Corporate algorithms shouldn’t come before public safety
Kinley Ragbey was just doing his job. The longtime Uber driver was cruising his 2018 Mazda near the Staten Island ferry terminal when the app’s robotic voice chimed in: “Make a U-turn to stay on Richmond Terrace, then pick up Ariane.” However, there was one problem —a big, metal, city-installed one. A “No U-turn” sign stood right where Uber wanted him to swing around.
Ragbey hesitated for a second. Then he did what Uber instructed him to do.
The illegal U-turn sent his car straight into John Tsang, who was riding his electric scooter in the opposite direction. The Uber accident launched Tsang into a parked car, shattering vertebrae and leaving him with injuries so severe they’d later require multiple surgeries. Now, Tsang is suing both Ragbey and Uber and arguing that the company’s aggressive routing and the pressure it puts on drivers created the conditions for disaster.
This wasn’t just a traffic accident. It was a collision between Uber’s algorithm, a driver’s fear, and the real-world consequences of a system that prioritizes speed over safety.
What happens when an app’s directions tell a driver to break the law?
Uber’s navigation system isn’t just suggesting routes; it’s dictating them. Drivers like Ragbey don’t just follow the app’s directions because they’re convenient. They follow them because they have to. Here’s why:
- Every Uber passenger watches their driver’s approach in real time on the app’s map.
- If a driver deviates, even to obey a traffic sign, the passenger might complain or cancel the ride.
- Too many complaints can mean deactivation, the gig economy’s version of getting fired.
Ragbey, like most drivers, used Uber’s built-in navigation because straying from the path, in his eyes, wasn’t worth the risk. Ragbey testified in court that since the app is connected to Uber, he always follows it. However, he also expressed concerns about complaints from the passengers.
Uber’s official stance has been that drivers are independent contractors, free to use their own judgment. But according to Ragbey, he must use the app to pick up passengers. The company may claim it’s just a neutral platform, but drivers say the pressure to follow the app, no matter what, is relentless.
Why do Uber drivers feel like they have no choice but to follow the app?
At a 2024 hearing, Shekar Krishnan, a New York City council member, stated that the unfair deactivation of taxi drivers is the single biggest issue that drivers face in the city. When they lose their livelihood, they lose their ability to pay rent, support families, and simply live in the city.
Drivers describe a nightmarish system where one false accusation can end their only source of income overnight. Walter Hurdle, who drove for Uber for six years before being deactivated, testified that the app requires phone interaction. With a mounted phone, drivers get the next ride before the current ride is finished. That means interacting with their phones while driving and putting other road users at risk.
How does Uber avoid responsibility after a crash?
In court, the company often insists drivers like Ragbey aren’t “Uber drivers” at all. They’re independent contractors, acting on their own. Uber’s lawyers even objected when Ragbey was referred to as an “Uber driver” during testimony. Benjamin Carroll, from Uber’s operations team, testified that while Ragbey was working for Uber at the time of the crash, the company insisted that he was working for himself.
By classifying drivers as contractors, Uber attempts to avoid liability for crashes involving their drivers. That's why if you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving an Uber driver, you need to consult a lawyer who can help you navigate both the insurance process and the complex legal questions surrounding Uber’s responsibility.
A skilled rideshare accident lawyer can determine which insurance policies apply, identify every liable party, and fight for the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Without legal guidance, Uber and its insurers will do everything possible to minimize or deny your claim — but with the right attorney on your side, you can hold them accountable.
How does Uber’s insurance work in New York?
Uber’s insurance in New York changes depending on the driver’s status:
- App off: No Uber coverage—only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App on, no passenger: Uber provides $75,000 per person ($150,000 per accident) for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage—but only if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim.
- Ride accepted or passenger in car: $1.25 million in combined coverage for injuries and property damage, plus uninsured motorist protection.
Uber’s insurance is secondary to the driver’s personal policy, which often excludes commercial use. If a driver is injured, they’re usually not covered by Uber’s policy and must rely on no-fault insurance (max $50,000). Passengers and third parties (like pedestrians) are protected under the $1.25 million policy, but claims can get tied up in disputes over fault.
New York’s rules are stricter than most states, requiring Uber to insure drivers as soon as they log on. Still, gaps remain. Delivery drivers (such as those using Uber Eats) face even murkier coverage, and Uber’s policy doesn’t protect drivers from lost wages or long-term injuries.
What should I do if I'm injured in an Uber accident in NYC?
If you were hurt in an Uber accident in NYC, don’t let Uber’s insurance company dictate your recovery. Giampa Law can help you fight back. We know how to hold Uber and its insurance providers accountable, so you get the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, suffering, and lost income. Our experienced Bronx Uber accident attorneys know the tricks insurance companies use to undervalue or deny claims, and we’re ready to level the playing field.
During your free, no-obligation consultation, we’ll listen to your story, evaluate the strength of your case, and outline a clear strategy to maximize your compensation. You’ll get honest answers about your rights and the potential next steps. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. It’s that simple.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients throughout New York City, the Bronx, and Westchester, and we’re ready to stand by your side from day one.
“I was referred to Giampa for my 2nd case, and when I met Zach, I immediately hired him for my 1st case as well. His staff is very pleasant. He exceeded my expectations. I’m so happy with my settlements. Great firm!” – L.A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