We understand how overwhelming and distressing it can be to deal with the aftermath of a collision involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies. Unfortunately, as these services become more popular, accidents are increasing, and handling the legal aspects can be challenging.
In the U.S., about 4 million Uber trips happen every day. Sadly, nearly 100 fatal crashes have been reported, with 90% occurring in urban areas. Pedestrians are involved in around 30% of these fatal crashes. If you face difficulties after a rideshare accident, we’re here to support you through this tough time.
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we offer a compassionate and dedicated approach to help you at this challenging time. Our team of New York Uber accident lawyers is here to listen to your accident case, support you, and fight for your rights to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact an experienced New York City Uber accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
Do You Have a Rideshare Accident Case?
To determine if you have a case, four key elements must be present:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal responsibility to act in a way that prevents harm.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet this responsibility through negligent or reckless actions.
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm, such as physical injuries or financial losses, due to the breach.
If these elements apply to your situation, you may have grounds to raise a claim.
Damages You Can Recover
When pursuing a claim, you may be entitled to several types of damages:
- Economic Damages: Tangible financial losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In particularly reckless or malicious behavior cases, these damages are awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.
How to Get in Touch With Us
We're here to support you, and reaching out to Ajlouny Injury Law is easy. You can connect with us through the following methods:
- Telephone: Call us at (718) 866-6848 for prompt assistance.
- Contact Form: Get in touch with us online for free advice whenever it suits you.
Remember, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and address any questions.
Meet Your New York City Uber Accident Attorneys
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny specializes in personal injury law, handling cases like slip and falls, auto accidents, and pedestrian injuries across New York State. Paul is known for his dedication and relentless advocacy, ensuring clients receive the support and results they deserve during their toughest times.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz is a highly regarded personal Injury lawyer known for his strong litigation skills and dedication to his clients. He sees himself as an attorney and a personal advocate committed to answering clients' questions and guiding them through the legal process.
Michael's personal touch and proactive communication, including regular updates and direct access via his cell phone, help build trust and provide support throughout the lengthy process.
What To Do After an Uber Accident in New York City
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident in New York City, taking the proper steps immediately can protect your rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Call the police and file a report: Contact law enforcement immediately to ensure an official accident report is created, which will be key for any legal or insurance claims.
- Document the accident scene with photos: Capture clear images of the vehicles involved, any visible damages, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries.
- Get medical attention for any injuries: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor immediately to check for hidden injuries and document your condition, which will be vital for your case.
- Exchange information with the other driver: Gather names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved, as well as contact information from witnesses.
- Notify Uber through the app: Report the accident to Uber via the app, as they may require specific information for their records and insurance purposes.
- Keep records of medical treatment and expenses: Document all medical treatments, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and other related expenses. These records are vital for calculating damages.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media: Refrain from posting about the accident online, as insurance companies may use your posts against you to reduce your claim.
- Save any communication with Uber and insurance companies: Keep records of all emails, texts, and phone calls with Uber and any insurance companies involved, as this may be important evidence.
- Contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer: Our team of attorneys can help you work through all that your case will entail, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. If you were injured in a rideshare or motor vehicle accident, contact Ajlouny Injury Law today.
- Follow up with medical care: Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. This will help ensure your recovery and strengthen your claim.
How Our New York City Uber Accident Attorneys Can Help
Our experienced New York City Uber accident attorneys are here to provide you with the support and expertise needed to navigate your case. Here's how we can assist:
- Evidence Collection: We gather critical evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and video footage, to build a strong case.
- Insurance Negotiation: We handle negotiations with all insurance companies, including Uber's provider, to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Claim Filing: We assist in filing all necessary claims with Uber's insurance, your insurance, or any third-party insurers.
- Liability Determination: We assess and establish liability for all parties involved, including the Uber driver, other drivers, and potentially Uber itself.
- Settlement Negotiation: We negotiate for the best possible settlement, covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related expenses.
- Court Representation: If a fair settlement isn't possible, we represent you in court, presenting your case effectively and advocating for your rights.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in New York City
One or more contributing factors may be responsible for your injuries. In New York, pedestrians are at high risk for injury because a motor vehicle operator fails to look behind them before backing up or being distracted by a cell phone.
According to the New York State Department of Health, motor vehicle traffic accidents kill an average of 312 pedestrians each year. Additionally, they are responsible for sending pedestrians to over 12,500 emergency department visits annually.
Many accidents are entirely avoidable, caused by:
- Driver inattention
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Types of Uber Accident Claims
When involved in an Uber accident, the nature of your claim depends on your role and the specifics of the accident. Whether you are a passenger, driver, or third party, each situation has its claims processes and coverage options.
Here’s a brief overview of the main types of Uber accident claims:
Passenger Injuries
In New York State, if you are injured as a passenger in an Uber, you can seek compensation for your injuries. This coverage includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pedestrian Injuries
If you are a pedestrian struck by an Uber vehicle, you can pursue legal action to recover damages for your injuries. New York law allows pedestrians injured in accidents involving rideshare vehicles to file claims against the Uber driver’s insurance and potentially Uber's insurance.
It’s important to document the accident scene, seek immediate medical attention, and consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents to help you understand your rights and maximize your compensation.
Vehicle Injuries
If you are involved in a collision with an Uber driver while operating your vehicle, you can pursue a claim against the Uber driver's insurance policy. New York State requires Uber to carry substantial liability coverage, which can cover damages from accidents caused by its drivers.
Our attorneys can assist in negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring you receive compensation for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and any other losses incurred from the accident.
Determining Liability in Uber & Lyft Accidents
Liability can vary depending on whether the Uber driver was on duty, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger at the time of the accident. Determining liability is essential for ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable and that you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries and damages.
