Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft make getting around New York City or most anywhere in New York State easy and convenient. Most passengers aren’t even thinking about what happens if an accident occurs. And, other drivers may not even be aware that the car next to them is operating as a ridesharing service. But just like all drivers, Uber drivers can get into accidents that can injure themselves, their passengers, and other drivers on the road.
Ridesharing services are different from liveries or taxicabs in the City. Uber drivers aren’t considered employees of Uber so liability in a car accident claim works differently than a typical vehicle accident.
Uber, Lyft, most other ridesharing apps and even food delivery apps do not consider their drivers employees of the company. Rather, the drivers are brought on as independent contractors which means that drivers can set their own schedules and enjoy more independence and freedom. In return, Uber does not have to pay taxes, benefits and unemployment insurance. There are, however, high levels of insurance requirements to cover the cost of accidents.
New York Uber Accident Settlement Amounts
While laws related to rideshare accidents vary by state, New York law has insurance requirements that apply to Uber and ridesharing drivers. When the driver is carrying a passenger, these laws replace the typical no-fault insurance laws that otherwise apply in New York.
Under New York law, rideshare drivers who are carrying a passenger in their vehicles are required to carry $1 million in liability coverage (to compensate for bodily injury, property damage, and wrongful death), and $1 million in underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance coverage is available to victims even if the Uber driver did not cause the accident and if the other driver was uninsured.
Pursuing a legal claim for a New York Uber accident may seem like a daunting task and something you want to avoid. We encourage you, however, to consider these three reasons you may need an experienced Uber accident attorney to help you through the process.
Reason #1: You were injured in an Uber accident as a passenger, as a pedestrian or in another vehicle.
The laws related to Uber accidents vary depending on if you were a passenger or not. And, if the Uber driver was ‘deadheading’ or driving around waiting for a passenger, those laws vary as well. Likely, the insurance company will attempt to contact you and try to settle for very little as quickly as they can. It’s critical to give yourself time to fully consider the scope of your injuries and how those injuries not only affect your finances now but also how those injuries could affect your quality of life later and future wages. An experienced Uber accident attorney will be able to work on your behalf to ensure you’re compensated for the full extent of your injuries.
Reason #2: An Uber accident attorney can handle the insurance company on your behalf
Without a legal claim, the insurance company can offer you a lowball offer that barely covers any of your needs and may even refuse to cover some of the damages. Insurance companies are in business to collect money, not pay out claimants. As a result, they work vigorously to pay victims as little as possible. By having legal representation, your New York Uber accident lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and work toward securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Reason #3: You need to focus on healing, not insurance headaches.
New York has complex insurance laws around car accidents involving Uber or other ridesharing services. Our knowledgeable Uber accident attorneys can take over all negotiations with insurers so you get full and fair compensation for your losses. One of our trusted team members will listen to your story, learn about your case, and can advise you on the next steps. Many of our clients feel a sense of relief once they make that first phone call. We will do everything possible to defend your rights.
There is no law requiring you to have a lawyer after an Uber accident. However, working with an experienced New York car accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Why risk being unfairly compensated and not having recourse to fix it? When you hire a personal injury lawyer from our team, you pay nothing upfront. We work on contingent fees that are only collected if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Contact Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback. Locations around New York City and throughout New York State.