Uber Accident Lawyer Rockland County, NY
At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, our Rockland County NY Uber accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve after an injury involving an Uber or Lyft accident.
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft offer great convenience, but what happens when you are a passenger and an accident occurs, or your vehicle and a rideshare car collide? While rideshare accidents are similar to taxi accidents in many ways, there is a significant difference when it comes to insurance coverage. For example, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission requires only a minimum of $100,000 in liability coverage, an amount that is usually inadequate when a serious accident takes place. Rideshare services have much better coverage.
Rideshare Accident Statistics
There are plenty of good safety reasons to use rideshares. You certainly should not be behind the wheel, for instance, after a night of drinking. Still, the increasing popularity of Uber and Lyft means a commensurate increase in rideshare accidents. In some cities, rideshare accidents make up as much as 25 percent of car accidents.
Distracted driving is a primary contributor to this high accident rate. Overall, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers must pay frequent attention to their app while on the road. It can be a recipe for disaster, especially when the driver is in an unfamiliar area.
Uber Liability Insurance Coverage
Keep in mind that rideshare services offer coverage windows for their drivers. When a driver is offline, they are covered by their personal auto insurance. Once their app is on and a request comes in and the driver sets off to pick up the customer, commercial insurance kicks in. Commercial insurance remains in progress for the entirety of the ride.
Uber maintains $1.25 million in third-party liability insurance for drivers. The company recommends that drivers expand their personal auto insurance to include rideshares for further protection. If the Uber driver is at fault for the collision in which they have a passenger or a ride request, the $1.25 million third-party liability insurance remains in place.
If you were in your vehicle when the crash occurred and the Uber driver was pursuing a request or carrying a passenger, they fall under Uber’s insurance. If their Uber app is on and they are merely waiting for a request, their liability is covered by Uber’s group ridesharing policy.
The group ridesharing policy provides liability coverage for bodily injury for up to $75,000 per injury per accident up to $150,000 per accident. It also covers up to $25,000 for property damage.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, call 911. That is the case whether you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle or a rideshare vehicle and your car were involved in the accident.
If you are able, collect information and evidence regarding the accident. Take photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved, and make sure the license plates are visible. The drivers may be exchanging insurance and contact information with each other but you should also receive this information as a rideshare passenger. If there are witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information.
Always seek medical attention after an auto accident, even if you do not think you were hurt. Not all injuries are apparent immediately, and failing to go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility can harm your claim if you later find you were injured in the collision.
Notify your insurance company and let them know you were in a rideshare crash. Get a copy of the police report once it becomes available.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
As our Rockland County Uber accident lawyer can explain, liability depends on the circumstances surrounding the rideshare accident. The rideshare driver is not necessarily at fault but only a thorough investigation can determine liability.
Because several insurance companies or parties are involved, determining liability is often more complicated than in typical motor vehicle accidents. Liability may fall upon any of the following, depending on the evidence:
- Uber/Lyft driver
- Rideshare company
- Other motorists
- Manufacturer if there was a car defect
- Municipality, if poor road conditions contributed
Rideshare Accident Compensation
Compensation, or damages, in a rideshare accident may include:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
If a person succumbs to their rideshare accident injuries, their family may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Our Uber and Lyft Lawyers Can Help
You may hear from the at-fault driver’s insurance company soon after the accident. Do not accept any settlement before obtaining legal counsel. Insurance companies want to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. If you are seriously injured, failure to seek a prompt medical evaluation can harm your claim.
Our Uber and Lyft lawyers can determine all insurance carriers who must be placed on notice regarding the accident. This may include your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company, the Uber driver’s personal insurance company, and the Uber insurance company.
If you were seriously injured in a car accident involving Uber or Lyft drivers, you need the services of experienced Rockland County Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.
How Do I Hire the Right Lawyer?
It’s important to hire the right Rockland County, NY Uber accident lawyer that you can also fully count on. When you’re involved in an Uber accident, seeking the assistance of a qualified lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. However, not all lawyers are equal in their abilities and past experience. To make sure you have the best legal representation for your Uber accident case, these are five common qualities you should look for when searching for a qualified lawyer. In this article, we will discuss these essential qualities in detail.
Specialization in Personal Injury and Rideshare Accidents
The first quality to consider is the lawyer’s specialization in personal injury law and experience handling rideshare accident cases. Personal injury law is a complex field, and Uber accidents have unique legal aspects. Look for a lawyer who has expertise specifically in personal injury and experience dealing with rideshare accidents. They should have a deep understanding of the relevant laws, regulations, and nuances surrounding Uber accidents. Specialized knowledge will enhance their ability to navigate the complexities of your case and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Track Record of Success
A qualified Rockland County Uber accident lawyer should have a track record of success in handling similar cases. Research the lawyer’s past cases and outcomes to gauge their level of expertise and effectiveness. Look for a lawyer with a history of securing substantial settlements or favorable jury verdicts. This demonstrates their ability to negotiate with insurance companies, build strong cases, and fight for their clients’ rights. A successful track record instills confidence and increases the chances of achieving a favorable resolution for your Uber accident claim.
Excellent Communication and Listening Skills
Effective communication and active listening are fundamental qualities to seek in a dedicated Rockland County Uber accident lawyer. They should be able to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable manner. Additionally, a good lawyer should actively listen to your concerns, answer your questions promptly, and keep you informed about the progress of your case. A lawyer who can effectively communicate with you and other parties involved in the case will strengthen your position and ensure that your needs are adequately represented throughout the legal process.
Strong Negotiation Skills
Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties involved in the Uber accident case is crucial to secure fair compensation. Look for a lawyer with strong negotiation skills, as this can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. A skilled negotiator will advocate for your best interests, understand the tactics employed by insurance companies, and work diligently to achieve a favorable settlement. They should be persuasive, assertive, and have a comprehensive understanding of the value of your claim. A lawyer with excellent negotiation skills will strive to maximize your compensation and ensure you receive what you deserve.
Empathy and Compassion
Dealing with the aftermath of an Uber accident can be emotionally challenging. It is important to choose a lawyer who demonstrates empathy and compassion towards your situation. They should understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact the accident has had on your life. An empathetic lawyer will provide support, guide you through the legal process, and help alleviate your stress. They should genuinely care about your well-being and make your case a top priority. Working with a lawyer who shows compassion can make a significant difference in your overall experience during this difficult time.