Rideshare Accident Lawyer Allentown
Injured In An Uber Or Lyft Crash? Our Team Is Here To Help
A rideshare trip is supposed to be simple. You tap your phone, a car arrives, and you get where you need to go. When a collision happens instead, you can be left hurt, confused about who is responsible, and unsure what to do next. If you were involved in a rideshare crash in this area, you do not have to sort this out on your own.
At Knafo Law Offices, we help people who have been injured while riding in, driving for, or struck by an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Rideshare accident claims involve multiple insurance policies and different rules than a typical car crash, and those issues can be especially stressful when you are already dealing with medical care and missed work.
Our firm has focused exclusively on personal injury litigation since 1982 and has guided thousands of injured clients toward compensation throughout the Lehigh Valley. We bring that experience, along with state of the art technology and responsive communication, to every rideshare accident case we handle.
Why Injured Rideshare Passengers & Drivers Turn To Knafo Law Offices
When you are searching for help after a serious collision, you need more than general legal information. You need a team that understands injury law, the local courts, and how rideshare companies and insurers approach these claims. That is where our firm focuses its efforts. We also place a high priority on communication. Whether you are recovering at home, in a medical facility, or back in another state or country, we work to keep you informed and involved in decisions about your case.
Crashes do not keep business hours, and questions often come up at night or on weekends. We make ourselves available day or night so that when a rideshare collision turns your plans upside down, you have a place to turn for guidance. Combined with free consultations for injury matters, this means you can talk with us about your situation without worrying about upfront legal fees just to understand your options.
Understanding Uber & Lyft Accident Claims In Pennsylvania
Rideshare vehicle accidents involve unique insurance complexities, as coverage in Pennsylvania depends on the driver’s specific activity at the time of the collision. Liability is determined by whether the driver was using the vehicle for personal use, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. Because insurance responsibility shifts between the driver’s personal policy and the rideshare company's corporate policy based on these phases, identifying the primary source of recovery is essential.
In Allentown and throughout Pennsylvania, claims are further complicated by state-specific rules regarding "Full Tort" or "Limited Tort" selections and first-party benefits. A single vehicle accident may involve overlapping coverage from the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s high-limit policy, and the policies of other involved motorists. These layers of coverage dictate how medical bills, lost wages, and property damage are compensated.
We analyze the circumstances of the crash and the status of the rideshare app to determine which policies apply to your losses. By identifying all available insurance sources and managing communications with adjusters, we ensure you do not have to navigate the claims process alone.
What To Do After An Uber Or Lyft Accident
In the moments after a rideshare crash, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking a few careful steps can help protect your health and your ability to bring a claim later. Every situation is different, and safety should always come first.
- Prioritize Safety & Medical Care
If you can do so, move to a safe location away from traffic and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 so that emergency services and law enforcement can respond. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is wise to get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible because some injuries do not show immediate symptoms.
- Report The Crash & Preserve Evidence
When officers arrive, share what you remember about how the crash happened. A police report from an incident in this area can become an important piece of documentation for insurance claims. You should avoid speculating about fault and simply describe what you observed. If you were a passenger, you could explain where you were seated and what you noticed before and after the impact.
Rideshare crashes involve information that does not exist in a typical car accident. If you are able, it can be helpful to take screenshots of the trip details in the app, including the driver’s name, vehicle information, route, and time of the crash. You can also photograph the license plates of the vehicles involved, the scene, any visible injuries, and road conditions. If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact information so they can be reached later.
Be Careful With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters or representatives from Uber or Lyft may reach out to you soon after the crash. Before giving a recorded statement or signing any documents, it is often wise to talk with an attorney who handles these claims. What you say early on can affect how your claim is evaluated. You can contact our office for a free consultation, and we can go over your situation and discuss how to respond to these calls or emails in a way that protects your rights.
Who May Be Responsible For A Rideshare Crash
Many people assume that if an accident involves a rideshare vehicle, the rideshare company is automatically at fault. In reality, responsibility for a crash on busy Lehigh Valley roads can rest with several different parties, sometimes at the same time. Understanding who may be responsible is an important step in pursuing compensation.
