Downtown Brooklyn Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

With rideshare services like Uber and Lyft so easily available, countless users benefit from them daily. Most might be unaware of the legal and insurance complications that often arise after these vehicles get into car accidents, though. Passengers, pedestrians, and drivers alike may face significant challenges in determining fault, dealing with insurance companies, and seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Our Downtown Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki understand the legal distinctions that apply when an Uber or Lyft vehicle is involved in a collision. Two examples are different tiers of insurance and establishing liability. Knowing how to address issues like these is a critical part of recovering damages after an injury.

Who Is Legally Responsible After a Rideshare Accident?

Responsibility for a rideshare accident depends on who caused the crash and whether the rideshare driver was logged into the app at the time:

• If a rideshare driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to a pickup, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy may apply. Once the driver accepts a ride or is transporting a passenger, both companies offer up to $1 million in liability coverage.
• If the driver was logged into the app but had not yet accepted a ride, a lower level of insurance coverage may be in effect. Uber and Lyft typically provide liability coverage up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 for property damage. 
• When the driver is off-duty, personal auto insurance is typically the primary coverage.  

In some cases, another driver may be responsible for the accident, or both drivers may share liability. Determining who is at fault requires a careful review of evidence and traffic laws. Our Downtown Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have experience handling multi-party claims and identifying which parties may hold legal responsibility for damages.

What If the Uber or Lyft Driver Was Not at Fault?

In some accidents, the rideshare driver may not be responsible for causing the crash. For example, another driver may have run a red light or failed to yield. In those instances, the claim may be made against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, Uber and Lyft may still offer limited uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage when a passenger is involved.

Determining fault in a multi-vehicle crash requires detailed investigation and accident reconstruction. Our Downtown Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can obtain traffic camera footage, police reports, and other evidence to identify liable parties and support the injury claim. Without establishing liability, it can be difficult to pursue compensation from any party involved.

Can Passengers Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?

Rideshare companies typically classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees; that classification often limits the ability to sue Uber or Lyft directly for driver negligence. However, legal action against the company may be possible in some cases, such as when a company fails to conduct appropriate background checks or retains a driver with a history of dangerous behavior.

Most injury claims involving rideshare services proceed through insurance policies, whether the claim involves the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s coverage, or a third-party insurer. In some cases, you may file claims against more than one insurance provider, depending on the accident. Our Downtown Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyers review the available options and identify paths toward seeking financial recovery.

How Are Rideshare Accident Cases Different From Regular Car Accidents?

Rideshare accident cases often involve additional insurance policies and more than one potentially liable party. These cases may also involve commercial insurance adjusters who are more aggressive in disputing claims than private individuals. Furthermore, because Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, the legal process of assigning fault and pursuing damages can differ from standard traffic accident cases.

Another challenge is the documentation of the rideshare status. Data preserved in ride logs, GPS information, and app usage records may be relevant to the case. Our Downtown Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are familiar with the procedures required to pursue compensation in these unique legal settings.

What Types of Compensation Can Be Pursued After a Rideshare Accident?

Injured parties may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the extent of their injuries and financial losses. Compensation may include payment for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and diminished earning capacity. In some cases, long-term disabilities may result in future medical expenses or permanent lifestyle changes.

The amount of compensation available will depend on the severity of the injury, the extent of insurance coverage, and liability determinations.  Our Downtown Brooklyn legal team handles each case by reviewing records, consulting with medical professionals when appropriate, and advocating for clients throughout the claims process.

What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Downtown Brooklyn?

We strongly recommend prioritizing health and safety after any kind of motor vehicle crash, so call 911. Even injuries that appear minor may worsen over time, so prompt evaluation by a medical professional is important. It is also wise to document the accident by collecting photographs, police reports, witness statements, and ride confirmation details from the app.

Reporting the accident to Uber or Lyft through the app is required, and claimants should also notify their own insurance company. Before giving recorded statements to an insurer or accepting any settlement, it may be beneficial to consult with a legal professional. Our Downtown Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can assess the circumstances and explain what legal rights may apply under New York law.

Let the Experienced Downtown Brooklyn Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki Fight to Protect Your Rights

If you were injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, our experienced Downtown Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyers offer free legal consultations and trusted legal guidance. To learn more, call 718-522-1020 or submit our online form. Rubenstein & Rynecki proudly serves clients throughout New York City, including Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.