Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how people get around Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley. But when accidents happen, they introduce a web of legal and insurance issues that can be hard to untangle. Between overlapping insurance policies, app-based liability rules, and corporate insurers looking to minimize payouts, even straightforward cases can become frustrating fast.
That’s where the Bethlehem rideshare accident lawyers at Leeson & Leeson can help. When Uber or Lyft is involved, the legal process becomes more difficult than in typical car accidents. Aggressive insurance teams back these billion-dollar companies. They’re not quick to pay, and they’re not on your side.
You shouldn’t have to wrestle with corporate insurers while trying to recover from serious injuries. Let us handle the legal pressure so you can focus on getting your life back.
Key Takeaways for Bethlehem Rideshare Accident Lawyer
- Uber and Lyft accidents are legally complex, with multiple insurance policies and parties involved.
- Liability depends on the driver’s status in the app and other contributing factors.
- You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Pennsylvania law allows claims even if you share some fault, as long as you're less than 51% liable.
- Acting quickly after your accident preserves evidence and strengthens your case.
- Leeson & Leeson has decades of experience holding rideshare companies accountable and fighting for injured victims in Bethlehem and across the Lehigh Valley.
The Unique Challenges of Rideshare Accidents in Pennsylvania
Rideshare collisions are different from other car accidents in important ways. These differences impact how insurance coverage applies and who can be held financially responsible.
Most people assume that Uber or Lyft will automatically pay for any accident caused by one of their drivers. But that’s not always true. In fact, their insurance only applies in specific situations. For example, if the app was off or the driver wasn’t actively transporting a passenger, the company may try to deny responsibility. That puts accident victims in a difficult spot, especially when injuries are severe and long-term care is needed.
Here are some of the issues that make rideshare accident claims more complicated:
- Multiple insurance policies may apply—yours, the rideshare driver’s, Uber/Lyft’s, and even another driver.
- Insurance coverage depends on the driver’s activity in the app at the time.
- Uber and Lyft often deny fault and delay settlements.
- Drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees.
If you’re trying to manage this on your own, you’ll likely face pushback from corporate insurance adjusters trained to protect their bottom line. They’ll often offer a quick settlement before you understand the long-term cost of your injuries. Once you accept, your case is closed, and you do not get another chance to seek more compensation if your injuries turn out to be more extensive and expensive than you realized.
That’s why hiring an experienced rideshare accident attorney in Bethlehem, PA, is one of the most important decisions you can make after a crash.
Who Can Be Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare crashes don’t only affect passengers. Anyone sharing the road with an Uber or Lyft driver is at risk when drivers are distracted, rushed, or unfamiliar with local roads. We’ve helped clients recover in a wide range of rideshare-related injury cases.
Victims of Uber and Lyft crashes may include:
- Rideshare passengers
- Drivers and passengers in other vehicles
- Pedestrians hit by a rideshare vehicle
- Cyclists injured by an Uber or Lyft driver
- Rideshare drivers hit by another vehicle
Each of these scenarios raises different legal questions. Who is liable? What insurance applies? How can you recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering?
We answer those questions for you, and more importantly, we act on them.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Bethlehem
After any car crash, your health comes first. If you haven't already, see a doctor right away. Even if your rideshare accident injuries seem minor, symptoms can worsen over time, especially with soft-tissue or spinal injuries. Your medical records will also be key to your injury claim.
Once your medical care is in place, there are other important steps to take. These can help protect your legal rights and the value of your case. They include:
- Hire a lawyer immediately. Insurance companies move fast to protect themselves and minimize your claim. You need legal protection from day one.
- Follow all medical treatment. Skipping treatments or medical appointments creates an avenue for insurance companies to challenge your injuries and your claim.
- Document your experience. Write or record how your injuries affect your life, work, and relationships. This helps demonstrate how less visible injuries have affected your life.
- Avoid speaking to adjusters. They may pressure you into saying things that weaken your case or pressure you to accept a settlement offer before you understand the full value of your claim.
- Keep receipts and records. Save bills, prescriptions, and communication related to your accident.
You do not have to collect evidence, determine fault, or manage any part of your claim on your own. That’s our job. As your Lyft or Uber accident lawyer in Bethlehem, we’ll take care of every step, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurance providers and if needed, taking your case to trial.
How Insurance Coverage Works in Uber and Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft provide different levels of insurance depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. These details can make or break your claim, and they’re not always easy to figure out without legal help.
Rideshare insurance policies break down coverage by the Uber or Lyft driver’s activity at the time of the crash:
- App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App on, no ride accepted: Limited liability coverage from Uber/Lyft (usually $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).
- Ride accepted or passenger in vehicle: Up to $1 million in liability coverage from Uber or Lyft.
It’s not enough for the company to offer high coverage limits. They must also honor those limits when they’re responsible. We’ve seen rideshare companies deny or delay claims, even when victims are clearly eligible under Pennsylvania’s rideshare liability rules.
That’s why having a personal injury lawyer in Bethlehem, PA, who understands Uber/Lyft insurance claims is critical to recovering compensation that fully covers all of your damages.
