Being hit by a rideshare driver, delivery van, utility truck, or any commercial vehicle on the road in Allegheny County is far more complicated than a typical car accident. You’re suddenly left dealing with medical appointments, lost income, pain, and a claims process that involves multiple insurance carriers, each trying to limit how much they pay.
At AlpernSchubert, P.C., in Carnegie, our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers have been helping people who have been seriously injured in a crash throughout Western Pennsylvania identify who may be financially responsible and navigate the complex claims process that follows. When large companies and insurers are involved, knowing how coverage works can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Why Commercial and Rideshare Collisions Are Different
When a commercial vehicle or rideshare driver causes a crash, more than one party may be responsible. The driver may be liable, but the employer, or the platform, may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances.
For injured people, that means:
- Multiple insurance policies may apply.
- Corporate insurers often push back harder.
- Coverage depends on whether the driver was working at the time.
- Claims may involve both personal and commercial insurance.
These cases require careful examination of how the crash occurred, who owned the vehicle, and what the driver was doing at the time. That’s the type of investigation our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers routinely handle.
Who Pays When a Rideshare Driver Causes an Accident?
Rideshare accidents in Western Pennsylvania generally follow a tiered insurance coverage system. This means the level of available compensation depends on the driver’s status in the app, particularly in accidents involving Uber or Lyft.
The Driver Is Not Logged Into the App
The driver’s own auto insurance applies. Uber/Lyft provides no coverage in this situation.
The Driver Is Logged In but Has Not Accepted a Ride
Pennsylvania law typically requires rideshare companies to provide contingent coverage, often including:
- Limited liability coverage
- Coverage that supplements the driver’s personal insurance
The Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger
This is where the highest level of coverage applies.
Rideshare companies generally maintain:
- $1 million in liability coverage
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage (varies by company and state rules)
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
In many collisions, this is the policy that ultimately pays.
Who Pays When You’re Hit by a Commercial Vehicle?
Commercial vehicle accidents in Allegheny County and throughout Western PA often involve:
- Delivery vans (including Amazon, FedEx, or UPS vehicles)
- Construction vehicles
- Utility trucks
- Box trucks
- Maintenance vehicles
- Corporate fleet cars
- Contractor vehicles
- Semis or tractor-trailers
Liability typically depends on employment status and vehicle ownership.
If the Driver Is an Employee
The employer is usually responsible. This may trigger commercial liability coverage, which often carries higher limits than personal policies.
If the Driver Is an Independent Contractor
Liability may fall on:
- The contractor
- The contractor’s commercial policy
- The contracting company (in certain circumstances)
Determining the correct party requires a detailed investigation, especially in industries reliant on contracted labor.
If the Vehicle Is Owned by a Company
The company’s commercial insurance may apply, even if the driver made a mistake behind the wheel.
What if the Commercial Driver Was “Off the Clock”?
This is a major point of dispute in many accidents.
If the driver was using the vehicle for personal reasons, such as running an errand, the commercial policy may deny coverage. That being said, exceptions exist depending on:
- The employer’s policies
- Whether the vehicle was assigned for regular use
- Whether the driver was returning from a job site
- Whether the errand was related to work in any way
Commercial insurers frequently attempt to deny coverage on this basis. A careful review of employment records, routes, logs, and duties can reveal whether the company is still responsible.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Rideshare or Commercial Vehicle Crash?
In Pennsylvania, injured people may be entitled to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
Insurance carriers may try to minimize these damages, especially when large corporate policies are involved.
Why These Accidents Often Require Immediate Legal Guidance
Rideshare and commercial vehicle claims involve unique challenges, including:
- Corporate insurers with significant resources
- Complex policy language
- Disputes over whether the driver was working
- Conflicting accounts of how the accident occurred
- Multiple adjusters and multiple claims departments
- Coverage denials designed to shift blame
These companies often begin their investigations immediately, sometimes within hours of a crash. Without legal guidance, injured people are placed at a disadvantage.
At AlpernSchubert, P.C., we examine the circumstances of the crash, identify all responsible parties, and pursue the full compensation the law provides. When necessary, we are prepared to challenge insurance tactics, negotiate aggressively, or take a case into litigation.
Accidents Involving Large Companies Require Careful Attention
Rideshare companies and commercial carriers follow internal procedures that prioritize their own liability, not your recovery. Injured people often face:
- Delayed responses
- Disputes about coverage
- Attempts to shift blame onto the victim
- Pressure to accept early settlement offers
The right information at the right time can prevent costly mistakes.
What Evidence Matters Most in Rideshare and Commercial Vehicle Claims
Insurance disputes in commercial and rideshare crashes often come down to the strength of the evidence. After a collision in Allegheny County, the following documentation frequently plays a critical role:
- Accident scene photographs
- Vehicle damage reports
- Medical records
- Proof of lost wages
- App usage records (for example, Uber or Lyft activity logs)
- Delivery logs or route data from companies like Amazon or FedEx
- Driver status at the time of the crash
- Black box or telematics data (for commercial fleets)
These crashes often involve multiple insurers requesting statements and documentation. Preserving evidence early can prevent disputes later.
Injured in a Rideshare or Commercial Vehicle Crash? Get the Guidance You Need
If you were hit by a rideshare driver or commercial vehicle anywhere in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, or the surrounding Western Pennsylvania communities, speaking with a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer early in the process can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.
Call AlpernSchubert, P.C. at 412-556-2326 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
We are here to stand up for your rights and help you navigate every step of the claims process.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.