Forest Hills Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
How Rideshare Crashes Impact Victims in Forest Hills
The rise of services like Uber and Lyft has completely changed how people travel in Forest Hills—but it’s also introduced legal complexity when things go wrong. Unlike ordinary traffic accidents, rideshare crashes pull in large companies with complicated insurance rules and legal teams.
Studies from top universities suggest that rideshare platforms may be responsible for thousands of additional roadway fatalities each year due to increased congestion and distracted driving.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Forest Hills? The sooner you know your legal options, the stronger your case will be.
Determining Who’s Responsible After a Rideshare Crash in Forest Hills
Rideshare accidents are legally complex because responsibility changes depending on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred. Insurance coverage varies depending on the exact phase of the driver’s rideshare activity at the time of the incident.
App Off:
The driver’s personal insurance applies.
App On (No Passenger):
Uber or Lyft provides limited third-party liability coverage (usually $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).
App On (With Passenger or En Route):
The full $1 million liability coverage kicks in.
We dig into the ride history and backend logs to clarify driver status and identify the correct coverage tier. Whether the issue is denied coverage or disputed facts, our firm is equipped to push back aggressively.
Why Uber and Lyft Accidents Happen in Forest Hills
Uber and Lyft drivers are frequently navigating busy roads while managing ride requests, customer service, and app-based instructions. It’s no surprise these factors often play a direct role in rideshare-related collisions.
- Distracted driving (e.g., checking the app, GPS, texting)
- Fatigue from long driving shifts
- Speeding or aggressive driving to meet ride quotas
- Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with Forest Hills roads
- Unsafe pick-up or drop-off locations
Uber and Lyft run background checks, but with so many drivers on the road, standards can be inconsistent. That’s why we investigate every detail — from the driver’s background to traffic conditions — to build the strongest possible claim.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Forest Hills
Getting injured in an Uber or Lyft crash means you need to take immediate action to preserve your legal options. Start by getting medical help, taking photos or video, and contacting a lawyer before giving any statements to Uber, Lyft, or their insurers.
Call 911 and request medical assistance if needed.
Get the names, contact info, and insurance details of all parties involved.
Take screenshots of your Uber or Lyft trip, including timestamps.
Document the scene with photos or videos (vehicles, street signs, damage).
Do not accept early settlement offers or give recorded statements to insurance without legal guidance.
Rideshare companies may try to limit their financial exposure by shifting blame or delaying claim processes. Having a legal advocate from the start can protect you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation.
Injuries Frequently Linked to Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare crashes often occur in dense traffic or urban corridors, where even a low-speed collision can cause significant injury. We’ve represented Forest Hills clients who suffered from:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
While some may consider them minor injuries might become chronic complications over time. Don’t allow an insurance company minimize what you’re going through — our attorneys stand firm in ensuring every aspect of your injury is fully recorded and accurately assessed.
Why Uber and Lyft Accident Cases in Forest Hills Demand Aggressive Legal Action
Uber and Lyft rely on complex policies and legal maneuvering to reduce their financial responsibility after crashes. The level of coverage you’re entitled to depends on whether the driver was logged in, waiting for a ride, or carrying a passenger.
If you try to go it alone, you may end up accepting a lowball offer — or worse, getting nothing. That’s why Boyadzhyan Law Firm takes an aggressive stance — holding these companies accountable and fighting for the compensation our clients truly deserve.
Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Forest Hills
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, these steps are crucial to protect your legal and financial interests:
Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, documentation is essential.
Report the Accident to Authorities
Ensure police are called and a report is filed on the scene.
Document Everything
Photos, witness contact info, rideshare app screenshots, and vehicle damage.
Avoid Statements to Insurance Adjusters
Anything you say can be used to lower or deny your claim.
Contact an Attorney Quickly
Time-sensitive evidence and complex insurance policies require early legal intervention.
Even small mistakes — like not preserving app data or failing to identify the correct insurance tier — can cost you the compensation you deserve. Our team ensures every detail is covered from the very beginning.
Why Rideshare Crashes Occur in Forest Hills
Accidents with rideshare vehicles are usually caused with added risks and complications due to digital distractions and pressure to complete rides quickly. Based on transportation statistics the top contributors include:
- Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers constantly check their apps for routes, messages, and updates.
- Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours or drive for multiple services, increasing the risk of exhaustion.
- Unfamiliar Routes – Unlike professional drivers, rideshare operators often rely entirely on GPS navigation.
- Rush to Accept Fares – Quick turnarounds between rides can cause reckless maneuvers or speeding.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Drivers are responsible for their own vehicle upkeep, and issues may go unreported.
According to respected university research linked rideshare services to a significant uptick in traffic fatalities across major U.S. cities. This data proves the serious risks of prioritizing rapid service over responsible driving practices.
What You Should Know About Rideshare Insurance in Forest Hills, Pennsylvania
Understanding how insurance functions after an Uber or Lyft crash in Forest Hills, Pennsylvania requires experience and precision. Both platforms carry third-party liability insurance, but the protection it offers depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. These driver phases matter — and in Pennsylvania, state-specific insurance thresholds make them even more critical.
Here’s a breakdown of the three distinct coverage periods:
Offline (App Off):
Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Available for Rides (App On, No Passenger):
Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
En Route or Transporting Passenger:
Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
Getting compensation from these policies is far from automatic. Rideshare companies commonly dispute driver status, use technicalities related to policy activation timing, or shift liability to personal insurers. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we know how to dismantle these strategies and construct a compelling case to prove liability, engagement, and damages.
How We Strengthen Uber and Lyft Claims in Forest Hills
Boyadzhyan Law Firm employs a step-by-step strategy designed to transform even complex rideshare cases. Since rideshare companies are notorious for lowball offers, we act immediately — securing rideshare logs, documenting the crash timeline, and establishing a foundation for maximum compensation.
- Immediate Investigation: We gather crash reports, app screenshots, black box data, and rideshare platform logs.
- Driver Background Checks: We examine whether the driver had any history of violations or prior accidents.
- Medical Record Coordination: We work closely with healthcare providers to document the true scope of your injury.
- Expert Testimony: When needed, we bring in accident reconstructionists and economists to strengthen your claim.
By controlling the narrative early, we stop the rideshare company from shifting blame and ensure your story is told clearly, accurately, and with the right legal framing.
How Much Can You Recover After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Forest Hills?
People impacted by a rideshare accident may be entitled to various forms of compensation under Pennsylvania law. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we take aggressive action to recover full financial and emotional recovery, including:
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and PTSD
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability
We don’t let the insurance company lowball your claim — we partner with economic and medical experts to accurately value your losses and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Get Legal Help After a Rideshare Accident in Forest Hills, Pennsylvania
Being hit by an Uber or Lyft shouldn’t leave you battling massive insurance corporations alone. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we relieve you of legal stress so you can heal in peace. Our Forest Hills, Pennsylvania attorneys are seasoned in handling rideshare injury claims and hold accountable big companies like Uber and Lyft.
We offer:
Free consultations with zero upfront costs
Contingency-fee representation — you don’t pay unless we win
Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies
Compassionate support from day one through resolution
Act fast to protect your rights. Let Boyadzhyan Law Firm stand by your side and help you navigate this complex legal terrain.
Providing compassionate legal assistance for you and your family.