Long Island Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Attorney

Understanding Rideshare Accident Liability in New York 

The first step towards seeking justice after a rideshare accident is understanding who is liable. The liability could fall on the rideshare driver, the company, or another third party. Each rideshare company has its own insurance policy that provides coverage under certain conditions. Moreover, New York laws also play a crucial role in determining liability and the compensation you may be entitled to. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP our attorneys delve into the specifics of your case, scrutinizing every detail to ascertain the liable parties and the most viable avenue for pursuing your claim.

Furthermore, the legal framework governing rideshare companies in New York is under constant evolution, reflecting the dynamic nature of this industry. Keeping abreast of these changes is paramount to ensuring your rights are adequately protected. Our attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP are continually updated on the latest legal developments, ensuring they provide accurate and timely advice tailored to your unique circumstances

Ways Our Firm Could Help Uber and Lyft Accident Victims

Even common, two-car accidents can be complicated. From dealing with insurance companies to proving that another party is liable, there is much to be done after an accident. When a collision involves a ridesharing company, the challenges may be even greater than in other accident types.

Rideshare accidents may:

• Involve multiple liable parties
• Involve complex insurance policies
• Require you to prove that a rideshare driver was on-the-job at the time of the accident

We advise hiring our firm after any motor vehicle accident—and especially after a rideshare accident. Our team will manage the details and hurdles that come with your case. We handle our cases in a certain way, always making the client the priority. Our lawyers will show our appreciation for you by:

• Answering all of your questions as quickly and honestly as possible
• Protecting your rights throughout the insurance and legal processes
• Addressing any concerns that arise before or during your case
• Helping you schedule and get to case-related appointments
• Representing you with compassion and urgency

Our team has the resources to handle your case. We’ll hire experts, rely on investigators, and work with your doctors as we seek a positive outcome for you.

We Have Developed a Record of Favorable Results

Before you hire a law firm, you should ask to see their case results. Our firm is proud of the recoveries we’ve secured for clients, which include:

• A $4 million recovery: A client suffered paralyzing injuries, and we secured compensation to cover their cost of care and other damages.
• A $3.5 million recovery: We represented a college student who suffered long-term symptoms after a rear-end collision. We turned down a $600,000 settlement offer and ultimately secured a multi-million-dollar judgment.
• A $1.5 million recovery: Our client suffered back injuries in a rear-end collision, and we secured a substantial recovery for them.

Our team will pursue a fair financial award for you.

Our Clients Appreciate Our Brand of Representation

Client testimonials are just as important as case results. When you choose to hire a firm, you should know that they’ll go the extra mile for you. Our testimonials leave no doubt about our client-first approach:

“I was very fortunate to have Richard Jaffe of Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP represent me in my case. Throughout the entire process, Rich was professional, always explaining every detail of my case. He was available whether it was through a phone call, text or email. Not only was Rich an extreme professional but he also kept it personal, not making me feel like a case number. I would highly recommend Richard Jaffe, his firm and all of his staff to anyone seeking diligent and professional results.” – Eric, former client

“I knew I had made the right decision when I decided on Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. From the beginning to the end the entire staff made me feel as if I was family. Richard Jaffe took time to speak with me at all hours of the day with any concern I had. I felt so comfortable and confident that Richard Jaffe had my best interests in mind. He went above and beyond with answering any questions. I would recommend Richard Jaffe as well as the entire team!!”– Rosa, former client

These testimonials accurately portray how our firm will serve you.

How Insurance Works for Uber and Lyft

Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services have complex insurance policies. Coverage will depend on what the driver was doing and whether he or she was using the ridesharing application at the time of the accident:

If the Driver Has the Uber/Lyft Application Off

The rideshare driver was driving as a private individual at the time of your accident, then his or her own insurance should cover the accident. The rideshare service does not provide insurance coverage in this situation.

If the Driver Has the Uber/Lyft Application on and Is Waiting To Pick People Up

Uber and Lyft provide some coverage during this period. In New York, these services offer $75,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $150,000 total bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage.

These services also provide uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $50,000 for the death of a person. They also provide a total of $100,000 in death benefits per accident.

If the Driver Is in Route or Driving a Passenger to Their Destination

Both companies offer a $1.25 million policy for bodily injury and property damage in these scenarios. They also have $50,000 personal injury protection per injured person, uninsured and underinsured coverage of $1.25 million, and contingent collision and comprehensive coverage up to the vehicle’s cash value or cost of repair.

What Uber and Lyft Passengers Need To Know After an Accident

If you’re an Uber or Lyft passenger who was injured in a car crash, there are applicable insurance policies in place in most situations. With $1.25 million in liability coverage, it seems like there wouldn’t be any issues. However, problems often arise for passenger victims of rideshare accidents.

