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Key Details: Albany rideshare accidents
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Albany, but they have also introduced new risks on our roads. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a confusing insurance claims process.
The experienced Albany rideshare accident lawyers at Seraj Law understand the unique legal challenges these cases present. We are committed to helping injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians secure the compensation they deserve.
Handling a rideshare accident claim on your own can feel overwhelming, especially when insurance companies are working to protect their bottom line. Our attorneys at Seraj Law provide comprehensive support throughout every stage of your case.
These are what we can do for you:
New York requires rideshare companies to maintain specific insurance coverage for their drivers. The amount of coverage available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
When a rideshare driver has the app open but has not yet accepted a ride, the rideshare company provides limited liability coverage. In New York, this includes at least $75,000 for bodily injury per person, $150,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
The driver’s personal auto insurance may also apply during this period.
Once a driver accepts a ride request and is currently on the way to pick up the passenger, the rideshare company’s commercial policy kicks in. This typically includes $1.25 million in liability coverage, along with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
The highest level of coverage applies when a passenger is in the vehicle. Rideshare companies maintain $1.25 million in liability coverage during this period, plus contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
This coverage protects passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians injured by the rideshare vehicle.
Multiple parties may have valid claims following a rideshare accident. Our Albany rideshare accident attorneys represent clients in various situations.
New York law allows rideshare accident victims to seek compensation for a wide range of losses. The specific damages available depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
Economic damages compensate for your measurable financial losses.
Non-economic damages address the personal and emotional toll of your injuries.
Rideshare accidents occur for many of the same reasons as other car crashes, but certain factors are particularly common in these cases.
In New York, the statute of limitations dictates that you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting too long to take action can hurt your case in several ways.
Critical evidence such as app data, surveillance footage, and witness memories can disappear over time. Insurance companies may also view delayed claims with suspicion, making it harder to negotiate a fair settlement.
If your accident involved a government vehicle or occurred on government property, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days. Consulting with an attorney promptly after your accident helps ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.
If you have been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident in Albany, you do not have to face the insurance companies alone. The skilled rideshare accident lawyers at Seraj Law are ready to investigate your case, identify all available sources of compensation, and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Contact us today at (518) 941-8579 for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you take the first step toward securing the compensation you need to move forward.
Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which limits the company’s direct liability. However, you can typically file a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
In some cases, you may be able to pursue additional claims if the company failed to properly screen a driver or ignored safety complaints.
If the rideshare driver’s personal insurance is insufficient, the rideshare company’s commercial policy may provide additional coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. You may also have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage through your own auto policy that can help cover your losses.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case and the severity of your injuries. Straightforward cases with clear liability may settle within several months.
Cases involving disputed fault, multiple parties, or catastrophic injuries often take one to three years, especially if litigation becomes necessary. We work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while still securing maximum compensation.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation is reduced depending on your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if you were 25% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you would recover $75,000.
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means you must typically meet a “serious injury” threshold to pursue a lawsuit for pain and suffering. Serious injuries include bone fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of a body organ or member, or an injury that substantially limits your daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident.
