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Car Accident Claims for Uber/Lyft Passengers

March 27, 2024

Car Accident Claims for Uber/Lyft Passengers

What to Do After an Uber/Lyft Accident

So you were in an Uber or Lyft and got into a wreck – that sucks. First things first, don’t panic; our lawyers have dealt with this before. Here are the steps to take:

  1. Get Medical Attention – Your health comes first, even if you think you’re fine. Some injuries don’t show up right away, so get checked out just to be safe.
  2. Report the Accident – Notify Uber/Lyft about the crash through their app. They have insurance to cover these situations, but you need an official record.
  3. Gather Evidence – Take pics/vids of the damage, get the drivers’ info, get witness contacts, etc. Anything that documents what happened.
  4. Don’t Say Too Much – Don’t admit fault or make statements that could be used against your claim later. Just stick to the basic facts.
  5. Call Us – Our Uber accident lawyers know how to handle these cases to get you the compensation you deserve.

Who’s Liable in an Uber/Lyft Accident?

Liability can get tricky with rideshare accidents. Was the Uber driver at fault? The other driver? Were they working at the time? Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Uber/Lyft Driver At-Fault – If your driver caused the crash, Uber/Lyft’s insurance should cover you up to $1 million. But their insurance companies will try to lowball you, so you’ll need a lawyer.
  • Other Driver At-Fault – If another driver hit your Uber/Lyft, you can make a claim against their insurance. But if they were uninsured/underinsured, you’d file against Uber/Lyft’s policy.
  • Driver Not Working – If the Uber/Lyft driver wasn’t working at the time, their personal insurance is primary. But their rideshare insurer may still provide extra coverage.

The key is having a top car accident lawyer who understands the complexities of rideshare liability and insurance. We do – so you can focus on recovering while we fight for your full settlement.

Damages You Can Recover After an Uber Accident

If you were injured as an Uber passenger, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical Bills – All accident-related healthcare costs, now and in the future
  • Lost Wages – Income you missed out on from being unable to work
  • Property Damage – Repair/replacement for your vehicle, phone, etc.
  • Pain & Suffering – Non-economic damages for physical/emotional trauma
  • Punitive Damages – Additional penalties if the other party was grossly negligent

Our lawyers have gotten multi-million dollar settlements for severely injured Uber riders. But even minor accident claims are still worth pursuing with our help to get maximum compensation.Don’t let the rideshare companies take advantage of you – they have armies of lawyers working against your interests. Level the playing field by calling us for a free case review.

How Much is My Uber Accident Case Worth?

There’s no set dollar amount, as every case is unique. Factors that influence your potential settlement:

  • Severity of Injuries – More severe injuries = higher value case
  • Liability – If the other party was clearly at-fault, you have more leverage
  • Lost Income – Higher-earning individuals can claim more lost wages
  • Policy Limits – Capped by the at-fault party’s insurance coverage maximum
  • Negotiation Skills – Hiring experienced lawyers to fight for you makes a big difference

During your free consultation, we’ll evaluate your specific situation and give you an estimate on a reasonable settlement range to pursue. Our Uber accident attorneys in NYC have recovered over $200 million for clients – so you can trust our valuation.

Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Claims

In New York, you generally have 3 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit against Uber/Lyft or the at-fault driver. But there are exceptions:

  • Shorter Deadline – Claims against a city government agency must be filed within 90 days
  • Longer Deadline – If a minor was injured, the 3-year clock starts on their 18th birthday

It’s crucial to get the claims process started ASAP, as valuable evidence can disappear over time. Don’t miss your window – contact our office immediately after an Uber crash to protect your rights.

Why Hire an Uber Accident Lawyer?

While you could try handling your claim alone, having a skilled car accident attorney gives you major advantages:

  • Investigative Resources – We’ll thoroughly investigate the accident to build a strong case, gathering evidence like video footage, witness statements, expert analysis, etc.
  • Proven Negotiators – Our lawyers are savvy negotiators who won’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you. We reject lowball offers until they pay up.
  • Courtroom Experience – If negotiations fail, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for you in front of a judge and jury.
  • No Upfront Costs – We work on contingency, so there are no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case.
  • Peace of Mind – With 50+ years of combined experience, you can rest assured your claim is in highly capable hands while you focus on recovery.

The insurance companies are not on your side – they’re businesses trying to protect their profits. Having an Uber accident attorney levels the playing field and maximizes your compensation.