- The Rideshare Driver
The rideshare driver may be one person to examine. If the driver was distracted by the app, following too closely, speeding, or failing to obey traffic signals, their conduct can contribute to a collision. We look at police reports, witness statements, and in some cases available electronic data to understand what may have happened in the moments before impact.
2. Other Drivers & Multiple Parties
Another driver may also share or bear full responsibility. For example, a vehicle that ignores a red light or makes a sudden, unsafe turn can cause a crash that injures both rideshare passengers and the rideshare driver. In these situations, a claim may need to be made against the at-fault driver’s policy in addition to any rideshare-related coverage. Sometimes multiple insurers become involved, each taking a position on what portion of fault belongs to their policyholder.
Occasionally, issues such as poor vehicle maintenance or prior driving history can arise. If a driver’s car is not kept in safe condition, or if previous incidents suggest a pattern of risky driving, those facts may become relevant in evaluating how and why the crash occurred. Our attorneys review the available information and work to identify all potentially responsible parties, which can be important when medical bills and other losses are significant.
Common Injuries From Rideshare Collisions
Common injuries from rideshare crashes include whiplash and other neck injuries, back injuries, fractures, concussions and other head injuries, and bruises or cuts from contact with the interior of the vehicle. In more serious collisions, people may suffer spinal cord injuries or other conditions that affect their ability to work or participate in daily life as they once did. Treatment can involve emergency care, follow up visits, imaging, physical therapy, and in some cases surgery or long term rehabilitation.
How Our Allentown Rideshare Accident Attorneys Support You
After a rideshare crash, dealing with multiple insurance companies, medical providers, and paperwork can quickly become overwhelming. Our attorneys step in to shoulder much of that burden so that you can direct your energy toward healing. We stay focused on personal injury law, so the work we do is designed to support people in your position.
Our use of state-of-the-art technology allows us to manage your case efficiently and keep you connected. We use secure systems to handle documents and to share updates, which can be especially helpful if you were visiting the Lehigh Valley when you were hurt and have since returned home. Whether you are down the street or across the country, we work to make it as easy as possible to stay in touch with our team.
Because we have been serving injured people throughout Lehigh County and Northampton County for many years, we are familiar with how injury claims arising from incidents in and around Allentown move through local courts and insurance channels. That local perspective can be valuable when timing, jurisdiction, or venue questions arise. At every stage, we aim to answer your questions in clear language so you always understand your options and can make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need A Lawyer If I Was A Passenger In An Uber Or Lyft Crash?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but many passengers find it helpful after a rideshare collision. As a passenger, you usually did not contribute to the crash, yet you may be caught between several insurance companies, including the rideshare carrier, the rideshare driver’s personal insurer, and policies covering other vehicles involved. Each company may have its own view of who should pay and in what amount.
Our team can help you understand how these coverages fit together in your situation and can communicate with insurers on your behalf. We work to gather medical records, document your losses, and present your claim in an organized way. This can reduce the stress of handling repeated calls and letters while you are recovering. Because consultations are free, you can talk with us about the pros and cons of legal representation before deciding how you want to proceed.
Who Pays My Medical Bills After A Rideshare Accident?
The answer often depends on the coverages that apply in your case. In Pennsylvania, certain benefits may be available through your own auto insurance policy, such as medical coverage that applies regardless of fault. If you do not have a vehicle, there may be other ways to access similar benefits, depending on the policies in play.
Beyond those first party benefits, liability coverage from the at fault driver, which might be a rideshare driver or another motorist, can come into play for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Uber and Lyft policies may also provide coverage when certain conditions are met, such as when a ride is in progress. We work to review the available policies, the status of the trip, and your injuries to help determine which sources of payment may be pursued. Our goal is to help you understand how your medical bills may be addressed over time rather than leaving you to guess which carrier should be involved.
What If I Was Driving For Uber Or Lyft When The Crash Happened?
If you were driving for a rideshare company when a collision occurred, you may have both injury and property damage concerns, and you may be unsure which policy applies. Coverage can depend on whether the app was on, whether you had accepted a ride, and whether a passenger was in the car. It can also depend on who caused the crash.
