Uber Accident Injury Lawyer in NYC
Injured in an Uber crash in NYC? Our Bronx law firm can help you fight back
There's a quiet moment when you slide into the backseat of an Uber in New York City. Maybe it's late. Maybe it's raining. Maybe you've just left a Broadway show or a friend's apartment in Queens. You check your phone, slide into the seat, and trust the driver to get you where you're going. But what happens when that moment is shattered? What happens when your Uber crashes?
If you've been injured in an Uber accident as a passenger, a pedestrian, another driver, or even the Uber driver yourself, you're likely overwhelmed. Medical bills can stack up fast. You might miss work for days, weeks, or even months. Suddenly, you're not even sure who's supposed to pay for what or how you're supposed to pay for everything.
The experienced New York City Uber accident injury lawyers at Giampa Law can help you cut through the legal noise and demand the compensation you deserve. To learn more, schedule a free initial consultation with our legal team.
"After getting into a car accident in 2016, Giampa Law worked diligently on handling my case. The attorney's professionalism and courtesy were very appreciated. I would highly recommend them as the entire staff was great." – T.H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What should I do immediately after an Uber accident?
Those first few minutes after a crash can feel overwhelming, making it hard to know what to do first. However, what you do in those moments and in the hours that follow can make a significant difference in both your recovery and your ability to obtain fair compensation down the line.
Here are some of the steps you should take:
- Call 911 immediately and seek medical attention: Even if the crash seems minor, a police report creates an official record, and having EMTs assess your condition can be crucial, even if you don't think you're severely hurt. Some injuries may take hours, even days, to appear. And by having medical professionals examine you, there will be a clear link between your injury and your Uber accident.
- Get the details: Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance information from everyone involved. That includes your Uber driver, the other driver (if there is one), and any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Take photos: Snap pictures of everything, including vehicle damage, your injuries, the street scene, and the Uber app screen showing your ride. These snapshots help tell the story later – and serve as strong evidence in support of your Uber injury claim.
- Be consistent with medical care: Delaying medical care can harm your health and potentially impact your claim. Better to get checked and be safe than to ignore something serious. Also, stay consistent with your medical appointments and follow your doctor's advice.
- Get legal help: Don't speak with any insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer. Not yours. Not theirs. Not Uber's. You don't owe them an explanation, and what you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Let an NYC Uber accident lawyer handle those conversations so you're protected from the start.
Who's responsible when an Uber crashes in New York?
In a standard car accident, you're usually dealing with one or two drivers and their insurance companies. But with Uber, there's another player in the game: the company itself. And they've spent years building legal armor to shield themselves from responsibility.
Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, not employees. That distinction matters because it's what allows Uber to say, "We're just a tech company. We connect people. We're not responsible for how they drive." But in New York, the law doesn't always let them off the hook.
Depending on who caused the crash and whether the app was on, you could have claims against:
- The Uber driver.
- Another driver.
- Uber's corporate insurance policy.
- All of the above.
New York also has no-fault insurance laws, which means your own policy (or the Uber driver's) pays for basic medical expenses, no matter who was at fault. However, if you were seriously injured, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and sue for full damages.
Can you sue Uber for an accident in NYC?
Most people don't sue Uber directly, but with the right legal representation, it's possible. Uber's legal team has constructed a fortress. Between arbitration clauses buried in the terms of service and the contractor loophole, getting a court to hear a case against Uber itself can be an uphill battle.
However, there are cases where Uber may be held accountable, such as:
- If Uber knew a driver had a dangerous record and allowed them to continue driving.
- If the app's design distracted the driver (yes, that happens).
- If there was a defect in the platform's navigation that contributed to the crash.
In those cases, Uber might be named in a lawsuit. But in most situations, the real money comes from Uber's insurance, not a courtroom showdown with the company itself. An experienced Uber accident lawyer in New York City can help bring clarity to your case and ensure that the right party is held accountable.
What kind of compensation can I recover?
If you're hurt in an Uber crash, you deserve to know what compensation might look like. This isn't just "easy money." It's about covering what this accident took from you and what it might take tomorrow.
Giampa Law can help you get compensation for the following:
- Medical bills (past and future).
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful death damages (if you lost someone in the crash).
I was a passenger in an Uber accident. How much is my case worth?
The amount of money you can get from an Uber accident settlement depends on many different factors. Every case is different. But here's a ballpark figure for Uber accident settlement amounts:
- Minor injuries (soft tissue, short-term pain): $15,000–$40,000.
- Moderate injuries (fractures, surgery required): $50,000–$150,000.
