If you are reading this, you might be feeling confused, scared, and unsure about what to do next after being hurt in a rideshare accident. Please know that you are not alone. We understand that dealing with an accident can leave you feeling lost. You might be worried about your injuries, your medical bills, and whether you will be treated fairly. That is why we are here. Our team truly cares about what you are going through and is ready to guide you toward getting the help and justice you deserve.
What Is a Rideshare Accident
A rideshare accident happens when you are hurt while riding in a car from services like Uber or Lyft. These services are different from regular taxis. The drivers use their own personal cars and work through an app. Sometimes accidents happen because another driver was careless. Other times it could be the rideshare driver who made a mistake. No matter what happened, if you were hurt while using a rideshare service, you have rights that are protected by New York law.
Who Can Be Responsible in a Rideshare Accident
Understanding who is responsible in a rideshare accident can be tricky. The driver of the rideshare car could be at fault. Another driver on the road could be the one who caused the crash. Sometimes both drivers share the blame. What makes rideshare accidents different is that the rideshare company might also have insurance that could cover your injuries. Figuring out who is responsible is very important because it affects how you can be paid for your losses.
Insurance Rules in New York for Rideshare Accidents
In New York, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft must have insurance to protect their riders. If you are hurt while riding, there is usually a $1 million insurance policy that can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. This insurance is there whether the rideshare driver caused the crash or another driver did. However, if the driver was not using the app to pick up riders at the time, the insurance rules might be different. Knowing these details can make a big difference in your case.
Benjamin J.
Andrews
Partner
Robert
Maranto
Partner
Tom
Kotrys
Partner
Anthony
Iacono
Attorney
Robert J.
Maranto, III
Attorney
Steps You Should Take After a Rideshare Accident
After a rideshare accident, the first thing you should do is get medical help, even if you do not feel badly hurt right away. Some injuries take time to show up. You should also report the accident to the police. Having a police report can help show what happened. Take pictures of the accident scene if you can. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Make sure to report the crash through the rideshare app too. All of this information will be very important later when you are trying to get the help you need.
Understanding Your Right to Compensation
If you are hurt in a rideshare accident, you may have the right to be paid for your injuries. This could include money for your doctor bills, hospital stays, and medicines. It could also include money for the income you lost if you could not work because of your injuries. If you are feeling pain or if your life has changed because of the accident, you might also get compensation for your suffering. Getting full and fair compensation can be difficult without someone on your side who knows the law and can fight for you.
The team is very personable, patient and empathetic with their clients. They are upfront with you and will explain the entire process with you, they never lead you to believe otherwise, they tell you like it is and will not sell you a million dollar dream. Trust in Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, they work for you and he looks out for your best interest.”
- Jane D.
Challenges You Might Face With Your Case
Insurance companies, including those that work with rideshare services, are businesses. They often try to pay as little as possible. They may argue that you were not badly hurt. They might say that their driver was not at fault. They might try to settle your case quickly for a small amount of money. It can be hard to know if you are getting a fair deal. This is why having someone who knows New York rideshare accident law standing with you is so important.
How a Lawyer Can Help You in a Rideshare Accident Case
A lawyer can help by gathering all the important evidence to show what really happened. A lawyer can talk to witnesses, get accident reports, review medical records, and deal with insurance companies. They can make sure you do not say anything that could hurt your case. Most importantly, a lawyer can fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve. Without a lawyer, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and to accept less than you should.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
There are time limits in New York for filing a lawsuit after a rideshare accident. This is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to get help forever. Evidence also gets harder to find as time goes by. Memories fade, witnesses move away, and important records can be lost. Acting quickly gives you the best chance to protect your rights and get the best possible result.
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Common Questions About Rideshare Accidents
Many people wonder if they can sue Uber or Lyft directly. Usually, it is the driver and their insurance that are responsible. In some cases, the rideshare company might also be held accountable. Another common question is whether you can recover money even if the other driver caused the crash. In most cases, you can still be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance policy. Every case is different, so it is important to talk to someone who understands these rules.
What to Expect During Your Case
Once you hire a lawyer, they will get to work right away. They will gather facts, talk to witnesses, and deal with the insurance companies. They may try to settle your case without going to court. If a fair settlement is not offered, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. Most cases do settle before going to trial, but if a trial is needed, your lawyer will be ready to stand by your side. Your job will be to focus on getting better while your lawyer handles the legal fight.
Verdicts & Settlements
How We Handle Rideshare Accident Cases
At our firm, we treat every client like family. We know that being in an accident is one of the hardest things you can go through. That is why we take the time to listen to you and answer all your questions. We will handle all the legal details so you do not have to. Our goal is to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible while fighting to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
When You Should Contact a Lawyer
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as you can. Even if you are not sure how badly you are hurt, it is better to be safe. Talking to a lawyer early means you can make smart choices and protect your rights from the beginning. You have nothing to lose by getting advice, and it could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Final Thoughts and How to Get Help
Understanding your rights in a New York rideshare accident can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure it out alone. If you were hurt in an Uber, Lyft, or any rideshare vehicle, you have important rights. You deserve to be treated fairly and to get the help you need to heal and move forward. Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC is here for you. We will stand by your side and fight for the best possible result in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and peace of mind you deserve.
To learn more about this subject click here: What to Expect When Filing a Claim for a Rideshare Accident