Common Injuries in Bethlehem Rideshare Accidents
Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, the impact of a rideshare crash can be life-altering. We’ve worked with clients suffering from a wide range of injuries. Some recover in weeks. Others face months or years of rehabilitation, or permanent loss.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Soft tissue damage (whiplash, sprains)
- Lacerations and scarring
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
When injuries affect your ability to work, live independently, or care for your family, it changes everything. You don’t need to justify that to an insurance company. You need someone who will fight to hold them accountable. That’s exactly what we do at Leeson & Leeson.
Pennsylvania Laws That May Affect Your Claim
A combination of state personal injury law, auto insurance law, and contract law governs rideshare accident claims.
In Pennsylvania, all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1702, but rideshare drivers may also be subject to the Pennsylvania Ridesharing Law (Act 164 of 2016), which outlines additional insurance requirements for Transportation Network Companies.
You may also have federal protections under laws like the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) if vehicle defects contributed to the crash.
Statutes of limitation also apply. In most cases, you have two years to file a personal injury claim under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. However, waiting too long can weaken your case. Witnesses disappear. Evidence gets lost. And insurance companies become more aggressive with denials. Acting quickly protects your right to recover compensation.
Who’s Liable After a Rideshare Crash in Pennsylvania?
One of the most confusing parts of a rideshare accident is figuring out who’s financially responsible. Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, which means Uber and Lyft often try to avoid legal responsibility for accidents. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence system, outlined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102, more than one party can share liability. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you may still recover compensation, but your financial award can be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. This rule demonstrates the importance of working with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who can protect you and the value of your claim.
Here are some common parties who may be liable in a rideshare-related accident:
- The rideshare driver (for distracted, reckless, or impaired driving)
- Another motorist who caused or contributed to the crash
- Uber or Lyft’s insurance company (if the driver was logged in or transporting a rider)
- A vehicle manufacturer (if a defect played a role)
- A government entity (for poor road conditions or missing signage)
Our team conducts a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and build a strategy to pursue compensation that covers the full scope of your injuries and losses.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
If another party is responsible for your rideshare crash injuries, you may be able to pursue financial compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
We help clients seek compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Emergency room care and surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
If the accident resulted in a fatality, family members may also have the right to bring a wrongful death claim. These cases are deeply emotional, and we approach them with the care and diligence they deserve.
Whether you’re filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, we’ll make sure to carefully calculate every damage and support it with evidence. We don’t take shortcuts, especially when your future is on the line.
Why Choose Us for Your Bethlehem Rideshare Accident Case?
Hiring a rideshare accident lawyer is a serious decision that can shape the outcome of your case. You should be confident knowing that the firm you choose has the experience, local knowledge, and tenacity to protect your rights and recover the compensation you need.
Here’s what sets Leeson & Leeson apart from other law firms in the Lehigh Valley:
- Over 50 years serving Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley. We’ve been part of this community for decades. We know the roads, the courts, and the legal landscape that affects your case.
- You only pay if we win. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there’s no upfront cost to hire us. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
- Track record of results. From rideshare injury claims to wrongful death cases, we’ve helped recover millions of dollars for clients throughout Pennsylvania.
- We take on the hard cases. Not every firm is willing to challenge Uber or Lyft in court. We are. If negotiation fails, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
- Client-focused, always. Our clients have consistently praised us for our compassion, responsiveness, and clear communication. Read our client testimonials.
- Led by a nationally recognized attorney. Joseph F. Leeson III has been named one of the Top 10 Lawyers of 2025, and he’s a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
When you work with us, your case won’t wait in a pile. You’ll speak directly with your attorney, get honest answers, and always know where your case stands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethlehem Rideshare Accident Claims
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly for my injuries?
Not usually. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which limits direct liability. However, their $1 million liability policies often apply when drivers are working. We’ll evaluate your situation and pursue the maximum available coverage.
Can I still file a claim if the rideshare driver didn’t have passengers at the time of the crash?
Yes, but the available insurance coverage may be limited. If the Uber or Lyft app was on but the driver hadn’t accepted a ride yet, the rideshare company may offer reduced third-party liability coverage. If the app was off, only the driver’s personal auto insurance would apply. An attorney can help determine which policies are active and who may be responsible.
Will I need to go to court to win my case?
Most rideshare accident claims settle out of court. But if we believe the settlement offer isn’t fair, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. You’ll always have a say in how your case moves forward.
Can I bring a claim if I was injured while getting in or out of the rideshare vehicle?
Yes. If you were hurt while entering or exiting an Uber or Lyft, you may still have a valid claim, depending on how the injury occurred. For example, if the driver pulled over in an unsafe location or another vehicle struck you during pickup or drop-off, liability could fall on one or more parties. These cases often involve nuanced legal arguments, and an attorney can help sort out fault and coverage.
What does it cost to hire a rideshare accident lawyer?
Leeson & Leeson works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we recover money for you.
Talk to a Bethlehem Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident, don’t let the legal system intimidate you or the insurance companies pressure you into a low settlement. You have the right to experienced legal representation from a Bethlehem personal injury lawyer and don’t have to pay anything upfront to get it.
For more than 50 years, Leeson & Leeson has helped injury victims in Bethlehem, Allentown, and across the Lehigh Valley fight for justice and recover what they’re owed. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and stand by your side every step of the way. Call (610)691-3320 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
You’ve been through enough. Let us take it from here.