What Happens if I am Injured in a Lyft Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in Pennsylvania, it is quite likely that you are covered by insurance, especially if you are a passenger. Both your driver’s insurance and Lyft’s coverage may pay for your accident.

However, Pennsylvania’s insurance laws and regulations regarding rideshare companies like Lyft can make it hard to know who needs to pay you for your injuries. The best way to sort it out is to work with a Philadelphia Lyft accident lawyer. Here’s what you need to know about insurance coverage in Lyft accidents.

What to Do After You’re Injured in a Lyft Accident

The steps after a Lyft accident are similar to other car accidents. The only difference is that you should also report the accident to Lyft so they can let their insurer know about a potential claim. You can do this through their app on the phone.

If you are not too injured at the time, it’s best to collect evidence at the scene. You can do this by taking photographs of the accident and your injuries, exchanging insurance information if you’re a driver, and getting the contact information of witnesses. This will help you when you make your insurance claim.

You’ll also want to create an accident report with the police and summon medical help by calling 911. See a doctor even if you feel fine at the scene, just in case you have a hidden injury. Finally, contact a lawyer for legal advice on how to proceed with your case.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Choice No-Fault Insurance System

Pennsylvania operates under a choice no–fault insurance system, which differs from New York’s strict no-fault system. In Pennsylvania, when you purchase auto insurance, you choose between “full tort” and “limited tort” coverage.

With full tort coverage, you retain your right to sue for all damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of your injuries. This option provides the most comprehensive protection but typically comes with higher premiums.

Under limited tort coverage, you can only sue for non-economic damages like pain and suffering if you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by law. This option usually offers lower premiums but restricts your ability to seek compensation for certain damages.

Does a Driver’s Insurance Cover Passengers?

Yes, a driver’s insurance usually covers passengers. However, there can be a complication. Most personal auto policies do not cover commercial activities like ridesharing. Rideshare drivers are supposed to get insurance that covers ridesharing before beginning work, but it is not checked.

If your driver’s insurer rejects coverage because they were doing something not covered by the policy, you can likely file a claim with Lyft’s insurance policy for coverage. Lyft has $1.5 million in coverage per accident, so it’s possible for Lyft to cover all of your damages.

Lyft’s Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania

Lyft provides insurance coverage for its drivers and passengers in Pennsylvania, but the amount of coverage changes depending on the app status at the time of the accident. Understanding these stages can help you know if Lyft may help cover your accident costs.

• When the Lyft app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
  
• Lyft provides limited liability coverage if the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request.
  
• During an active ride, from pickup to drop-off, Lyft’s $1 million liability policy is in effect.

Pennsylvania law requires rideshare companies like Lyft to maintain primary automobile insurance coverage for their drivers. However, it is contingent on exhausting the driver’s insurance first. If your driver’s insurance can cover your damages, Lyft won’t pay extra money.

However, with the help of a rideshare accident lawyer, you can maximize the compensation you get and get help accessing it from all applicable insurance plans. Contact a rideshare accident lawyer in Philadelphia to learn your options.

Potential Compensation in a Pennsylvania Lyft Accident Case

The compensation you may receive after a Lyft accident in Pennsylvania depends on how your accident has affected you. Potential damages may include:

• Medical expenses
  
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  
• Pain and suffering (depending on your tort option and injury severity)
  
• Property damage

If you have full tort coverage or your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold under limited tort, you may be able to pursue additional damages. You can sue for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, which may greatly increase your compensation.

Time Limits for Filing a Lyft Accident Claim in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has specific time limits for filing accident claims, known as statutes of limitations. For personal injury claims, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. This time limit applies to most Lyft accident cases.

These strict time limits make it essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to fully take advantage of their services before you’re forced to file a lawsuit.

Protect Your Rights After a Pennsylvania Lyft Accident

Being injured in a Lyft accident in Pennsylvania can be a stressful and confusing experience, not just from your injuries but also from sorting through the tangle of insurance policies and liability.

Don’t let the intricacies of rideshare accident claims overwhelm you. Let us handle it instead. Our team has the knowledge and experience to cut through the red tape so you can get the compensation you deserve. Contact Morelli Law Firm today for a free consultation.