What Information Do I Need After an Uber or Lyft Crash in New York?
Much of the information you need to collect after an Uber or Lyft accident in New York is the same as with any other motor vehicle collision. However, there are ways to obtain some of this information not available in standard car crashes.
If you were the passenger in the rideshare vehicle, you can get your driver’s name via the rideshare app. However, if you were in another vehicle or were struck by the Uber or Lyft car as a pedestrian or cyclist, you must ask the driver for their name, contact information, and driver’s license and insurance details.
An alternative is asking the Uber passenger for a screenshot.
Because rideshare drivers are not employees, determining whose insurance company will pay if a serious injury occurs is complicated. An NYC Uber accident lawyer at Douglas & London will help you fight for the full compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our dedicated attorneys have recovered substantial dollar amounts – reaching into the millions – in settlements and verdicts for our personal injury clients.
Call 911
After a rideshare accident, call 911 if anyone appears injured, even if the injury does not appear serious. If the driver has not notified the police, make the call yourself to report the collision to law enforcement.
Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
In addition to notifying police and first responders, report the crash to Uber or Lyft. If there is no record of the accident with the rideshare companies, their insurers may try to deny or fight your claim.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including injuries incurred. When taking pictures or videos of the vehicles, do so from various angles. Note the make, model, and colors of the cars.
While the police officer will record crash details, including the names and contact information of any witnesses, it is wise to collect this evidence for yourself, if possible. In the confusion surrounding the aftermath of a car accident, crucial proof can vanish.
An NYC Lyft accident lawyer will use the evidence collected to start their accident investigation.
Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident, a prompt trip to the emergency room or an urgent care center is a necessity. Seek medical attention, even if you do not think you were hurt. Some injuries do not show up right away. Failure to seek medical attention, or waiting a few days to have an examination, will severely harm your claim.
Rideshare Accident Damages
Since New York is a no-fault car insurance state, only those suffering serious injuries can go outside of the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party. Compensation, or damages, in a rideshare accident may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
A personal injury attorney knows a fair settlement amount for the type of injuries suffered and the client’s prognosis. If the insurance carrier refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement, the case may go to court.
Rideshare Liability
If the accident occurred when the Uber or Lyft driver was “off the clock,” their personal auto insurance provides coverage. If they were logged into their app and waiting for their next passenger, or on the way to pick up a rider, the special commercial driver’s insurance mandated by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) applies.
For most rideshare vehicles, the TLC minimum level of liability insurance coverage is $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, $200,000 in personal injury protection, and $10,000 in property damage liability.
The TLC’s decision to require commercial driver’s insurance for rideshare vehicles came after Uber declined to take responsibility for fatal accidents caused by their drivers when they were working but did not have a passenger in the car.
Contact a New York City Uber Accident Lawyer
Whether you were seriously injured in an accident caused by an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare company driver, you need the services of the experienced New York City car accident lawyers at Douglas & London. Text or call us 24/7 to arrange a complimentary consultation and case evaluation, or submit our online form.
After reviewing your claim, we will discuss your options. Because our attorneys work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless we win your case. Hablamos Espanol.
