New York residents frequently use rideshare services like Uber for affordable, convenient transportation. Unfortunately, Uber accidents are far too common and can cause devastating injuries. Recovering compensation after being injured in an Uber accident can be difficult, especially because claims usually involve multiple insurance companies.
If you or your loved one have been injured in a rideshare accident, consult an experienced driver’s attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC are prepared to help you understand your legal rights and options. The Uber accident attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC have an in-depth understanding of New York rideshare laws. We use our experience, resources, and professional network to investigate claims and negotiate the best outcome possible for our clients.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents
Using a rideshare company like Uber allows customers to travel without the added stress of navigating traffic and parking and to avoid driving home after enjoying a few alcoholic beverages. Despite the decreased stress of using rideshare options, negligent Uber drivers and other drivers can act carelessly and cause rideshare accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a common cause of rideshare accidents because Uber drivers have more distractions than the average driver. For example, Uber drivers must ensure their rideshare applications are open and give them pick-up and drop-off points.
Rideshare drivers may not know where the pickup or dropoff point is located and usually need to focus closely on the map displayed on their navigation system. Rideshare passengers may start talking, making the driver even more distracted. Any distraction can draw an Uber driver’s attention from safe driving, increasing the possibility of a motor vehicle accident.
Navigating Unfamiliar Roads
Rideshare drivers are often unfamiliar with the route they need to travel when driving a customer. This unfamiliarity can make drivers more likely to engage in unsafe driving practices. Navigating unfamiliar roads can lead to unsettled driving, causing slow driving, sudden turns, and unexpected stops, increasing the likelihood of an Uber car accident. Other causes of Uber accidents include the following:
- Rideshare driver fatigue
- Unsafe parking and pick-up locations
- Negligent rideshare vehicle maintenance
- Defective vehicles or parts
- Texting while driving
- Unsafe road conditions
- Lack of driving experience
- Aggressive driving
Who Is Responsible for Damages in an Uber Accident?
There may be one or more parties who are liable for your injuries. Under New York law, injury victims have a right to pursue damages from the party whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior caused the accident. There may be more than one party responsible for causing the accident that caused your injuries. Depending on the details of the accident, one or more of the following parties may be liable for your injuries:
- The Uber driver
- The operator of the other vehicle or vehicles involved in the Uber accident
- The vehicle’s mechanic
- The rideshare company
- The vehicle’s manufacturer
If two drivers are found to be partially at fault, the victim can pursue damages against both. New York law allows courts to apportion faults between multiple parties.
Uber’s Insurance Policy
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, reaching out to an experienced attorney is crucial. Under New York law, fault can be apportioned between multiple parties. However, one or more at-fault parties may not have the insurance coverage or assets to fully compensate you for your damages.
If you have car insurance, the insurance may only cover part of your costs. If Uber can be held liable for your injuries, your attorney can help you pursue a claim through their commercial insurer. You may have a right to pursue compensation through Uber’s 1.25 million dollar insurance policy.
If the accident occurred before the Uber driver picked you up or after the driver dropped you off, you may not be entitled to Uber’s insurance policy. You may be required to file a claim through the Uber driver’s personal insurance policy.
Additionally, if a third-party driver caused the accident, you can pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance policy. The attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC will carefully review your case and help you determine the most strategic avenue to pursue the total compensation you need and deserve.
How to Prove Liability in a Rideshare Accident
The rideshare accident attorneys will investigate the accident’s cause and gather evidence to prove liability. Dell & Dean, PLLC has the resources and professional network necessary to begin investigating your case immediately. We regularly work with accident reconstruction specialists to determine the cause of the accident and prove liability. We will gather all available evidence to prove liability, including, but not limited to, the following:
- The police accident report
- Photographic and video evidence
- Cell phone records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Expert testimony
- Medical reports
- Accident reconstruction results
Rideshare Accident Compensation in New York
Victims of rideshare accidents can pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurer or through a personal injury lawsuit. The purpose of awarding compensation to Uber accident victims is to attempt to make them “whole” or replace what the victim lost due to their injuries. Generally, the more severe a victim’s injuries, the higher the value of his or her case. Suppose you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident. In that case, an attorney can help you pursue the following types of compensation:
- Lost income
- Future lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment
The attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC will work with financial and medical experts to carefully determine and justify the amount of compensation you’ll pursue. The financial burden placed on victims can be immense and have far-reaching implications. We will work diligently to pursue the maximum settlement you deserve for your injuries.
Contact an Uber Accident Attorney in New York
Dell & Dean, PLLC understand how difficult life can become for victims of rideshare accidents. We are proud to pursue victims and work diligently to help victims obtain justice and compensation from the at-fault parties or parties who’ve caused their injuries.
With our record of experience and success, Dell & Dean, PLLC is prepared to go the distance for you. If you would like to speak to an experienced New York attorney after an Uber accident, contact Dell & Dean, PLLC to schedule a consultation.
Dell & Dean, PLLC handles uber accident claims throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island as well as the boroughs of New York City, and the surrounding areas.
