If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident on Long Island, sustaining injuries such as broken bones, whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be distressing and costly. Medical bills may accumulate, and you might need to take time off work to heal.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our team understands the complexities of ridesharing accidents. We are here to help you explore your legal options for claiming compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, among other damages.
Our dedicated Long Island personal injury attorneys will manage your case from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you.
How Will Our Long Island Rideshare Accident Attorneys Help You?
It might be challenging to understand the court system after an Uber-related auto accident to pursue fair compensation. This is especially true considering the number of parties usually involved, including the Uber driver, different insurance providers, and possibly others who could have been negligent.
These parties frequently refuse to acknowledge their mistakes and strongly dispute responsibility to escape paying for their actions.
Engaging with our Long Island Rideshare Accident Lawyers can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. We are thoroughly acquainted with the relevant laws and procedural aspects that will influence your case.
By choosing us, you gain a formidable ally who will:
- Confront Uber, any negligent third parties, and insurance companies for you,
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your Uber accident,
- Identify all possible causes and pinpoint parties potentially at fault,
- Pursue compensation from every party that played a part in the incident,
- Shield you from blame attempts by other involved parties and
- Collaborate with specialists to thoroughly assess your injuries and the value of your claim.
We recognize the stress and disorientation that can accompany an unplanned collision, regardless of whether you were a pedestrian, an Uber passenger, or the driver of another car involved. We pledge to assist you in obtaining the monetary means required for your recovery.
To arrange a consultation and begin the process of resolving your case, get in touch with us right now.
Do You Need a Long Island Rideshare Accident Law Firm?
If you’re involved in a collision with a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft—whether as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian—it’s important to consult a Long Island personal injury lawyer immediately. This is essential even if the insurance adjuster claims full responsibility or offers a settlement.
Always speak with an attorney before providing any statements or signing documents.
Uber and Lyft, as substantial corporations, are backed by powerful insurance companies focused on minimizing payouts for claims. They employ legal teams and adjusters who work diligently to deny claims by asserting that the driver was off-duty or by applying less comprehensive insurance policies.
Legal liability in rideshare cases is complex because, unlike traditional employees, rideshare drivers are independent contractors, and therefore, the liability for accidents isn’t that simple. Even if a rideshare driver actively works for Uber or Lyft, the companies are liable only under specific conditions.
Rideshare companies often use this legal distinction to shirk responsibility in accident scenarios.
Our professional Long Island ridesharing accident attorney team knows the statutes that apply to these situations and the legal environment. To protect your rights and get the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, we can help you file accident reports with the company, negotiate with insurance adjusters and opposing legal teams, and, if necessary, start a lawsuit against the guilty parties.
In personal injury cases, it’s unwise to rely solely on the assurances of an insurance company. Instead, take the initiative to schedule a free initial consultation with our attorney to better understand your rights and explore your legal options.
Remember, our cases are typically handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t incur any fees unless your attorney successfully recovers compensation on your behalf.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Rideshare Accident Case on Long Island?
Gathering the right evidence is crucial for building a strong case in a rideshare accident on Long Island.
Here’s an overview of the essential evidence to collect, with a focus on some unique aspects related to ridesharing accidents:
Evidence Specific to Ridesharing:
- Driver’s App Status: It is critical to confirm that the driver had their Uber or Lyft app active at the time of the accident. This can influence the insurance coverage available, as rideshare companies offer different insurance policies when a driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or during a trip.
- Ride Details from Your Account: If you were a passenger, your account details showing that you were matched with the driver and in the vehicle at the time of the accident are crucial. This helps establish your presence and potential claim.
General Evidence from the Accident:
- Photos and Videos: Immediate documentation of the accident scene is vital. Since crash sites are often cleared quickly, capturing photos and videos can help preserve crucial details that might otherwise be lost.
- Witness Statements: Accounts from people who witnessed the accident can support your case. Their observations can provide an independent perspective of the events.
- Security Camera Footage: Footage from nearby security cameras can be instrumental in showing the sequence of events leading up to the accident.
Official Reports:
- Police Accident Report: A formal police report can provide an authoritative overview of the accident, noting details like the positioning of vehicles, points of impact, and any citations issued.
In any car accident case, especially those involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, securing this evidence easily can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. If you find it challenging to gather any of this information, consulting with specialized rideshare attorneys in Long Island can help ensure that you have the support and resources to pursue your case effectively.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Long Island, New York
Rideshare drivers in Long Island, like those working for Uber and Lyft, are not always required to undergo formal evaluations of their driving abilities before being hired. This oversight can lead to an increase in unsafe drivers on the road.
If you are involved in an accident where your rideshare driver was engaged in any of the following behaviors, they may be liable for compensation:
- Aggressive Driving: Speeding and erratic lane changes increase accident risks.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use slows reaction times and impairs decision-making.
- Distracted Driving: Using GPS or not focusing on the road leads to missed signals and accidents.
- Fatigue: Excessive tiredness impairs concentration and reaction time.
- Eating While Driving: Divides attention, delaying reactions to road conditions.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Disrupts traffic flow and increases accident likelihood.
