Brooklyn Rideshare Accident Attorney

Injured While Riding an Uber or Lyft in Brooklyn?

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way people travel throughout Brooklyn and the rest of New York City. With just a few taps on a smartphone, riders can arrange a quick trip across town or a late-night ride home. While convenient, rideshare vehicles are still cars on busy city streets, and accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers are becoming increasingly common. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in one of these crashes, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Brooklyn rideshare accident lawyer at the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. can help you understand your rights, deal with the complex insurance rules surrounding rideshare companies, and fight to recover the damages you deserve.

With more than 15 years of experience, Attorney Seni Popat and his team have successfully represented hundreds of clients and recovered over $30 million on their behalf. Let our firm help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. for a free, confidential consultation with a rideshare accident attorney in Brooklyn.

Rideshare Laws in New York

New York has unique laws when it comes to rideshare services. Unlike many states, rideshare operations in New York City are heavily regulated by the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC). This means that all Uber and Lyft drivers must be TLC-licensed, undergo background checks, and meet strict vehicle inspection standards before they can legally pick up passengers.

In addition, New York requires Uber and Lyft to carry substantial liability insurance coverage for their drivers. However, the level of coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. This is one of the most confusing aspects of a rideshare accident claim, and having a lawyer who understands these rules is critical.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident is not always straightforward. Unlike traditional car accidents where only the driver’s insurance is typically involved, Uber and Lyft cases may involve multiple layers of insurance coverage. The rideshare driver’s personal insurance, Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance policy, and sometimes even third-party insurers can all come into play.

Here’s how liability typically breaks down depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

Driver Logged Off

If the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the app at the time of the crash, they are considered to be using their car for personal purposes. In this case, the rideshare company is not responsible, and the driver’s personal auto insurance policy will apply to the accident.

Driver Logged On but No Ride Request Accepted

If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request but has not yet accepted one, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage:

• Up to $50,000 per person injured
• Up to $100,000 per accident (for all injured parties)
• Up to $25,000 for property damage

This coverage applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the damages.

Driver Accepted a Ride or is Transporting a Passenger

If the Uber or Lyft driver has accepted a ride and is either en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one, the full commercial insurance policy provided by Uber or Lyft applies. This includes:

• $1 million in third-party liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for the driver’s vehicle

This is the highest level of coverage available and often becomes the key source of compensation for accident victims.

Compensation After a Rideshare Accident

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Brooklyn, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, physical therapy)
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
• Loss of future earning capacity for permanent or long-term disabilities
• Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of the crash
• Property damage if your vehicle or belongings were destroyed
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one was fatally injured in a rideshare accident

Because rideshare accidents often involve overlapping insurance coverages, it is important to work with a skilled Brooklyn rideshare accident lawyer who can determine the best strategy for maximizing your recovery.

Common Causes of Brooklyn Rideshare Crashes

Many Uber and Lyft collisions in Brooklyn happen on busy routes like the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway or Flatbush Avenue, where heavy traffic and frequent lane changes increase the risk of sudden impacts. Rideshare drivers may feel pressure to accept rides quickly, follow GPS directions, and navigate unfamiliar streets, which can lead to distracted driving or abrupt maneuvers. Poor weather, nighttime visibility, and congestion near popular destinations can also contribute to rear-end crashes, sideswipes, and intersection accidents.

Understanding what caused your crash is important because it affects who can be held financially responsible and which insurance policies apply. In some cases, liability may rest solely with the rideshare driver, while in others another negligent driver, a commercial vehicle, or even a pedestrian might share fault. A careful investigation that includes reviewing app data, trip records, and any available video footage can help a rideshare accident attorney in Brooklyn build a clear picture of how the collision occurred and who should be accountable for your losses.

How Evidence Strengthens a Rideshare Accident Claim

Strong evidence is often the difference between a denied claim and a successful recovery. Because rideshare accidents involve digital platforms, there may be additional forms of proof available beyond what exists in traditional car accident cases.

Important evidence may include:

• App activity logs showing the driver’s status
• GPS data and trip records
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Police accident reports
• Witness statements
• Medical records and treatment history

Our Brooklyn Uber & Lyft accident attorney can quickly secure this evidence before it is lost or deleted.

Challenges in Uber & Lyft Accident Cases

Rideshare accident claims are more complicated than standard car accident cases. Insurance companies often dispute liability, and rideshare companies have legal teams working to minimize payouts.

Some of the biggest challenges include:

• Determining which insurance policy applies
• Proving the driver’s app status at the time of the crash
• Handling multiple insurance adjusters
• Navigating corporate liability issues
• Calculating long-term damages

Working with our team helps ensure your claim is handled correctly from the start.

Uber & Lyft Accident Claim FAQs

What should I do immediately after a rideshare accident?

Call 911, seek medical attention, and report the accident to the police. Be sure to collect the driver’s information, take photos of the scene, and note whether the driver was logged into the rideshare app. Then, contact a lawyer before speaking to any insurance company.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

In most cases, rideshare companies argue that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This makes suing Uber or Lyft directly difficult. However, their insurance coverage is often available to injured victims depending on the driver’s status.

What if I was a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?

Pedestrians struck by rideshare drivers are also covered under the same insurance tiers, depending on whether the driver was logged off, waiting for a ride, or transporting a passenger.

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in New York?

Under New York law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to take action as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your claim.

Do I need a lawyer for an Uber or Lyft accident?

Yes. Rideshare accident claims are more complex than standard car accident cases because of the multiple insurance policies involved. Our Brooklyn rideshare accident attorney can help ensure you pursue every available source of compensation.

Why Choose Our Brooklyn Law Firm?

At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we have extensive experience handling Uber and Lyft accident claims in Brooklyn and throughout New York. Our team understands how to investigate rideshare collisions, gather the evidence needed to prove liability, and navigate the complex insurance claims process. We are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the maximum compensation available under the law.

When you work with us, you can expect:

• Personalized attention from a dedicated legal team
• Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
• Trial-tested representation if your case goes to court
• No fees unless we win your case

Speak With a Brooklyn Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. The experienced team at Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. is here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call (718) 866-3186 to get started, and experience the difference that proactive, compassionate advocacy can make during a challenging time.