A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Rideshare Accidents in Goshen — Uber & Lyft Claims

Goshen Rideshare Injury Help

How to Handle Uber and Lyft Accident Claims

If you were injured in a rideshare crash in Goshen while riding with Uber or Lyft, the path to recovery and fair compensation can be confusing. Insurance issues often involve multiple carriers and shifting liability between drivers, the rideshare company, and third parties. This guide explains what steps to take right after a collision, how to preserve evidence, and who to notify. It also outlines how The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC and attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. can help families and injured people understand their legal options and protect their rights while pursuing medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Rideshare collisions can result in complex investigations and insurance disputes because coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, en route to pick up a passenger, or off duty at the time of the crash. That distinction affects which policy applies and how a claim proceeds. Medical care, evidence gathering, and timeline management are key to preserving a strong claim. We encourage people in Orange County and the Hudson Valley to document injuries, keep records of medical treatment, and get a clear explanation of what happened from witnesses and law enforcement when possible to support any future claim for compensation.

Why Legal Guidance Matters After a Rideshare Crash

Securing appropriate representation after a rideshare accident helps injured people manage claim deadlines, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation needed for medical care and lost income. Rideshare claims may involve the driver’s personal policy, a rideshare company’s contingent coverage, and claims against other motorists. Effective advocacy also helps preserve crucial evidence like app logs, trip records, and surveillance footage. With clear communication and thorough documentation, an injured person can avoid early settlement pitfalls and ensure that all categories of damages, including pain and suffering, are considered during settlement or litigation processes.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC — Client-Focused Advocacy

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, led by Allan J. Ahearne, Jr., serves clients across the Hudson Valley and Orange County with a focus on personal injury matters including rideshare accidents. The firm guides injured individuals through insurance processes, gathers and preserves evidence, coordinates medical documentation, and advocates for fair compensation. Communication and responsiveness are priorities, and the firm works to reduce the stress of a claim by handling negotiations, paperwork, and court filings when necessary. Local knowledge of New York procedures and relationships with medical and investigative professionals supports a thorough approach to each case.

Understanding Rideshare Accident Claims in New York

Rideshare accident claims in New York require an understanding of how liability and insurance interact among drivers, passengers, and rideshare companies. Coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, available for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting someone at the time of the collision. Each scenario can activate different insurance layers, and identifying the applicable policy early helps preserve recovery options. Timely steps such as obtaining police reports, medical records, and app-related information improve the ability to evaluate fault and damages, and to pursue claims against the proper parties.

In addition to insurance complexities, injured people must consider comparative fault rules, potential claims against third-party motorists, and the collection of economic and non-economic damages. Medical treatment, wage loss documentation, and evidence of daily life disruption all support a claim’s value. It is also important to avoid premature statements to insurers and to keep copies of all bills and correspondence. Collecting witness contact information and preserving physical evidence from the scene can make a meaningful difference during settlement negotiations or court proceedings.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Definitions for Rideshare Claims

Contingent Liability Coverage

Contingent liability coverage refers to insurance that a rideshare company provides to cover injuries or damage when a driver’s personal policy does not apply, typically during periods when the driver is logged into the app but without a passenger. This coverage often has specific limits and conditions, and insurers may investigate the driver’s app activity and trip status. Understanding contingent coverage is essential to knowing where to direct a claim, how limits may affect recovery, and what information must be preserved to prove that the rideshare company’s policy applies to a particular collision.

Primary Liability

Primary liability is the insurance that initially responds to a claim after a crash, usually the at-fault driver’s personal policy. When a rideshare driver’s own insurer applies, that policy is often the first source of recovery for injured parties. If the driver was logged into the rideshare app and therefore covered by the rideshare company’s policy, primary liability may shift. Identifying which policy is primary directs the claims process and can affect how quickly medical bills and other immediate costs are covered following a collision.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage helps injured people obtain compensation when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits to fully cover damages. In rideshare incidents, questions may arise about whether this coverage applies when a rideshare driver is involved, and state law may set rules about stacking coverage or applying a passenger’s own policy. Documenting injuries and losses and notifying your insurer promptly supports a claim under these provisions when other sources of recovery are limited or unavailable.

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault is a legal principle used to allocate responsibility for an accident among involved parties. In New York, comparative fault can reduce the amount of recoverable damages based on the injured person’s share of responsibility. Evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and physical proof helps determine fault percentages. Even if a claimant bears some responsibility, they may still recover reduced compensation, making careful documentation and advocacy important to minimize the impact of comparative fault on overall recovery.

