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You’re on your way to an important meeting or heading home after a night out. You book an Uber or Lyft, expecting a smooth ride. Suddenly, another car crashes into your rideshare, or your driver makes a reckless move that leads to an accident.
In the aftermath, you’re left with injuries, medical bills, and the big question: Who is responsible for this? Can you sue Uber or Lyft following an accident?
Rideshare crashes come with unique legal challenges, and getting fair compensation isn’t always straightforward. At Kline & Specter, our team of over 50 attorneys helps injury victims understand their options.
Liability in an Uber or Lyft Accident
Determining liability after a rideshare accident depends on several factors. These include who caused the crash and whether the Uber or Lyft driver was transporting a passenger.
In some cases, several parties may be responsible, such as:
- The Uber or Lyft driver, if their negligence caused the incident.
- Another motorist, if they were responsible for the collision.
- Uber or Lyft, in rare cases where the company’s policies or practices contributed to the crash.
Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage. However, the amount available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Limited coverage applies if the driver is waiting for a ride request. Conversely, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in liability coverage if the driver is actively transporting someone.
When Can You Sue Uber or Lyft?
Rideshare companies usually classify their drivers as independent contractors, which limits their direct liability. However, there are circumstances where Uber or Lyft may be held accountable, such as:
- Negligent hiring: Was a driver with a poor driving record or criminal history approved to drive?
- Inadequate safety measures: Did the company fail to implement policies that could have prevented the crash?
- App-related distractions: Was the driver using the Uber or Lyft app in a way that contributed to the accident?
Put simply, if you can prove that Uber or Lyft’s negligence played a role in the incident, you may have grounds for legal action against the company.
Seek Legal Help Today
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you deserve answers. The attorneys at Kline & Specter can assess your case and help you decide how to proceed. Call 215-772-1000 today or submit our contact form to discuss your situation.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Our firm handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, we work with local attorneys in each state as applicable.