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 - Uber & Lyft Lawyer in Macedon, NY

Local Rideshare Advocacy

Your Guide to Rideshare Accident Claims

If you were injured in a rideshare crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in Macedon or elsewhere in Wayne County, you may be facing a complex claims process and serious medical and financial consequences. At the Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, we help people understand their options after rideshare collisions and pursue fair compensation from at-fault drivers, rideshare companies, and insurers. This page explains how typical rideshare claims proceed, what types of insurance may apply, and steps to protect your recovery while you focus on healing. Call Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. at (845) 986-2777 to discuss your situation and next steps.

Rideshare collisions can involve multiple potential sources of liability, including the rideshare driver, other motorists, and the rideshare company itself depending on whether the driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash. Immediate actions taken after an accident—like getting medical care, preserving evidence, and notifying the proper insurance carriers—can affect your ability to recover. Our approach is to carefully document injuries, gather witness statements, and identify relevant insurance coverages to build a claim tailored to your circumstances. We represent clients across Macedon, Hudson Valley, and surrounding New York communities in rideshare injury matters.

Why Handling Rideshare Claims Properly Matters

Rideshare accident claims often involve layered insurance policies and shifting liability issues, so careful handling is important to maximize recovery and avoid procedural pitfalls. By thoroughly documenting injuries, medical treatment, lost wages, and non-economic harms like pain and suffering, claimants build persuasive cases for fair settlement. Timely investigation helps secure critical evidence from vehicle telematics, app records, and surveillance, while consistent communication with medical providers ensures treatment records support injury claims. An attentive approach can also prevent common mistakes such as providing recorded statements prematurely, accepting low initial offers, or missing filing deadlines that may reduce compensation opportunities.

About Ahearne Law Firm and Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assists people injured in personal injury incidents throughout the Hudson Valley, including Macedon and Wayne County. Under the leadership of Allan J. Ahearne, Jr., the firm focuses on client-centered representation in motor vehicle and rideshare injury matters, pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other harms. Our team aims to provide clear guidance through each stage of a claim, from initial investigation and demand to negotiation and, when necessary, litigation. We prioritize responsive communication so clients understand options and can make informed decisions about their case.

Understanding Rideshare Accident Claims

Rideshare collision cases can be more complex than typical car crash claims because liability and insurance coverage depend on whether the driver was logged into the app and whether the driver had a passenger. When a driver is offline, their personal auto policy may apply; when they are logged in but without a passenger, the rideshare company often provides contingent liability coverage; and when carrying a passenger, higher company policies may be triggered. Identifying which policy applies requires obtaining app records and driver statements. The appropriate insurance determines available compensation and the correct party to pursue for damages.

Another factor in rideshare cases is comparative fault, which in New York can reduce recovery proportionally if the injured person shares responsibility for the crash. Medical documentation plays an important role in proving the nature and extent of injuries and tying treatment to the collision. Timely notice to insurers, preservation of the vehicle and scene evidence, and coordination with health care providers all contribute to a stronger claim. Understanding these legal and practical elements early helps injured people make informed choices about how to proceed and when to seek legal representation.

Need More Information?

Key Terms You Should Know

Rideshare Liability

Rideshare liability refers to who is legally responsible for damages after a crash involving a rideshare vehicle and which insurance policies may respond. Determining liability involves examining whether the driver was on a trip, logged into the app, or operating outside their app activity at the time of the collision. The rideshare company may provide different layers of coverage depending on those conditions, while the driver’s personal auto policy can also be implicated. Clarifying liability early helps identify the proper party to pursue for compensation and guides the collection of evidence such as app data and driver statements.

Contingent Insurance

Contingent insurance is coverage that rideshare companies provide in certain situations when the driver’s personal policy does not apply, typically while the driver is logged into the app but not yet carrying a passenger. This coverage often has specific limits and conditions and may not be automatic in every claim. Understanding whether contingent policies apply requires reviewing the timing of the ride request and the company’s policy language. When contingent insurance is in play, claimants may need to pursue recovery from both the company’s insurer and the driver’s insurer to fully address medical bills and other damages.

