SARATOGA SPRINGS RIDESHARE INJURY ATTORNEYS

When a rideshare vehicle gets into a wreck, then innocent people end up seriously hurt. Call D’Orazio Peterson PC. We have helped passengers and motorists struck by rideshare drivers seek financial compensation in a settlement. Uber and Lyft drivers should have liability insurance, but getting a claim paid is a challenge. Call us to speak with a Saratoga Springs rideshare accidents lawyer today about your case.

Who Caused Your Rideshare Accident?

In Saratoga Springs, a rideshare accident is typically caused by:

• The rideshare driver. This person can drive carelessly just like any other motorist on the road. Speeding, tailgating, and illegal U-turns are major contributing factors. Some rideshare drivers are working two jobs and drive only at night, which means they are at risk of nodding off and getting into a collision due to fatigue.
• A different motorist. If you are an Uber passenger, then your driver could be at fault—but so could another motorist on the road. This other driver could cut off your vehicle, rear end your car, or T-bone you in an intersection.
• Road defects Some accidents are preventable if the road wasn’t defective. A defect on the road could cause your driver to swerve and crash or lose control. A construction zone might lack necessary signage, so your driver doesn’t know to slow down.

Let’s review the facts. We represent injured victims, so we need to pin down who is at fault for the crash. If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft, then it matters enormously who is to blame. A regular driver might not have much insurance to pay compensation for your injuries.

Do Rideshare Drivers Have Insurance?

Yes. However, the amount of insurance depends on whether the driver is logged into the app and if they have accepted a ride when they crash. Suppose the driver isn’t logged into the app. At that point, they are no different than any other driver on the road. You will submit a claim on their personal liability insurance.

If the rideshare driver has logged in, then more insurance is available. And up to $1 million is available if they have accepted a ride and get into a collision.

In New York, no-fault benefits might also come into play. Call our office. Untangling insurance is one of the biggest headaches after a car wreck. Our legal team will review the facts and identify where you should submit claims. That will help maximize what you receive in a settlement.

What to Do after a Rideshare Accident

It’s vital to take certain steps at the accident scene:

1.       Make sure everyone is safe. If someone needs an ambulance, then call one using your phone. If you are so badly hurt you can’t move, then ask someone to call an ambulance for you.

2.       Ask all drivers for license and other information. Suppose you are a passenger. You should get your driver’s information as well as the details from any other driver involved in the wreck. Don’t think your Uber driver is collecting this information for you. You need to gather it yourself.

3.       Take pictures of the vehicles involved and other details, including road defects. These pictures help people visualize how the accident happened.

4.       Speak with witnesses about what they saw and ask for a way to contact them.

5.       Call the police to report the accident. Again, don’t assume your Uber or Lyft driver is calling. Rideshare passengers should call to ensure an officer comes to the accident site.

Once you finish at the scene, there are other steps to take, including receiving medical treatment and contacting a lawyer. You should never agree to a settlement offer without first hiring an attorney, nor should you give a recorded statement about the accident.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Us

Rideshare accidents are in many ways like any other motor vehicle wreck. We need to prove who is to blame and then document the severity of your injuries. At D’Orazio Peterson PC, we have negotiated generous settlements for many accident victims, so we know what negotiation techniques work.

Let’s meet to discuss your accident. We can answer your questions in a free consultation with a member of our team.

D’Orazio Peterson PC

193 Lake Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-308-8339

518-633-5106 (fax)