Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed how people travel, but accidents involving these vehicles can be complicated. Unlike traditional car accidents, where insurance coverage is usually straightforward, rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance that vary depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, on their way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone. If you’re injured in a rideshare accident in New York, it’s important to know what steps to take and how to protect your rights.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Rideshare companies provide different levels of insurance coverage based on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- Driver Not Logged Into the App: If the rideshare driver is not actively working, their personal auto insurance applies, just like any other driver on the road.
- Driver Waiting for a Ride Request: If the driver is logged into the rideshare app but has not accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage.
- Driver on the Way to Pick Up a Passenger or Transporting a Passenger: Once the driver accepts a ride request or has a passenger in the car, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in coverage for injuries and property damage.
While this coverage sounds generous, getting compensation can still be difficult. Rideshare companies and their insurers often look for ways to minimize payouts, making it essential to handle the claim process correctly.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Taking the right steps after a rideshare accident can strengthen your claim:
- Get Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. Seeing a doctor also creates medical records that link your injuries to the accident.
- Call the Police – A police report documents the accident, identifies witnesses, and helps establish fault.
- Gather Information – Get the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance info. If you were a passenger, take a screenshot of your ride receipt.
- Take Photos – Capture the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, traffic signs, and visible injuries.
- Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft – Use the app to report the crash, but be careful with your wording, as insurers may use your statements against you.
- Speak with a Lawyer – A rideshare accident attorney can handle the claims process and fight for fair compensation.
Challenges in Rideshare Accident Claims
Rideshare accident claims are often more complex than standard car accident cases. The involvement of multiple insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and liability disputes can delay or complicate settlements. Additionally, insurance companies may try to blame another driver or argue that your injuries were pre-existing.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, having a rideshare car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference. An attorney will ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages related to the crash.
At Gash & Associates, P.C., we have extensive experience handling rideshare accident claims. We know how to take on large insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (914) 328-8800 for a consultation.