Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are popular modes of transportation in areas like Lancaster County, where taxi services aren’t as common. With so many tourist destinations, our county also sees many commercial bus companies transporting people in and out of the area. While convenient, using these types of services leaves passengers vulnerable, as their safety is in the hands of another driver. Let’s take a look at what you should do if you’re in an accident involving a hired driver.
- Hurt in an Uber Accident, Now What?
- What to Know When You’re Injured in a Bus Accident
Hurt in an Uber Accident, Now What?
When it comes to an accident involving a ride-sharing service such as Uber, the accident can cause harm to the passengers themselves, or to third parties who are in another vehicle. With drivers working as independent contractors who are maintaining their own vehicles, the question of who is responsible in the event of a serious accident is a big consideration.
Uber’s commercial liability policy provides coverage for up to $1 million dollars per incident for bodily injury or property damage to passengers or third parties when a collision involves an Uber driver. However, for this policy to apply, the driver must have accepted the trip and it only covers the passenger and others through the duration of the trip.
If the driver does not have a passenger, but is on the clock, then their own personal car insurance policy may provide coverage. That said, many insurance companies do not provide coverage for drivers who are involved in commercial activity at the time of the accident. In this case, Uber’s contingent policy may apply, providing up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, with an additional $25,000 for property damage.
What to Know When You’re Injured in a Bus Accident
Bus accidents and school bus accidents often result in serious personal injuries, and sadly, death. These types of accidents are often caused by driver negligence, inadequate security, dangerous roadways, defective products, weather conditions, improper maintenance…and the list goes on and on.
While studies show this mode of transportation is among the safest in the United States, accidents happen. Just this past year, nearly 3,000 people were involved in a car crash involving a school bus. Sadly, Lancaster County has seen several accidents involving buses in the past few years.
Lancaster County Bus Accidents
In May of 2017, a loaded school bus crashed along Route 30 in East Lampeter Township. The crash involved four vehicles and led to devastating, life-long injuries for many schoolchildren involved.
A few years earlier, on July 13th of 2014, a tour bus from Lancaster County crashed during a sight-seeing tour in Canada, killing one passenger and injuring many others on board. Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. is proud to have represented a number of these commercial bus accident victims in their bodily injury claims.
Circling the Wagons After a Commercial Bus Accident
When accidents involve commercial bus companies, things can become complicated quickly. Immediately following an accident, bus companies have a team of investigators and attorneys who are swiftly working to minimize their damages or escape liability altogether.
The good news is that Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. has tremendous experience with bus, truck and other commercial vehicle accident personal injury cases and wrongful death claims. Through our relentless work ethic, use of our formidable resources, including the accident reconstruction and commercial vehicle experts we have worked with over the years, the reputation we have earned for our trial and litigation successes and our thorough knowledge of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code, we have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our Lancaster, PA clients for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Past and future loss of income
- Modifications for their homes
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (companionship, services, etc.)
No matter what the case may be, when you’re involved in an accident where a hired driver, or the company that hired the driver, has been careless, negligent or reckless, you should get a top commercial vehicle accident attorney involved right away.
The sooner an Uber, truck or bus accident attorney is brought in, the better your chances of receiving maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Uber, Truck and Bus Accident Attorneys in Lancaster, PA
If you were injured in an accident when you hired someone else to drive, reach out to our top-rated attorneys at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. right away. We know these are devastating and uncertain times, and we will be there to help you with the insurance companies, the medical bills, and any company attorneys involved– keeping you informed each step along the way.
Please keep in mind, insurance companies may try to convince you to sign a release form, jeopardizing your right to fair compensation and preventing you from pursuing a personal injury claim. Don’t sign the release form—or anything, for that matter—before consulting with our firm.
Our law firm is nationally recognized for winning million and multi-million-dollar recoveries for our clients. From a $1,450,000 commercial vehicle settlement to a $2,350,000 motorcycle accident recovery to a $1.25 million personal injury claim to a $1,400,000 auto accident award—our legal team focuses on aggressively fighting to seek compensation from all possible sources, giving you peace of mind as you focus on your recovery.
Our attorneys are available 24/7 for a free consultation. We can also visit with you at your home, your office, the hospital or rehab center—whatever is easiest and most convenient for you and your family. Just dial 1-800-HURT-NOW or you can start a live chat on our website where you’ll find immediate assistance as well.
