Westchester County, NY Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Westchester County? We’re here to help.
You’re heading home from a night out in White Plains. It’s late, so you order an Uber. You expect a smooth ride, not flashing lights, spinning airbags, or a trip to the ER. But that’s exactly what can happen when a rideshare trip takes a wrong turn.
Rideshare accidents in Westchester County aren’t like typical car crashes. There’s more red tape, more finger-pointing, and more confusion about who’s actually responsible. Was the driver at fault? Is the rideshare company involved? Whose insurance pays, and how do you make sure you’re not left with the bill?
The rideshare accident lawyers at Giampa Law help people all across Westchester County deal with these complicated cases. Whether you were riding in an Uber, hit by a Lyft driver, or injured as a pedestrian, our legal team knows how to fight for your rights and get results. You shouldn’t have to go it alone, and with us, you won’t.
“Giampa Law was incredible throughout the process of my case. They helped me win a settlement that has significantly impacted my life. Thank you, Zach!” – T.B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Westchester County, NY Rideshare Accident FAQs
- What should I do after a rideshare accident?
- Can I sue Uber or Lyft after a crash?
- Who is liable in a rideshare accident?
- What damages can I recover after a rideshare crash?
- How do rideshare insurance policies work?
- What if I was a passenger during the accident?
- How long do I have to file a claim in New York?
- Do I need a lawyer for a rideshare accident case?
What should I do after a rideshare accident?
Right after a crash, what you do in the first few minutes and the hours that follow can make a huge difference in your health, your recovery, and your case. Here’s what we recommend:
- Always call 911: Even if the crash seems minor, call emergency services. Police will create an official crash report, and paramedics can check you for injuries, even the ones you can’t see right away. That report and that medical record can serve as the foundation of your claim.
- Get the driver’s information: Ask for the rideshare driver’s name, phone number, license plate, and insurance details. Be sure to take a screenshot of your app ride receipt, as it shows exactly when and where the trip happened.
- Take pictures: If you’re able, photograph the vehicles, the street, your injuries, any skid marks, and broken glass. This visual evidence helps tell the story of what happened. Include the rideshare app on your screen so it shows the driver’s name and trip timeline.
- Get witness info: If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and number. Independent witnesses can help confirm what really happened and that can carry serious weight with insurance companies.
- Don’t downplay your injuries: It’s natural to say “I’m okay” out of habit or shock. But if you’re not okay, say so. If you feel dizzy, stiff, nauseous, or disoriented (even a little), tell the EMTs.
- Report the crash in the rideshare app: Both Uber and Lyft have a way to report accidents directly in the app. It won’t start a legal claim, but it creates a time-stamped record that proves the ride happened.
- Get legal help: Always get legal help anytime you’re involved in a crash. Insurance companies often take advantage of injured motorists, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users. An experienced Westchester rideshare accident lawyer can protect your rights and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
In addition to following these steps, you should also save the following items:
- Your app receipt with date, time, and driver info
- Photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries
- Police report or incident number
- Any witness contact info
- Medical records from EMTs or hospital visits
Can I sue Uber or Lyft after a crash?
In many cases, you can’t sue Uber or Lyft directly. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. That legal distinction helps protect the companies from being held directly responsible for most accidents involving their drivers. In other words, if your Uber driver ran a red light and caused the crash, you likely can’t sue Uber itself.
Both Uber and Lyft carry a $1 million liability insurance policy that kicks in when a ride is active. If the driver was en route to pick someone up or had a passenger in the car (like you), that policy may cover your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
There are also some cases where the company can be sued directly. For example, they could be liable if they knowingly allowed a dangerous or unqualified driver to remain on the platform. That’s called negligent hiring or retention.
Who is liable in a rideshare accident?
Rideshare accidents can get messy fast, and one of the trickiest parts is figuring out who’s actually responsible. Unlike a typical two-car crash, these cases often involve multiple people, multiple insurance policies, and a whole lot of finger-pointing.
Here’s who might be at fault:
- The Uber or Lyft driver: Maybe they were distracted by the app, speeding to catch a bonus, or failed to yield. If the rideshare driver caused the crash, their own insurance or the company’s rideshare policy will likely come into play.
- Another driver: Sometimes it’s not the rideshare driver’s fault at all. It could be another vehicle that ran a stop sign, was texting behind the wheel, or sideswiped the car you were in.
- Both drivers: In some cases, more than one person shares the blame. For example, your Uber driver was speeding, but the other driver made an illegal turn. In New York, fault can be split between parties, and you can still recover damages.
- The city or municipality: Were there missing signs? Poor lighting? A massive pothole? If unsafe road conditions contributed to the crash, the city might be partially liable, but claims against municipalities have shorter deadlines, so timing matters.
