Were you involved in an Uber accident? At Levine And Wiss, we understand that collisions of this nature can result in complicated outcomes with many legal challenges, but you’re not alone in this—a New York City Uber accident lawyer can help. With us as your New York City rideshare accident lawyer, we can walk you through every step of the process and work toward recovering the compensation you deserve. We have represented clients for 15 years and counting. With over 100 years of combined experience, our lawyers have helped thousands of personal injury victims recover hundreds of millions of dollars. We’re here to do the same for you.
Uber’s Role in Accidents and Insurance Coverage
In the aftermath of an Uber accident, a challenge that your New York City car accident lawyer will face is determining who is liable for the collision. Uber, like other rideshare companies, operates under a unique business model. Drivers are considered independent contractors. This means that Uber’s liability for accidents involving their drivers depends on the driver’s status at the time of the incident. Uber provides a layered insurance policy to its drivers, and the amount of coverage available varies depending on whether the driver is actively working and whether they are en route to pick up a passenger, driving with a passenger, or off-duty.
When the Uber Driver Is Off Duty
If an Uber driver is not logged into the app at the time of an accident—meaning they are off-duty—the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the primary coverage. Uber’s insurance will not be involved in these situations.If the driver’s personal insurance is insufficient to cover the damages, the victim may need to pursue compensation from their own insurance or from another at-fault driver’s insurance.
When the Uber Driver Is Logged Into the App, Waiting for a Ride Request
If the Uber driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, Uber provides liability coverage that is typically more limited. Our New York City personal injury lawyers have seen that the policy typically provides:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage
This coverage can help compensate victims for injuries or property damage, but it may not be enough in more severe accidents. In cases of serious injuries or fatalities, additional sources of compensation may need to be explored.
When the Uber Driver Is en Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Transporting a Passenger
When an Uber driver is either on their way to pick up a passenger or is already transporting a passenger, Uber’s insurance policy provides significantly higher coverage. At this stage, the coverage includes:
- $1 million in bodily injury and property damage
- $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
This robust coverage is designed to protect both passengers and others involved in the accident. It can be crucial in cases where serious injuries or fatalities occur. However, there are still instances where this coverage might not be enough, particularly if multiple parties are involved or the damages exceed the policy’s limits.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in New York City
Uber accidents, like other car accidents, can be caused by a variety of factors. However, there are a few common causes of Uber accidents that are particularly prevalent in New York City. These specifics stem from the fact that New York City is a place where traffic congestion, unpredictable road conditions, and other factors can contribute to accidents. When you meet with New York City Uber accident attorneys, they’ll want to identify what exactly caused the crash that left you injured. In the meantime, let’s take a look at examples of common causes of collisions involving Uber vehicles.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of Uber accidents is distracted driving. Many Uber drivers use their smartphones to navigate the app, communicate with passengers, and find their destinations. While using a smartphone while driving is dangerous, it becomes even more problematic in a city like New York, where traffic moves quickly, pedestrians are common, and the roadways are crowded. When Uber drivers are distracted by their phones, they may fail to notice pedestrians, traffic lights, or other vehicles, leading to accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
New York City’s dense traffic can make it tempting for Uber drivers to speed or engage in reckless driving behaviors in an attempt to meet deadlines or take more rides. Speeding is dangerous, especially in a city where there are frequent intersections, pedestrians, and cyclists. Additionally, aggressive driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic, can increase the likelihood of an accident, especially in busy areas like Manhattan.
Fatigue and Drowsy Driving
Driving for long hours without adequate rest can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction times. Fatigued Uber drivers may be more prone to making mistakes or failing to react quickly in the event of an emergency. In a city like New York, where Uber drivers often work late into the night or during peak traffic hours, drowsy driving can lead to devastating accidents.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another significant risk factor in Uber accidents. While Uber’s policies prohibit drivers from operating under the influence, there are still instances where drivers may attempt to drive while impaired. This can result in slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased likelihood of causing an accident.
Weather Conditions
New York City is no stranger to inclement weather, including snow, rain, and ice. During adverse weather conditions, roadways become slippery, and visibility may be reduced. Uber drivers, like all drivers, need to adjust their driving habits to account for the weather, but not all drivers do so safely. When weather conditions make the roads more dangerous, the risk of accidents increases significantly.
New York City Uber Accident Lawyer Near Me
888-468-4878Types of Injuries Common in Uber Accidents
Injuries resulting from Uber accidents can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature of the crash. Here are examples of common types of injuries that occur as a result of Uber-related crashes.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. The sudden jolt of the vehicle can cause the neck to move rapidly back and forth, straining muscles and ligaments. Whiplash can lead to pain, stiffness, headaches, and long-term discomfort.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
In accidents involving significant impact, passengers or drivers can suffer head injuries, such as concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can have long-lasting effects, including cognitive difficulties, memory problems, and mood changes.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Accidents that result in severe jolts or impacts can cause injuries to the spinal cord, which may result in partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries often require long-term medical treatment, and they may lead to permanent disability.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common result of car accidents, especially when passengers are thrown around inside the vehicle or subjected to intense forces. These injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended recovery time.
Soft Tissue Injuries
In addition to fractures, passengers in Uber accidents may sustain soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and tears in muscles and ligaments. These injuries can cause pain and discomfort and may require physical therapy to heal.
Psychological and Emotional Injuries
In some cases, victims of Uber accidents suffer emotional and psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These injuries can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and often require long-term treatment.
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Call Our Uber Accident Law Firm in New York City Today
Experiencing an Uber accident can be a traumatic event, and dealing with the legal fallout can make things even harder. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident, it’s important to know that you don’t have to manage the aftermath alone. You have legal rights, and our Uber accident lawyers in New York City are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. At Levine And Wiss, we bring over 15 years of experience in rideshare accident law to the table.The sooner you contact us
, the sooner we can begin to take action on your behalf. Reach out now to schedule a consultation. That way, you can start the journey to securing justice and pursuing the compensation you are entitled to as a personal injury victim.
