Insurance Companies Avoid Liability to Protect Their Bottom Line
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not consistently handle Uber or Lyft collisions the same way. Mostly, they try to avoid taking liability whenever possible. Without an attorney, it may be difficult to recover compensation because Uber and Lyft’s insurance companies and attorneys will do whatever they can to avoid taking ownership of the crash.
At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we aren’t afraid to fight with the insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys know how to get you compensation—that’s why we work on a contingency-fee-basis. We won’t charge for our legal services unless we help you reach a successful outcome in your case.
How the Rideshare Companies Make the Legal Process Difficult
Uber and Lyft sometimes make the legal process after a rideshare collision more difficult by trying to distance themselves from the driver and their negligent actions.
Rideshare companies do this for two primary reasons:
- They don’t want their insurance company to pay for damages because it could increase their premiums.
- Having accidents and injuries associated with their company can negatively affect their reputation.
At our firm, we have a solid track record of standing up against the rideshare company’s attorneys. In addition, we work to ensure a large, powerful company looking to save money by avoiding liability doesn’t take advantage of our clients.
What Should You Do if You’re in a Rideshare Collision?
If you get into a collision with a rideshare driver, there are steps you can take that may help if you decide to file a claim or lawsuit in the future. It’s good to find out if the rideshare driver was technically “on the clock” before you leave the accident scene. This can help identify who might have liability in the accident.
Other steps you should take after getting in a rideshare accident include:
- Call emergency services – If anyone sustained injuries in the accident, call the police and request an ambulance. Wait for the police to arrive to provide your statement. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should have them checked out by a medical professional. Doing so can provide valuable evidence if you must prove the collision caused your injuries later.
- Ask for contact information – Get the contact information for everyone in the accident, including their driver’s license number, license plate number, name, phone number, and auto insurance information.
- Identify any witnesses – If anyone else witnessed the accident, get their contact information and ask if they will provide a statement to law enforcement.
Following these steps can help ensure that you have the information you need to move forward with a claim or lawsuit in the future. Next, reach out to our car accident attorneys for a free consultation. We can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you take the necessary legal steps.
You Have a Limited Time to File a Lawsuit Against the Liable Party
In New York, you generally have three years after the collision to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Some scenarios could shorten this deadline, such as if you must sue a municipality, so speak to an attorney shortly after your accident.
We must complete several tasks to file a lawsuit, which all take time.
These include:
- Investigating who is liable for the accident
- Determining if Uber or Lyft has liability in the accident (based on what app setting the rideshare driver was in at the time of the collision)
- Negotiating with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement agreement
- Developing a solid case strategy to file a lawsuit if necessary
While three years may seem like a long time, we advise you to reach out to us soon after the collision to ensure that our attorneys have time to develop a solid case.
