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Over the past decade, ridesharing has become increasingly popular in the U.S. Millions of people use rideshare options to travel when they don’t have a car or don’t want to drive.  

While rideshare companies are similar to taxi companies, they aren’t identical. This can lead to questions about what you should do if you are injured in a rideshare accident. The answer to those questions depends on the circumstances of the accident. 

If You Are a Passenger 

The best-case scenario occurs when you are a passenger in a rideshare accident. Rideshare companies like Uber provide comprehensive insurance for riders who are injured while the driver is on a trip. 

This means that you should contact the rideshare company as soon as possible after getting injured in a car accident. The company will guide you through the insurance process and let you know what documentation it needs. Typically, you should be fully covered for any injuries or lost wages in line with New York regulations. 

If You Are Driving Another Vehicle 

This is also a relatively simple situation because New York is a no-fault state. You are required to have personal injury protection insurance. It covers your medical costs regardless of who was at fault. 

Unless you were seriously injured enough that you need to file a lawsuit, you should treat this like any other car accident. Contact your insurance company right away, report the accident, and begin the insurance claim process. 

Filing a Lawsuit After a Rideshare Accident 

If you intend to file a lawsuit, the fact that the other vehicle was a rideshare vehicle will become more relevant. Rideshare companies maintain multiple types of insurance policies. One policy kicks in when the driver is en route or on a trip. Another policy type kicks in when they are online and available but not yet hired for a trip. 

In either situation, your lawsuit would probably include the rideshare company, and any settlement would probably come from the insurance company of the rideshare company. However, if the driver is offline when the accident occurs, you will have to deal with their private car insurance. 

If You Are a Pedestrian 

This is the most complicated situation, in part because New York is a no-fault insurance state. Depending on the circumstances of the accident and whether you own a car, your injuries might be covered by your car insurance policy, the driver’s car insurance policy, or an insurance policy of the rideshare company. 

You should discuss your claim with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. It is better to let an experienced lawyer determine who is liable and how you should proceed with your case. Otherwise, you are likely to run into a lot of red tape when trying to get compensation for your injuries. 

Always Contact a Lawyer 

In the last scenario, we recommended that you hire a lawyer. However, regardless of what scenario you are in, you should always consult with an attorney before making any decisions. 

Car insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing insurance claims, and rideshare companies are more interested in protecting their bottom line than their riders. You need someone on your side who will protect your rights throughout the claims process. 

An experienced lawyer from Silberstein, Awad & Miklos will help you understand your rights and your options during your free consultation. Even if we determine that you don’t need a lawyer to protect your interests, the ability to ask questions and explore all your options will make you feel more comfortable about the outcome. 

Even simple cases can benefit from the representation of an experienced lawyer. Filing an insurance claim involves a lot of red tape. There are multiple looming deadlines throughout the process, and you need to document everything. It is easy to make mistakes, especially when you are recovering from an injury.  

By letting an experienced lawyer handle the paperwork and bureaucracy, you are likely to get better results than you would without representation, even after paying your legal fees. 

Contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos for Rideshare Accident Injuries in New York 

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in New York, your medical bills and lost wages should be covered by insurance. However, which party’s insurance covers your expenses and how you should pursue the case depends on the circumstances of your accident.  

Navigating the various scenarios can be difficult. Contact our law firm at 1-877-ASK4SAM to speak with a personal injury lawyer who can help you get the compensation you need.