Leeson & Leeson would be my first stop for whatever legal issue I was encountering. Highly recommended.
Allentown Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
When Winning Is the Only Option
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Rideshare Accident Attorney in Allentown
Suffering injuries or losing a loved one in a rideshare accident leaves lasting consequences. When another person’s negligence caused the crash, you shouldn’t carry the burden alone. Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts or shift blame, making the process stressful and unfair. Working with an Allentown ridesharing accident lawyer from Leeson & Leeson gives you the support and legal guidance you need to hold the right parties accountable and pursue financial recovery for your losses.
Our team offers free consultations for injured passengers, drivers, and others harmed in rideshare-related collisions. Talking with an attorney allows you to better understand your options and take steps toward protecting your future. Contact our office today to request a no-cost case evaluation.
Real People, Real Results:
Client Testimonials
Highly recommended.
Abbe F.
He is the best attorney I [have] ever known.
Mr. Joseph was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Answered all my questions and was easy to contact and replied to all my questions in timely competent manner. Also his staff is very nice and polite. I would highly recommend Leeson & Leeson law office for any further needs . He is the best attorney I ever know.
Sunny Q.
...he is a good person as well as a good attorney.
“Most thought my case was too small to bother with but Attorney Leeson offered to help me because he is a good person as well as a good attorney… He kept me informed throughout the process and walked me through issues that were confusing… I’m very grateful that he agreed to help me and you can feel confident choosing him.”
Laura Accetta, PA
Theodore Roosevelt once said "speak softly but carry a big stick." The Leeson lawyers embody this principle to perfection.
“The Leeson & Leeson firm has a long-storied history of intelligent and sophisticated lawyers and aggressive and tough litigators. Theodore Roosevelt once said “speak softly but carry a big stick.” The Leeson lawyers embody this principle to perfection… I highly recommend Leeson & Leeson for anyone who wants an attorney who is of a high order of integrity and legal intelligence.”
Francis Macri, PA
Key Takeaways About Allentown Rideshare Accidents
- Rideshare accidents involve unique insurance rules that differ from standard car crashes.
- Immediate steps after a crash, such as documenting evidence and seeking medical care, help strengthen your case.
- Multiple insurance sources may provide compensation, including rideshare company policies, personal coverage, and third-party drivers.
- Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations generally allows two years to file an injury lawsuit.
- Legal help often becomes necessary when multiple insurers argue over responsibility or deny claims.
What Makes Ridesharing Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents?
Rideshare collisions often involve multiple parties, layered insurance coverage, and corporations with significant legal resources. These additional layers make them more complicated than a crash between two everyday drivers on Hamilton Street or Tilghman Street.
Determining Which Insurance Policy Applies
In rideshare cases, insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status in the app. If the driver wasn’t logged in, their personal policy applies. If they were waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company may provide limited coverage. Once a trip is accepted or underway, higher company-backed policies typically apply.
Multiple Parties May Share Liability
An injured passenger may have claims against the rideshare driver, another driver who caused the collision, or both. Sorting out responsibility requires reviewing police reports, witness accounts, app data, and sometimes accident reconstruction.
Complex Corporate Structures and Legal Protections
Uber, Lyft, and other companies often classify drivers as independent contractors. This structure limits the company’s direct liability, but their insurance still covers passengers and others under specific conditions. These corporations also employ legal teams dedicated to defending claims, which can intimidate victims.
An attorney levels the playing field by cutting through the corporate language and focusing on the coverage that Pennsylvania law requires them to provide.
Understanding Pennsylvania's Rideshare Insurance Requirements
Pennsylvania law requires rideshare companies to maintain specific levels of insurance coverage, which change depending on the driver’s status.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Periods
- App off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App on, no ride accepted: The rideshare company provides limited liability coverage, often up to $50,000 per person injured and $100,000 per accident.
- Ride accepted or passenger in car: Uber and Lyft typically provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
These periods matter in real-world situations.
When Your Personal Auto Insurance May Apply
If the rideshare driver wasn’t logged in, their personal policy covers the crash. Passengers or third parties may also need to use their own insurance for certain benefits, such as personal injury protection. Many drivers don’t realize their personal insurer may deny coverage if they were engaged in rideshare activity without a rideshare endorsement.
Gap Coverage Issues in Pennsylvania
Sometimes, personal insurance excludes coverage for commercial activities like ridesharing. If the driver doesn’t carry special rideshare endorsements, disputes may arise between personal insurers and the rideshare company’s policy. This leaves passengers waiting while two insurance companies argue.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Allentown Ridesharing Accident?
Responsibility for a rideshare accident depends on who acted carelessly or broke traffic laws.
The Rideshare Driver’s Responsibility
Drivers must follow the rules of the road and keep passengers safe. Speeding on Route 22, texting while driving downtown, or ignoring traffic signals on Union Boulevard can make them liable. Distracted driving, in particular, is a major issue when drivers rely heavily on GPS apps.
Rideshare Company Liability Under Pennsylvania Law
Uber and Lyft may deny direct liability since drivers are classified as contractors. However, their mandatory insurance often applies to cover victims when the app is active. Attorneys may also explore whether company policies, such as pushing drivers to meet demand bonuses, indirectly contribute to unsafe driving practices.
Third-Party Driver Fault
In many Allentown crashes, another driver’s reckless actions cause the rideshare accident. Victims can pursue claims against that driver’s insurance in addition to rideshare coverage. This often happens at busy intersections like 7th and Hamilton, where multiple vehicles collide in chain reactions.
Vehicle Defects and Manufacturer Liability
If a defective airbag, brake failure, or other mechanical problem caused the collision, victims may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Pennsylvania law allows injury claims against manufacturers when mechanical defects make vehicles unreasonably dangerous.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?
