Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Attorney

Purchasing a ride through Lyft or Uber is a safe and convenient way to travel. Unfortunately, rideshare services are not as safe as many customers believe. Uber and Lyft are not required to follow strict safety standards that other transportation companies are required to follow. Many rideshare drivers cause accidents due to distracted driving when looking down at cell phones for directions or addresses. Many Uber and Lyft drivers cause accidents when taking their eyes off the road to look for customers to pick up on the street and addresses on buildings. An increasingly common cause of rideshare accidents is driving down the wrong way of a street after a rideshare driver drives past the customer’s pick up and drop off address.

In Pennsylvania, Uber and Lyft are required to pay rideshare passengers, who are victims of accidents, a higher amount of insurance benefits that is usually required by law. It is important that you have an attorney that is familiar with rideshare companies’ responsibilities under the law.

As Uber and Lyft already have your contact information stored from your ride purchase, it is common practice for Uber and Lyft to contact you directly in the days after an accident to offer you a lump sum settlement. They are usually small settlements that range from $500.00 to $1,000.00. If you are offered a nominal settlement directly from Uber, Lyft or one of its insurance companies, it is important that you contact Mr. Gagliano directly as 267-861-7100 or anthony@acginjurylaw.com.

What potential insurance issues may arise regarding the rideshare app?

The State of Pennsylvania requires certain protections be in place for rideshare passengers. Rideshare insurance must be carried that acknowledges that the driver works as a contractor for Lyft, Uber or any other rideshare company. Rideshare vehicles in Pennsylvania are required to maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance.

A Philadelphia rideshare accident attorney understands the significance of these potential insurance issues. Given the legal requirements as far as insurance coverage, Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. can help you to obtain superior compensation from any negligent party who caused your injuries. Contact our office today for a free-of-charge consultation. Our team of experienced legal professionals takes seriously the responsibility to advocate for your rights.

An issue which arises in rideshare accidents involves multiple insurance companies not wanting to accept fault for the accident. Accepting the designation as the negligent party means paying an insurance settlement or judgment in your favor. As a result, insurance companies frequently attempt to deflect liability towards another entity or insurance company. Answering the question of who the negligent party is can be viewed through a comprehensive examination of the time periods involved in your rideshare accident.

What happens if the rideshare app is turned off? When a rideshare driver does not have their rideshare app turned on then he or she is not receiving ride requests from potential customers. In the eyes of the rideshare company, the driver is operating their vehicle for personal use rather than company use. This means that if you are injured in a rideshare accident while the rideshare app is turned off then Uber will not supplement the driver’s personal automobile insurance coverage. The risk for you is that the driver’s insurance may only be the minimum required under Pennsylvania state law.

What happens when you are injured by a rideshare driver when their rideshare app is on without a passenger? In a situation where you are injured in a rideshare accident with a driver whose app is on but is not carrying a passenger, coverage under the rideshare company’s insurance depends upon the driver’s insurance. Does the driver have current automobile insurance? So long as the rideshare app is on, the supplemental coverage provided by the rideshare company may, also, be available in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Must a rideshare company provide insurance coverage to its drivers?

Being transported via a rideshare app means accessing a rideshare vehicle and availing yourself of the insurance provided by the driver. However, do the rideshare companies provide insurance themselves? The answer to that question is that each rideshare company may provide insurance coverage for its drivers. It is not guaranteed that additional coverage of this type will be available if you are in a rideshare accident. Protecting yourself fully means having a representative guiding you who knows how to navigate the complex waters of rideshare insurance coverage.

When it comes to winning a claim against a negligent party, you must be prepared to go toe-to-toe with an at-fault driver and possibly the rideshare company itself. Having insurance coverage sufficient to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering is only one part of this equation. The other is determining whether the rideshare driver maintained their vehicle sufficiently to be roadworthy. Collecting sufficient evidence to make this determination is also where having an experienced Philadelphia rideshare accident attorney pays major dividends.

If you were injured in a rideshare accident you should do the following after seeking immediate medical treatment:

• Request a copy of the police report from the department that responded to the accident,
• Save the e-mail or take a snapshot on your cell phone of the Rideshare reservation/confirmation from the Uber or Lyft app to confirm the ride
• Take photos of damaged property and of your injuries such as road rash, lacerations and casting
• Keep a record of your physical symptoms, doctor’s visits, treatments, tests, and medications
• Never give a statement or supply information to anyone other than your own doctor – you are not obligated to speak with the other driver’s insurance company
• Do not accept a settlement offer from an insurance company until you have consulted with Mr. Gagliano at anthony@acginjurylaw.com.

