Quick Facts:

• Nearly 40% of Americans have used Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services. Research indicates that the increase in rideshare vehicles on the road has caused a 3% 
• increase in traffic fatalities since 2011. 
• Between 2017 and 2018, Uber vehicles alone were involved in 97 fatal crashes, resulting in 107 deaths. 
• Pennsylvania law requires rideshare drivers to have a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage. 

Over the past decade, ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have experienced amazing growth. This means more rideshare drivers on the roads driving passengers and waiting for ride requests. Law firms across the state have noticed an uptick in personal injury claims related to these services.

Uber and Lyft drivers, often considered independent contractors, rely on phone apps to make a living, which can result in inattentive driving. A recent study from Rice University concluded that the increase in traffic caused by rideshare drivers has caused a 3% increase in traffic fatalities since 2011. This equates to an additional 1000 crashes a day. 

New Pennsylvania Law Requires Ride Share To Increase Insurance Coverage

Under Pennsylvania law, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are considered "Transportation Network Services." In 2016, the Pennsylvania legislature enacted laws specifically aimed at regulating this growing industry. The goal was to protect passengers by increasing the required insurance coverage that rideshare drivers must have. 

Pennsylvania's Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (MVFRL) normally requires drivers to maintain both First Party insurance (which mainly provides the driver, occupants, and pedestrians with medical benefits) and Third Party insurance (liability insurance that covers personal injuries to others if a driver causes an accident). Under the MVFRL, passenger car drivers must maintain a minimum of $5,000 in First Party coverage and $15,000 in Third Party coverage. For a more detailed review of Pennsylvania Auto Insurance requirements.

Rideshare Insurance Coverage Requirements 

However, these limits are much higher for rideshare drivers and are divided into two categories. The first category applies to rideshare drivers who are engaged with using an app to find passengers but have not yet accepted a prearranged ride. The second category applies to rideshare drivers who have accepted a request for a prearranged ride. The coverages that apply to these two categories are detailed below: 

• Using a Rideshare App but has NOT Accepted a Prearranged Ride 
• First Party Medical Benefits: $25,000 to protect pedestrians, $5,000 to protect the driver. 
• Third-Party Liability Coverage: $50,000 for bodily injury or death to others ($100,000 per incident), $25,000 for property damage. 
• Rideshare Drivers that have Accepted a Prearranged Ride 
• First Party Medical Benefits: $25,000 to protect passengers and pedestrians, $5,000 for the driver. 
• Third-Party Liability Coverage: $500,000 for death, bodily injury, and property damage. 

The coverages described above are considered "primary." This means that if you are covered by some other automobile insurance policy, the benefits available from the rideshare driver's insurance will be used first to cover medical bills. When these benefits are exhausted, if you are covered by some other automobile insurance policy, those will kick in.

Have you been involved in a rideshare accident?

In summary, under Pennsylvania law, rideshare drivers are subject to substantially higher insurance coverage requirements in comparison to other drivers of passenger cars. These increased coverage requirements aim to enhance passenger protection and ensure sufficient compensation for victims in the event of rideshare-related accidents. Thus, providing greater peace of mind for both passengers and drivers on Pennsylvania's roads.

Frischman & Rizza, P.C. is a dedicated team of experienced personal injury attorneys proudly serving the Pittsburgh area and the entire state of Pennsylvania. If you have been involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, whether as a passenger or a pedestrian, our rideshare accident lawyers are here to provide you with expert legal representation and guidance.

Accident victims often face challenges from insurance companies and the rideshare company itself when trying to file a claim. It's crucial to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side, especially if you've suffered lost wages, pain and suffering, or any other damages.



Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation, where we will carefully review the details of your case, including any insurance claims and the time of the accident, and offer insightful advice on how to proceed.

At Frischman & Rizza, we firmly believe that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial circumstances. As a "No Fee Unless We Win" firm, we are committed to handling all personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis. This means that our rideshare accident attorneys do not charge any attorney fees unless we successfully win your case and secure the compensation you deserve.

With our compassionate approach and unwavering dedication, we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you navigate the complexities of your personal injury claim related to a rideshare accident. Trust Frischman & Rizza to be your strong advocates during this challenging time and let us work diligently to obtain the justice and compensation you are entitled to.