After Uber or Lyft accidents here in Kew Gardens, things can get confusing. There are various insurance filings that might need to be made, and a lot depends on the status of the rideshare driver at the moment of the accident. Our firm can help you by coordinating all these steps, identifying every available policy and source of compensation, and handling all communications and negotiations to get you the best possible outcome. How to Bring a Claim After Uber/Lyft Accidents Getting Started in the App Once you've done the basics (called 911, helped anyone injured), immediately screenshot the Uber or Lyft trip details in the app so you have the driver's name, vehicle information, route, timestamps, and trip status (if you're a passenger). That data establishes which coverage period applied, and it can become inaccessible later, so it's best to have it safe right from the beginning. After you've got your screenshots, report the incident through the rideshare app. Be sure to give only the basic facts. Avoid making any statements about fault, talking about the extent of injuries, or even about how the collision happened. Getting Evidence Photograph the vehicle damage, roadway, any traffic controls, and visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact info if they're willing to give it. You'll give all this to your lawyer, and your lawyer will put it together, look for more as needed, and chase things down. Dealing With No-Fault New York's no-fault statute requires every motor vehicle, including those used for Uber and Lyft trips, to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage that pays medical expenses and a portion of lost wages to driver and any passengers, regardless of who caused the crash and up to the basic $50,000 limit. A passenger riding in an Uber is a covered person under that policy. The group insurance policy that rideshares maintain for drivers must include this no-fault coverage, and you'll need to turn to this first to cover your losses. You have 30 days to bring a claim, and we can get that started for you. Regardless of what insurers you talk with during this process, however, always refuse to give any recorded statements, stick to facts only, and pass off all the communication to your lawyer as soon as you have one. Above all, never sign anything without having your lawyer look over it first. Other Insurance The insurance available from the rideshare company depends on the driver's status at the moment of impact: App off: only the driver's personal policy applies Logged on but not yet engaged in a trip: minimum limits of $75,000 per person and $150,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage Accepted a request/have a passenger: $1,250,000 coverage for bodily injury, death, and property damage, plus $1,250,000 in supplemental uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and no-fault Beyond Economic Damages To get compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages that go beyond the no-fault benefits, you'll need to have what New York law considers a serious injury. Your lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify for this and then deal with the paperwork and other issues. Talk to a Lawyer in Kew Gardens If you've been in a rideshare wreck, contact us at Grauman Law P.C. right away for a free consultation. From our Kew Gardens and Forest Hills offices, we serve clients through NYC and beyond.
