What to Expect in a Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Claim: How Uber and Lyft Defend Their Cases
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how Philadelphians get around the city, offering convenience and flexibility at the touch of a screen. Yet when an accident occurs, victims often discover that pursuing compensation is far more complex than in a standard car crash. These companies have powerful legal teams, layered insurance structures, and corporate policies designed to minimize their liability.
If you were injured in a rideshare crash, understanding how these claims work and how rideshare companies defend against them can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Speaking with an experienced Philadelphia auto accident lawyer early in the process can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
How Rideshare Liability Works in Pennsylvania
Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This classification allows Uber and Lyft to argue that they are not directly responsible for their drivers’ negligence. However, both companies must still carry commercial insurance coverage under Pennsylvania’s Transportation Network Company law (Act 164 of 2016), which regulates rideshare operations statewide.
The insurance coverage available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- App off: The driver’s personal auto policy applies.
- App on, no passenger assigned: Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage (minimum $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage).
- Passenger en route or in vehicle: Both companies provide $1 million in commercial liability coverage for injuries and damages.
Determining which policy applies is often the first, and most disputed, step in a rideshare accident claim.
Common Scenarios in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare-related crashes in Philadelphia can involve a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Passengers who were injured during an active trip.
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by rideshare vehicles.
- Drivers or passengers in other vehicles that are hit by a rideshare driver.
- Accidents caused by third parties while the Uber or Lyft driver is transporting passengers.
In each scenario, liability can shift depending on the driver’s app status, insurance coverage, and the circumstances of the collision. This makes it critical to collect all possible evidence, including app screenshots, trip receipts, and witness statements, immediately after the crash.
How Uber and Lyft Defend Their Cases
Uber and Lyft have developed sophisticated defense strategies to reduce payouts and limit their exposure in accident claims. Some of the most common include:
Denying an “Active Trip” Status
Both companies may argue that their app data shows the driver was not “on the clock” at the time of the crash. If the driver was not logged into the app or waiting for a passenger, the rideshare company will attempt to push liability onto the driver’s personal insurer.
Disputing Causation or Severity
Uber and Lyft often challenge whether their drivers’ negligence directly caused the injuries or whether pre-existing conditions are responsible. They may also question the extent of medical treatment or the long-term effects of the injury to minimize damages.
Independent Contractor Defense
Because rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors under Act 164, Uber and Lyft typically argue that they are not vicariously liable for driver negligence. Plaintiffs must often prove that the companies exercised control over drivers, such as through GPS tracking, rating systems, or performance standards, to overcome this defense.
Arbitration Clauses and App Agreements
Many riders unknowingly agree to arbitration clauses in the Uber or Lyft app’s terms of service. These clauses can require disputes to be resolved privately instead of in court, limiting discovery and the right to a jury trial. However, Pennsylvania courts have sometimes allowed victims who were not passengers (such as pedestrians or other drivers) to pursue claims directly in civil court.
Arguing Comparative Negligence
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa. C.S. § 7102, meaning a victim can only recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault. Rideshare defense attorneys often argue that victims contributed to the crash, such as by speeding or distracted driving, to reduce potential payouts.
Challenges in Pursuing a Rideshare Claim
Unlike standard car accident cases, rideshare claims often require digital evidence such as GPS data, ride logs, and driver communications. Obtaining this data can be difficult, as Uber and Lyft tightly control their internal records. In many cases, your attorney must issue subpoenas or court orders to access critical trip data.
Additionally, multiple insurers may be involved, each with competing coverage limits and exclusions. Coordination between these insurers can cause delays and disputes over who must pay. Victims without legal representation often face months of back-and-forth with adjusters, during which evidence may be lost and settlement offers diminish.
What You Can Expect from the Claims Process
- Investigation and Evidence Collection – Your attorney will gather police reports, medical records, trip data, and witness statements to establish fault and verify coverage.
- Insurance Coordination – Once the driver’s app status is confirmed, the appropriate insurer (Uber, Lyft, or personal) is contacted to open a claim.
- Negotiation or Litigation – Attorneys negotiate with insurers for a fair settlement; if that fails, the case proceeds to court or arbitration.
- Compensation – Depending on the case, victims may recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, punitive damages.
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer understands how to navigate these steps while countering corporate defense tactics designed to weaken your case.
Holding Rideshare Companies Accountable
While Uber and Lyft have changed the way Philadelphians commute, their vast legal and financial resources can make it difficult for victims to receive fair compensation. The Villari Firm has extensive experience handling cases involving commercial and corporate defendants, including rideshare companies, trucking operators, and insurers.
Our attorneys know how to uncover app-based data, challenge liability disputes, and work with accident reconstruction experts to prove fault. We are not intimidated by corporate defense teams and will fight to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Contact The Villari Firm
After a rideshare accident, time is critical. Uber and Lyft’s insurance adjusters and legal teams act fast to minimize their liability, so you need a law firm that can respond just as quickly. The Villari Firm’s attorneys have decades of experience investigating complex motor vehicle cases, including those involving distracted driving, commercial policies, and corporate negligence.
If you were injured as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian in a rideshare-related crash, speak with a trusted Philadelphia auto accident lawyer today for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case, preserve vital evidence, and fight to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Sources:
Pennsylvania General Assembly – Act 164 of 2016 (Transportation Network Companies)
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 42 – Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, § 7102 (Comparative Negligence)
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – 2023 Crash Facts and Statistics Report
NHTSA – Ways to Get Home Safely (Ride-hailing safety tips)
NHTSA – Countermeasures That Work (Alternative Transportation / rideshare context)
FTC – Policy Statement on Enforcement Related to Gig Work (PDF)