Uber and Lyft Accidents

Car accidents can have terrible consequences, such as personal injuries. Personal injuries may have lasting effects well after visible wounds have healed. Knowing what to do or where to turn can further complicate matters when involved in a rideshare accident. 

At Nichols Law Offices, PLLC, Mr. Nichols is a reliable and compassionate attorney that can assist you after a rideshare accident. He has the resources, knowledge, and practice to help you get the compensation deserved. The firm proudly serves clients in Dewitt, Rome, Utica, Cortland, Oswego, Watertown, and Fayetteville, New York. 

As a passenger involved in a rideshare accident, there are three scenarios to consider when seeking fair compensation: 

The Driver Is at Fault 

When the driver is at fault, the injured passenger can seek fair compensation from their insurance, not the driver’s. Uber or Lyft drivers must get commercial auto insurance to use a vehicle for ridesharing purposes legally. However, their insurance does not directly cover a passenger’s personal injuries. An injured passenger would need to file a lawsuit against the driver to get fair compensation.
 

The Other Driver Is at Fault 

The injured passenger must file a personal injury claim against their insurance if the other driver is at fault. Like the first scenario, injured passengers would need to file a lawsuit against the law party to seek fair compensation.

An Uber or Lyft Driver Hits the Car 

Suppose an Uber or Lyft driver hits a third-party vehicle. In that case, the rideshare driver’s insurance would not directly cover losses and personal injuries. 

Please remember that no-fault states allow injured passengers to sue the liable party for economic losses exceeding the passenger’s coverage and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Suing Uber or Lyft Directly for a Rideshare Accident 

Suing Uber or Lyft directly is possible in Dewitt, New York, and neighboring areas such as Rome, Utica, Cortland, Oswego, Watertown, and Fayetteville. However, the issue is that Uber or Lyft drivers are not technically employees. 

Rideshare drivers operate as individual contractors. Consequently, they release Uber and Lyft of responsibility for their actions. Nevertheless, it is possible to file a claim against Uber’s insurance company. A specialized car accident, Uber accident, or Lyft accident attorney can provide specific details on how such a lawsuit may yield fair compensation for personal injuries. 

The safest approach is to sue the Uber or Lyft driver directly. This approach allows injured passengers to seek fair compensation for their injuries.

Steps to Take Following an Accident in New York 

The following steps are crucial following an Uber accident or Lyft accident:

Seek Medical Attention 

Getting medical attention right away is crucial. Delaying medical attention can give the insurer an accident to back out on paying for personal injuries. Medical history, emergency room reports, and diagnoses help prove the extent of injuries.
 

Report the Accident 

Accident victims must contact their insurance to report the accident. Doing so allows the claims process to begin.

Gather Information 

Gathering information is a critical step. Information such as eyewitness contact information, security or dash cam footage, photographs, and driver’s insurance allows the claims process to proceed quickly.

Document the Accident 

Documenting the accident is essential. Documentation such as medical and police reports, doctor’s notes, medication prescriptions, and witness testimony help build the case.

Hire a Seasoned Personal Injury Attorney 

Hiring a personal injury attorney is highly recommended. An attorney not only provides legal advice but also helps move the investigation forward. A trusted attorney is especially useful when accident victims are incapacitated due to their injuries.