NYC Uber Accident Lawyer: Fighting for Your Rights
Were you injured in an Uber accident in New York City? Uber and other rideshare accidents present unique challenges, often involving complex liability issues and insurance coverage disputes. At Veridian Legal, our experienced Uber accident lawyers in New York City understand the nuances of these cases and are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians.
Whether you were a passenger in an Uber, another vehicle involved in a collision with an Uber, or a pedestrian struck by an Uber driver, we can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team has a deep understanding of New York's rideshare laws and regulations and a proven track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
What Are Common Causes of Uber Accidents in New York City?
Uber accidents in New York City can occur for various reasons, often due to the negligence of the Uber driver or other motorists. Some common causes include:
Driver Negligence
Distracted driving: Uber drivers often rely on their phones for navigation, communication with passengers, and accepting new rides. This can lead to distracted driving, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. New York has strict laws against distracted driving, and our attorneys can help you hold distracted Uber drivers accountable.
Drowsy driving/fatigue: Many Uber drivers work long hours to maximize their earnings, which can lead to fatigue and drowsy driving. Fatigue impairs a driver's reaction time, judgment, and decision-making abilities, making it a significant hazard on the road. We can help you investigate whether driver fatigue played a role in your Uber accident.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Driving under the influence is illegal and incredibly dangerous, and rideshare drivers are not exempt from this responsibility. If you suspect the Uber driver who caused your accident was under the influence, we can help you gather evidence to support your claim.
Speeding or reckless driving: Some Uber drivers may speed or drive recklessly to complete more rides and increase their earnings. This dangerous behavior puts passengers and others on the road at risk. We can help you determine if speeding or reckless driving contributed to your Uber accident.
Failure to yield the right-of-way: Failure to yield the right-of-way is a common cause of accidents, especially in a busy city like New York. Uber drivers must adhere to traffic laws and yield the right-of-way to avoid collisions.
Unfamiliarity with NYC roads and traffic patterns: Not all Uber drivers are familiar with New York City's complex road network and traffic patterns. This can lead to confusion and errors in judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
Other Contributing Factors
In addition to driver negligence, other factors can contribute to Uber accidents in New York City:
Vehicle defects or maintenance issues: If a mechanical failure or lack of maintenance contributed to your Uber accident, you may have a claim against Uber or the vehicle owner. Our attorneys can help you investigate the vehicle's condition and maintenance records to determine if negligence played a role.
Hazardous road conditions: New York City's roads can be challenging to navigate, with potholes, construction zones, and other hazards. If hazardous road conditions contributed to your Uber accident, we can help you determine if the city or another party may be liable.
Negligence of other drivers: In some cases, another driver's negligence may be the primary cause of an Uber accident. Our attorneys can help you identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation from each of them.
Who Is Liable After an NYC Uber Accident?
Determining liability in an Uber accident can be complex. It depends on various factors, including whether the Uber driver was actively engaged in a ride at the time of the accident, the nature of the accident, and who was at fault.
Potentially liable parties may include:
The Uber driver: If the Uber driver's negligence caused the accident, they can be held personally liable for your injuries and damages.
Uber itself: Uber may be held liable under certain circumstances, such as if they failed to properly screen or train their drivers or if their app malfunctioned and contributed to the accident.
The driver of another vehicle involved: If another driver's negligence caused the accident, you may have a claim against their insurance company.
A vehicle manufacturer: If a defect in the Uber vehicle contributed to the accident, you may have a claim against the vehicle manufacturer.
Our experienced Uber accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation from each of them.
Does Uber Insure Drivers in New York?
Yes, Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers in New York, but the extent of coverage depends on the driver's status at the time of the accident.
If the driver was actively engaged in a ride: Uber's insurance policy typically provides significant coverage, up to $1 million for third-party liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This means that if you were injured as a passenger in an Uber, you would likely be covered by Uber's insurance policy.
If the driver was not on the app and available for rides: The coverage may be limited. In this case, the driver's personal auto insurance policy would likely be the primary source of coverage. However, Uber still provides some contingent liability coverage in this situation, which may apply if the driver's personal insurance is insufficient.
Our attorneys can help you understand Uber's insurance policy and how it applies to your specific situation. We will work to maximize your compensation, whether through Uber's insurance, the driver's personal insurance, or other avenues.
Available Compensation in New York City Uber Accident Cases
If you've been injured in an Uber accident in New York City, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
Economic Damages
Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical costs, such as hospital bills, doctor's visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for your lost income. This includes both past and future lost wages.
Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Rehabilitation costs: This includes the cost of any necessary rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
Emotional distress: This includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional or psychological conditions resulting from the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life: This includes the loss of ability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the accident, such as hobbies, sports, and social events.
