New York City Uber Accident Attorney

NYC Uber Accident Statistics

2022 research reveals concerning trends in rideshare safety: each additional 100 Uber trips in an area increased motor vehicle accident risk by 4.6%. These findings point to a growing safety issue. Between distracted drivers monitoring apps, rushed pickups in congested areas, and drivers working long hours, rideshare accidents continue rising.

Why Uber Accidents Happen

Rideshare accidents stem from unique pressures and distractions facing Uber drivers. Common causes include:

• App distraction: Drivers constantly monitoring pickup notifications and GPS.
• Passenger pressure: Rush to complete trips for better ratings.
• Unfamiliar routes: Drivers working outside their usual areas.
• Fatigue issues: Long hours trying to meet bonus thresholds.
• Double-parking: Unsafe stops for pickups and drop offs.
• Navigation confusion: Last-minute turns and lane changes.

Serious Injuries in Uber and Rideshare Crashes

Uber accidents often cause severe trauma. Common injuries include:

• Head trauma: Concussions and brain injuries requiring long-term care.
• Spinal damage: Herniated discs and nerve injuries affecting mobility.
• Joint injuries: Shoulder and knee damage from impact forces.
• Soft tissue harm: Whiplash and muscle injuries causing chronic pain.
• Psychological impact: Anxiety and PTSD affecting future travel.

Getting proper medical documentation of these injuries proves vital for insurance claims. A skilled Uber accident lawyer can help ensure your medical bills and ongoing treatment needs get fully covered.

Critical Steps After an Uber Crash

Quick action after a rideshare accident helps protect your health and legal rights:

Taking a proactive approach can strengthen your case and improve your chances of obtaining the damages you’re owed.

Who's at Fault in an Uber Accident in New York?

Uber accident lawsuits often involve several responsible parties:

• Uber driver: Direct liability for unsafe driving behavior.
• Rideshare company: Responsibility for driver screening and policies.
• Other drivers: Fault for contributing to the collision.
• Vehicle manufacturers: Liability for defective parts.
• Government entities: Responsibility for road conditions.

When multiple parties share blame, your chances of securing adequate compensation improve significantly. A thorough investigation often reveals overlapping insurance coverage and additional sources of recovery.

Securing Fair Payment After an Uber Crash

After a rideshare car accident, victims often face a maze of insurance policies and companies trying to avoid responsibility. New York law provides multiple paths to compensation, but the process demands careful attention to both timing and documentation.

Uber's Complex Insurance Structure

Rideshare company insurance coverage changes based on the driver's status when the accident occurs. Different policies take effect at different times:

When carrying passengers during active rides, Uber provides $1 million in commercial liability insurance coverage. This applies from pickup through drop-off and covers passengers in the Uber, other vehicles involved, pedestrians or cyclists hit, and property damage caused.

When the app is on, but no passenger is assigned, coverage drops to $50,000 per injury victim. This often proves insufficient for serious injuries.

When offline between rides, only the driver's personal auto insurance applies — which may deny claims if the policy excludes commercial use.

Critical Filing Requirements

Missing deadlines can destroy your right to compensation. New York sets strict time limits:

• 30 days to notify your own insurance company
• 90 days to file notices of claim for personal injury/property damage
• 2 years for wrongful death cases
• 3 years to file personal injury lawsuits
• Special deadlines for claims against government vehicles

Insurance Company Tactics

After an Uber accident, you'll likely deal with:

• Uber's insurance carrier
• The driver's personal insurance
• Your own insurance company
• Other involved vehicles' insurers

Each company tries to minimize its liability by shifting blame. Some common tactics include:

• Claiming the driver was between fares
• Denying the app was active
• Disputing injury severity
• Blaming other drivers or vehicles
• Pressuring quick settlements

That's why gathering evidence from the Uber app, taking screenshots of ride status, and working with experienced New York Uber accident lawyers can prove vital for securing fair compensation.

Recoverable Damages After Uber Accidents

A rideshare accident can create rippling financial effects that last years beyond the initial crash. In New York, accident victims have the right to pursue compensation for both the immediate and long-term impacts of their injuries:

Economic Losses

Medical expenses form just part of the financial impact. You can also recover:

• Lost wages and income
• Property damage costs
• Transportation expenses
• Future care needs

Non-Economic Impact

Beyond measurable costs, compensation should address:

• Physical pain endured
• Emotional distress
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Family relationship changes

Future Damages

Long-term impacts often include:

• Ongoing medical care
• Reduced earning ability
• Continued therapy needs
• Adaptive equipment costs

How Lawyers at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP Will Pursue Your Uber Accident Damages

Rideshare accidents demand a different approach than typical car crash cases. Our New York City Uber accident attorneys focus on strategies that expose negligence across both road safety and company policies.

• Secure immediate evidence: We capture accident documentation before Uber can minimize their involvement.
• Block deflection tactics: We prevent rideshare companies from shifting blame to other drivers.
• Prove driver status: We establish exact coverage periods to access maximum insurance limits.
• Find hidden problems: We reveal patterns of unsafe practices that Uber overlooked.
• Demonstrate full impact: We document every way the crash affected your life and future.
• Attack coverage denials: We challenge insurance companies that try to avoid responsibility.
• Build maximum value: We calculate all current and future costs of your injuries.
• Protect your rights: We handle all communication with Uber and its insurers.

Through methodical case development and strategic pressure, we help rideshare accident victims overcome the hurdles these unique cases present. When rideshare companies see our thorough preparation, they know quick settlements won't make your case disappear.