PRO TIPS

Preserve App and Scene Evidence

After a rideshare collision, preserve app-related evidence such as screenshots of trip records, driver profiles, and any messages within the app. Take clear photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the scene, and note weather and lighting conditions. Collect witness names and contact details and get a copy of the police report to support any future insurance claim or legal action.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention

Receiving medical care as soon as possible helps document injuries and creates an essential record for claims and treatment plans. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, diagnoses, recommended therapies, and expenses. Follow medical advice and attend scheduled appointments, as consistent care strengthens the credibility and value of your claim for damages and recovery.

Avoid Early Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters may ask for recorded statements early in the process; you are not required to provide one without legal guidance. Consult with your legal representative before offering detailed statements so your rights, coverage options, and the implications of any comments are understood. Declining to give a recorded statement until you have assistance helps prevent misunderstandings and preserves negotiating leverage.

Comparing Legal Paths After a Rideshare Crash

When a Full-Scale Legal Response Is Beneficial:

Complex Insurance and Multiple Parties

When a collision involves multiple vehicles, varied insurance policies, or disputes about app status, a coordinated legal response helps manage the investigation and claims process. Handling demands from several insurers requires careful documentation and legal strategy. In such cases, thorough advocacy can preserve options for pursuing full compensation across all responsible parties.

Serious or Long-Term Injuries

If injuries result in long-term care needs, ongoing rehabilitation, or significant wage loss, pursuing full compensation becomes more complex and time-sensitive. A comprehensive approach ensures that future medical needs and lost earning capacity are considered. This helps injured people secure compensation that reflects both immediate and long-term impacts on quality of life.

When a Narrower Claim May Be Appropriate:

Minor Injuries and Clear Liability

If injuries are minor, treatment is brief, and fault is clearly established, a limited claims approach may resolve the matter quickly through direct negotiations with insurance. This can reduce legal costs and shorten resolution time. In straightforward situations, focused representation that handles settlement discussions may be sufficient to secure fair compensation.

Low Medical Costs and Prompt Offers

When medical expenses are modest and the insurer makes a reasonable early offer, accepting a timely settlement after careful review may be appropriate. It is important to confirm that all future medical needs are unlikely before settling. Even in these cases, understanding how a release affects future claims is important for protecting long-term interests.

Common Situations That Lead to Rideshare Claims

Passenger Injuries During Trips

Passengers can be injured by sudden stops, collisions, or vehicle defects while riding with a driver. These incidents often involve passenger claims against the driver and the rideshare company depending on app status.

Driver-to-Driver Collisions

A rideshare driver may collide with another motorist, creating third-party liability and potential claims against both personal and rideshare policies. Fault determination affects which insurer pays and how quickly claims proceed.

Pickup and Dropoff Accidents

Accidents can occur during loading or unloading at pickups and dropoffs, and liability may hinge on where the driver was logging activity with the app. These situations require careful evidence collection to support the claim.

Rideshare Accident Attorney Serving Goshen and Orange County

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Rideshare Injury Claims

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assists injured people across the Hudson Valley with rideshare accident claims, guiding clients through the intricacies of insurance responses and liability questions. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm focus on timely communication, thorough investigation, and practical negotiation to address medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The firm works to secure the documentation necessary to support a claim, coordinates with health care providers, and explains the legal options available at each stage of a case in straightforward terms.

Clients receive personalized attention to ensure that claims are handled efficiently and with attention to detail. The firm helps preserve critical evidence such as app logs and police reports, engages appropriate professionals to evaluate claims where needed, and represents clients in settlement talks or court proceedings when that becomes necessary. For injured people in Goshen and nearby communities, the firm offers practical guidance and consistent communication throughout the recovery and claim process.

Get a Free Consultation in Goshen — Call (845) 986-2777

People Also Search For

Goshen rideshare accident lawyer

Uber accident claim Goshen

Lyft injury attorney Hudson Valley

rideshare collision Orange County NY

Goshen personal injury rideshare

rideshare insurance claims New York

passenger injury Uber Lyft Goshen

Allan J. Ahearne Jr rideshare claims

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a rideshare accident in Goshen?

Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor, and make sure all treatments and diagnoses are recorded. Call the police so an official accident report is created, and obtain a copy of that report for insurance purposes. Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Collect contact information for other drivers, passengers, and witnesses while details are fresh. Preserve app-related information by taking screenshots of trip details, driver profiles, and messages, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before discussing your situation with counsel or receiving medical clearance. Notify your insurer promptly if required by your policy and keep all receipts and records of related expenses. Timely documentation supports a full evaluation of liability and damages.

Who is liable in an Uber or Lyft accident?

Liability depends on who was at fault for the collision and on the driver’s status with the rideshare app at the time. If the rideshare driver was transporting a passenger, different insurance rules apply than when the driver was logged into the app waiting for a ride request. Fault is determined by investigating the crash, reviewing police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. When multiple parties share fault, New York’s comparative fault rules can reduce recoverable damages according to each party’s percentage of responsibility. Identifying the appropriate insurer and documenting app activity are key steps in assigning responsibility and pursuing compensation from the correct sources.

