Ridesharing has become a popular way to get around in Pittsburgh and throughout the U.S., especially in major cities. Drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft make it easy and affordable to get around, and the number of Americans using ridesharing services increased dramatically between 2015 and 2019. A Pew Research Center article found that the use of ridesharing apps more than doubled during that time.
Along with the convenience, however, comes risk. According to the MIT Technology Review, the increase in ridesharing services has caused a 2% to 3% spike in traffic fatalities in the United States since 2011, which translates to approximately 1,100 lives per year. The growth of these services has contributed to a rise in congestion and a decreased reliance on public transportation, which has resulted in more accidents.
If you or someone you love suffered severe or fatal injuries in an accident caused by a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft, a Pittsburgh ridesharing accident lawyer can help you hold the driver accountable for your damages. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your case with our legal team.
You May Qualify for Compensation in Your Ridesharing Accident Case
Rideshare drivers have an obligation to maintain your safety on the road, and when they fail to do so, you may qualify to receive financial recovery for your accident injuries. The types of awards available to you may vary, but a Pittsburgh ridesharing accident lawyer can help you assess your damages and seek adequate compensation, which may include:
- Emergency medical care, medical equipment, and ongoing treatments
- Lost wages if you missed time at work due to your injury
- Loss of earning potential if your injury left you unable to return to work or you lost a loved one who provided for you financially
- Pain and suffering for the emotional, mental, and physical distress you suffered because of your injury
- Funeral and burial expenses if a loved one died in the accident
An attorney cannot guarantee an award amount, but they can help you seek fair compensation for your damages. There are many factors to consider in this type of accident, as Pennsylvania’s choice no-fault system, plus the variable of the rideshare drivers, can make seeking compensation confusing. A lawyer can help you determine what parties owe you compensation, and what kinds of damages you can go after.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing lawyer serving Pittsburgh, call (844) 730-0233
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations on Ridesharing Accident Claims
As a rule, Pennsylvania allows victims up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in a personal injury case, per 42 Pa.C.S. §5524. Spouses, children, and parents of family members usually have up to two years to file a wrongful death claim for damages incurred by the loss of a loved one, as well. However, exceptions do apply, and attorneys recommend getting started as soon as possible to avoid preventable delays in the process.
Rideshare Insurance Policies
In addition to personal insurance policies, rideshare drivers must also carry rideshare insurance policies, which protect their passengers in the event of an accident. Drivers can purchase insurance through the rideshare company they drive for or choose a rideshare policy from a secondary provider.
How Rideshare Insurance Works
Lyft and Uber have the same process for implementing insurance coverage, which depends on the driver’s phase of work. When the driver has turned their app off and made themselves unavailable to accept passengers, only their personal policy covers them. As soon as they turn on their app and become available, Period 1 auto liability goes into effect. This covers a limited amount of bodily injury and property damage for the driver. When the driver accepts a passenger on the app, they and their passengers have extensive coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and collision repair, as well as protection against uninsured and underinsured motorists.
If you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident, the attorneys at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you file a claim with the driver’s insurance carrier and pursue financial awards for your injuries. Contact our legal team at any time, and we will respond as soon as possible to discuss your case.
Pittsburgh Ridesharing Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
How a Pittsburgh Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Can Help You
As the victim of an accident caused by someone else, you may expect a straightforward claims process. Unfortunately, insurance companies often make it difficult to achieve sufficient compensation for your injuries. Because they work for a profit, they do not have an interest in ensuring you a fair settlement amount. In fact, they may go out of their way to undervalue your damages and try to intimidate you into accepting less.
Lawyers understand how insurance companies may try to take advantage of victims. A Pittsburgh ridesharing accident lawyer can manage all communication and negotiations with the adjusters on your behalf. While they prefer to settle out of court, lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC do not shy away from tough cases and will not hesitate to take your case to trial if they find that a settlement will not provide you with the compensation you deserve.
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Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
Ridesharing offers many benefits, but it still carries risks, and those who suffer because of them may have to suffer costly consequences. If a ridesharing accident in Pittsburgh resulted in your injuries or the loss of a loved one, you should not have to pursue financial recovery for your damages on your own during your difficult time.
The lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you manage your case and fight for the just compensation you need to bring stability back into your life. Contact us today at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your free case evaluation with our legal team.
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