- Serious, life-changing injuries (TBI, spinal damage): $200,000–$1 million.
- Fatal accidents: often exceed $1 million, depending on the family's loss.
In New York City, those numbers can trend higher. Medical care costs more in NYC in Uber accident claims for passengers. Juries are more sympathetic, and our experienced NYC Uber accident attorneys know how to push for every penny you're entitled to under the law.
How does Uber's insurance work in New York City?
Uber doesn't use a standard one-size-fits-all policy. Their insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. If the app is off, Uber provides no coverage, and the driver's personal insurance applies.
If the app is on with no passengers yet, Uber provides $75,000 per person / $150,000 per accident for bodily injury. It also provides $25,000 for property damage.
When a driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber provides $1.25 million in liability coverage, per New York law. This includes uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
So, if you were in the backseat when the accident happened, that $1.25 million policy likely applies. And that's good news for your recovery. However, insurance companies don't simply hand over that money. You'll need to file an Uber accident insurance claim, build a strong case, and negotiate aggressively to secure a favorable outcome. Giampa Law can advocate for you throughout the entire process, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Why do I need a lawyer after an Uber crash?
An Uber accident isn't like a typical fender bender. You're dealing with corporate insurers, shifting liability, app data, and a multibillion-dollar company that doesn't want to pay unless it has to.
An experienced Uber accident lawyer in NYC can level the playing field and work on your behalf in many different ways, including:
- Investigate the crash.
- Gather app logs, GPS data, and rideshare records.
- Work with doctors to understand your injuries.
- Seek input from accident reconstruction experts.
- Handle all the calls, forms, and pushback from insurance companies.
- Fight for the full value of your claim at the negotiating table.
- Take legal action and demand justice for you in court.
After a New York City Uber accident, your job is to heal, not to become an amateur legal expert. Let someone else carry that burden for you while you focus on your recovery. Giampa Law knows the NY laws and how these cases work. We can handle every aspect of your claim and work to achieve the best possible outcome.
How long do you have to file an Uber accident claim?
In New York, you generally have three years to file a personal injury claim and two years for a wrongful death lawsuit, but don't let those timelines fool you. Some deadlines come much faster. You have just 30 days to file a no-fault claim for medical coverage and only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim if a city vehicle was involved.
Waiting too long can seriously harm your case as evidence fades, surveillance footage is erased, and drivers can be difficult to locate. The sooner you speak with Giampa Law, the stronger your chance of a full financial recovery.
How long does it take to settle an Uber accident case in NYC?
The length of time it takes to resolve your case depends on the severity of the crash and various other circumstances. Generally, minor cases with clear liability and limited injuries can be resolved in as little as three to six months.
Moderate cases, where injuries require a longer recovery, or there is some debate over fault, often take six to twelve months.
However, serious cases involving significant injuries, long-term medical treatment, or litigation can take anywhere from one to three years and sometimes even longer.
Several factors can slow down the process. Ongoing medical treatment is one of the most common delays, as your full injuries and future care needs must be clearly understood before a settlement is reached.
Disputes over who was at fault can also drag things out, especially if multiple parties are involved. If the at-fault driver was working for Uber or another gig platform, their insurance company may intentionally delay, hoping you'll settle for less out of frustration or financial pressure.
That's why having an experienced New York City attorney handling Uber accidents matters. Giampa Law won't let your case collect dust. We'll keep the pressure on the insurance company, move your claim forward at every opportunity, and ensure you stay informed and empowered throughout the process.
Injured in an Uber Accident in NYC? Call Giampa Law Today
If you were hurt in a crash involving an Uber, you're likely facing more than just physical pain. You're up against a maze of insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and tactics designed to pay you as little as possible. At Giampa Law, we've seen it all, and we know how to fight back. Rideshare accidents require precision, persistence, and a deep understanding of how companies like Uber shift liability to protect themselves. You need an attorney who won't back down.
Our experienced Uber accident lawyers have helped crash victims throughout the Bronx and Westchester recover full and fair compensation after devastating accidents. We delve into the details of your case, track every layer of coverage, and develop a strategy that puts your needs at the forefront.
Whether you're dealing with medical bills, missed paychecks, or the long-term impact of your injuries, we're here to help you reclaim your life and your peace of mind. And with our contingency fee structure, you pay nothing unless we win.
Don't wait for Uber's insurance company to decide your future. Let us take the wheel. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Bronx Uber accident attorney who treats you like family and fights like it's personal. We can handle your Uber accident insurance claim from start to finish, allowing you to focus on recovery.