Queens Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney

Rideshare Accidents in New York City

In the past decade, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have exploded in popularity throughout the United States, including in New York City. As more and more people continue to choose this form of transportation, the risk of being involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle has also increased.

If you or someone you love was injured in a collision with an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, we encourage you to get in touch with the experienced personal injury lawyers at our firm. Rideshare accidents are not like standard car accident claims; it is critical that you have an experienced attorney by your side who can fight for you and your rights. Our Queens Uber and Lyft accident attorneys have nearly 30 years of experience and a long, proven record of success. We have the knowledge, resources, and skills to effectively advocate for you and the maximum recovery you are owed.

Contact us online or call (718) 487-8669 today for a free consultation. We can meet with you at home or in the hospital if you are unable to come to us due to your injuries.

What to do After You Have Been In an Uber or Lyft Accident

1. Call the police
2. Seek medical attention if you need it
3. Make sure to take photos of the accident
4. Gather the rideshare drivers name, insurance information and contact information
5. Gather the same information on any other drivers involved
6. Report the accident
7. Get in contact with a lawyer

Who Pays After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Rideshare accidents tend to be much more complex than most standard car accident claims due to the issue of liability. After most car accidents in New York, injured drivers and passengers can recover compensation from their own auto insurance providers by filing a personal injury protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) claim. This coverage is available regardless of fault. If the injured party suffers damages that exceed these coverage limits, and their injuries meet the state’s “serious injury threshold,” they may also be able to go outside the no-fault system and bring a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or sue the at-fault driver directly.

However, the process of recovering compensation after a rideshare accident is often far more complicated. While injured parties can still recover compensation from their own auto insurance providers, going outside the no-fault system becomes much more complicated in cases involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies.

After an accident, any of the following parties may be responsible for some or all of your damages:

• Your own auto insurance provider
• The rideshare driver
• The rideshare company
• A third party, such as another motorist

The specific details of the situation determine who is responsible. For example, if you were injured as an Uber passenger in an accident caused by the Uber driver, you may be entitled to compensation through Uber’s insurance coverage. If you were injured as the driver of another vehicle, and the rideshare driver who caused the accident was not actively driving for their rideshare company at the time of the crash, you may need to file a claim against the driver’s private auto insurance provider. If you were partially to blame for the accident, the process of recovering compensation becomes even more complicated.

At the Harris Firm, LLC, our Queens rideshare accident attorneys know how to navigate the legal system and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We can sit down with you during a complimentary consultation and discuss how the specific factors involved in your case may affect your claim. We invite you to contact us today to set up an appointment with a member of our team.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident?

Because Uber and Lyft both classify their drivers as “independent contractors,” not “employees,” it is nearly impossible to sue either rideshare company directly. However, you could be entitled to compensation through the respective rideshare company’s insurance policy if you were involved in an accident caused by one of their drivers.

Both Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of coverage depending on the circumstances. Specifically, these companies recognize three covered driving periods:

• Period 1: The driver has the app turned on/is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request/is actively looking for a ride.
• Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride request but does not yet have the passenger in the vehicle/is on the way to pick up the passenger.
• Period 3: The driver has accepted a ride request and has the passenger in the vehicle/is actively transporting the passenger to their destination.

Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for each of these three driving periods, with up to $1 million in total coverage available during both period 2 and 3. However, if the rideshare driver does not have the app turned on when the accident occurs, neither rideshare company provides any coverage. In such instances, injured parties can file standard PIP or MedPay claims with their own auto insurance companies and/or pursue compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or suing the at-fault driver.

How an Attorney at the Harris Firm, LLC Can Help

Rideshare accident claims are often very complex and challenging. Victims should not have to deal with disputes from insurance adjusters and rideshare companies when they are already focused on getting necessary medical treatment and managing everyday expenses while out of work. At the Harris Firm, LLC, our Queens Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can assist you with the legal details so that you can dedicate your time and energy to healing and moving forward with your life.

As your legal team, we will handle all communication with the rideshare company, as well as its insurance adjusters or the at-fault driver’s private auto insurance provider. Our attorneys are tough negotiators who are known for making insurance companies pay every last cent they owe to injured accident victims. We are prepared to navigate the system on your behalf, all while advocating for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Throughout the process, we will provide you with frequent updates on the status of your case. You will remain in direct communication and contact with your attorney; you will never be passed off to a paralegal or assistant. We are proud to provide personal attention, dedicated counsel, and tireless advocacy on behalf of our clients.

Call Us or Visit One of Our Offices Today

The Harris Firm, LLC follows an open-door policy, meaning you do not need an appointment to visit one of our two, conveniently located offices. We invite you to visit us in Queens or the Bronx to discuss your situation with a member of our staff. If you are unable to travel to us, we can come to you. We frequently meet with potential clients at home or in the hospital and are happy to go the extra mile in order to make the process easier for you.

Our multilingual staff provides assistance in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Bangali/Vangia. There are absolutely no costs when you hire our firm unless we recover compensation for you, and there is zero obligation to hire after your initial consultation.

To learn more, call us at (718) 487-8669 or submit a free online case evaluation form today.