Cases We Handle Auto Accidents Uber & Lyft Accidents

Uber & Lyft Accidents Attorney in New York

Most New Yorkers welcomed the introduction of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft as a cheaper alternative to yellow taxis and a more convenient option to city buses and subways. However, the addition of over 80,000 rideshare drivers in New York City has caused an increase in congestion. Even more troublesome, accidents appear to be on the rise. The companies can be tricky to fight without the help of a New York City rideshare attorney. 

If you have been injured in an Uber accident, as a passenger, pedestrian or in another car, call an Uber accident lawyer at The O’Connor Law Firm to help guide you through the legal process. Rideshare accident cases can be complicated.

Who is Responsible For An Uber Accident?

If you were injured in an Uber accident, there may be several different parties responsible depending on how the accident happened:

• Uber driver
• Driver of another vehicle or multiple vehicles (and vehicle owners)
• Government entities, utility companies or private contractors for roadwork or roadway defects
• MTA Bus or private bus company
• Bicyclist
• Pedestrian
• Employers of drivers who are working at the time of the accident (including private businesses and government entities)

Contact an experienced Uber accident lawyer today and let us help you investigate the cause of your accident and help you get the compensation you deserve. There may be more than one responsible party.

Most Common Causes of Uber Accidents in NYC

Uber accidents, like other vehicle accidents in New York City, have several different contributing causes:

• Distracting driving
• Fatigued driving
• Aggressive driving
• Following too closely
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Unsafe lane changes
• Improper turns

Uber Insurance Coverage in New York

The insurance requirements for Uber in NYC are very different from the rest of the country and even the rest of New York State. In most parts of New York State, Uber provides group ridesharing insurance that provides coverage limits for bodily injuries depending on the “phase” of the driver at the time of the accident:

Uber Driver is Offline

When the Uber driver’s app is “off” at the time of an accident, Uber’s rideshare insurance policy does not apply. Instead, the driver’s personal insurance applies which can be as little as $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Uber Driver’s App is “On” But No Ride Has Been Accepted

When the Uber driver has the app turned “on” and is waiting for a ride request, the Uber rideshare insurance provides $75,000 per person and $150,000 per accident.

Uber Driver’s App is “On” And A Ride Request Has Been Accepted

From the time an Uber driver accepts a ride request until the ride ends, Uber’s rideshare insurance provides $1.25 million dollars in coverage for bodily injury.

Level of Coverage Requirements for Uber

In New York City, Uber’s group rideshare insurance policy is not applicable. Instead, all Uber vehicles are regulated by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). According to TLC rules, all Uber vehicles operating in New York City must purchase commercial insurance policies and must comply with TLC’s minimum levels of insurance coverage. For most Uber vehicles, the minimum level of coverage for rides originating in New York City is $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident. This matches the same coverage level of yellow taxis.

Can I Recover Money For My Uber Accident Injuries? 

If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, you may have questions about whether you can recover money for your injuries. New York requires vehicle accident victims to prove they sustained a “serious injury” as defined by New York Insurance Law §5102.

A minor injury which resolves itself within a couple of months and does not prevent you from performing substantially all the material acts which constitute your usual and customary daily activities will not qualify as a “serious injury.”

At The O’Connor Law Firm, we have helped injury victims prove their injuries were catastrophic and recover compensation for the following:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Shoulder and knee injuries
• Wrongful death

If you have questions or are unsure whether your injuries meet the “serious injury” requirement, contact us today and let us provide the answers you deserve. We offer free case evaluations with no obligation. You can fill out or contact form below or call us at 212-566-4868 or 718-948-3500.

What Damages Am I Entitled To For My Uber Accident Injuries?

If you’ve suffered injuries in an Uber accident in New York City, we will help you recover all the damages you may be entitled to, including:

• Past and future pain and suffering
• Lost income and lost future earning capacity
• Medical expenses and cost of future medical care
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Emotional trauma

What Should I Do After An Uber Accident?

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or other rideshare company accident, you can take immediate steps to help protect your rights even before contacting an experienced rideshare accident attorney:

• Get immediate medical help.
• Obtain insurance information from the Uber driver and any other drivers.
• Gather evidence, including witness names and photos of the scene.
• Report the accident to your insurer.
• Do not give a recorded statement to Uber’s insurance company.
• Contact an experienced Uber accident lawyer and provide the lawyer’s name to Uber’s insurance company.

When you are injured in an Uber accident or other rideshare company accident, the insurance companies have one goal in mind – to protect themselves and their money. They will try everything to deny or delay your claim, dispute the extent of your injuries and blame you instead of their own driver. Contact The O’Connor Law Firm and our rideshare attorneys will fight to protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Call Us Today And Let Our New York City Uber Accident Lawyer Guide You Through The Legal Process

Are you unsure of whether to call a rideshare accident lawyer for your Uber accident? The O’Connor Law Firm is available 7 days a week to answer your questions and give you peace of mind. We will help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. We will let you know if you need a lawyer and help you recover money for the damages you may be entitled to as a result of the negligence of an Uber driver or other responsible parties.

We will take on the burden of dealing with the insurance company so that you can focus on your recovery. Call us today at 212-566-4868 or 718-948-3500 and get your questions answered at no charge and with no obligation.