Primary vs. Excess Coverage

Primary coverage is the insurance that must pay first after a loss, while excess coverage steps in only after primary limits are exhausted. In rideshare incidents, the driver’s personal policy can be primary when the driver is not working for the rideshare platform, whereas the company’s policy may act as primary or excess depending on the facts. Identifying which policy is primary affects how a claim is negotiated and how much compensation is realistically available. Lawyers and insurance professionals review policy terms and timelines to determine how coverages should be applied.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance or has no insurance at all. If another driver caused the wreck and carries limited or no liability coverage, your own policy’s uninsured or underinsured limits may be available to compensate for medical expenses and other losses. In rideshare crashes, these coverages can interact with the rideshare company’s policies and the driver’s own policy, sometimes requiring careful coordination to recover full compensation. Policy language and state law determine how and when these coverages apply.

PRO TIPS

Document Everything Quickly

After a rideshare collision, gather as much documentation as possible right away, including photos of vehicle damage, visible injuries, and the accident scene while details remain fresh. Obtain contact information for witnesses and keep a record of conversations with insurers, medical providers, and the rideshare company to preserve important facts and timelines. This early evidence helps establish the circumstances of the crash and supports injury claims during settlement negotiations or litigation.

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Prompt medical attention ensures your health comes first and creates a clear treatment record linking your injuries to the collision, which is significant for any future claim. Even if injuries seem minor initially, some conditions can worsen over time, so documenting complaints and follow-up care demonstrates the full extent of harm. Accurate medical records also help insurers and courts understand necessary treatment, prognosis, and associated costs that should be included in a recovery.

Be Cautious With Insurance Statements

Insurance adjusters commonly request recorded statements soon after accidents, and speaking without guidance can inadvertently create issues for your claim if you provide incomplete or unclear information. Before agreeing to recorded statements or settlement offers, consider obtaining legal guidance to ensure your rights are protected and that settlement amounts fairly reflect medical needs and other damages. Thoughtful, informed communication with insurers helps preserve negotiation leverage and avoids quick resolutions that do not fully compensate your losses.

Comparing Legal Options for Rideshare Claims

When a Full Legal Approach Benefits You:

Serious or Long-Term Injuries

Comprehensive legal attention is often warranted when injuries are severe, involve ongoing treatment, or require future care that will generate substantial medical costs. Such claims benefit from thorough documentation of treatment plans, loss of earning capacity analyses, and coordination with medical providers to substantiate long-term needs and expenses. A carefully developed claim aims to account for past and future harms to achieve a recovery that addresses both immediate bills and projected costs related to recovery and long-term impacts.

Complex Liability or Multiple Parties

When liability is contested, when multiple drivers or the rideshare company may share responsibility, or when policy coverage is disputed, a comprehensive approach helps untangle competing claims and identify available insurance sources. This process often involves obtaining app data, vehicle records, and witness accounts to build a clear narrative of fault and damages. A detailed investigation and coordinated legal strategy increase the chances of achieving full and fair compensation when the facts are complex.

When a Focused, Limited Approach May Work:

Minor Injuries and Clear Liability

A more focused approach can be appropriate for relatively minor injuries when liability is clear and treatment is short-term, allowing a claimant to pursue a straightforward settlement without extended investigation. In these situations, prompt medical records and repair estimates for property damage can support a timely resolution. However, even straightforward cases benefit from careful documentation to ensure that any potential complications or future needs do not go unaddressed.

Low-Value, Quick Resolutions

When the anticipated damages are modest and the responsible party’s insurer promptly offers a reasonable settlement, a focused negotiation may efficiently resolve the claim without prolonged legal involvement. It remains important to confirm that settlement offers account for potential medical follow-up and related losses. Even in low-value matters, taking time to review the full implications of a proposed resolution helps avoid accepting offers that may leave future needs uncovered.

Common Situations That Lead to Rideshare Claims

Passenger Injuries During Trips

Passengers can sustain significant injuries when drivers are involved in collisions while a trip is in progress, and rideshare company policies often provide higher coverage limits in these instances. Documenting the trip status, obtaining medical evaluation, and preserving app and vehicle records are important first steps.

Pickup or Drop-Off Accidents

Accidents that occur while drivers are picking up or dropping off passengers may involve questions about whether company coverage is active, making evidence of the driver’s app activity and timing essential. Clear records and witness statements help determine applicable insurance and liability.

Crashes with Other Vehicles

When a rideshare vehicle collides with another motorist, liability may fall on the rideshare driver or the other driver depending on fault, and insurance coordination is often necessary to secure fair compensation. Comprehensive documentation and careful negotiation with insurers can support recovery for injuries and related losses.

