New York Uber Accident Lawyers

Uber has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation for city dwellers who don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a parking spot in New York City, college students who don’t own a car, retirees who no longer drive, and everyone in between. Grabbing an Uber is so easy and convenient, and can be more affordable than other available options. What could possibly go wrong?

Unfortunately, a lot. Uber accidents are not uncommon and while you may think that taking an Uber is no different than hopping in a taxicab or limo when it comes to accidents, you are wrong. If your Uber driver gets into an accident and you are injured, the ease of taking an Uber just became complicated very quickly. Personal injury attorneys at Proner & Proner have extensive experience with Uber accidents and a track record of success in recovering just compensation for victims.

Uber Drivers Differ from New York Taxi Drivers in Many Ways 

Taxicab companies that operate in New York must meet the vehicle safety requirements set by the state. Taxicab companies are required to perform vehicle repair maintenance and they lease their vehicles to the drivers. In contrast, Uber drivers operate their own vehicles to transport their passengers. And Uber drivers are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the rideshare vehicle. 

When there is an accident, usually the company that employs the driver as an employee can be held responsible for any injuries sustained in an accident. But Uber accidents are different. Uber classifies their drivers as independent contractors, not as employees of the company. 

Who Pays for Medical Expenses in an Uber Accident?

If you are injured in an Uber accident — either as an Uber passenger or if you were struck by an Uber driver  — you may seek compensation for your injuries and other losses under personal injury law. In order to do so, you must demonstrate that the Uber driver was negligent and that their negligence caused or contributed to the accident. Negligence is front and foremost in a personal injury claim; without it, there is no basis for a claim.

When you are injured in a car accident, the standard course of action is to file a personal injury claim against the driver responsible, who then submits the claim to their car insurance company. But if the driver was an Uber driver who was operating the vehicle for money, then their personal car insurance policy will not cover the accident.

Insurance policies specify that the coverage is provided for a driver that is operating a vehicle for personal use; providing ride-sharing services is not personal use so the insurance carrier will deny the claim. To address this, Uber offers liability insurance to their drivers. The liability insurance takes over after the Uber driver’s personal car insurance policy denies the claim.

Liability Coverage for NYC Uber Accidents

Uber provides liability insurance for their drivers and the coverage varies depending upon when the Uber accident occurs. Specifically, the liability coverage is broken into categories as follows:

• Period 0: This refers to the period of time when an Uber driver is not signed into the Uber app. During this time, no liability insurance coverage is provided.
• Period 1: This refers to the timeframe when an Uber driver is signed in to the app but has not yet accepted a ride request. During this period, Uber provides liability coverage for any accident that is the fault of the Uber driver. Coverage is up to $50,000 per person that is injured, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability.
• Period 2: This refers to the period when an Uber driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to the pick-up. Liability coverage during this period increases to $1 million.
• Period 3: This refers to the period when a passenger is in the Uber vehicle through the time of drop-off. Liability coverage during this period is up to $1 million, plus uninsured motorist coverage, and limited coverage for damage to the driver’s car.

Types of Compensation for Uber Accidents in New York

If you have been involved in an Uber accident, you may file a personal injury claim to recover damages for any injuries and other losses you sustained in the accident. You may receive compensation for any of the following losses:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses for injuries that are a result of the Uber accident
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation costs
• Surgical costs
• Property damage and loss
• Lost wages
• Lost vacation and sick time
• Diminished future earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium

Injured in a New York Uber Accident? Receive a Free Consultation with an Experienced Uber Accident Attorney

When you have been injured in an Uber accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. In addition to injuries and other losses, you now face the complicated process of trying to recover compensation for those losses. 

Results-driven Uber accident attorneys at Proner & Proner are experienced and knowledgeable, successfully recovering just compensation for those injured in accidents. Our Uber accident attorneys will provide a free evaluation of your case and answer your questions. Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Uber Accident Laws

FAQ: What Should I Do If I Have Been Involved in An Uber Accident? 

The first step to take after an Uber accident is to seek medical attention for any injuries you sustained. Then call the police to report the accident. The next step is to obtain the names, contact information, and insurance details of everyone involved in the accident. 

It is also important to collect contact information from any witnesses. Then take photos of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, road conditions, your injuries, and anything else relevant to the accident.

FAQ: How much time do I have to file a personal injury claim for an Uber accident in New York?  

The statute of limitations — the legal timeframe — for filing a personal injury claim in New York is three years from the time the accident occured. It is important to note this timeframe; your claim will be dismissed if it is filed after this deadline.