Fighting for Victims in
Times of Need
Times of Need
Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare companies and drivers for Lyft and Uber provide an alternative way of getting around Westchester County and New York state. For many people, they are also a useful way to make more money, but they also introduce new risks. When an accident happens involving a rideshare vehicle, questions about insurance and responsibility are not always easy to answer. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we help individuals who have been injured in Uber and Lyft accidents understand what comes next.
Why Rideshare Accident Cases Are Different
Rideshare accidents are not the same as typical car accident claims. In a standard accident, responsibility is often tied directly to the drivers involved. With rideshare cases, coverage can depend on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger at the time of the crash. Each phase may trigger different levels of insurance coverage, sometimes involving both the driver’s personal policy and the rideshare company’s coverage.
Who May Be Involved in a Rideshare Accident Claim
Depending on how the incident occurred, multiple parties may need to be considered. This can include:
- The rideshare driver.
- Another motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian.
- The rideshare company and their insurance provider.
- A third party such as a vehicle manufacturer or property owner.
For example, a passenger injured in an Uber may have a different claim than a pedestrian struck by that same vehicle.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
While rideshare drivers face many of the same challenges as other drivers, their work environment introduces additional pressures. Frequent stops, driving in unfamiliar places to pick up fares, reliance on navigation apps, and the need to respond quickly to ride requests can all contribute to accidents. Distracted driving, fatigue from long hours on the road, and unsafe driving decisions made in high-traffic areas can all contribute to crashes, too.
Rideshare drivers are not required to take training, the way truck drivers are, and are not subject to strict, random checks and requirements, like many commercial drivers. This, combined with many hours on the road, can lead to collisions.
Types of Rideshare Accident Cases We Handle
At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we represent individuals in a wide range of Uber and Lyft accident cases. These include passengers injured during a ride, drivers hurt by a rideshare vehicle, pedestrians or cyclists struck by rideshare drivers, and rideshare drivers themselves who have been injured due to another party’s negligence. If you’re not sure whether we can help but you have been seriously injured, we invite you to schedule a free consultation. It costs nothing and comes with no obligation but can provide you with clarity.
Injuries Often Seen in Rideshare Accidents
The injuries resulting from rideshare accidents can vary widely depending on the circumstances. Some individuals may walk away with minor discomfort, while others face long-term or life-altering conditions. Common injuries include:
- Neck and back injuries.
- Head trauma.
- Fractures.
- Scarring.
- Soft tissue damage.
Because passengers often have little control over the situation, they can be especially vulnerable during a crash.
Understanding Compensation in Rideshare Cases
Rideshare companies typically provide coverage that applies when a driver is using the app, but the level of protection can change depending on the driver’s status. If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance may be the only coverage available. If they are waiting for a ride request or actively transporting a passenger, higher levels of coverage may apply.
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the impact the injury has had on your life. This can include pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income, and property damage and incidental costs. The specific amount and type of compensation will depend on the details of the case, including the severity of the injury and the available insurance coverage.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
After an accident, it is not always clear what steps to take, especially when a rideshare vehicle is involved. Seeking medical attention should be the first priority, even if injuries seem minor. If there is any chance you may need an ambulance request one, and don’t refuse an ambulance if someone offers to call you one. Your refusal can later be used against you because it allows the defense to claim that you “must” not have been seriously injured.
It is also important to gather as much information as possible, including the driver’s details, the rideshare trip information, and any available witness contact information. Try to get the contact information of any other rideshare passengers, too, because their testimony may be crucial, if they are willing to provide it. Reporting the incident through the rideshare app can create an initial record, but it is only one part of documenting what happened.
Always report the accident to police if you have been injured. In these cases, the driver may push you to avoid reporting, but always report the collision. Don’t try to be a hero and downplay your injuries. This can later be used against you.
Be cautious when speaking with insurance representatives as well. Where possible, consult with a personal injury attorney first.
How The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel Can Help
At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, our firm works to identify the appropriate sources of insurance coverage, gather supporting evidence, and manage communication with insurers. We also take into account the unique aspects of rideshare work and travel, including app usage and trip timing, to ensure those factors are properly considered. We approach every case individually, with attention to the legal process and your day-to-day concerns.
FAQs
What if the rideshare driver ended the trip in the app before the accident happened?
This doesn’t necessarily determine the outcome of a claim. App timing is just one piece of the puzzle. Other evidence, such as GPS movement and trip history, can help clarify whether the ride was effectively still in progress.
Can I access my trip data after an accident, and does it actually help?
Yes, and it can be very useful. Trip receipts, timestamps, routes, and driver details can help establish a timeline and confirm your presence in the vehicle. In some cases, this data becomes a key reference point when accounts of the accident are inconsistent.
What if the rideshare driver asked me not to report the accident through the app?
You are not required to follow that request. Reporting the incident creates a record that may become important later. A lack of reporting does not prevent a claim, but having documentation from the start can make things clearer.
Can I still pursue a claim if the accident seemed minor but the driver continued the trip?
Yes. Continuing the trip does not mean the accident was insignificant. The decision to proceed with the ride may have been made before the full impact was understood
What if I was sharing a ride with strangers when the accident occurred?
Shared rides can introduce additional perspectives, which may actually help clarify what happened. Other passengers may serve as independent witnesses, and their accounts can be useful if there are conflicting versions of events. At the same time, multiple passengers can mean multiple plaintiffs, which can create a complex claim.
What if I was injured while entering or exiting the rideshare vehicle?
If the driver stopped in an unsafe location, moved too soon, or failed to account for surrounding traffic, those details may be relevant in evaluating what caused the injury. You may have a claim in these cases, even if you are not technically a passenger.
Can a rideshare company’s rating system play any role in a case?
Ratings and prior feedback may reflect patterns in driver behavior, such as complaints about unsafe driving. While not determinative on their own, they can sometimes provide support in a claim.
What if the driver’s phone or app contributed to the distraction?
Rideshare driving inherently involves app usage, but drivers are still expected to operate safely while using these tools. If your driver’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you may have a claim.
What if I canceled the ride just before the accident occurred?
Cancellation alone doesn’t resolve the issue. If the driver was still interacting with you, approaching your location, or engaged in the process of the ride, you may still have a claim if negligence on the part of another party caused your injuries.
Can I pursue a claim if I was using someone else’s rideshare account?
Yes, but it may require additional documentation to confirm your involvement in the ride.
What if I received a refund or credit from the rideshare company after the accident?
Credits or refunds are typically customer service responses and do not resolve legal claims. Accepting them does not usually waive your right to pursue compensation for injuries. However, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney before you sign anything or accept anything from the rideshare company. The company will be working to limit their liability and you do not want to accidentally compromise your case.
Can delays in reporting the accident through the app affect my case?
Delays can make documentation more important, but they don’t automatically prevent a claim. If you waited to report the accident and are wondering what to do next, consult with an attorney to get case-specific details.
Speak With a New York Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident involving Uber or Lyft, you may be dealing multiple insurance policies, different versions of events, serious injuries, and unclear responsibility. Contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel to schedule a consultation to further explore your options after a rideshare accident.