Rideshare Accident Attorney Serving Macedon, NY

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Rideshare Claims

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC provides personalized representation to people injured in rideshare collisions across Macedon and Wayne County, focusing on clear communication and a thorough investigation of each claim. We work to preserve app records, vehicle data, and witness statements to build a factual record that supports recovery for medical costs, lost income, and other harms. Our team aims to keep clients informed at every stage so they can focus on recovery, while we handle insurer communications and the legal details necessary to pursue a fair settlement or verdict when warranted.

From the initial evaluation through settlement negotiations or trial, our approach emphasizes practical, client-focused representation tailored to the needs of people recovering from serious injuries. We coordinate with medical providers and vocational professionals when appropriate to document treatment needs and any effects on employment and daily life. If litigation becomes necessary to secure full compensation, we prepare a clear presentation of damages and liability to help achieve the best possible outcome given the case circumstances.

Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review

People Also Search For

rideshare accident lawyer Macedon NY

Uber Lyft crash attorney Wayne County

Macedon rideshare injury claim

rideshare insurance coverage NY

rideshare passenger injuries Hudson Valley

uninsured motorist rideshare claim

Ahearne Law rideshare attorney

Allan J. Ahearne rideshare cases

FAQS

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

Immediately after a rideshare collision, prioritize safety and health by seeking medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor; some symptoms may appear later but documenting them promptly supports a future claim. If possible, get photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and any relevant road markings, and collect contact information for other drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Report the crash to local law enforcement and obtain a police report number, since official documentation can be important to insurers and courts. In addition to those steps, preserve records of the ride by taking screenshots of the app trip details if available and keeping all receipts and medical records related to treatment. Notify your insurer as required by policy provisions and retain notes of any insurance conversations. Contacting a law firm familiar with rideshare claims can help you identify which insurance policies may apply, guide communication with insurers, and ensure that evidence is preserved for settlement or litigation if necessary.

Who pays for my medical bills after an Uber or Lyft crash?

Medical bills after a rideshare crash may be covered by several potential sources depending on the specifics of the incident, including the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, the rideshare company’s policy if its coverage is triggered, and your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage when applicable. New York law and the timing of the driver’s app activity often determine which policy is primary, so identifying the correct insurer early is important. Coordination with medical providers helps link care to the accident, supporting claims for reimbursement and future treatment needs. If you have health insurance, it may pay initial medical bills, but the insurer can seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s coverage. Keep careful records of all treatment and expenses and provide copies to the appropriate insurance adjusters. Working with a legal representative can help ensure the correct insurers are contacted and that settlement negotiations reflect all current and anticipated medical needs rather than only initial costs.

Can I file a claim if I was a passenger in a rideshare vehicle?

Yes, passengers injured in a rideshare vehicle can generally pursue compensation for injuries and related losses regardless of whether the driver or another motorist was at fault. When a passenger is hurt during an active trip, the rideshare company’s higher liability coverage often applies, which can provide significant recovery for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Even when the driver is not clearly at fault, a thorough investigation including app records and witness accounts helps establish the circumstances that determine which policies are available. If another motorist caused the crash, you may also have a claim against that driver’s insurer in addition to any rideshare-related coverage. Maintaining documentation of the trip, medical treatment, and any out-of-pocket costs supports a comprehensive claim. Consulting with a legal professional helps ensure you pursue all available insurance avenues and avoid missing deadlines or making statements that could compromise the recovery.

How do rideshare company policies affect my claim?

Rideshare company policies often provide layered coverage that depends on whether the driver was offline, logged into the app and awaiting a ride request, or carrying a passenger at the time of the crash. Each status can trigger different coverage limits and conditions, so establishing the driver’s app activity and timing is a critical early step. The company’s policy language and the sequence of events determine whether a rideshare insurer will be responsible and to what extent, which directly affects how a claim is pursued and what compensation may be available. Insurers may also dispute whether company coverage applies, so preserving evidence such as app records, trip receipts, and driver statements is important to show the relevant timeline. When coverage is disputed, additional investigation and legal advocacy may be necessary to obtain records and press insurers to fulfill valid obligations. Legal guidance helps ensure the correct entities are contacted and that claim negotiations reflect all applicable coverage sources.

