Rideshare Accident Attorneys in New York
Apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed modern transportation. However, rideshare accident claims can be challenging to navigate if you’re hurt in a crash. For more than 40 years, James Alexander Law has helped personal injury victims find the justice and compensation they need to protect their health and financial security. Our rideshare accident lawyers in central New York can help you understand how these claims work and offer compassionate, tenacious legal support you can trust.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Claims
Assigning liability and establishing fault in rideshare accident cases can be challenging. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be liable, including the driver, rideshare company, or other motorists involved in a crash.
Both Uber and Lyft carry $1 million insurance policies that are intended to cover riders for the duration of their trips. However, whether a rideshare company is responsible for damages depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For example, if a rideshare driver is in a collision when logged out of the app, the company is not liable for any accidents or injuries that occur at that time. In this case, the driver’s personal insurance policy would likely apply.
Typically, when a driver is en route to pick someone up or there is a passenger in the car, the rideshare company’s insurance is in effect. If another motorist caused an accident, injured parties may have to file a claim with that driver’s insurance company. In some cases, you may even need to file a claim with your own auto insurance company.
With so many potentially liable parties in the mix, determining who is responsible for damages can be daunting. Our rideshare accident attorneys can sort it all out and help you pursue compensation from all potentially liable parties.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can happen for a multitude of reasons, including:
Distracted driving – Rideshare drivers often use their phones or GPS systems, which can increase the risk of distracted driving accidents.
Driver fatigue – Rideshare drivers who work long hours may become drowsy on the road. This can lead to impaired reaction times, poor judgment, or even falling asleep at the wheel.
Speeding – Some drivers may be in a rush to complete as many rides as possible. This can lead to dangerous behaviors like speeding and running red lights.
Inexperience – New drivers or those unfamiliar with an area may be more at risk for accidents.
Other drivers – Rideshares may also be involved in accidents caused by other motorists.
Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident as a rideshare passenger, motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian, our motor vehicle accident attorneys can help protect your rights.
Types of Rideshare Accident Injuries
Injuries sustained in rideshare accidents can range from minor to severe. Common types of injuries include:
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Spinal injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Psychological conditions, such as PTSD and anxiety
Depending on the injury, victims of rideshare accidents may require costly ongoing medical treatment which can be a substantial financial burden. In addition, severe injuries such as amputation can significantly reduce a victim’s quality of life and ability to earn a living. Our rideshare accident attorneys in central New York can evaluate your case and accurately value your claim to ensure any settlement or award you may receive will cover all your damages and losses. Types of damages we may be able to recover include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in central New York, taking certain steps can safeguard your rights and provide supporting evidence for a personal injury claim. After a crash, you should:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Going to the emergency room or seeing a health care provider promptly can ensure you get the medical treatment you need. Even if your injuries seem minor, symptoms of more serious conditions may not appear right away. Medical records also provide valuable evidence you’ll need if you file a rideshare accident claim.
Report the accident. Call 911 and Use the app to notify the rideshare company. However, do not speak to any insurance company representatives or accept a settlement without talking to a central New York rideshare accident lawyer first.
Gather evidence. Make sure to get all involved drivers’ contact and insurance information. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, and anything else you think is relevant. Make sure to collect contact information from witnesses as well. If available, get a copy of the police report at the scene.
Contact an attorney. Our rideshare accident lawyers offer free, no-obligation case evaluations, so you really have nothing to lose by reaching out to our office. We listen to your story, offer straightforward feedback about your case, and help you understand your options for recovering compensation.
Why Choose Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers?
Dealing with insurance companies can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. Our rideshare accident attorneys have a proven record of success winning cases both outside and inside the courtroom. We’ve helped more than 10,000 personal injury victims in central New York, and our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Our rideshare accident attorneys are familiar with cases involving complex insurance policies and ensure that the appropriate parties are held accountable. Because rideshare companies have high limits on their policies, insurers may fight even harder to minimize their financial liability. We know how to negotiate and act as your staunch advocates to obtain a fair settlement. If a reasonable settlement can’t be reached, your rideshare accident lawyer may take your case to trial.
Our rideshare accident lawyers know that the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of being injured in a crash can be challenging. We guide you every step of the way and put our experience and knowledge to work for you.
Contact a Central New York Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rideshare accident, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team at James Alexander Law is here for you. We serve personal injury clients in central New York, Rochester, and the Southern Tier and North Country areas. To learn more, contact us online or call 1-800-529-1333 to schedule a consultation with a rideshare accident attorney today. We offer two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, New York.
