Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become integral to urban transportation in New York City, offering convenience and efficiency to millions of riders. However, the increase in rideshare vehicles on the roads also raises the chances of accidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in a rideshare accident, our experienced Rideshare accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

What Constitutes a Rideshare Accident in NYC?

A rideshare accident in New York City involves a collision or incident related to the operation of a vehicle by a driver affiliated with a rideshare service such as Uber, Lyft, or another app-based transportation company. These accidents can include a variety of scenarios and involve multiple parties. Here’s what generally constitutes a rideshare accident:

Types of Rideshare Accidents

Collisions Involving Rideshare Vehicles

This includes accidents where a rideshare vehicle collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a fixed object while transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up.

Accidents During Trips

Any accident that occurs while a passenger is in the rideshare vehicle, regardless of the cause or the party at fault.

Accidents Involving Rideshare Vehicles Without Passengers

These can occur when the rideshare driver is available in the app and waiting for a ride request, or after dropping off a passenger and not yet on another trip.

Legal Considerations

The legal aspects of a rideshare accident can be more complex than standard vehicle accidents due to the involvement of the rideshare company. Key considerations include:

Driver Status: The driver’s status at the time of the accident (whether they were logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, carrying a passenger, etc.) significantly affects insurance and liability issues.
Insurance Coverage: Rideshare companies typically provide insurance for their drivers, but the coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Coverage can vary from limited liability when the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a request, to full commercial insurance during trips.
Fault and Liability: Determining who is at fault in a rideshare accident can involve the rideshare driver, the company, other involved drivers, or external factors like road conditions or vehicle malfunctions.

How Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in New York City, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming and complex. At Greenberg Law, P.C., our rideshare accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle these unique cases. Here’s how we can assist you:

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

Understanding the Details: We start by thoroughly understanding the specifics of your accident. This includes analyzing the accident report, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing available camera footage to understand what happened clearly.

Navigating Insurance Complexities

Dealing with Multiple Insurers: Rideshare accidents typically involve multiple insurance carriers. Our lawyers are adept at dealing with the rideshare company’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance, and third-party insurers to ensure that all potential compensation avenues are explored.
Maximizing Your Claim: We ensure that your claims are vigorously represented to maximize your benefits, whether it involves negotiating with insurance adjusters or advocating for your rights in court.

Legal Representation in Disputes

Fault and Liability: Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be contentious. We represent your interests both in and out of court to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
Fighting for Fair Compensation: We fight to secure compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our goal is to ensure that the settlement reflects the true extent of your losses.

Advocacy and Support

Guidance Through the Process: The legal process can be daunting. Our team provides continuous support and clear communication throughout your case, explaining each step and your options.
No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our investment in your case reflects our commitment to achieving your best possible outcome.

Expedited Claim Handling

Efficient Process: We strive to expedite the claim process, understanding that post-accident financial and medical pressures can be significant. Our efficient case handling ensures that we move as quickly as possible while still being thorough.

Expert Negotiations

Skilled Negotiators: Our Rideshare accident lawyers have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel, often securing favorable settlements outside of court, saving you time and stress.

Why Choose Greenberg Law, P.C.?

Experience: Our car accident lawyers have extensive experience with rideshare accident claims and understand the nuances of applicable laws.
Personalized Attention: We believe every case is unique, and we provide personalized legal strategies tailored to the specifics of your situation.
No Fees Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we secure compensation for you.

Who is Responsible for Compensation After a Rideshare Accident?

Determining responsibility for compensation after a rideshare accident in New York City involves navigating a complex web of insurance policies and understanding the specific circumstances of the crash. Here’s a breakdown of how responsibility might be allocated:

1. Rideshare Driver’s Personal Insurance

Off-Duty Status: If the rideshare driver was not logged into the rideshare app at the time of the accident, their personal auto insurance would be the primary source for compensation.
App Logged-In But No Ride Accepted: Many rideshare companies provide limited liability coverage in cases where the driver is logged into the rideshare app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride. This scenario may require the driver’s insurance to act first, with the company’s policy potentially providing additional coverage.

2. Rideshare Company’s Insurance

Ride Accepted to Passenger Drop-Off: Most rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, offer comprehensive coverage from when a ride is accepted until the passenger is dropped off. This includes liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, contingent collision, and comprehensive coverage with a deductible.
High Coverage Limits: These policies generally have high coverage limits ($1 million for liability), intended to fully cover any damages or injuries incurred by passengers, pedestrians, other drivers, and even the rideshare drivers.

3. Third-Party Driver’s Insurance

Involvement of Other Vehicles: If another vehicle is involved and the driver of that vehicle is at fault, their auto insurance would be responsible for compensating for injuries and damages. This can become complicated if multiple parties share fault.

4. Additional Coverage and Complications

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault party does not have sufficient insurance to cover the damages, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provided by the rideshare company’s insurance can come into play.
Commercial Insurance Policies: Depending on the situation, other commercial policies (like those of other commercial drivers involved in the accident) may also be relevant.

5. Legal and Procedural Aspects

Fault Determination: Establishing fault is critical in determining who is responsible for compensation. This involves investigating the accident, including reviewing traffic camera footage, vehicle data, and witness statements.
Comparative Negligence: New York’s comparative negligence laws allow compensation to be reduced based on the degree of fault assigned to each involved party.
Statutory Regulations: Specific state laws and local regulations concerning rideshare operations will also influence the handling of insurance claims and liabilities.

Act Now: Time Limits on Filing Your Rideshare Accident Claim

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you must understand you have a limited window to pursue legal action. New York law imposes strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, which govern how long you must file a claim following an accident. Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights:

Understanding Statutes of Limitations

Personal Injury Claims: For most personal injury claims in New York, including those arising from rideshare accidents, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
Property Damage: If your claim involves property damage, such as damage to your vehicle, you also have three years from the accident date to initiate legal proceedings.
Wrongful Death: If the rideshare accident resulted in a fatality, the deceased’s family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.

Why Timing Is Critical

Preserving Evidence: Over time, evidence crucial to your case may become harder to obtain. Witnesses’ memories can fade, and physical evidence can be lost or destroyed.
Insurance Considerations: Insurance companies typically require claims to be reported promptly. Delaying could jeopardize your ability to receive compensation through insurance.
Legal Strategy: Early involvement of a rideshare accident lawyer can significantly strengthen your case. Your attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring all filings are timely and your rights are fully protected.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

Given these time constraints, it’s important to consult with a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident. At Greenberg Law, P.C., we understand the complexities of rideshare accident claims and are committed to helping you navigate the legal system effectively.

Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Let Us Help You Recover Your Due.

If you’ve suffered due to a rideshare accident, you need a team that understands the complex dynamics of these cases. At Greenberg Law, P.C., our experienced rideshare accident lawyers are ready to help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let the confusion of insurance and liability issues overwhelm you—let us advocate for your rights while you focus on healing.

Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can assist you in this challenging time. We are committed to delivering justice and facilitating your recovery.