Our attorneys will work diligently to calculate the full extent of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Uber Accidents Can Result in Serious Injuries
Uber accidents, like any motor vehicle accidents, can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries such as:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can cause a range of cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments, impacting a person's ability to work, communicate, and perform daily activities. TBIs can have long-lasting effects and require extensive rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other debilitating conditions, often requiring lifelong medical care and assistance. Spinal cord injuries can result in significant life changes and require ongoing support and resources.
Broken bones and fractures: Broken bones can take months to heal and may require surgery or physical therapy. In some cases, they can lead to long-term pain and mobility issues.
Internal organ damage: Internal injuries can be difficult to diagnose and may have long-term health consequences. They can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, often involving lengthy hospital stays and complex surgeries.
Burns and lacerations: Burns can be extremely painful and require extensive skin grafts or reconstructive surgery. They can also lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Amputations: Amputations can lead to lifelong disability and require prosthetics and ongoing rehabilitation. They can also have a significant emotional impact on victims.
Wrongful death: In wrongful death cases, families may be able to recover compensation for lost income, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. These cases are complex and require the expertise of an experienced attorney.
We understand the devastating impact these injuries can have on your life, and we are committed to helping you secure the resources you need to recover and rebuild your life.
What to Do After an Uber Accident in New York City
Following an Uber accident, it's crucial to take the right steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here's what you should do:
Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you don't feel injured, it's crucial to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment could worsen your condition. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, so it's important to seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine.
Call the police and report the accident: A police report is crucial evidence in any accident claim. It provides an official record of the accident, including the date, time, location, involved parties, and any contributing factors. The police report can also help establish liability and support your claim for compensation.
Gather information at the scene: If possible, collect information from the Uber driver, other involved drivers, and any witnesses. This includes names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers. Also, take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This information will be valuable for your attorney to investigate the accident and build a strong case on your behalf.
Report the accident to Uber through the app: Uber has a dedicated section in their app for reporting accidents. This helps create a record of the incident and allows you to provide your account of what happened. Reporting the accident promptly can also help you access any potential insurance coverage through Uber.
Contact an experienced Uber accident lawyer in New York City as soon as possible: An attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contacting a lawyer early on can help you avoid making mistakes that could harm your claim and ensure you have the best possible representation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Long Do I Have To File an Uber Accident Claim?
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from Uber accidents is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For example, if the accident involved a government-owned vehicle, the statute of limitations may be shorter.
It's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure you don't miss any deadlines. Our team can help you understand the applicable deadlines and ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
How Our Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help
Our skilled Uber accident lawyers will provide comprehensive legal assistance and support, including:
Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident: We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of evidence to support your claim, including interviewing witnesses, analyzing police reports, obtaining dashcam footage, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
Gather and preserve evidence: We will collect and analyze all relevant evidence, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Determine liability and identify all responsible parties: We will carefully analyze the facts of your case, identify all potentially liable parties, and develop a legal strategy to pursue compensation from each of them.
Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf: We will handle all communication with insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement that covers your damages. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and understand their tactics to minimize payouts.
File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively for your rights. We have a proven track record of success in litigating Uber accident cases.
Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve: We will fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages.
Protecting Your Rights as an Uber Passenger
If you've been injured as a passenger in an Uber accident, it's important to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. Here's what you need to know:
Uber's Insurance Coverage: Uber maintains substantial insurance coverage for passengers injured during rides. This coverage typically includes up to $1 million in liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Filing a Claim: If you're injured as a passenger, you can file a claim with Uber's insurance company. However, dealing with insurance companies can be complex, and they may try to minimize your payout. It's crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
What if the Uber Driver Was at Fault? If the Uber driver's negligence caused the accident, you have the right to pursue a claim against them and Uber's insurance policy.
What if Another Driver Was at Fault? If another driver caused the accident, you can pursue a claim against their insurance company. Our attorneys can help you determine liability and pursue all available avenues for compensation.
Why Choose Our New York City Uber Accident Lawyers?
When you're dealing with the aftermath of an Uber accident, you need experienced legal representation you can trust. Here's why clients choose Veridian Legal:
Extensive experience handling Uber accident cases in NYC: We have a deep understanding of the specific challenges and complexities involved in Uber accident claims in New York City.
In-depth knowledge of New York rideshare laws and insurance regulations: We stay up-to-date on the evolving laws and regulations surrounding rideshare services in New York, ensuring you receive the most accurate and effective legal advice.
Proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients: We have a history of success in obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients, helping them recover financially and physically from their injuries. See our case results.
Compassionate and dedicated legal team: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an Uber accident can take. Our team provides personalized attention and support throughout the legal process, ensuring you feel heard and understood.
No fee unless we win your case: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to access high-quality legal representation without any financial risk.
Contact Our Experienced Uber Accident Lawyers in NYC Today
If you've been injured in an Uber accident in New York City, don't hesitate to contact our experienced legal team today. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to discuss your case. We'll fight aggressively to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.