In the bustling streets of New York City, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become integral to everyday transportation. However, with the rise in their usage, accidents involving rideshare vehicles have also increased. Navigating the aftermath of such an accident can be complex due to the unique legal issues involved. At The Law Offices of Ira M. Perlman, P.C. & Robert D. Rosen, P.C., our experienced rideshare accident lawyers represent clients, ensuring they receive the compensation and justice they deserve. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

What is a Rideshare?

A rideshare service matches passengers with drivers, usually through a smartphone app, allowing individuals to arrange for rides in privately owned vehicles. These services have become popular alternatives to traditional taxis and public transportation, offering convenience, competitive pricing, and the ability to request a ride with just a few taps on a mobile device. Major rideshare companies include Uber and Lyft, which operate in cities worldwide.

How a NYC Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help

We understand that being involved in a rideshare accident can leave you facing a unique and complicated legal landscape. Rideshare accidents in New York City are unlike typical car accidents; they involve navigating through a web of insurance policies and understanding specific regulations governing rideshare companies. Here’s why having a dedicated rideshare accident lawyer is essential:

Navigating Multiple Insurance Policies

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have complex insurance policies that can vary significantly depending on the driver’s status during the accident. Determining which insurance policy applies—whether it’s the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, or a combination of both—requires experience. Our experienced lawyers are skilled in analyzing these policies to ensure you seek compensation from the correct source.

Understanding Rideshare Regulations

The legal framework governing rideshare services in New York is intricate. Our attorneys stay abreast of the latest laws and regulations affecting rideshare companies, enabling us to build stronger cases. This knowledge is crucial for effectively advocating on your behalf, whether in negotiations with insurance companies or in court.

Proving Liability

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be more complex than in traditional car accidents. It often involves a detailed examination of the rideshare driver’s actions, the company’s policies, and other factors. Our team is proficient in conducting thorough investigations to establish fault and prove liability, ensuring that your rights are protected.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Insurance companies, including those representing rideshare companies, often aim to minimize payouts. Our attorneys have the negotiation skills and legal knowledge to counteract these tactics. We work diligently to ensure you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other applicable damages.

Personalized Legal Strategy

Every rideshare accident case is unique, with its own set of challenges. We offer personalized legal strategies tailored to the specifics of your case. By focusing on your individual needs and goals, we aim to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Advocating for Your Rights

As your legal representatives, we aim to advocate for your rights and interests. From handling all communications with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary, we’re committed to easing your burden during this challenging time, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Who is Responsible for Compensation After a Rideshare Accident?

Determining responsibility for compensation after a rideshare accident involves navigating a complex landscape of insurance policies and liability issues. Here’s an overview of how responsibility for compensation is determined in these cases:

Rideshare Driver’s Personal Insurance

A rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the first line of inquiry. However, most personal policies exclude commercial activities, including ridesharing, unless a commercial policy or a rideshare endorsement is in place.

Rideshare Company’s Insurance

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide their drivers with insurance coverage that can vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

• App Off: If the rideshare app is off, the driver’s auto insurance is the primary coverage.
• App On, Waiting for a Ride Request: When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company provides limited liability coverage. This typically includes certain amounts for bodily injury and property damage if the personal insurance doesn’t apply.
• Ride Accepted to Passenger Drop-off: From the time a ride is accepted until the passenger is dropped off, rideshare companies offer significantly higher coverage limits. This includes liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.

Third-Party Liability

In some cases, another party, such as another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, may be responsible for the accident. In these instances, that party’s insurance may be liable for compensation.

Determining Fault

Establishing who is at fault in a rideshare accident is crucial for determining responsibility for compensation. This process involves a thorough investigation, including reviewing the accident report, witness statements, and any available video footage. The specific circumstances of the accident, including any violations of traffic laws, will play a significant role in this determination.

Navigating the Claims Process

Filing a claim for compensation after a rideshare accident can be complex. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing legal action, having experienced legal representation is vital.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Injuries sustained in rideshare accidents can range from minor to severe, affecting passengers, drivers, and others on the road. Here’s an overview of common injuries we see:

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries causing neck, shoulder, and back strains due to the sudden jolt of the crash.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially without direct head trauma.
• Broken Bones: Common fractures include arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, varying in severity.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding, possibly life-threatening and not immediately apparent.
• Lacerations and Bruises: Caused by sharp objects, broken glass, and the force of seatbelts, requiring varying levels of medical care.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Damage leading to partial or complete paralysis due to the impact on the spinal column or cord.
• Psychological Injuries: Including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional distress from the trauma of the accident.

For those recovering from rideshare accident injuries, securing legal representation can be crucial in navigating the claims process and ensuring adequate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

What To Do After Being in a Rideshare Accident

Being involved in a rideshare accident can be both shocking and confusing. It’s crucial to know the steps to take immediately following an accident, both for your safety and to protect your legal rights. Here’s a what to do after being in a rideshare accident:

• Check for Injuries: Immediately check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 to request medical assistance.
• Ensure Safety: If possible, move to a safe location to avoid further harm. However, do not leave the scene of the accident.
• Call the Police: It’s important to have a police report filed for the accident, as it serves as an official record that can be vital for insurance and legal purposes.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved. Also, make note of the rideshare company (Uber, Lyft, etc.) and the driver’s name and contact information.
• Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and relevant road conditions or traffic signs. This evidence can be crucial for your claim.
• Gather Witness Information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can support your account of the incident.
• Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company: Notify the rideshare service about the accident through their app or website. This is an important step in initiating the claims process.
• Refrain from Discussing Fault: Avoid discussing fault at the accident scene or with insurance representatives without consulting an attorney first.
• Consult with a Rideshare Accident Lawyer: Before accepting any settlement offers or making statements to insurance companies, consult with a skilled rideshare accident lawyer who can advise you on the best course of action and help protect your rights.

Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Let Us Help.

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in NYC, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The Law Offices of Ira M. Perlman, P.C. & Robert D. Rosen, P.C. are here to provide the experienced legal support you need. Our dedicated team is committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and take the first step towards recovery with a team that cares about your case.

NYC Rideshare Accident Lawyer FAQs

Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be complex. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process.

Can I Sue the Rideshare Company for My Injuries?

Whether you can sue the rideshare company directly depends on the accident’s circumstances and the driver’s employment status. Rideshare drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, not employees, which can impact liability. However, rideshare companies do provide insurance coverage that may apply. Consulting with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help clarify your options.

What Financial Compensation Can I Recover in a Rideshare Accident?

Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. The amount depends on the accident’s specifics, your injuries’ severity, and the insurance policies in effect.

What If the Rideshare Driver Wasn’t at Fault?

If another driver caused the accident, you might file a claim against that driver’s insurance. Your personal injury attorney can help determine all liable parties and pursue compensation from the correct sources.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident in NYC?

New York has a statute of limitations that generally allows three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain factors could affect this timeframe. It’s crucial to consult with an accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed timely.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Most rideshare accident lawyers, including those at The Law Offices of Ira M. Perlman, P.C. & Robert D. Rosen, P.C., work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees; the personal injury lawyers fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict they secure on your behalf.