What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in NYC

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in NYC

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how New Yorkers travel, but when a trip ends in an unexpected accident, knowing what to do next is critical. Whether you’re a passenger, rideshare driver, or another motorist involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can affect your health, your legal rights, and any potential insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit you may need to file.

These accidents present unique challenges. With multiple parties involved—including the rideshare company, the driver’s personal insurance, and possibly other drivers—it’s essential to understand how insurance coverage applies and how to protect your rights after a rideshare accident.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Rideshare Accident

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you should do after a rideshare accident is check yourself and others for bodily injuries. If you or anyone else is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be obvious right away, and having medical documentation can support future personal injury claims.

Delaying treatment can not only worsen your condition but may also affect your ability to recover compensation. Always follow up with a licensed medical professional or healthcare professional after the accident.

2. Call the Police and File an Official Report

New York law requires drivers to report most car accidents, especially if they involve injuries or property damage. Ask the police officer to file an official police report at the scene. Be sure to obtain a copy for your records, as it can serve as critical documentation when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a rideshare accident claim.

3. Document the Accident Scene

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, damage sustained, the rideshare vehicle, traffic signs, and anything that may have contributed to the crash. Be sure to capture vehicle details like license plates and rideshare company decals on the Uber or Lyft vehicle.

This visual evidence can be instrumental in proving fault and the extent of property damage or bodily injuries.

4. Collect Information from the Rideshare Driver and Others

Request the rideshare driver’s information, including their full name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Also, gather details from other drivers and any witnesses at the scene. If you were a passenger, take note of the ride request time and your route within the rideshare app, as this could help determine which company’s insurance applies.

If you are a driver involved in a rideshare-related collision, be sure to exchange personal insurance and vehicle details with the other parties involved.

Understanding Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents

Liability and insurance coverage in rideshare accidents can be confusing because they depend on whether the rideshare driver was actively working—waiting for a ride request, en route to a pickup, or transporting a passenger—when the accident occurred.

Rideshare Companies’ Liability Coverage

Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage that activates in different phases of a ride:

• App is off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
  
• App is on, no passenger yet: Limited liability coverage provided by the rideshare company may apply.
  
• En route or carrying a passenger: Up to $1 million in liability insurance is available through the rideshare company.
  

This staged system makes it essential to determine what the rideshare driver was doing at the time the accident happened.

Insurance Claims and Multiple Policies

If you are injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, your compensation may come from:

• The at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance
  
• The rideshare company’s insurance
  
• Your own personal insurance (such as uninsured motorist coverage)
  

A qualified rideshare accident lawyer can help determine how insurance coverage applies in your specific situation and which party is financially responsible.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit

If you were injured as a result of a rideshare accident and another party was at fault, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances, you could file against the rideshare driver, another at-fault driver, or even the rideshare company under certain legal theories.

Victims often face significant medical bills, lost income, and long-term consequences following serious injuries. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer will help you evaluate your claim, gather evidence, and pursue compensation through either a fair settlement or litigation.

Be sure to keep all medical treatment records, receipts, and correspondence with the insurance company. These detailed records are key to strengthening your claim.

Do You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Because of the complexities of Uber and Lyft accidents, it’s wise to consult with a lawyer who has experience handling rideshare accident claims. A rideshare accident lawyer can:

• Investigate liability and insurance coverage
  
• Handle communications with the insurance company
  
• Help you receive appropriate medical attention
  
• File a personal injury lawsuit if needed
  
• Advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf
  

Having professional legal support can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Learn more about what to do after a rideshare accident. Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at (800) 842-8462 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.

FAQs: What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in NYC

Q1: Who pays for my injuries after a rideshare accident?
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may come from the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage, or your own insurance policy.

Q2: What should I do if the rideshare driver was at fault?
Collect the rideshare driver’s information, document the scene, seek medical attention, and speak with a personal injury lawyer to file an insurance claim or lawsuit if necessary.

Q3: What if I was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle when the accident occurred?
You may be covered under the rideshare company’s liability policy, especially if the driver was en route or transporting you when the accident happened.

Q4: Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
In most cases, rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, limiting direct lawsuits. However, under certain conditions, you may be able to include them in a personal injury lawsuit.

Q5: What kind of evidence should I collect?
Get photos of the accident scene, medical bills, contact details of involved parties, a copy of the police report, and screenshots from the rideshare app confirming your trip.