If you experience injuries in an accident involving rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft, you may be able to seek compensation by filing a lawsuit against the rideshare company or driver or by filing a claim against an insurance company.
Unfortunately, Uber accidents and Lyft accidents are complex, and seeking compensation with the help of The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III is recommended. We can determine liability and help you negotiate a fair offer.
Common Causes of New York Rideshare Accidents
Several factors can lead to rideshare accidents in New York. The traffic in and around the city can be chaotic; however, these accidents can also occur in rural areas. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include the following:
Distracted Driving
Most rideshare services use apps for connecting passengers and drivers. This is why rideshare drivers may be using their phones – to see the pick-up and drop-off locations for ride requests. When trying to navigate the directions, the drivers may become distracted and make dangerous errors.
Negligent Driving
Lyft and Uber drivers are usually paid based on how many trips they accept. Issues like fatigue and the pressure to take on more passengers and make more money can increase the possibility of a rideshare accident. Other negligence may also play a role in these accidents, including breaking traffic laws and speeding.
Vehicle Mechanical Issues
The drivers for rideshare companies are required to maintain their vehicles. If this does not happen, mechanical or maintenance issues may occur. Mechanical and maintenance-related issues can cause rideshare accidents.
Options for Filing a Liability-Based Claim After Uber or Lyft Accidents in New York
The state of New York has complex and confusing insurance laws. This is true even before adding on the complications of mixing in Lyft or Uber accidents. However, if you experience severe injuries, the costs of medical care and other related losses may make it necessary to seek compensation beyond what your no-fault insurance policy provides.
This is where our legal team from The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III can help. Contact us in the following situations:
- You were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle when an accident occurred, or
- A driver of a rideshare vehicle hit your car.
We can review the evidence and facts of your accident case, the injuries you sustained, and other factors to help you determine if you are eligible to file a third-party civil lawsuit or liability insurance claim. If we determine this is possible, we will take a deeper dive into your case to determine what insurance coverage was in place when the accident occurred. Some of the policies that may be in place include the following:
- The liability policy provided by Lyft or Uber
- The driver’s auto liability policy
- The secondary policy offered by the rideshare company if the driver’s policy does not cover or denies the claim
Our legal team will help determine what occurred and who was liable, file your claim (or claims), and provide legal representation during the entire legal process so you can focus on recovering from the injuries you sustained.
Rideshare Companies Try to Make Your Legal Claim Challenging
When dealing with rideshare accidents, it can be challenging to figure out the proper way to navigate this case. Our legal team has learned the laws and how to approach these situations. Today, we know the best way to navigate Uber accidents and Lyft accidents and help our clients recover the compensation they are entitled to.
Today, most people in the country can access rideshare services. It is an extremely popular mode of transportation. Unfortunately, these services have also increased traffic accident fatalities in New York and across the country.
If you were involved in a New York rideshare accident, contact The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, to discuss your legal options.
How to Seek Compensation After a New York Rideshare Accident
If our legal team gathers the necessary evidence and proof to show you have the legal right to file a third-party liability case by meeting one of the exceptions to the no-fault accident laws in the state, we may be able to file an insurance claim to help you seek compensation.
Our team will work to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company representing the rideshare driver. This settlement can account for the following accident-related losses:
- Medical costs related to the accident (rehabilitation, ongoing care, etc.)
- Property damages
- Lost pay due to being unable to work
- Other costs and losses
- Reduction in earning capacity if you are unable to return to work
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages
Our legal team encourages you to contact us immediately after a rideshare accident. We need as much time as possible to work on your case and develop a viable case.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident
In some ways, Uber accidents and Lyft accidents are no different from accidents involving other drivers. It does not matter if you are a passenger in the rideshare vehicle or if you are in a different vehicle; there are a few things you can do to protect your rights in these cases, which include the following:
- Contact the authorities and do not leave the site of the crash.
- Give the authorities your name and information to include in the police report. Request a copy of the police report for your records.
- Get phone numbers and insurance information from the other driver and your rideshare driver (if applicable).
- Get contact information from any eyewitnesses.
- Take pictures and videos of the vehicles involved, the site of the accident, and any visible injuries you sustained.
- Seek medical attention and treatment for your injuries.
- Contact our legal team to discuss your right to recover compensation.
Sometimes, the at-fault driver will offer compensation for your injuries. Be sure the settlement includes support for you, your medical costs, future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Challenges in New York Rideshare Accidents
The process you must go through to receive fair compensation for injuries sustained in a rideshare accident can be challenging. One reason for this is that rideshare drivers are independent contractors.
If the at-fault driver in your accident is a Lyft or Uber driver, receiving the support you need can be challenging. It is important to pursue compensation from the rideshare insurance in this case.
According to the terms of rideshare services, Lyft and Uber are technically responsible for drivers’ actions in an active ride request. However, there is a history of denied claims because the company is only connected to the driver and does not own the vehicles nor train the drivers.
One reason why officials wanted to avoid allowing rideshare companies to work in New York was the lax industry regulation that caused serious liability issues. Even today, it is unclear how much liability companies will cover if an accident occurs.
Reasons to Hire an Attorney to Help with Rideshare Accidents
Uber accidents and Lyft accidents can be confusing, complicated, and stressful for victims. In these cases, several deadlines, requirements, and insurance companies are involved. Because of this (along with others), having an attorney representing you is recommended.
If you suffer an injury in a rideshare accident, you may recover compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. We will be your advocate in these cases and help you with each step of the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Reach out to us online or by phone at 516-221-7900 to get started with a complimentary case evaluation today.