What if the rideshare driver does not have insurance?

If the rideshare driver lacks insurance or carries insufficient coverage, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may provide a source of compensation for medical expenses and other damages. In some incidents, the rideshare company’s policies could also provide coverage depending on whether the driver was logged into the app and the company’s policy terms. Identifying all possible insurance sources and coordinating claims between them is essential to maximizing recovery when the at-fault driver’s coverage is limited. When uninsured or underinsured claims are involved, documentation of injuries, treatment, and economic losses becomes even more important because settlements may rely on policy limits rather than broad insurer resources. Promptly notify your insurer about the accident and preserve all medical and wage loss records. Legal assistance can help in presenting a clear case to insurers and in negotiating with multiple carriers to secure compensation that reflects the impact of the collision.

How long do I have to file a claim in New York for a rideshare injury?

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims arising from a motor vehicle collision is generally two years from the date of the accident, but specific circumstances and defendants can alter deadlines, so it is important to confirm applicable time limits promptly. Missing the legal deadline can bar recovery, so initiating an investigation and preserving evidence early protects legal rights while treatment and recovery proceed. Acting sooner also helps ensure that witness memories and physical evidence remain available for your claim. Some claims against governmental entities or certain parties may require shorter notice periods or special procedures, so consulting with legal counsel early clarifies the relevant timelines and necessary steps. Even if you are still treating for injuries, beginning the claims process and understanding the applicable deadlines helps avoid procedural problems and positions you to pursue fair compensation within the time allowed by law.

Will my own insurance rates go up if I make a claim?

Whether your insurance rates rise after a claim depends on the details of the accident, your insurer’s policies, and who is found at fault. If another driver or a rideshare company is clearly responsible, your insurer may pursue recovery from the at-fault party’s carrier and may not penalize you directly. However, accidents involving claims through your own policy or where fault is unclear can sometimes affect premiums, so it is wise to discuss reporting requirements with your insurer and to seek guidance about whether to involve your carrier. If you are unsure how an insurance claim will affect rates, review your policy and speak with your agent before making decisions about seeking coverage through your own insurer. Legal counsel can also explain how to coordinate claims with other carriers and may help minimize reliance on your personal policy by pursuing recovery from responsible parties, thereby reducing the potential for premium impact.

How is fault determined in a rideshare accident?

Fault in a rideshare accident is determined by analyzing the facts of the crash, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage patterns, and any app data that shows driver activity. Investigators examine whether traffic laws were violated, how each vehicle behaved before the collision, and whether external factors like road conditions contributed. In New York, comparative negligence rules can reduce recovery if the injured person bears some responsibility, so establishing a clear narrative of events is important for recovery. Gathering and preserving evidence soon after the crash strengthens the ability to show who caused the collision. This can include photographs, medical records, and app records proving trip status. Legal representation can assist in collecting such evidence and presenting a persuasive account of fault to insurers or a court, improving the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

What types of compensation can I seek after a rideshare crash?

After a rideshare crash, you may seek compensation for medical expenses, both past and anticipated future care, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving long-term impairment or disability, claims can also include projected costs for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and necessary home modifications. Establishing a full picture of economic and non-economic harm helps determine an appropriate settlement target. Documenting all losses with medical records, employer statements, receipts, and expert opinions when needed supports accurate valuation of a claim. Negotiations with insurers should account for future care and long-term impacts rather than focusing solely on immediate bills. Legal guidance can help collect the necessary evidence and present a persuasive demand that addresses the full scope of harm caused by the collision.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurer?

It is generally advisable to carefully evaluate any initial settlement offer from an insurer before accepting, because early offers are often lower than the full value of a claim and may not account for future medical needs or long-term impacts. Accepting a quick payment can close off the ability to pursue additional recovery later, so make sure treatment is complete or that future medical needs are reasonably estimated before signing a release. Reviewing offers in light of documented medical care and wage loss helps determine whether the amount is fair. Consulting with legal counsel before accepting a settlement provides an independent assessment of what constitutes a reasonable resolution based on the facts of your case. A thoughtful review considers all past expenses, likely future costs, and the severity of injuries to help ensure the settlement truly covers your losses. Taking that time can prevent accepting an inadequate offer that leaves later needs uncompensated.

Personal Injury Services in Macedon

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services