Imagine this: you’re walking down the street, minding your own business when suddenly, you’re struck by an Uber driver. Your peaceful day transforms into a nightmare, filled with pain, confusion, and uncertainty about your future.
Welcome to the unsettling reality many New Yorkers face daily as pedestrian-involved auto accidents become all too common. The aftermath can be life-altering, burdening victims with physical, mental, and financial turmoil that lingers for years. If you’re among these unfortunate souls, understanding your rights in this crisis is critical.
NO-FAULT NEW YORK AND ITS QUIRKS
New York, the bustling city it is, follows the ‘no-fault’ rule for auto accidents. This complex framework may puzzle victims as they grapple with who to point the finger at, especially if they’ve been hit by an Uber driver.
In no-fault states, filing a claim with your insurance provider is the norm, regardless of who’s to blame. Surprisingly, this also encompasses pedestrians under certain auto or homeowner’s insurance policies. But rest assured, exceptions exist, and the culpable driver isn’t always off the hook.
You can pursue the at-fault party, like the Uber driver, if your damages exceed $50,000, you’ve sustained a permanent injury or disfigurement, you’re battling severe function loss, or you’re nursing a serious injury.
UBER’S INSURANCE RULES: IT’S A GRAY AREA
Navigating Uber’s insurance landscape isn’t straightforward. Every Uber driver is mandated to have their liability insurance, leaving the coverage responsibility on the driver, not Uber. However, Uber occasionally steps in with supplementary coverage if the driver’s insurance falls short. This potential lifeline hinges on whether the Uber driver was ferrying a paying passenger during the mishap.
THE SILVER LINING: YOUR RIGHT TO COMPENSATION
Victims of auto accidents may seek compensation from the guilty parties. The financial relief falls into three buckets: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages ease the strain of out-of-pocket costs related to the accident, such as medical expenses or property repairs. This includes your current bills and anticipated future costs, such as ongoing medical treatments. If your injury has kept you from work, you can also claim lost wages.
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like emotional distress, pain, and suffering. These damages are tailored to your personal ordeal, factoring in the severity of your suffering and its impact on your life. You can also claim for loss of consortium, recognizing the toll your accident and injuries can take on your marital relationship.
Punitive damages, though rarely granted, serve a dual purpose: to penalize the reckless offender and to deter similar future behavior. If you’re a New York victim, you might be entitled to these damages, sweetening the compensation pot.
REACH OUT TO A TRUSTED NEW YORK CITY UBER ACCIDENT LAWYER
Navigating the aftermath of an Uber accident can be a bewildering journey. Allow us to guide you through it. Reach out to us for a free consultation if you’ve been hit by an Uber driver and need assistance plotting your next steps.
YOUR LEGAL CHAMPIONS AT OLIVERI & SCHWARTZ
At Oliveri & Schwartz, P.C., we understand the pain and confusion that follows an accident in Manhattan, NY.
If you’re nursing injuries from an accident and require legal support, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Let our New York City car accident lawyers help you navigate your path to justice – schedule a free consultation today at 212-987-1100.