In some situations, a claim may be made through your own auto insurer, and in others, the rideshare company’s policy may provide coverage for certain losses. If another driver caused the collision, their liability coverage may also be important. Our attorneys can review your account of the crash and the trip status, then work to identify which policies might respond. We know that rideshare drivers often rely on their vehicles for income, so we take care to explain your options clearly and to help you navigate conversations with both personal and rideshare related insurers.
Can You Help Me If I Was Visiting The Lehigh Valley When I Was Hurt?
Yes, we regularly speak with people who were injured while traveling through this area for work, family visits, or other reasons. Being hurt far from home can add extra stress, especially when you are unfamiliar with local roads, police departments, or courts. You may wonder whether you need to return to the area to pursue a claim.
Because our firm has been representing injured clients in the Lehigh Valley, including incidents in and around Allentown, for many years, we are familiar with how these cases are handled locally. We also use modern technology to communicate with clients who live in other cities, states, or countries. That can include phone, email, and secure online tools to exchange documents and updates. Our goal is to make it possible for you to pursue your rights here without feeling like distance is a barrier.
How Much Does It Cost To Talk With Your Attorneys About My Case?
There is no charge for an initial consultation with our firm about a rideshare accident. You can contact us, share what happened, and ask questions about your situation without paying an upfront fee. During that conversation we listen to your concerns, gather basic information about the crash and your injuries, and discuss possible next steps.
If we believe we can assist and you choose to move forward with us, we will explain our fee structure clearly so that you understand how legal fees are handled. Our intention is to remove cost as an obstacle to getting reliable information about your rights. Speaking with us can help you decide whether involving a lyft accident lawyer Allentown or another member of our team is the right choice for you.
How Long Will My Rideshare Accident Case Take?
The time it takes to resolve a rideshare accident case can vary. Factors can include the nature and extent of your injuries, how long your medical treatment lasts, how clear liability is, the number of insurance companies involved, and whether a lawsuit becomes necessary. Some claims may resolve in a matter of months, while others can take longer when injuries are significant or liability is disputed.
We work to move your case forward steadily while also making sure that important information about your medical condition is available before major decisions are made. Throughout the process we keep you updated on developments and expected next steps, whether that involves ongoing negotiations or preparation for litigation. Our focus is on balancing the need for timely resolution with the need to fully understand the impact the crash has had on your life.
What Information Should I Bring When I Contact Your Firm?
If you have them, it can be helpful to gather certain documents before you speak with us, but you can still call even if you do not have everything yet. Useful items can include any information from the rideshare app about the trip, such as screenshots showing the driver’s name, the route, and the time of the crash. Copies of any police report numbers, insurance cards, and letters or emails from insurers can also be useful.
Medical records from emergency visits, urgent care, or early follow up appointments can help us understand your injuries. If you missed work, information about your job and pay can be important. During the consultation we can go over what you have and let you know what additional information may be helpful as your case moves forward. Our team can often assist with obtaining records and other documents, so you do not need to feel fully prepared before you call.
Talk With Our Team About Your Rideshare Accident
After an Uber or Lyft crash, you deserve clear information about your options and support from a team that focuses on helping injured people. When you contact Knafo Law Offices, we listen to your story, explain how rideshare insurance and Pennsylvania law may apply, and discuss how we can assist with the next steps. Our aim is to relieve some of the pressure you feel from medical bills, missed work, and calls from insurers.
For more than three decades, we have represented people hurt in motor vehicle crashes throughout the Lehigh Valley, including incidents in and around Allentown. We combine that experience with modern technology and responsive communication so that you always know where your case stands. Your initial consultation is free, and it is an opportunity to get answers from a rideshare accident attorney Allentown without any obligation.
To speak with our team about a rideshare collision, call (610) 756-1098 today.
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See What They Have to Say About Us
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“When I needed a lawyer, Knafo Law Offices was there right away. I will now have a better life since you took good care of me.”- Julie
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“Any questions I had were answered within a very timely manner. I am very grateful for the service provided by Attorney Knafo and his staff.”- Betsy
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“Jerry always made us feel like we were in good hands. I trusted his expertise completely!”- Lisa
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