At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we deeply understand the unique complexities and challenges that arise from rideshare accidents. For over four decades, our firm has been a steadfast advocate for the injured, tirelessly fighting for justice and securing substantial compensation for countless individuals in Rockland County and across New York State. Our team of experienced New City rideshare accident lawyers brings a particular skill set to these cases, combining compassionate support with aggressive legal strategies.
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple potentially responsible parties — the driver, the rideshare company itself (Uber, Lyft, etc.), and third-party drivers — each with their own legal responsibilities and potential insurance coverage. Our comprehensive approach involves a meticulous investigation of every facet of your accident, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of identifying all responsible parties and winning the maximum amount of money possible.
Rideshare accidents, while seemingly commonplace occurrences in our increasingly technology-driven society, are often the result of preventable factors. A thorough understanding of these common causes is crucial for preventing future accidents and forms the bedrock of a strong legal strategy when negligence has resulted in injury or loss.
Driver negligence remains a leading cause of rideshare accidents, often stemming from a failure to prioritize safety. Distracted driving, fueled by the ubiquitous use of cell phones, navigation apps, in-car entertainment systems, or simply a lack of focus, significantly impairs a driver's ability to react appropriately to unexpected events on the road.
Speeding, a frequent violation of traffic laws, dramatically reduces a driver's reaction time, making it nearly impossible to avoid collisions, particularly in congested urban areas like New City.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs exponentially increases the likelihood of an accident, as impaired judgment and slowed reflexes drastically reduce a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. This reckless disregard for the safety of others frequently leads to devastating consequences.
Rideshare companies bear a significant responsibility for the safety of both their drivers and passengers. Inadequate background checks of drivers, a failure to ensure proper and regular vehicle maintenance, insufficient driver training programs, and a lack of effective mechanisms for addressing driver misconduct can all contribute to accidents and create substantial grounds for legal action against the company. We meticulously investigate all aspects of the company's operations to determine if their negligence played a role in causing the accident.
Our extensive experience encompasses a broad spectrum of rideshare accidents, ensuring we can effectively represent clients in diverse and often complex situations.
These represent the most common type of rideshare accident, encompassing a wide range of scenarios, including collisions at intersections, rear-end impacts, and side-impact collisions. Determining liability in these cases often involves a detailed investigation into the actions of both the rideshare driver and the driver of the other vehicle, requiring careful analysis of witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction data.
Single-vehicle rideshare accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, including driver error (speeding, distracted driving, impairment, fatigue), adverse weather conditions, or mechanical failure of the vehicle. Establishing liability in these cases may involve investigating the driver's actions, the vehicle's maintenance history, and the role of any contributing environmental factors.
Like any other motor vehicle, rideshare vehicles pose a significant risk to pedestrians. These accidents often result in severe injuries to the pedestrian, and our investigations will focus on the rideshare driver's negligence, such as failure to yield, distracted driving, or speeding, as well as potential liability on the part of the rideshare company.
Similar to pedestrian accidents, rideshare vehicles can collide with cyclists, often resulting in serious injuries. Our investigations into these accidents will thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the collision, focusing on the actions of both the rideshare driver and the cyclist and any contributing factors related to road conditions or infrastructure.
The injuries sustained in rideshare accidents can range from relatively minor to catastrophic, depending on many factors, including the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of collision, and whether or not safety restraints (seatbelts) were used.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a frequent and often devastating consequence of rideshare accidents. The force of impact can result in concussions, contusions, or more severe forms of brain damage, leading to a wide range of long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. The severity of a TBI can vary significantly, ranging from mild to severe, with severe cases often necessitating extensive and ongoing rehabilitation, specialized medical care, and potentially lifelong support.
Spinal cord injuries, which can result in paralysis or partial paralysis, are another catastrophic outcome of rideshare accidents. The severity of these injuries depends on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord. These injuries profoundly impact a person's ability to perform even the most basic daily tasks, often requiring extensive medical care, specialized equipment (such as wheelchairs and adaptive devices), and continuous support. The financial and emotional burden of spinal cord injuries can be immense.
Broken bones and fractures are extremely common in rideshare accidents. They range from minor fractures that heal relatively quickly to severe, multiple bone breaks requiring extensive surgery and prolonged rehabilitation, potentially resulting in long-term physical limitations. The impact of a collision can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including legs, arms, pelvis, ribs, and the skull.
Even in accidents that do not result in broken bones, passengers and drivers frequently sustain soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, whiplash, and contusions. While these injuries may not be immediately life-threatening, they can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require extensive physical therapy, potentially leading to long-term chronic pain and disability.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice has a proven track record of success in rideshare accident cases. Schedule your free consultation today.