Common Causes of Uber/Lyft Accidents

Rideshare drivers are just as prone to negligent driving behaviors as anyone else. Some leading causes of Uber crashes we see:

  • Distracted Driving – Checking the app, texting, eating, etc. takes eyes off the road
  • Fatigued Driving – Working long hours leads to drowsy, impaired driving
  • Speeding – Trying to squeeze in more rides by driving too fast
  • Impaired Driving – Alcohol, drugs, and even certain medications can impair drivers
  • Vehicle Defects – Brake issues, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems
  • Traffic Violations – Running red lights, unsafe lane changes, illegal turns, etc.

Uber and Lyft have been criticized for lax driver screening and insufficient safety policies. When their negligence causes harm, our lawyers hold them accountable.

Damages for Uber Passengers vs. Other Drivers

While the claims process is similar for passengers and other drivers, there are some key differences:

  • No Comparative Negligence – As a passenger, you can’t be blamed for the accident
  • Higher Damage Potential – Passengers often suffer more severe injuries than drivers
  • No Vehicle Damage Claims – But you can claim for damaged personal property
  • Underinsured Coverage – If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, Uber/Lyft’s policy kicks in

Our rideshare accident attorneys know how to maximize passenger claims to recover for medical bills, lost income, pain/suffering, and more. We pursue every possible avenue to get you the best outcome.

Uber/Lyft’s $1M Liability Coverage Explained

Both Uber and Lyft provide $1 million liability insurance policies for rideshare drivers. But this coverage only applies in certain situations:

  • Driver Mode On – If the driver was actively working and had the app in “driver mode”
  • Passenger On Board – If the driver had picked up a passenger and they were involved in the accident
  • Enroute to Pickup – If the driver was on their way to pick up a passenger when the crash occurred

If the driver’s app was off or they weren’t working, this $1M policy won’t apply. That’s why it’s critical to have a lawyer thoroughly investigate and determine all available insurance coverage.

Holding Uber/Lyft Accountable for Driver Negligence

While the rideshare driver may be directly responsible for an accident, Uber and Lyft can still be held liable in many cases through the legal doctrine of “negligent hiring, supervision, and retention.”Our lawyers argue these companies don’t do enough to properly vet drivers, provide safety training, or monitor their performance. By cutting corners on safety, Uber/Lyft negligently put passengers at risk.We compel them to produce records on their hiring practices, background checks, driver training, and more to build a case that they failed their duty of care to passengers. This additional avenue of liability means higher settlement potential.

Injuries Common in Uber/Lyft Accidents

As a passenger, you’re especially vulnerable in a car crash since you have no control over the vehicle. Some injuries we frequently see:

  • Whiplash/Neck Injuries – Sudden jolts can cause sprains, strains, and disc herniations
  • Head/Brain Injuries – Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – Partial or complete paralysis from damage to the spine
  • Broken Bones – Arms, legs, ribs, and other fractures are common
  • Lacerations – From broken glass, loose objects, or impact with vehicle parts
  • Emotional Trauma – Anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other psychological injuries

No matter how minor your injuries may seem, it’s crucial to get checked out by a doctor. We’ll make sure any harm you’ve suffered is fully accounted for in your claim.

Liability for Uber/Lyft Passenger Assaults

In the disturbing case of an Uber/Lyft driver assaulting, sexually assaulting, or otherwise attacking a passenger, who is liable? The driver, of course – but the rideshare companies may share culpability as well.Our lawyers argue Uber and Lyft have a heightened duty to protect passengers by doing thorough background checks and psychological screenings of drivers. If they fail to take reasonable precautions, they can be considered negligent.These cases also raise issues of negligent hiring, training, and supervision by the rideshare companies. We thoroughly investigate to determine all potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation.

Damages for Wrongful Death in Uber Accidents

The unthinkable worst-case scenario is an Uber passenger being killed in a crash caused by negligence. In these tragic situations, certain family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover:

  • Final Medical Bills – Healthcare costs leading up to the victim’s passing
  • Funeral/Burial Costs – Expenses related to laying the victim to rest
  • Lost Income – Future earnings the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of Consortium – Loss of companionship/intimacy for a spouse
  • Pain and Suffering – The victim’s pre-death physical/emotional trauma
  • Punitive Damages – If the defendant’s conduct was egregious

No amount of money can make up for losing a loved one. But these lawsuits provide a sense of justice and the means to move forward. Our compassionate attorneys guide families through this difficult process.

Don’t Wait – Call Our Uber Accident Lawyers Today

After an Uber or Lyft accident, the clock is ticking to file a claim and preserve key evidence. Don’t try handling this complex legal situation alone.Our rideshare accident attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience winning big settlements for injured passengers. We know all the tactics insurance companies use to devalue claims – and how to fight back effectively.It all starts with a free, confidential consultation where we’ll review your case details and explain all your legal options. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.Don’t let the billion-dollar rideshare giants take advantage of you. 

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

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RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

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JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

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ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

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CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

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RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

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CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

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