What to Do If Uber’s Insurance Denies Your Injury Claim Under New York Law

Understanding Uber’s Insurance and Denied Claims

Rideshare services like Uber have transformed transportation in New York, but when accidents happen, the process of recovering compensation can be frustrating and complex. Many accident victims assume that Uber’s $1 million insurance policy will cover their medical expenses and damages, only to be shocked when their claim is denied.

Uber’s insurance providers are notorious for rejecting claims, often citing policy exclusions, lack of sufficient evidence, or blaming other parties for the accident. When an injury claim is denied, victims are left dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, and severe pain without financial support.

New York law protects rideshare accident victims, ensuring they have legal avenues to challenge a denial and fight for compensation. There are steps that can be taken to dispute the denial, file an appeal, or pursue a lawsuit against Uber or its insurance carriers. Understanding why claims are denied, how to respond, and the legal options available can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case.

Why Uber’s Insurance Denies Injury Claims in New York

Accident victims often assume that filing a claim with Uber’s insurance will be straightforward. However, insurers use various tactics to deny claims or limit payouts. One of the most common reasons for denial is a dispute over liability. Uber’s insurers may argue that another driver was at fault, even when evidence suggests otherwise.

Another frequent reason for denial involves coverage disputes based on Uber’s trip status at the time of the crash. Uber’s insurance policy applies in different ways depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to a passenger, or carrying a passenger. If the insurer claims that the driver was offline or not officially logged into the app, they may refuse to cover the claim.

Some denials are based on allegations that the victim’s injuries are not severe enough to meet New York’s no-fault insurance threshold. Under state law, serious injury must be established before a victim can pursue a lawsuit for pain and suffering. Insurers frequently downplay injuries or argue that medical records do not prove the severity of the harm suffered.

Policy exclusions also play a role in claim denials. Uber’s insurance providers may cite contractual loopholes, claim the accident was avoidable, or argue that the injuries were pre-existing. These tactics leave many victims without financial relief, even when they are legally entitled to compensation.

How Denied Claims Harm Uber Accident Victims

The consequences of a denied insurance claim can be devastating. Many victims rely on Uber’s $1 million liability coverage to cover hospital bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and other damages. When a claim is rejected, they are often left struggling to afford medical treatment while facing financial uncertainty.

For those who have suffered serious injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or fractures, the medical costs can be overwhelming. Surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care are expensive, and without insurance coverage, victims may struggle to access necessary treatments.

Beyond the financial burden, denied claims prolong emotional distress. Many victims are unable to return to work, placing additional strain on their families. The stress of dealing with insurance companies that refuse to honor legitimate claims can make the recovery process even more difficult.

For families who have lost a loved one in a fatal Uber accident, a denied claim can mean losing the ability to recover wrongful death damages, leaving them without compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.

Filing a Lawsuit After an Uber Insurance Denial

When Uber’s insurance denies a claim, accident victims have the right to challenge the decision and take legal action. Under New York law, injured passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers can sue Uber’s insurers if their denial was wrongful or based on bad faith practices.

The first step in disputing a claim denial is to gather additional evidence. This may include:

• Accident reports from law enforcement
• Medical records proving the severity of injuries
• Witness statements supporting the victim’s account
• Surveillance footage or dashcam video
• Uber app data showing the driver’s status at the time of the crash

If the insurer refuses to reconsider, the next step is to file a lawsuit. A legal claim can seek full compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Uber and its insurance providers often attempt to delay legal proceedings or settle for far less than victims deserve. Having legal representation is essential to hold these companies accountable and ensure fair compensation.

Why Victims Need an Attorney for Uber Injury Claims

Challenging an insurance denial or filing a lawsuit against Uber requires a deep understanding of New York’s rideshare accident laws. Uber’s insurers have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts, making it difficult for victims to fight back alone.

An attorney plays a crucial role in:

• Handling all negotiations with Uber’s insurance to push for a fair settlement
• Proving fault and liability when the insurer tries to shift blame
• Filing a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to pay or acts in bad faith
• Calculating damages to ensure victims receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Taking the case to trial if necessary to fight for justice

Many victims accept low settlement offers or give up after a denial because they are unaware of their legal options. Having an attorney ensures that insurance companies cannot take advantage of injured victims.

Compensation Available in Uber Injury Lawsuits

Victims of Uber accidents in New York may be entitled to significant compensation if their claim is wrongfully denied. Lawsuits against Uber’s insurers can recover:

• Medical expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident
• Permanent disability damages for those who suffer life-altering injuries
• Wrongful death compensation for families who have lost a loved one

By taking legal action, victims can secure the financial support they need to move forward after a devastating Uber accident.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If Uber’s insurance has denied your injury claim, do not accept their decision without exploring your legal options. Victims may still be entitled to significant compensation, even after an initial rejection. Contact us by calling 800-968-7529 today for a free case evaluation or visit parkerwaichman.com to learn more about your rights.

Time is limited to file a claim or lawsuit, so taking action as soon as possible is critical to ensuring the best possible outcome.