Quick action helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Take photos of vehicle positions, license plates, skid marks, and road conditions. Save screenshots from the rideshare app showing the trip details, including the driver’s name, time, and location.
Report the Accident Through the App
Both Uber and Lyft require passengers and drivers to report accidents in the app. This step ensures an official record and starts the company’s insurance process.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if symptoms seem minor, injuries often worsen later. A medical record connects the accident to your condition. Delayed treatment often gives insurers an excuse to downplay your injuries.
Contact Law Enforcement
A police report provides an unbiased record, which can help when insurance companies dispute fault. Police reports often contain diagrams, witness statements, and officer observations that strengthen injury claims.
Common Injuries in Ridesharing Accidents
Rideshare collisions often cause serious injuries requiring long-term care.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions: A blow to the head may lead to memory issues, headaches, or long-term cognitive problems.
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can limit mobility or cause permanent paralysis, requiring extensive medical care.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Collisions often cause fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or hips, leading to painful recovery and time away from work.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Neck and back injuries may not appear immediately but can cause lasting pain and reduced range of motion.
How Pennsylvania's No-Fault Insurance Laws Affect Rideshare Claims
Pennsylvania follows a no-fault system for car insurance, but certain exceptions allow injured people to file lawsuits.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits
Every driver’s policy includes PIP coverage, which pays medical bills and some lost income, regardless of fault. These benefits provide immediate relief but often fall short of covering serious injuries.
When You Can Step Outside No-Fault Coverage
If your injuries are serious enough, you may bring a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance for additional damages. For example, if a rideshare accident on Union Street leaves you with permanent mobility issues, you may step outside no-fault protections and pursue broader compensation.
Serious Injury Threshold Requirements
Pennsylvania law allows lawsuits for serious injuries, such as permanent disfigurement, impairment, or long-lasting medical needs. Meeting this threshold often requires detailed medical evidence, making doctor testimony and medical records critical.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
Accident victims may seek financial recovery for several types of losses.
Medical Expenses and Future Treatment Costs
Compensation may cover hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing care needs. For example, a victim who suffers a traumatic brain injury may require years of rehabilitation and ongoing neurological treatment. These costs add up quickly, often exceeding the limits of no-fault insurance coverage.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
If you miss work or can’t return to your previous job, you may recover income you lost and future earnings you’ll no longer receive. A rideshare passenger who worked in construction may no longer perform physical labor after breaking multiple bones. The financial impact of losing career opportunities can be as significant as medical expenses.
Pain and Suffering Compensation
This category addresses the physical pain and emotional strain caused by the accident and recovery process. While money cannot erase suffering, it can provide acknowledgment of what you’ve endured. Attorneys often rely on testimony from family and friends to show how your life has changed since the accident.
Property Damage Claims
If personal belongings like phones, laptops, or medical equipment were damaged in the crash, you may pursue repayment for repairs or replacements. These claims may seem minor compared to injury costs, but they matter when the damaged property was essential for work or daily life.
How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Timing matters when filing a rideshare claim.
Pennsylvania’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident date. Missing this deadline usually ends your ability to pursue compensation.
Discovery Rule Exceptions
If an injury wasn’t discovered right away, the time period may start when the injury became known. This applies in cases where symptoms don’t appear until months later, such as with some spinal injuries.
Why Waiting Can Hurt Your Case
Delays often make it harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, or prove liability. Insurance companies may also use delays to dispute the claim’s seriousness, suggesting that your injuries weren’t significant if you waited too long.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Working with Leeson & Leeson gives you guidance and support from start to finish.
Investigating Your Rideshare Accident
Our attorneys collect police reports, witness statements, and digital records from the rideshare app. We may also consult accident reconstruction experts who use software to recreate the collision and prove how it occurred.
Dealing with Multiple Insurance Companies
We communicate with personal insurers, rideshare company adjusters, and other parties involved, so you don’t have to handle conflicting demands. Multiple insurers often argue over who should pay, and an attorney ensures these disputes don’t delay your claim.
Maximizing Your Compensation
We build a detailed picture of your medical care, lost wages, and other damages to pursue the strongest financial recovery possible. This includes consulting with doctors, economists, and vocational experts to show how the accident changed your life and career.
Handling Complex Liability Issues
Our team identifies all potentially responsible parties and holds them accountable under Pennsylvania law. This may include filing claims against rideshare drivers, other motorists, and even vehicle manufacturers when defects contributed.
Providing Personalized Legal Representation
We focus on your specific needs, tailoring our approach to your case and keeping you informed throughout the process. Each step of the claim is explained clearly so you can make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allentown Rideshare Crashes
Does Uber or Lyft's Insurance Cover Me If I'm Injured as a Passenger?
Yes, both companies carry $1 million liability policies when the driver is on a trip with a passenger. This usually applies to passengers injured during the ride.
What If the Rideshare Driver Doesn't Have Personal Car Insurance?
Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry insurance, but if the driver lacks coverage, the rideshare company’s policy may step in depending on the driver’s status in the app.
Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Yes. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you were less than 51 percent at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer In Allentown?
Leeson & Leeson handles rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay upfront legal fees, and payment comes as a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
What If the Rideshare Company Tries to Claim Their Driver Was an Independent Contractor?
While Uber and Lyft often argue that drivers are contractors, their insurance coverage still applies when passengers are injured during a ride or when a driver has accepted a trip.
Contact Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Allentown Now
Rideshare accident claims involve strict deadlines, and waiting can weaken your case. Evidence fades, witnesses move, and insurers become harder to deal with over time. Taking action now gives you the best chance at recovering what you’ve lost.
Call Leeson & Leeson today at (610) 691-3320 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Our Allentown personal injury lawyers are ready to listen to your story and explain how Pennsylvania law applies to your situation.