What are the advantages to working with an attorney with a history of winning for people injured in rideshare accidents?

Attempting to recover damages from a negligent party takes courage. When you are injured and have medical expenses to account for you cannot afford to go into a case without a plan. Rather, now is the time to develop a strategy geared towards winning the justice that you deserve.

Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. is uniquely situated to provide you with the kind of representation that you need to win inside and outside the courtroom. Consider the following characteristics that our team of talented legal professionals possesses.

Our team of legal professionals understands that negotiations in a rideshare accident case are just as important as litigation. Do not undervalue the ability of your attorney to negotiate with the responsible party. This includes providing potential sources of evidence, clearly explaining your positions and then negotiating in good faith. Ideally, avoiding a trial and settling your case is best for all parties involved.

Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. understands the law surrounding rideshare accidents. The experience that our office has gained in serving those injured in accidents involving rideshare vehicles allows us to provide a perspective which cannot be topped in Philadelphia. Assisting you in building your case is what we do best. Once you have put your best foot forward at the negotiation table you are more likely to win a result that accounts for your medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages which arise in rideshare accident cases.

Ultimately, all the experience in the world on the part of your legal team does not matter unless you win the results that you are looking for. Consider Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. knows how to approach your case based on the goals you have communicated to our team. Our office does not dictate to you the ideal settlement terms or courtroom verdict you should be expecting. Rather, we educate you on your circumstances and how to navigate them. From there, you make decisions on what direction to take your case.

Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. offers free of charge consultations. We develop legal plans which account for your injuries, medical expenses, time away from and other damages. Your needs are unique and that is what we account for from the initial consultation through a jury verdict or settlement. Contact our team of legal professionals to discover why Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. offers you the best in rideshare accident representation in and around Philadelphia.

What are the advantages to hiring an experienced Philadelphia rideshare accident attorney?

Hiring an experienced rideshare accident attorney means putting yourself in a position to hold the negligent party in your case responsible for their actions. Consider the difficulties which come with navigating the legal process associated with a rideshare accident case. Then, think about how the rest of your life does not simply go on a break so that you can spend more time focusing on your case.

Rather, life tends to speed up during a circumstance involving a rideshare accident. Achieving justice against a negligent driver means being able to spend sufficient time on your case to not lose track of the small details. Those small details end up mattering as you negotiate a settlement. This is where having an experienced rideshare attorney matters.

You do not want to just settle your case so it can be over with. Rather, being able to maximize your claim towards receiving compensation which is appropriate in relation to the injuries you have suffered. Remember: you did not ask to be in this position. However, now that you are here it is your obligation to take full advantage of this opportunity. Opportunity, it is said, is not a lengthy visitor.

In your line of work you may be an expert. However, it is unlikely that you are also an expert in rideshare accident law. For that, it is best to lean on an experienced team of legal professionals who has stood shoulder to shoulder with people who stand in a similar position as you do currently. Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. understands what it means to be injured in a rideshare accident case. We take seriously the responsibilities entrusted to us by our clients.

Should you give a statement to any insurance company after your rideshare accident?

Have any representatives from the negligent party’s car insurance company tried to reach out to you since the accident? Odds are good that if one has, he or she has tried to convince you to make a statement about the accident while under oath.

For all intents and purposes, this is the same thing as testifying in court. Your statements must remain consistent throughout the course of your case. Even a slight deviation can result in an unfavorable jury or bench verdict. As a result, having an attorney allows you to spend more time focusing your energy on the parts of your case while matte most.

When it comes to answering questions posed by an insurance company, the ramifications of your decision may be long lasting. As a result, being able to lean on an experienced and consistent representative can help you better balance the challenges which come your way during a rideshare accident. Still curious about what an attorney can provide in a rideshare accident case? Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. walks with clients through difficult rideshare accident cases and would be honored to do the same for you.

Speak with a Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, consult with the Philadelphia rideshare accident attorney at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. With over 15 years experience in personal injury law, Anthony C. Gagliano III was raised in Norristown and has opened his own practice in Center City Philadelphia, serving clients who have been injured in car accidents. Mr. Gagliano’s mission is to seek justice and compensation for victims and their families. Call us at 267-861-7100 or visit our website to set up a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Norristown.