If you live or work in New York City, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient and cost-efficient transportation alternative to buses, the subway, and other modes of transportation. With the surge in popularity of rideshare services in New York City, there has also been an increase in car accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles. Unfortunately, depending on the nature and severity of the accident, passengers can suffer serious injuries.
One of the first steps you should take if you are involved in any type of car accident is to collect evidence. This is particularly important if you were involved in a rideshare car accident because multiple parties may be liable, and numerous insurance companies may be involved. It is recommended that you collect the following evidence immediately following a car accident involving a Lyft or Uber vehicle:
- Photos from the scene of the accident: If you are physically able to do so, take pictures of the damage to the vehicle from several angles, your injuries, the position of both cars, skid marks on the road, and any other photos that can be used as evidence.
- Eyewitnesses: If the accident occurred on a busy New York City street, it is likely that a witness saw the accident happen and may be able to provide important information about the crash.
- Videos: If a business or private residence captured the accident on their surveillance camera, your car accident attorney can contact the owner of the surveillance camera and request a copy of the footage.
- Medical bills and records: Bills can show you suffered an injury that required medical attention.
Who Is Liable for My Injuries?
If you were injured in a car accident while you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you might be wondering who is responsible for your medical expenses and other losses you suffered as a result of the accident. If the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault for causing the accident, their insurance will cover up to a certain amount of bodily injury and property damage. If the Uber or Lyft driver was not at fault, their supplementary uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance may provide some compensation.
In addition, all New York motorists must carry their car insurance policy that includes personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, which can be used to cover medical expenses, depending on the terms of your policy.
Brooklyn Car Accident Attorneys at Rubenstein & Rynecki Represent Victims of Rideshare Accidents
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident while riding in a Lyft or Uber, contact our Brooklyn car accident attorneys at Rubenstein & Rynecki at your earliest convenience. To schedule a free consultation, call 718-522-1020 or contact us online. Located in Brooklyn, New York, we serve clients throughout New York City, including The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.