BROOKLYN, NY – Passengers and motorists involved in Uber accidents in Brooklyn face a complex web of insurance policies that differ significantly from rideshare coverage in other parts of New York State. Brooklyn rideshare accident attorney Samantha Kucher of Kucher Law Group (https://www.rrklawgroup.com/understanding-your-rights-in-an-uber-crash-lawsuit/) is providing guidance on how liability is determined, which insurance policies apply, and what steps individuals should take after a rideshare collision in Kings County.
According to Brooklyn rideshare accident attorney Samantha Kucher, the insurance coverage available after an Uber crash depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident and whether the ride originated inside or outside New York City. Because Brooklyn falls under the jurisdiction of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), Uber drivers operating in the borough must carry commercial auto insurance with minimum bodily injury limits of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. “The insurance framework for rideshare accidents in New York City operates under an entirely different set of rules than the rest of the state,” explains Kucher. “Many passengers assume they have access to the same $1.25 million in coverage that applies outside the city, but that is not the case for trips originating in Brooklyn.”
Brooklyn rideshare accident attorney Samantha Kucher notes that New York’s pure comparative negligence system under Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) § 1411 allows accident victims to recover compensation even when they share partial fault. Under this standard, each party involved in a rideshare collision is assigned a percentage of responsibility, and the injured individual’s recovery is reduced by their share of fault rather than eliminated entirely. This means a passenger who was partially at fault may still pursue damages against the Uber driver, a third-party motorist, or other responsible parties.
The distinction between TLC regulations and Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) Article 44-B creates a significant coverage gap for Brooklyn riders. Attorney Kucher explains that rides originating outside New York City are covered by a group policy providing $1,250,000 in liability coverage and $1,250,000 in Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage. Rides that begin in Brooklyn, however, are governed by TLC minimums, which are substantially lower. “Identifying the correct insurance source is one of the most critical steps after a serious rideshare accident,” she adds. “A ride that starts in Westchester and ends in Brooklyn carries different coverage than one that starts and ends within the borough.”
Kucher also highlights that Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which generally shields the company from direct liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior. However, there may be limited circumstances where Uber itself could face legal exposure, such as claims involving negligent hiring or retention of a driver with a documented history of unsafe behavior. In most cases, injured parties pursue compensation through the driver’s TLC commercial insurance policy or, when applicable, through claims against third-party drivers whose negligence contributed to the collision. Under VTL Article 6, all New York motorists are required to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and when a third party’s coverage proves insufficient, uninsured or underinsured motorist provisions may apply.
The firm advises that preserving evidence promptly after a rideshare accident is essential to building a strong claim. App data, GPS records, and trip logs from the Uber platform can establish the driver’s status at the time of the crash, which directly affects the available coverage. Attorney Kucher recommends that individuals seek immediate medical attention at a facility equipped to handle trauma injuries, such as NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, Maimonides Medical Center, or NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County. Documenting the accident scene with photographs, obtaining witness contact information, and taking a screenshot of the trip details within the Uber application are all steps that can strengthen a claim before critical evidence becomes unavailable.
Rideshare accident claims in Brooklyn are filed at the Kings County Supreme Court at 360 Adams Street, where all civil litigation matters in the borough are handled. The claims process typically involves investigating the accident, determining which insurance policies apply based on the driver’s status, negotiating with insurers, and pursuing litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached. “Insurance companies frequently extend initial offers that do not account for the full scope of an accident victim’s medical expenses, lost income, and long-term recovery needs,” Kucher observes. “Having experienced legal counsel evaluate those offers can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.”
For those injured in a rideshare collision in Brooklyn, consulting with an experienced attorney may help clarify which insurance policies apply and what legal options are available. Kucher Law Group offers free consultations and can be reached at (929) 563-6780.
About Kucher Law Group:
Kucher Law Group is a Brooklyn-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing accident victims in rideshare collisions, motor vehicle crashes, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. Co-founded by attorneys Samantha Kucher, Michael Roitman, and Alex Rybakov, the firm serves clients throughout Brooklyn, Kings County, and the greater New York area from offices at 463 Pulaski Street in Brooklyn and 26 Broadway in Manhattan. For consultations, call (929) 563-6780.
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Email: contact@rrklawgroup.com
Website: https://www.rrklawgroup.com/
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Company Name: Kucher Law Group
Contact Person: Samantha Kucher
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Phone: (929) 563-6780
Address:463 Pulaski St #1c
City: Brooklyn
State: New York 11221
Country: United States
Website: https://www.rrklawgroup.com/