Brooklyn Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare accidents happen more often than you might think. Every day, thousands of people use Uber and Lyft to get around Brooklyn. While these services offer convenience, they also come with risks. When a rideshare accident occurs, you may face serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about who will pay for your recovery. Parker Waichman LLP helps rideshare passengers in Brooklyn recover the compensation they deserve. Our team understands the complexities of rideshare accident claims and fights to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Rideshare Accident Claim

When you’re injured in a rideshare accident, you need an attorney who understands both personal injury law and the unique insurance issues that come with Uber and Lyft cases. Parker Waichman LLP brings over 40 years of combined experience handling auto accident claims throughout New York. We have recovered more than $2 billion for our clients across all practice areas, including substantial settlements and verdicts in motor vehicle accident cases.

Our approach is straightforward: we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We handle every aspect of your claim, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit if necessary. Our Brooklyn office is staffed with experienced personal injury attorneys who know the local courts and understand how rideshare accidents impact our community. We’ve helped countless injured passengers recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage in New York

One of the most confusing aspects of rideshare accidents is figuring out which insurance policy covers your injuries. Unlike traditional taxi services, rideshare companies operate under a complex insurance structure that changes depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. Understanding your insurance coverage options is critical to protecting your rights.

What Insurance Applies When You’re a Passenger

When you’re injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, multiple insurance policies may come into play. Rideshare companies are required to carry commercial insurance that covers passengers. In New York, Uber and Lyft must maintain at least $1.25 million in coverage when a passenger is in the vehicle. This coverage applies to medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.

The rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance typically does not cover rideshare activities. This is why the rideshare company’s commercial policy becomes critical. Additionally, if another vehicle caused the accident, that driver’s insurance may also be responsible for your injuries. Your own auto insurance may provide uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that protects you if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.

How Insurance Coverage Phases Work

Rideshare insurance operates in three phases.

• Phase 1 begins when the driver logs into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request. During this phase, coverage is typically limited to $75,000 per person ($150,000 per accident) for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
• Phase 2 starts when the driver accepts a ride request and is traveling to pick you up. Coverage increases to $1 million per person. Phase 3 is when you are actually in the vehicle. This phase provides the highest coverage at $1.25 million per person.

Understanding which phase applies to your accident matters because it determines the available insurance coverage. If you were injured while the driver was en route to pick you up, Phase 2 coverage applies. If you were already in the vehicle, Phase 3 coverage applies. Our attorneys review the accident details to identify which coverage phase applies and ensure you receive compensation from the appropriate insurance policy. This is why consulting with a Brooklyn rideshare accident lawyer early in the process is essential.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Brooklyn

Rideshare accidents occur for many of the same reasons as other motor vehicle accidents. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes. Rideshare drivers often focus on their navigation apps or phone screens instead of the road. Speeding and reckless driving also contribute to accidents, particularly when drivers rush to pick up passengers or complete multiple rides quickly. Failure to follow traffic laws, such as running red lights or making illegal turns, causes serious collisions. Driving under the influence remains a significant risk factor. Some drivers operate vehicles that lack proper maintenance, creating mechanical failures that lead to accidents. Driver fatigue is another common cause, especially during late-night hours when drivers may be exhausted from working long shifts.

Types of Injuries From Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can cause severe and life-altering injuries. Traumatic brain injuries and concussions occur when your head strikes the vehicle interior or you experience sudden impact. These injuries can result in cognitive problems, memory loss, and personality changes. Spinal cord injuries and paralysis represent the most catastrophic outcomes, potentially leaving you unable to work or care for yourself.

Broken bones and fractures are common in rideshare accidents, requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries affect your neck, back, and shoulders, causing chronic pain and limited mobility. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. Psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder affect many accident survivors, causing anxiety, depression, and difficulty returning to normal activities.

How Parker Waichman LLP Handles Your Rideshare Accident Case

Our process begins with a free consultation where we listen to your story and evaluate your claim. We investigate every aspect of your accident, gathering police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the accident scene. We determine who was at fault and identify all responsible parties, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, other drivers, and vehicle manufacturers if a defect contributed to the accident.

We then negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, but our attorneys know their tactics and fight for fair compensation. If the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, we file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. Throughout this process, you pay nothing upfront. We cover all costs and only collect a fee if we win your case. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements demonstrates our commitment to client recovery.

What Compensation Can You Recover

New York law allows you to recover several types of damages in a rideshare accident case. Medical expenses include all costs related to your treatment, from emergency room visits to ongoing physical therapy and future medical care. Lost wages compensate you for income you lost while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, we pursue lost earning capacity damages.

Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced. New York does not cap non-economic damages, meaning you can recover substantial compensation for your suffering. Permanent disability or disfigurement damages apply if your injuries leave lasting effects. Loss of enjoyment of life damages recognize that your injuries may prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed. Property damage covers repairs or replacement of personal belongings damaged in the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Brooklyn?

New York law gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should not wait to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies move quickly to settle claims for less than they’re worth. Contact Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights.

What if the rideshare driver was partially at fault?

New York follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Our attorneys work to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your recovery.

Do I need to hire a lawyer for my rideshare accident case?

While you are not required to hire an attorney, doing so significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. An experienced rideshare accident attorney levels the playing field, handles complex negotiations, and ensures you understand your rights and options.

How much is my rideshare accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, your lost wages, your age and earning capacity, and the strength of liability evidence. A minor injury case might be worth $10,000 to $50,000, while a catastrophic injury case could be worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. We evaluate all factors in your case to determine a fair settlement range.

What if the rideshare company denies my claim?

If the rideshare company denies your claim, we file a lawsuit on your behalf. We present evidence of the accident, your injuries, and the company’s liability to a judge or jury. Many cases that are initially denied are ultimately resolved through litigation or settlement negotiations that follow the filing of a lawsuit. Our verdicts and settlements speak to our ability to recover compensation even in disputed cases.

How long does a rideshare accident case take to resolve?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case and the severity of your injuries. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within a few months. More complex cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability may take one to two years or longer. We keep you informed throughout the process and work efficiently to resolve your case.

Will my case go to trial?

Most rideshare accident cases settle before trial. However, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are not afraid to fight for you in court.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Rideshare Accident Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Brooklyn, don’t wait to seek legal help. Parker Waichman LLP offers free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Call (718) 554-8055 today or complete our online contact form to schedule your appointment. We serve injured passengers throughout Brooklyn and all of New York. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve.

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