Imagine this scenario: You’ve just finished sightseeing in New York City and call an Uber to take you back to your hotel. Moments after entering the vehicle, you end up in a car accident and feel immediate pain in your neck and back. Paramedics arrive, and you’re advised to go to the hospital. But you’re flying home to Atlanta in 48 hours. Do you even have time to do anything about this situation?

This is an all-too-common scenario for people visiting New York City. Every day, tourists and business travelers rely on rideshare services like Uber to get around the city’s hectic streets. But what happens when your harmless ride ends in a crash with injuries?

The short answer is that you still have the right to seek compensation, even if you’re not from New York. In fact, New York law protects all injury victims equally, regardless of where they reside.

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP (WRSMH), we routinely represent out-of-state clients who were injured in rideshare collisions while visiting NYC.

Out-of-State Victims Can Pursue NYC Injury Claims

If your Uber or Lyft accident happened within New York City limits, you have the right to file a personal injury claim in New York, even if you live in another state or country. The location of the incident, not your home address, determines jurisdiction. Thankfully, NYC courts are fully equipped to handle injury claims for non-residents.

Even more importantly, New York does not require your physical presence to move a claim forward. Through modern technology, nearly all aspects of your case can be handled remotely. From consultations to paperwork to settlement negotiations, the right legal team can take care of everything while you’re back home recovering. This means you likely won’t need to return for hearings or even sign documents in person.

The lawyers at WRSMH have handled numerous cases where our clients were visitors from out of town. We understand how to manage communications across time zones, coordinate with out-of-state medical providers, and ensure that your case progresses without unnecessary delays.

Uber’s Insurance Policy: What You’re Covered For

Many Uber accident victims are surprised to learn that Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, but only under specific conditions. Whether you’re eligible for this coverage depends on what the Uber driver was doing at the time of the crash.

  • App off: If Uber drivers are not logged into the app, their personal car insurance applies, not Uber’s policy.
  • App on, no passenger assigned: If the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, Uber provides limited third-party liability coverage, usually up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
  • En route to pick up a rider or during a trip: This is when Uber’s $1 million third-party liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage If you are a passenger during your accident, this is likely the scenario that covers you.

As a tourist or short-term visitor, you may not be covered by New York’s no-fault laws, which apply to the locals. However, you can still pursue a personal injury claim under Uber’s liability coverage if the driver was negligent or another vehicle caused the crash.

The challenge is proving the status of the driver at the time, which can determine the availability of certain insurance benefits. This is one of many reasons why working with a skilled NYC injury law firm is crucial.

What You Should Do After an NYC Uber Accident

Many Uber crash victims visiting NYC aren’t sure what to do next, especially when time is limited, and they’re planning to leave the city soon. Taking the right steps as early as possible can protect your ability to recover compensation later.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • Call 911 and report the crash. Make sure an official police report is filed. This serves as key documentation of the incident.
  • Take screenshots of your trip in the Uber app. Include the driver’s name, license plate, route, and time of the trip.
  • Photograph the scene. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, your injuries, and the surroundings.
  • Seek medical attention locally. Even if you’re leaving town soon, it’s important to visit an urgent care or hospital in NYC to address your injuries.
  • Report the crash to Uber via the app. This starts their internal process and can help confirm key details.
  • Do not speak to Uber’s insurance company without legal representation. They may try to get you to settle quickly for way less than what your injuries warrant.
  • Contact a New York personal injury lawyer. Only a New York-licensed attorney can file your claim and handle it through NYC courts.

If your injuries prevent you from collecting this information, don’t worry. A qualified attorney can help investigate and gather evidence on your behalf, including traffic camera footage, ride data, and eyewitness accounts.

How a New York Law Firm Handles Your Case from Afar

Hiring a local New York attorney doesn’t mean you have to return to NYC. At WRSMH, we understand the stress that comes with being injured away from home, and our goal is to remove the legal burden from your shoulders. That’s why we handle every aspect of your claim so you can recover from your injuries in peace, wherever you live.

Here is the general process that we handle in these types of cases:

  • Collect police reports and medical records
  • Communicate with Uber’s insurance company and any other insurers involved
  • Hire medical and accident experts to support your claim
  • File your lawsuit in NYC courts if necessary
  • Negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to trial if needed

Why Local Legal Representation Matters

Personal injury laws vary widely from state to state, and rideshare injury claims are particularly complex. Out-of-state attorneys cannot file claims in New York courts unless they’re licensed here. More importantly, they likely won’t know NYC’s specific legal standards, insurance practices, and procedural rules.

WRSMH has been practicing law in New York for over 50 years. We’ve recovered over $2 billion for injury victims and are regularly recognized among the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report. Our attorneys are known for their aggressive courtroom preparation, use of top medical and accident reconstruction experts, and unwavering commitment to every client’s recovery.

Whether your case can be resolved through negotiation or goes to trial, we are fully prepared to advocate on your behalf. And you don’t have to be a New Yorker to receive justice in a New York courtroom. Our team handles New York City rideshare crashes involving:

  • Tourists and vacationers
  • Business travelers
  • International visitors
  • Conference and event attendees
  • Students and temporary workers

Don’t Wait: The Statute of Limitations for an Uber Accident in NYC

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after an Uber accident is generally three years from the date of the crash. However, if a municipal vehicle (such as an MTA bus or city-owned car) was involved in the collision, or if you’re filing a claim against a public entity, you may be required to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and take legal action within one year and 90 days. Navigating these deadlines can be complex, especially for out-of-state visitors.

That’s why we do not recommend that you wait to speak to a lawyer. The more time that passes, the harder it may be to recover critical evidence. Dashcam or surveillance footage may be deleted, Uber trip data may become harder to access, and witnesses may forget key details.

Don’t let geography or confusion stand in your way. Consulting with a New York City car accident attorney as soon as possible helps preserve your right to compensation and strengthens your case, as reaching out as soon as possible allows your legal team to act quickly and maximize your chances of a successful claim.

Call WRSMH for Trusted Legal Guidance After an Uber Crash

If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident while visiting NYC, our law firm can help. You don’t need to fly back. You don’t need to handle it alone. Our legal team at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP is ready to take immediate action on your behalf and pursue the maximum compensation possible.

Call WRSMH today at (212) 986-7353 for a free consultation with one of our experienced NYC Uber accident lawyers. We can explain your rights, answer your questions, and start building your case right away.

Posted in: Auto Accident