Does the rideshare company’s insurance always cover passenger injuries?

Not always. Coverage from the rideshare company may apply in certain circumstances, such as when the driver is logged into the app and transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a rider, but policies and limits vary by situation. Sometimes the driver’s personal insurance applies first, and sometimes the rideshare company’s contingent or primary policy responds depending on the trip status recorded by the app. Because coverage can depend on app status and policy terms, gathering app records, police reports, and other documentation helps determine which insurer will cover injuries and damage. Prompt preservation of these records supports claims against the appropriate insurer and helps clarify available limits.

How long do I have to file a claim in New York after a rideshare crash?

In New York, there are statutory deadlines to file lawsuits based on the type of claim, and those deadlines can vary. For most personal injury claims, the statute of limitations requires action within a set period from the date of the accident. Missing that deadline can bar recovery, so it is important to act as soon as possible to preserve legal options and investigate the facts while evidence remains available. Even if you are still seeking medical treatment, taking initial steps such as obtaining a consultation and preserving evidence will help you meet time-sensitive requirements. Speaking with counsel early helps ensure claims and potential lawsuits are filed within the applicable timeframe for your situation.

Can I still make a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes. New York follows comparative fault principles, which allow injured people to recover damages even if they bear some degree of responsibility for the accident. The amount of compensation is reduced by the claimant’s percentage of fault, so careful documentation and legal advocacy aim to minimize any assigned responsibility. Evidence such as witness statements, accident reconstruction, and photographs can influence the allocation of fault. It is still important to pursue a claim because even partial recovery can help pay medical bills and other losses. Discussing the specifics of your case early allows for an assessment of likely fault allocation and potential recovery under comparative fault rules.

What types of compensation can I pursue after a rideshare collision?

Victims of rideshare collisions can pursue compensation for economic losses like medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and diminished quality of life. When injuries have long-term consequences, claims may include projected future medical care and loss of earning capacity. Detailed records and professional evaluations support accurate valuation of these categories. Documentation of all bills, receipts, and employment records, along with medical opinions and testimony about ongoing limitations, strengthens a claim. Ensuring that future needs are accounted for helps prevent accepting an early settlement that does not fully compensate for long-term impacts.

Is it important to get medical treatment even for minor injuries?

Yes. Seeking prompt medical care creates a clear record that links your injuries to the crash and helps establish the extent of harm. Many injuries, including soft tissue damage and internal conditions, may not be immediately obvious, and early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes and documentation for an insurance claim. Skipping medical evaluation can weaken a claim and make it harder to prove the severity of injuries. Keeping a complete record of treatments, follow-up visits, recommended therapies, and any restrictions on daily activities supports damage calculations and demonstrates the impact of the collision on life and work. Consistent care underscores the seriousness of injuries for both medical and legal purposes.

Will my own insurance rates increase if I file a claim?

Whether your insurance rates increase depends on your insurer’s policies and whether your own liability or claims history changes as a result of the accident. If you are not at fault and the other driver or a rideshare carrier covers the claim, your rates may be unaffected. However, certain circumstances, such as reporting a claim to your personal insurer, could lead to adjustments depending on the insurer’s practices. Discussing potential ramifications with your insurance agent and with counsel helps clarify whether notifying your insurer is necessary and how that notification might affect premiums. In many cases, protecting coverage and meeting policy obligations takes priority while exploring third-party recovery options.

How do investigators determine whether the driver was logged into the app?

Investigators use app records, trip logs, GPS data, and witness statements to determine whether a rideshare driver was logged into the app at the time of a crash. Police reports and requests to the rideshare company for trip information can reveal status indicators that affect which insurance policies apply. Collecting this information promptly is important because app data may be retained for a limited time and the company’s records are relevant in claims negotiations. Preserving screenshots, timestamps, and any messages exchanged with the driver supports the investigation. Legal requests or subpoenas can then be used to obtain complete records from the rideshare company to clarify liability and coverage questions.

What happens if the rideshare driver had no insurance?

If a rideshare driver had no insurance, other recovery paths may still be available, including claims against the rideshare company if its policy applies, or under uninsured motorist coverage on a passenger’s own policy if applicable. Evaluating all potential sources of recovery early helps identify the best path for compensation. Documentation of injuries, medical expenses, and the circumstances of the crash supports claims against available insurers. In situations where insurance is insufficient, pursuing a claim against other liable parties or considering legal action may be necessary. Timely preservation of evidence and early consultation help maximize recovery options despite the absence of the driver’s personal coverage.

Personal Injury Services in Goshen

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services