equipment

Our lawyers work with experts to find out what caused the crash and who’s responsible. That includes helping pedestrians and cyclists hit by Uber and Lyft drivers.

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After a Rideshare Accident?

Yes, you can file a claim against Uber or Lyft—but it's not always easy. They label their drivers as "independent contractors" to avoid being held responsible. Still, there are cases where their insurance will pay.

Their insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing:

• App is on but no ride accepted: limited coverage.
• Ride accepted but no passengers yet: more coverage.
• Passenger in the car: up to $1 million in liability.

Knowing the exact circumstances of the crash is key to figuring out what coverage applies. Our team investigates to make sure the right party is held responsible.

Liability for Pennsylvania Lyft & Uber Accidents

The Uber or Lyft driver is often at fault, but there could be others too. We investigate every angle.

Liable parties could include:

• The driver – If they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent.
• The rideshare company – If they hired an unfit driver or encouraged unsafe behavior.
• A third-party driver – If someone else on the road caused the crash.

Sometimes a car part fails or the road is poorly maintained. We look at everything to find out who’s to blame.

Recovering Compensation After a Rideshare Accident in PA

Uber and Lyft have up to $1 million in liability coverage for accidents involving passengers or when a ride is in progress. This money can cover:

• Medical costs
• Rehab
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of future earnings

They also offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in some situations, which can help if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.

We explore every way to get what you need to rebuild your life. This includes other policies and legal strategies. Our rideshare lawyers in Harrisburg know how to navigate these claims.

The Impact of Pennsylvania’s Traffic Patterns on Rideshare Accidents

City traffic is different from rural traffic, and both create challenges. In places like Pittsburgh and Philly, high traffic and tricky road layouts increase the risk of accidents. Harrisburg’s streets are busy and often under construction. Rideshare drivers have to keep up with changing speed limits and crowded intersections. Intersections like Cameron Street and the State Street Bridge see lots of traffic and crashes. One-way streets add to the confusion, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the city.

Rural areas come with their own problems: less lighting, animals on the road, and rough weather. Drivers must adjust to these conditions to stay safe.

Our lawyers know these roads and how they factor into rideshare crashes. We use this local knowledge to make stronger cases for our clients.

Contact an Experienced Pennsylvania Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt by an Uber or Lyft driver, call a lawyer right away. The sooner you act, the easier it is to protect your rights and gather evidence. Since 1922, our Pennsylvania car accident lawyers have helped thousands of injured people recover compensation. We don’t get paid unless we win.

Reach out to our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at (888) 498-3023. We have offices in Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hanover, Carlisle, and Schuylkill County.

Pennsylvania Uber & Lyft Accident Claim FAQ