Ridesharing has transformed how New Yorkers get around, especially in boroughs like Queens, where public transportation is not always available. But what happens when the Uber or Lyft you’re riding in gets into an accident? Suddenly, you’re no longer a passenger but a piece of a legal puzzle. These rideshare accidents are gray areas in the law that leave victims uncertain of their rights. That is why speaking with an experienced accident lawyer NYC is vital if you’re injured while riding with a rideshare company.
Who’s Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Unlike traditional taxi services, rideshare companies treat drivers as independent contractors, not employees. That subtle distinction in the law makes a big difference. If your Uber driver is involved in an accident in Queens, you may assume that Uber will automatically cover your injuries. It’s not that easy.
Uber and Lyft provide tiered insurance coverage based on which stage the ride was in at the time of the accident:
- App Off: If the driver was not using the app, their insurance is solely responsible.
- App On, No Passenger: Limited liability coverage from Uber may kick in, but is not comprehensive.
- Passenger Onboard (You): Uber’s $1 million liability policy should cover injuries to riders and third parties.
Even when such coverage is in effect, getting a reasonable settlement typically means fighting large insurance companies and their lawyers. That is when it is important to have a New York car accident lawyer in your corner.
The Legal Grey Areas in Queens
Queens is a hub of transportation, with highways, bridges, and busy intersections, which are a recipe for potential accidents. If you’re hurt in a rideshare accident in Queens, you want local representation. A car accident lawyer Queens, NY, will understand the local court proceedings and traffic regulations that can impact your case.
Victims are usually surprised to discover how often liability is disputed, even in seemingly open-and-shut cases. If the other driver was at fault, Uber’s insurance will try to deny your claim, pinning responsibility on the other driver’s insurer. And if both drivers are partially at fault, you could find yourself caught in a tug-of-war between two insurers, with each company trying to minimize their payout.
A Queens lawyer familiar with Queen’s courts and insurance company negotiation tactics can ensure your case isn’t lost in the shuffle.
What Are Your Rights as a Passenger?
As a rideshare passenger, you are essentially never at fault. You are entitled to recover for:
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability, if required
Yet validating the value of those claims requires medical records, police reports, and even expert witnesses, all of which a seasoned NYC accident lawyer can help compile and present.
Don’t Expect Uber to Do the Right Thing
Uber and other rideshare companies may appear customer-friendly, but they are corporate giants aiming to reduce liability. Their insurance companies will look for any reason to reduce or deny a claim. Most victims take the wrong side of assuming Uber will “take care of everything,” only to be left with mounting medical bills and no help on the horizon.
That is why it is so important to call a New York car accident lawyer immediately after the accident. An experienced attorney will protect your interests, negotiate with insurance adjusters for you, and, if necessary, file a suit to get fair compensation.
Final Thoughts
If your Uber ride ends in a crash, do not pause and do not speculate about your rights. A lawyer can distinguish between a token settlement and the funds you need to recover.
A skilled car accident attorney in Queens, NY, will slice through the uncertainty and hold the right parties accountable. Because in the legal gray area of rideshare accidents, your rights won’t advocate for themselves, but the right lawyer will.