At Giampa Law, we look deep into the facts. That means reviewing the police report, talking to witnesses, pulling rideshare app data, and sometimes bringing in crash reconstruction experts to show exactly how it all unfolded. Proving liability is the foundation of your case, and we build it the right way from day one.
What damages can I recover after a rideshare crash?
After a rideshare accident, the medical bills start piling up fast. Maybe you’re missing work. Maybe you can’t sleep because of the pain. Maybe you just want your life back and you’re wondering what kind of compensation you can recover. Here’s what you may be entitled to:
Medical expenses
This includes everything from the ambulance ride to the emergency room visit, surgeries, follow-up care, physical therapy, prescriptions, and even future medical treatment if you’ve got a long road to recovery. If it’s related to a rideshare accident, it should be covered.
Lost wages
If you had to miss work or you can’t go back to the same job because of your injuries, you may be able to recover the income you lost. This can also include future lost earnings if your career path has changed due to the crash.
Pain and suffering
This covers more than just physical pain. It’s about what the rideshare crash has taken from your daily life. It’s also about the anxiety, emotional toll, and trauma that keeps you from doing the things you used to love. These are very real damages, even if they’re not tied to a dollar amount on a receipt.
Loss of enjoyment or consortium
If your injuries have affected your relationships with a spouse, children, or family, you may be able to recover compensation for that, too. These damages acknowledge the ripple effect accidents can have on your whole life, not just your body.
How do rideshare insurance policies work?
Rideshare insurance works a little differently than regular car insurance. Uber and Lyft divide coverage into three periods:
- App off: When the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App on and waiting for a ride request: Once the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, they get limited liability coverage through the rideshare company.
- Picking up or carrying a passenger: When the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or has someone in the car, the coverage increases significantly. That’s when Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance kicks in, which often includes $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
But even with this coverage, there are limits and gaps that can make filing a claim tricky, especially if you’re a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. Every case is a little different, which is why it’s smart to understand which “period” the driver was in at the time of the crash.
A rideshare company’s insurance provider may try to dispute the driver’s status at the time of the crash to avoid paying. However, a skilled Westchester County rideshare accident lawyer at Giampa Law can get to the bottom of it, so you’re getting compensation from the right source.
What if I was a passenger during the accident?
If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle when the crash happened, you’re usually in a strong position to file a claim. That’s because, unlike drivers, you can’t be at fault just for being there. Whether the rideshare driver, another vehicle, or both were responsible, you’re considered the injured party, and both parties’ insurance policies may be on the hook. Uber and Lyft’s $1 million liability coverage kicks in for injuries during an active ride.
However, even as a passenger, filing a claim still isn’t always simple. Insurance companies may try to shift blame or drag their feet. You’ll likely need to deal with adjusters from multiple companies, and getting full compensation often takes persistence. That’s why you should work with an attorney to make sure you’re not stuck paying out of pocket for someone else’s mistake.
How long do I have to file a claim in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically three years from the date of the crash. That might sound like plenty of time, but waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses may forget details. And if your claim involves a government agency (for example, if a city-owned vehicle was involved), you might have just 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of building a strong case.
It also helps you avoid lowball settlement offers that pop up once the other side knows you’re up against a legal deadline. Even if you’re not sure you want to sue, it’s smart to talk to a Westchester County rideshare accident attorney early. Giampa Law can keep your options open and make sure you don’t miss your window to get compensation for medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Do I need a lawyer for a rideshare accident case?
Technically, no one’s required to hire a lawyer after a rideshare accident, but it’s often one of the smartest decisions you can make. Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but they’re paid to save their companies money, not to protect your rights. Giampa Law knows how to sort through the red tape, collect the right evidence, and push back on low settlement offers.
Our Westchester County rideshare accident lawyers can calculate the true cost of your injuries and fight to get you the compensation you actually deserve. Plus, our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. So there’s really no downside to getting legal help. It could make all the difference in your recovery.
Contact a Westchester County rideshare accident attorney who gets results.
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident in Westchester County, you’re not just looking for a lawyer; you’re looking for someone who will actually fight for you. Giampa Law has built a strong reputation in New York for doing exactly that. They know the ins and outs of Uber and Lyft insurance claims, and they don’t back down when companies try to dodge responsibility.
To us, you’re not just a case number; you’re a person with bills, stress, and a life that’s been turned upside down. Giampa Law takes that seriously. We always keep our clients in the loop, move quickly to protect evidence, and aren’t afraid to go to court if that’s what it takes. To find out how we can help you, contact us online or call our law office to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.