Uber's Insurance Coverage Details
- Period 1: Uber doesn’t provide coverage while the driver is logged in but waiting for a ride request. In this case, the driver’s personal insurance must handle any accidents.
- Periods 2 and 3: Uber’s insurance covers accidents during passenger pickup (Period 2) and while transporting a passenger (Period 3). The coverage includes liability for injuries and property damage, with higher limits in Period 3.
- Challenges with Insurance Claims: Uber’s insurance may deny claims or offer less money due to disagreements over who is at fault, limits of the policy, or missing information. Dealing with these issues often requires legal help to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What Insurance Coverage Does Uber Provide for Accidents?
Uber provides insurance coverage for their drivers while they're "on the job." If the driver is offline or their driver app is "off," they must rely on personal auto insurance to cover any accidents.
While the driver is online and waiting for a ride request with their app, Uber provides auto insurance for their drivers as follows:
- $50k bodily injury per person
- $100k bodily injury per accident
- $25k property damage per accident.
Suppose an accident occurs while the Uber driver is en route to pick up riders or during a trip with a rider. In that case, Uber carries insurance coverage of up to $1 million to cover injury, property damage, and death.
Lyft Corporate Insurance Policies
Lyft offers insurance coverage that applies in different situations depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident:
- Waiting for a Ride Request: If the Lyft driver is logged into the app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride, Lyft provides limited liability coverage. This includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- En Route to Pick Up a Passenger: Once the driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up a passenger, Lyft’s insurance increases significantly. It includes $1 million in liability coverage and comprehensive and collision coverage if the driver has their own insurance.
- During the Ride: While the passenger is in the vehicle, Lyft maintains the $1 million liability coverage. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects passengers if another driver causes an accident but doesn’t have sufficient insurance.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Lyft’s policy also includes coverage if another driver who is uninsured or underinsured causes the accident, providing an extra layer of protection for drivers and passengers.
This coverage ensures that drivers, passengers, and others affected by the accident can receive compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses. However, filing a claim can be complex, and understanding how these policies apply to your situation is essential.
Other Motor Vehicle Operators Who Negligently Bring About a Collision With a Ridesharing Vehicle
When other drivers act carelessly and cause an accident with a rideshare vehicle, they can be held responsible for the damages. Whether it’s reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic signals, their negligence can lead to serious consequences for everyone involved.
These drivers might be liable for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from the collision. If you've been involved in an accident caused by another motor vehicle operator while using a rideshare service, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.
Uber Accident Statistics
Uber and other app-based rideshare companies have taken over in New York and the United States. Millions of people utilize these fast and convenient modes of transportation. The sudden increase in demand has left many regulators wondering how safe these rides are and whether the companies are doing enough to protect drivers and passengers from harm.
According to Uber’s US Safety Report:
- There are approximately 4 million Uber trips in the United States every day.
- Nearly 100 fatal Uber crashes were reported on the app, 90% of which occurred in urban areas.
- An estimated 30% of fatal Uber crashes involved a pedestrian.
- As noted by The Washington Post, the Safety Report does disclose that the company received 3,000 sexual assault complaints from drivers and passengers, including 235 rapes in a single year.
- Throughout 2017 and 2018, there were 6,000 sexual assault incidents reported to the company.
These staggering statistics call for companies to continue addressing these safety issues. These numbers are also likely underestimating the actual number of accidents involving Uber drivers.
They only report those involving the Uber app. Investigators believe that thousands of accidents could not be included in these numbers, as the San Francisco Public Press published.
Steps in Filing an Uber Accident Claim
Timeliness and thorough documentation play key roles in the process. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you through:
- Act Quickly: Report the accident to the police and file a report to create an official record.
- Collect Evidence: Take photos of the scene, gather medical records, and obtain witness statements to document your injuries and damages.
- Uber’s Insurance: File a claim with Uber’s insurance if the driver was actively transporting you or on their way to pick you up. Submit all relevant evidence and accident details.
- Personal Insurance: If the driver was off-duty, file a claim with their personal insurance. Also, notify your own insurance company to cover any additional damages or injuries.
- Consult an Attorney: Seek our NYC attorneys for further legal advice if you experience delays or disputes with your claim. We can help negotiate insurance and guide you through potential court proceedings when you file a personal injury claim.
- Prepare for Court: If a settlement isn’t reached, you may need to take the case to court. Your attorney will assist with evidence gathering and advocate for you throughout the legal process.
Why Choose an NYC Uber Accident Lawyer At Ajlouny Injury Law
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake. Our experienced injury attorneys are here to review your case and work hard to get you a fair settlement.
When you contact us, you'll speak directly with a knowledgeable attorney who will provide strong, ethical representation to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
We’re available around the clock to answer your questions and guide you through every step, from filing your claim to dealing with insurance companies.
Don’t settle for less without consulting an expert. Insurance companies often offer lower settlements to save money. We offer a free case review to help you decide if legal action is your best move.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't have to pay us unless we win money for you. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees. We only get paid if you get compensated, so you don’t have to worry about paying us if you don’t win. This way, you can focus on your case without financial stress.
Other Locations We Serve
Our New York personal injury lawyers proudly extend their services across New York City, ensuring you have access to expert legal support no matter where you are. We cover the entire city, including but not limited to:
- Brooklyn
- Garden City
- New York
- Queens
Speak to a New York City Uber Accident Injury Lawyer Right Now!
We understand that dealing with the aftermath of an Uber accident can be incredibly stressful and confusing. Our Uber car accident law firm is here to provide compassionate support and expert guidance through every step of this challenging process.
We are committed to fighting for your rights as accident victims and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