- Illegal Passing: No-pass zone maneuvers can cause dangerous collisions.
- Reckless Driving: Disregard for road rules and safety through excessive speeding and aggressive maneuvers.
- Rushing for Fares: Making risky decisions in a hurry to pick up passengers.
- Abrupt Stopping: Sudden stops to pick up or drop off passengers pose rear-end collision risks.
- Swerving: Sudden lane or direction changes without signaling confuse other drivers.
- Tailgating: Following too closely reduces stopping ability, increasing rear-end collision risks.
- Texting While Driving: Diverts focus from the road, creating high-risk scenarios.
- General Negligence: Any carelessness deviating from safe driving practices can cause accidents.
Suppose you’re involved in a rideshare accident. In that case, a skilled Long Island accident attorney specializing in rideshare cases can thoroughly investigate your claim, develop a strong legal strategy, and advocate to secure the compensation you deserve from those at fault.
The Injuries of Long Island Rideshare Accidents
Handling the dense traffic of Long Island can be challenging, especially for Uber drivers, who may face pressures from tight schedules. Their heavy reliance on GPS due to unfamiliar routes can lead to hurried decisions, increasing the risk of accidents.
In such situations, the injuries sustained can be severe, possibly more so than in other types of vehicular accidents, due to the risky maneuvers often associated with the urgency of their schedules.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Victims of traumatic brain injuries in Long Island Uber accidents may experience profound changes in their lives. These injuries can impair one’s ability to work, perform everyday self-care tasks, and engage in leisure activities.
TBIs can affect memory — from erasing memories to causing difficulties with short-term recall — and disrupt focus and concentration. Furthermore, they might alter emotional regulation, leading to exaggerated or subdued reactions to situations.
Back and Neck Injuries
Common complaints following a rideshare accident include whiplash, herniated discs, and muscle strains in the back and neck. Such injuries can significantly limit daily activities, causing victims to avoid not only their favorite hobbies but also necessary actions like sudden movements.
The pain may lead to missed work, especially if the job involves sitting for long periods or handling heavy loads. In extreme cases, injuries might involve the spinal cord, potentially resulting in paralysis and affecting organ function below the injury site.
Amputations
Severe auto accidents can sometimes lead to limb amputations, either performed immediately at the accident scene or later due to extensive crushing injuries.
Amputations can dramatically alter a victim’s life, imposing permanent limitations. While prosthetics can aid independence, they do not fully restore the functionality of a biological limb and require regular replacement, representing a continuous expense.
Broken Bones
Broken bones can severely restrict one’s daily life and ability to work, particularly if the injuries are extensive or located in critical areas like the hands or legs. Handling typical job duties becomes challenging, and even basic self-care can be daunting.
Broken bones can result in prolonged pain and long-term physical limitations.
Each of these injuries not only impacts the physical capabilities of the victims but also places a significant emotional and financial burden on them, illustrating the severe consequences of rideshare accidents in high-traffic areas like Long Island.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Rideshare Accident Claim?
In a rideshare accident claim, several types of damages can be sought to compensate the victim or their family.
Here’s an overview of the potential damages:
- Medical Expenses: Victims can claim compensation for current and future medical costs related to the accident. This includes expenses for hospital stays, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and medications needed for recovery.
- Lost Wages: If the injury impacts the victim’s ability to work, compensation for lost income during the recovery period can be pursued.
- Property Damage: Compensation for damage to vehicles and personal belongings can be sought to cover all material losses resulting from the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage covers the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. It recognizes the intangible impact of the victim’s pain and suffering.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where the accident leads to a fatality, the deceased’s family members may seek damages for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
- Punitive Damages: These are awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct to serve as a deterrent to the responsible party and prevent similar actions in the future.
How Much Is Your Rideshare Accident Case Worth?
The potential value of your rideshare case depends greatly on the specific details of the accident. In Long Island, if you are a driver, whether for a ridesharing company or not, you are mandated to carry no-fault insurance.
This coverage pays for your medical expenses and other costs (excluding vehicle damage) regardless of fault.
If you are not at fault and suffer a “serious injury,” you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, which falls under “non-economic damages.” New York law defines a “serious injury” as any of the following:
- Bone fracture
- Permanent limitation of a body member or organ or of a body function or system
- Significant disfigurement
- Full disability for at least 90 days
- Loss of a fetus
- Death
Additionally, if the vehicle damage or financial losses exceed $50,000, you can pursue a lawsuit for these economic damages. Consulting with our experienced rideshare attorney in Long Island can provide you with a clearer understanding of the compensation you might be entitled to beyond what is covered by no-fault insurance.
Call Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys for Help!
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we take on the role of your unshakable advocates, helping you through every step of the process and handling your ridesharing accident claim. Our Long Island personal injury law firm is dedicated to providing energetic representation and individualized, caring service.
Our top focus is your well-being, and we’re committed to working nonstop to get you the justice you’re due.
When you choose us, you gain a powerful partner ready to tackle the complexities of the legal process on your behalf. This allows you to concentrate on healing.
If you’re prepared to pursue the justice and compensation you’re entitled to, contact us at (516) 689-1132 or through our contact form. For additional information on how we can help, please visit our website.