Some points of contention in your case may include:

The Driver’s Status

One challenge is in determining what the driver’s status was at the time of the accident. You’ll need to know whether the Uber or Lyft driver was correctly logged into his or her account, and whether they had you listed as a rider.

These facts may help determine the amount of coverage you receive. If there’s any question about whether you are covered, be prepared for pushback from the rideshare companies or their insurers.

Policy Limits

Another potential problem is that damages can exceed insurance coverage limits. This may occur when there are multiple passengers or parties to an accident. It may not take long for $1.25 million in coverage to be spent across multiple victims.

In such cases, you may have to pursue remedies beyond the at-fault driver’s insurance policies.

Whatever your circumstances, the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can take over your case and help you decide the best course of legal action for your case.

How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer With Our Firm Can Handle Your Case

Any time you’re hit, contact the police and have them prepare a report about the auto accident. If anyone’s injuries require immediate attention, contact emergency services. Make sure you get the medical care you need. Take pictures of the scene and gather information about the other driver and witnesses.

Your duties stop there – don’t feel like you must handle the entire claims process on your own. One of our lawyers can come to your aid and deal with your case on your behalf.

You can rely on them to:

Investigate the Accident

We will gather evidence to determine what led up to your accident. This process may include:

• Obtaining the accident report
• Checking traffic camera footage
• Gathering photographic evidence from the scene of the accident
• Talking to eyewitnesses
• Requesting cell phone records
• Reviewing insurance policies

From there, we should be able to figure out the responsible parties—whether they are the Uber or Lyft driver or other individuals or institutions.

Work With the Insurance Company

Once we have gathered all the evidence, we will present your case to the insurance company and request a fair settlement amount. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services may not want to compensate you fairly, especially if there’s a question about the status of their driver.

The rideshare service may try to say that the driver wasn’t working for them at the time of the accident, and that the driver’s own insurance should cover the accident. There may be a prolonged debate between the driver and the rideshare company’s insurers.

An auto accident lawyer with our firm can handle all communications and represent you during negotiations. This process could be lengthy and contentions, and we’ll shield you from it.

Submit a Lawsuit if the Insurer Won’t Settle

We have no issue with filing a lawsuit and representing you in court, if necessary. CVP § 214 generally allows three years to take action for personal injury. EPT § 5-4.1 enforces a two-year deadline for wrongful death claims if your loved one lost their life in the accident.

Although it seems like we have a long time, the filing window can pass quickly. We encourage you to reach out to us as soon as you can. If we start working on your case late into the time limit, your case may not be as strong as it could be. If you miss the filing deadline, New York State courts might refuse to hear your case.

Damages You May Collect After a Rideshare Accident

Should you or your loved one suffer injuries due to an Uber or Lyft accident on Long Island, our lawyers will look at how the accident has affected your life.

You might qualify to recover compensation for:

• Past and anticipated medical bills
• Lost income
• Future lost earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Lost quality of life

In the event your loved one succumbed to accident-related injuries, you can seek fair coverage for your loss. Their medical bills, funeral and burial services, and your losses of inheritance and companionship may all be compensable.

We Receive No Attorney’s Fees Unless We Secure a Financial Recovery

The personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning:

• We charge no upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
• We only receive an agreed-upon percentage of your financial recovery
• If we don’t receive any compensation, we don’t achieve a settlement or verdict.

You have nothing to lose with our lawyers on your side.

Why Is Timely Legal Intervention Crucial?

While it’s essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible due to varying statutes of limitations, timely legal intervention also enables the preservation of crucial evidence, which could be pivotal to your case. Early engagement with an attorney also facilitates prompt initiation of the claims process, increasing the likelihood of securing a favorable outcome. The team at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP is always ready to spring into action, providing the timely and robust representation you need from the get-go.

Moreover, early legal advice can provide clarity and peace of mind during a distressing period. Our attorneys will explain the legal process in a clear and concise manner, providing a realistic outlook on what to expect, thus alleviating some of the anxiety associated with rideshare accident claims.

Why Choose the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP for Your Case?

When entrusting your rideshare accident claim to the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, you are not just getting a lawyer; you are gaining a dedicated advocate who will stand by you every step of the way. Our firm’s ethos is centered around providing personalized, compassionate, and aggressive representation. We are deeply invested in your well-being and will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served.

With the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP you have a formidable ally who will navigate the complex legal landscape on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. If you are ready to take the next step towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve, please reach out to us at (866) 878-6774 or via our contact form. For more insights on how we can assist, visit our YouTube Channel.