Establishing liability in a rideshare accident can be complex and involves multiple potentially responsible parties. Our team at Fellows Hymowitz Rice possesses the knowledge, skills, and experience to navigate these complexities effectively.
Our investigation focuses on the actions of the rideshare driver. We meticulously gather evidence to demonstrate driver negligence, such as distracted driving (cell phone use, navigation, etc.), speeding, aggressive driving, failure to yield, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This evidence is crucial in establishing the driver's liability.
Beyond the driver's actions, the rideshare company itself can be held liable under the legal principle of vicarious liability. This means the company can be held responsible for the negligent actions of its drivers, particularly if those actions occurred within the scope of their employment. Furthermore, we investigate whether the company's negligence contributed to the accident through inadequate driver screening, insufficient background checks, poor vehicle maintenance, a lack of adequate driver training, or failure to enforce safety protocols.
In many rideshare accidents, a third party — another driver, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a property owner — may share liability for the accident. Our thorough investigations will identify all potentially liable parties and pursue compensation from each responsible entity.
Constructing a compelling and successful rideshare accident case demands a meticulous and comprehensive approach. At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we have proven strategies that leverage our decades of experience and extensive resources to ensure your case is handled with the highest level of skill and dedication.
Taking prompt and decisive action immediately following a rideshare accident is critical to preserving your legal rights and maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
Seek immediate medical attention, regardless of how minor your injuries may initially seem. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not manifest immediately. A thorough medical examination will document your injuries, establish a timeline for treatment, and provide crucial evidence for your legal case. Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses.
Contact the police and file an official accident report as soon as possible. The police report provides a documented account of the accident, including witness statements and descriptions of the scene. This report serves as critical evidence in establishing liability and supporting your claim. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.
If it is safe, take photographs and/or videos of the accident scene. Document the location of the accident, the extent of any visible injuries, the damage to any vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signals, and any other relevant details. This visual evidence is invaluable in reconstructing the accident and supporting your claim. Also, obtain contact information from witnesses who observed the accident and record their statements.
Report the accident to the rideshare company (Uber, Lyft, etc.) as soon as possible, following their specific reporting procedures. Keep a record of the date and time of your report, the name of the person you spoke with, and any reference numbers provided.
When facing the complexities and challenges of a rideshare accident, selecting the right legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Fellows Hymowitz Rice offers a unique combination of experience, skill, and unwavering dedication that sets us apart:
Our firm boasts over 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases, including a significant number of rideshare accident claims. This extensive experience allows us to navigate the intricate legal landscape effectively and strategically.
We have a proven successful track record of securing substantial compensation for our clients in rideshare accident cases. Our success speaks for itself, reflecting our commitment to aggressive advocacy and our proven ability to achieve favorable outcomes. We have won hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
We understand that every accident and every client is unique. We provide personalized attention, ensuring your needs and concerns are addressed with care, understanding, and empathy. We take the time to listen to your story and build a strong, personalized case.
We are aggressive advocates for our clients, tirelessly fighting to protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation you deserve. We're not afraid to take on Uber and Lyft and their insurance companies to fight for the maximum amount of money possible.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we successfully recover compensation for you. This removes the financial burden and allows you to have top-notch legal representation that would usually cost thousands of dollars.
Rob Fellows is more than just a lawyer; he's a seasoned advocate and a respected leader in the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, he's earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a genuine commitment to his clients.
Steve Hymowitz is a champion for the underdog, specializing in medical malpractice and construction accident cases. He’s known for his warmth and unwavering dedication, relentlessly pursuing justice for those who feel powerless against insurance companies.
Matthew brings an unparalleled level of energy and drive to every case, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He goes beyond financial wins, building deep connections with clients and becoming a trusted advisor during their most difficult times.
Joanne Horowitz is a skilled legal strategist and a strong advocate for those facing injuries due to negligence, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
Margaret is a seasoned negotiator, expert in civil dispute resolution, with extensive experience handling homicide cases.
Don't let an injury define your future. Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Fellows Hymowitz Rice proudly serves clients throughout New York State, particularly emphasizing providing exceptional legal representation to those injured in Rockland County and the surrounding areas. Our extensive knowledge of local courts, judges, and legal procedures ensures we are exceptionally well-equipped to handle your case effectively. Our commitment extends beyond Rockland County to encompass a broad statewide network, ensuring we can assist clients regardless of their location within New York.
Facing a rideshare accident is stressful. Let our experienced team provide compassionate legal guidance and support. Contact us for a free consultation.
