Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are a big part of life in Pittsburgh. Whether someone is heading home from a night in South Side, traveling between campuses in Oakland, or getting to work Downtown, rideshare services are everywhere. For many people, they’re convenient and often safer than driving tired, distracted, or after having a drink.
But rideshare drivers are still human. They rush to pick up rides, follow GPS instructions instead of the road, and get distracted by constant incoming trips. All of this leads to more crashes on busy Pittsburgh streets. When you’re hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident—whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist—you may be dealing with confusing insurance rules, different coverage levels, and companies that try to avoid responsibility.
Freeburn Law helps injured rideshare victims across Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania. Our team knows how these cases work and what it takes to stand up to rideshare insurance companies. We’re a Pennsylvania firm that handles every case directly. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you—at home, at work, or in the hospital.
Uber and Lyft Accidents Are Different From Regular Car Wrecks
Rideshare car crashes in Pittsburgh can get complicated fast. One moment you’re sitting in the backseat, and the next you’re trying to figure out which insurance policy applies—the driver’s personal policy, the rideshare company’s coverage, or both. Each situation depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Accidents often involve:
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Distracted driving while checking the app
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Speeding to pick up the next ride
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Sudden stops in unsafe areas
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Drivers blocking lanes during pickups or drop-offs
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Lane changes made without checking blind spots
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Turning across traffic or rushing yellow lights
These crashes happen everywhere in the city—Boulevard of the Allies, Liberty Avenue, Carson Street, Penn Avenue, Fifth and Forbes through Oakland, Route 28, and busy intersections all over Pittsburgh. At Freeburn Law, our Pittsburgh rideshare accident attorneys sort out the insurance coverage and handle all communication with the companies involved.
Insurance Coverage Levels for Rideshare Accidents in Pennsylvania
One of the most confusing parts of an Uber or Lyft accident is figuring out whose insurance pays. Both companies use a tiered system based on what the driver was doing at the time.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
1. Driver Not Using the App
If the driver isn’t logged in, their personal insurance applies. Rideshare coverage does not apply at all.
2. Driver Logged In but Waiting for a Ride
Uber and Lyft provide limited insurance during this period. This can include:
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Liability coverage for injuries to other people
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Coverage that may still require you to fight for full payment
3. Driver on the Way to a Pickup or Transporting a Passenger
This is when Uber and Lyft provide their highest level of coverage. This often includes:
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Up to $1 million in liability coverage
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Coverage for passengers
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Coverage for people in other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians
Insurance companies often try to downplay which phase the driver was in. Freeburn Law fights to prove the correct coverage so the injured person receives the full amount they’re owed.
Injuries Seen in Pittsburgh Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare crashes often involve higher speeds, sudden lane changes, and busy city traffic. Even as a passenger wearing a seatbelt, the force of the impact can cause significant injuries. We commonly see:
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Back and neck injuries
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Concussions and other head injuries
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Broken bones
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Airbag injuries
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Shoulder and knee damage
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Chronic pain
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PTSD or anxiety after the crash
Many injured passengers assume the rideshare company will “handle everything.” Unfortunately, both Uber and Lyft work hard to limit payouts. Having a Pittsburgh rideshare accident lawyer takes the pressure off you and puts it on them.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Pittsburgh
After an Uber or Lyft collision, you may feel unsure about your rights. Taking a few steps early can help protect your claim. You should:
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Call 911 and get medical attention
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Take photos of the cars, the street, and any visible injuries
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Screenshot your trip details in the rideshare app
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Get the driver’s name, plate number, and insurance information
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Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies
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Speak with a Pittsburgh rideshare accident lawyer before agreeing to anything
Insurance companies often move quickly to get statements that benefit them. Speaking with Freeburn Law first helps prevent mistakes that hurt your case.
How Freeburn Law Builds Strong Rideshare Injury Claims
Uber and Lyft cases can involve multiple insurance companies, overlapping policies, and disputes over who pays what. Our team does the work needed to sort through the details and build a strong case from the start. We gather:
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Medical records
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Traffic camera footage
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Witness statements
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Photos and videos from the scene
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Phone and app data when distraction is suspected
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Vehicle black box data when available
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Expert reports to show how the crash happened
We take over the entire process so you can focus on healing. Freeburn Law has decades of experience helping injured people across Pennsylvania, and we bring that same commitment to every rideshare accident case.
Compensation Available After a Pittsburgh Rideshare Crash
Every case is different, but rideshare accident victims may receive compensation for:
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Medical bills
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Physical therapy
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Lost income
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Reduced ability to work
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Pain and suffering
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Damage to your vehicle or bike if you were hit
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Long-term effects on your daily life
Your claim should cover not only what you’ve already experienced but also the care you’ll need moving forward. We work with doctors, specialists, and financial experts to make sure nothing is overlooked. Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations applies, but waiting too long can make your claim harder to prove. It’s best to reach out early so evidence can be preserved.
Why Pittsburgh Riders Trust Freeburn Law
Freeburn Law is a Pennsylvania injury firm through and through. We’re not a national chain and we don’t ship cases off to outside lawyers. When you call us, you get a team that knows Pittsburgh, knows Pennsylvania law, and knows how to take on rideshare insurance companies.
We’ve recovered more than $100 million for injured clients across the state, and we’re known for fighting hard on cases the insurance companies try to avoid paying. If your injuries make it hard to travel, we’ll come to you—anywhere in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Talk With a Pittsburgh Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Pittsburgh—whether you were a passenger, a driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian—reach out to Freeburn Law today. The consultation is free, and you never pay us unless we win for you.
Tell us what happened.
We’ll stand up for you, and we’ll come to you if you can’t come to us.
Let our Pittsburgh rideshare accident attorneys fight for the full compensation you deserve.
