What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident in New York
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are incredibly popular in New York City and across the state. But with more rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents involving these services are also on the rise. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident—either as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or cyclist—knowing what to do immediately can make a critical difference in your health and your legal case.
1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your first step should always be to ensure your safety and that of others. If you’re able to, move to a safe area away from traffic. Call 911 to report the accident, especially if anyone is injured. A police report will be essential for any future legal claims.
2. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma can take hours or days to become apparent. Visit an emergency room or urgent care and keep all medical records. Prompt care not only protects your health but also creates documented evidence for your personal injury claim.
3. Gather Information at the Scene
If you’re physically able to, collect the following:
- Driver’s name and contact info (rideshare and other parties involved)
- Vehicle license plates and insurance details
- Rideshare app screenshots showing trip details
- Names and contact info for witnesses
- Photos or videos of the scene, injuries, and vehicle damage
This evidence will be vital for your attorney to build a strong case.
4. Report the Incident to the Rideshare Company
Both Uber and Lyft have in-app reporting systems for accidents. Report the crash as soon as possible. These platforms are required by law to carry substantial insurance coverage for riders and drivers during active trips. Your lawyer can help you communicate with the rideshare company to avoid statements that may compromise your claim.
5. Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurers
Insurance companies, including those for rideshare services, may contact you requesting a statement. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney. Insurers may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame.
6. Speak with an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney
Navigating rideshare accident claims in New York can be legally complex. An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate liability and determine if the driver, rideshare company, or third party is at fault
- Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Alan Ripka & Associates has extensive experience representing clients in rideshare accident cases across New York. We know how to hold powerful corporations and insurers accountable.
7. Document Everything
Keep a file with:
- Medical records and bills
- Proof of lost income
- A journal documenting your pain levels, recovery progress, and how the injury impacts your life
This documentation can significantly strengthen your claim.
8. Know the Statute of Limitations in New York
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain exceptions or delays could apply. Speaking to an attorney right away ensures you don’t miss crucial deadlines.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in New York, don’t face the legal system alone. The personal injury attorneys at Alan Ripka & Associates are here to help you navigate every step of your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover from your accident.
Title: Legal Rights of Pedestrians Hit by Motor Vehicles in New York
Meta Title: Know Your Legal Rights as a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in New York | Alan Ripka & Associates
Meta Description: Pedestrian injured by a motor vehicle in New York? Learn your legal rights and options for compensation with expert legal guidance from Alan Ripka & Associates.
Keywords: pedestrian accident New York, hit by a car NYC, pedestrian injury attorney, New York personal injury lawyer, pedestrian rights New York
Legal Rights of Pedestrians Hit by Motor Vehicles in New York
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in New York, where busy intersections and heavy foot traffic intersect with aggressive driving. When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the consequences can be devastating. Knowing your legal rights is essential to receiving fair compensation and ensuring accountability.
Understanding Liability in New York Pedestrian Accidents
In New York, drivers owe a legal duty of care to pedestrians. When that duty is breached—such as failing to yield at a crosswalk or running a red light—and it results in injury, the driver can be held legally liable.
New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if the pedestrian is partially at fault (e.g., jaywalking), they may still recover damages, though the award may be reduced in proportion to their share of fault.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Motor Vehicle in NYC
- Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Always report the incident and get emergency medical care. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. - Get a Police Report
The police report is a critical document that records the accident and includes witness statements, the driver’s information, and any citations issued. - Gather Evidence at the Scene (If Possible)
Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signs, and road conditions. Get contact info from any witnesses. - Avoid Discussing Fault or Making Statements
Do not admit fault at the scene or during conversations with insurers. Stick to the facts and let your lawyer speak on your behalf.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New York
- Distracted or texting drivers
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Intoxicated driving
- Illegal turns or running red lights
Potential Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Who Pays for Medical Bills?
Under New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law, the driver’s insurance may be responsible for up to $50,000 in basic economic losses, even if the driver was not at fault. This includes medical bills and lost income. However, more serious injuries may allow the victim to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
When to Contact a New York Personal Injury Attorney
Time is of the essence in pedestrian accident cases. An experienced personal injury attorney will:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Handle all interactions with insurance companies
- Ensure that all filing deadlines are met
- Help you pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to
Alan Ripka & Associates has decades of experience representing injured pedestrians across New York. We fight for justice on behalf of victims and their families.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in New York, you have legal rights—and you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Alan Ripka & Associates is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
