Halperin, Halperin & Weiskopf, PLLC

New York Uber Accident Lawyer

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, Lyft, and Via, have become more and more prevalent throughout New York as they are more convenient to the customer, and in some cases, cheaper than a traditional taxi. One key difference between taxis and ridesharing services is that companies like Uber, Lyft, and Via are digital platforms, and do not own, operate or maintain the ridesharing vehicles. Additionally, with ridesharing services, it is difficult to ensure that drivers conduct proper vehicle inspections and undergo appropriate background checks, drug screens, or training. If you have suffered from an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, contact a Uber accident lawyer at Halperin, Halperin & Weiskopf, PLLC. to learn more about your rights. One of our experienced and dedicated rideshare accident attorneys is here to help and will fight to get you every penny you are owed for your injuries.

Ridesharing Insurance Coverage:

Under Article 44-B Section 1693, New York State mandates that rideshare vehicles possess additional insurance coverage when either engaged in a trip or active within the TNC’s database. This insurance works as follows:

In the event of an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, the passengers of the car are covered by a minimum $1,000,000 insurance policy that is activated the moment the ride begins.
In cases involving “active” rideshare vehicles without passengers, insurance will cover up to $50,000 in medical benefits per injury and $25,000 for any property damage.
If the ridesharing vehicle was not online or carrying passengers at the time of the accident, the driver will only be covered under their personal insurance.

Steps to Take Following a Rideshare Accident:

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, with Uber, Lyft, Via or any other rideshare service, here are a few steps you should take to strengthen your claim:

Call 911: The first step you should take immediately following a motor vehicle injury is to call the police. The police provide you and those involved with immediate assistance, including the preparation of an accident report which records relevant information to determine liability.
Record and exchange information: Be sure to exchange contact information with the rideshare driver, and any other driver involved. Remember to record their license ID number, insurance information, and license plate number.
Take photos and identify any witnesses: Use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident and injuries. It also helps to note any relevant facts or witnesses relating to your accident, including a narration of the events transpired. These images and details are crucial and can help strengthen your claim in a personal injury lawsuit.
Seek medical attention: If you have sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident, be sure to receive proper medical care. Have a doctor assess your injuries and track medical reports, expenses, and other relevant documents. Some injuries may not be immediately evident until you are examined by a medical professional. Doing this will help prove that you sustained your injuries during the accident.
Contact an Uber accident lawyer: Rideshare insurance companies often avoid or delay paying claims. If an insurance company contacts you to discuss the accident and your injuries, do not give them any information until you speak with a Uber accident lawyer; any statements given to the insurance provider may weaken your claim. Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys can provide crucial advice to obtain a higher reimbursement than what insurance companies would do otherwise offer.

What Type of Compensation is Available?

Our car accident attorneys at Halperin, Halperin & Weiskopf, PLLC. regularly handle cases involving rideshare accidents and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Some typical damages awarded include.

Past and future lost wages: If you are unable to work after an Uber or Lyft accident or are limited in your mobility or capacity, you may be eligible for compensation to cover any past or future wages that you might have lost as a result of your injuries.
Medical expenses: Serious accidents and injuries can result in crushing medical bills. You may be eligible for compensation to cover your costs.
Pain and suffering: Victims of motor vehicle accidents can be compensated for any pain and suffering experienced during or after an accident, in addition to the costs of medical treatment.
Property damage: compensation may be awarded to cover any damage to your personal property.
Punitive damages: In some instances, punitive damages may be awarded to the plaintiff, in addition to the compensation listed above; this discourages the driver from acting irresponsibly in the future.
Loss of financial support or parental guidance: You may be compensated if a ridesharing accident results in the death of a parent or head-of-household.

Claims against ridesharing companies like Uber, Lyft, and Via are distinctly complex to pursue. In order to receive any compensation from the ridesharing companies, you must prove that you have sustained “serious” injuries as defined by Insurance Law 5102(d). Ridesharing companies and their insurance companies will fight vigorously to avoid paying any claims, making it difficult to receive any compensation at all. Retaining the services of an experienced Uber accident lawyer at Halperin & Halperin P.C. will substantially increase your prospects of winning a substantial settlement or trial verdict. We have proven results in securing significant settlements and trial verdicts for our clients.

The statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents in New York State only extends three years from the date of the accident; however, this time limit may be longer if the victim of an accident is under 18 years of age. For accidents involving wrongful death, the statute of limitations is only two years from the date of the victim’s death. Our car accident attorneys at Halperin & Halperin P.C. work on a contingency basis, meaning we will not require any payment for our services until we recover damages and get you the justice you deserve.

Unlike many other New York personal injury firms who look to settle with insurance companies to avoid a trial at all costs, the attorneys at Halperin & Halperin P.C. are seasoned trial lawyers. We will bring your case to trial to defend your rights if the insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement.

Call us at 212-935-2600 or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.