In the state of New York, across the U.S., and around the world, the rideshare industry has flourished rapidly over the last decade. But what happens when you ride in a vehicle with Uber, Lyft or another rideshare company and there’s a crash, and you’re injured? At Astalaw we can help. If you were injured because you were involved in a rideshare accident, call us. Lyft and Uber are enormous corporations with attorneys at their disposal to defend them when an accident occurs, you need attorneys to fight for you. Claims involving Uber and Lyft can be very technical with respect to proving responsibility and filing with the appropriate companies.
Insurance coverage for a rideshare accident may depend on the status of the vehicle in question. Rideshare vehicles have four statuses:
Whether the rideshare company’s insurance or the driver’s personal auto insurance covers a rideshare vehicle depends on the vehicle’s status. Each accident is unique, so anyone who is injured in a New York traffic collision by an Uber or Lyft driver will need the insights and sound legal advice that an experienced rideshare accident attorney can provide.
Each case involving a rideshare company is different, so anyone who is injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in New York should consult with an accident attorney at Asta Law as quickly as possible after obtaining medical treatment. In cases involving rideshare vehicles the law is still evolving, There have been questions as to whether an Uber driver is an employee or an independent contractor, and whether the company is not liable for driver negligence. If you’re injured while riding as an Uber passenger, all passengers are covered by insurance, for no fault to cover your medical bills and lost wages, and for a personal injury claim. However, you will need a rideshare accident attorney’s help.
Here in New York, and in fact around the globe, the rideshare business has grown with stunning speed – companies like Uber are still relatively young. The industry’s growth has been so swift, lawmakers and insurance companies are still making adjustments to the laws and the insurance policies that the rideshare industry requires. Riding with Uber is quite popular in New York, but if you’re injured in an accident that involves a rideshare vehicle, what are your rights?
If you are injured in an accident with an Uber vehicle, or if you are injured while you are a passenger with Uber, an attorney’s guidance is imperative, but what should you do immediately after an accident happens? If you’re injured in an accident and are able, begin gathering the evidence and documents that you might need later for legal reasons. If you are the one who ordered the car, save the ride information that is on your phone. You can take screenshots of the vehicle information to save for your attorney.
If the other driver is working for Uber, or for any other rideshare company, get details about the insurance coverage if you can. Find out who to contact and where you submit a claim. Make sure that you get the rideshare driver’s name, telephone number, address, and as much information about insurance as possible. Try to determine the rideshare vehicle’s status at the time of the accident.
If you are able, take plenty of photos. Photographs can be convincing evidence in traffic accident cases. If you’re incapacitated, try to have someone else take photos for you and get the information you need from the driver or drivers. Summon the police and find out how to acquire a printout of their vehicle accident report. That report might be helpful if you need to file an injury claim. Finally, if there were eyewitnesses to the accident, get their names, phone numbers, and any other contact information they may offer. Your attorney may need their statements or testimony.
If you’ve been injured, don’t even speak with any insurance company before you’ve consulted with a good personal injury lawyer. Don’t make any statement, sign any paperwork, or agree to any settlement or settlement amount. When you’ve been seriously injured – and you deserve substantial compensation – an auto insurance company may offer you a ridiculously low settlement amount – or even reject your claim altogether. If you’re injured in an Uber accident in the New York City area or anywhere in the state, let an experienced New York personal injury attorney – someone who routinely negotiates with insurance companies – handle your personal injury claim while you focus on regaining your health.
In New York, a successful wrongful death claim may compensate a rideshare wrongful death victim’s estate for:
A personal injury caused by a complete stranger’s negligence can be emotionally and physically devastating. The only way to know for sure if you have a case – and if you can be compensated – is to consult an experienced rideshare accident injury attorney. Michael J. Asta, Esq. is one of New York’s leading rideshare accident attorneys. You can be confident that the legal team at Asta Law is fully committed to winning the best possible results for our personal injury clients and their families. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, call Asta Law at (212) 244-6555 or complete the contact form here on our website. The consultation is free, and we work on a contingency basis meaning there is no fee until we obtain compensation on your behalf.