With rideshare services like Uber and Lyft becoming a crucial part of our urban landscape, a surge in rideshare-related accidents has unfortunately followed suit. As a victim of a car accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver, you may be faced with convoluted legal processes, ambiguous policies, and intimidating corporations. Add to this the emotional stress of recovery from an accident, and the situation can quickly become overwhelming.
At the Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP, our New York City rideshare accident lawyer strives to maximize compensation for all clients injured in a Lyft or Uber accident.
Our vast experience — honed over decades of persistently advocating for victims of all manner of accidents and injuries — empowers us to address the specific complexities associated with rideshare accidents.
We stay at the cutting edge of legal developments, adapting to the evolving nature of personal injury law and rideshare accident claims.
Proven Track Record
Our results speak for themselves — we’ve provided favorable outcomes in countless personal injury cases over the last four decades, many of them involving rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. We have secured billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, emphasizing our commitment to maximize recoveries.
Dedicated Advocacy
We don’t shy away from taking cases to trial if necessary. Unlike many “plaintiff’s mills,” our firm prides itself on fully committing to each case rather than seeking easy settlements. Our priority is your best interest, which may mean fighting in court to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you are owed.
Solid Reputation
Across several jurisdictions, our attorneys are recognized for their exceptional professionalism, broad experience, and unwavering commitment to clients. The Rothenberg Law Firm prides itself on maintaining the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all interactions with clients, co-counsels, judges, and juries. You can trust us to serve you with dedication, professionalism, and transparency.
How Common Are Uber and Lyft Accidents in New York City?
With Uber and Lyft leading the pack, ride-sharing has increasingly become a common mode of transportation in metropolitan areas, especially in a bustling city like New York. However, as the popularity of these services expands, so does the number of accidents involving these rideshare vehicles.
Research points to a correlation between the rise of ridesharing services and incidents of traffic accidents. According to one study by the University of Chicago and Rice University, the introduction of ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft led to a 2 to 3 percent increase in traffic fatalities nationwide.
What Causes Uber and Lyft Accidents?
Uber and Lyft accidents can happen due to various factors. These are generally similar to common causes of car accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents. This might include anything from eating and drinking to texting or talking on the phone. The use of a navigation system during driving is another common distraction for rideshare drivers.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another leading cause of road accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers, like any other motorists, might engage in such risky behavior, putting passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists in danger.
Fatigue
Rideshare drivers often work long and irregular hours to maximize their income, leading to fatigue. Tiredness can dramatically reduce concentration and slow response time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to steer the vehicle safely around corners or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. Aggressive driving, often combined with excessive speed, can lead to hazardous situations.
Mechanical Issues
If the Uber/Lyft vehicle isn’t properly maintained, it may lead to unexpected mechanical failures that can result in an accident. This might include brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering or suspension system malfunctions.
Inexperienced Drivers
While Uber and Lyft have certain requirements for their drivers, some drivers may still lack the experience required for safe driving. This inexperience can lead to critical mistakes, making accidents more likely.
Violation of Traffic Laws
Not adhering to traffic rules – such as not using signal lights before turning, running red lights, not stopping at stop signs, etc. – is another cause of accidents.
Of course, not all accidents involving rideshare vehicles are necessarily the fault of the Uber/Lyft driver. They can also happen due to the negligence of other drivers on the road. The unique causes of each rideshare accident mean that determining who is at fault and who owes you compensation as an accident victim can be challenging. An experienced Uber accident lawyer can investigate your case for evidence that will help you get the money you need to make a recovery.
If you were injured in an accident involving rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, you might be wondering who is responsible for covering your damages. Dealing with a rideshare accident case can be overwhelming without proper guidance, but the Rothenberg Law Firm LLP is here to help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How Insurance Coverage Works for Rideshare Accidents
Accidents involving rideshare drivers are unique because the responsibility for covering damages depends on the driver’s status in the rideshare app at the time of the accident. Below is a breakdown of how Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies work:
- Driver Logged Into the App, Waiting for a Ride Request
If the Uber or Lyft driver is on the app but hasn’t accepted a ride, the rideshare company provides limited insurance policy coverage, which includes:- Up to $50,000 for injury to each person involved in the accident.
- Up to $100,000 for total injuries in the rideshare crash.
- Up to $25,000 for property damage.
This coverage only applies if the driver’s own insurance company denies the claim or does not cover the damages.
- Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger
Once a ride request is accepted, both Uber and Lyft provide higher insurance coverage, including:- $1 million in liability coverage for the accident victims.
- Contingent collision and comprehensive insurance, but only if the driver has personal collision coverage from their own insurance policy.
- Driver Actively Transporting a Passenger
During the ride itself, Uber and Lyft’s most comprehensive coverage applies:- $1 million in liability coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for injury victims if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage for damage to the rideshare car, subject to the driver’s personal collision insurance.
Challenges with Rideshare Accident Insurance Claims
Insurance companies representing rideshare services like Uber and Lyft frequently attempt to reduce payouts or deny liability in a rideshare accident lawsuit. They may also dispute the at-fault driver’s responsibility or delay agreements on financial compensation.
Adding to the complexity, determining the Uber driver’s status at the time the accident occurred plays a critical role in identifying appropriate insurance policies. Without an experienced Uber accident lawyer, it can be challenging to protect your legal rights and seek the maximum compensation you need.
New York City Insurance Laws for Rideshare Services
In New York, the insurance laws mandate that ridesharing companies ensure their drivers have insurance coverage when they are logged into the app. Notably, New York requires ridesharing companies to carry large insurance policies covering auto accidents caused by their drivers. This makes it possible for victims of an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle to claim damages.
However, these insurance claims can be complicated depending on whether a driver was actively transporting a customer at the time of the accident. Furthermore, New York law requires insurers to “effectuate” prompt, fair, and equitable settlements of claims — both personal insurance claims and insurance claims involving rideshare services.
While this sounds like great news for injured accident victims, the details can be tricky. Obtaining fair compensation from an insurance company, especially one as big and powerful as the ones used by rideshare companies, can be challenging. That’s why you need a lawyer to make sure the insurance company treats you fairly and pays you the compensation you deserve.
You Can Seek Compensation for Your Injuries and More After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Seeking compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident can be a complex process due to the involvement of multiple parties and insurance companies.
Rideshare accident victims may be entitled to compensation for various economic and non-economic damages.
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for the medical bills associated with treating your injuries. This includes costs of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical needs related to the accident.
- Lost Wages and Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings. This could include both past lost wages and future lost earning potential if you’re unable to return to work or able to work only in a limited capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: In many jurisdictions, you can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. This might include compensation for the decrease in your quality of life.
- Property Damage: If your personal belongings were damaged in the accident (for example, if you were a driver and your car was damaged), you might be able to seek compensation for the cost of repair or replacement.
- Wrongful Death: If the accident resulted in a fatality, the victim’s family or estate might be entitled to compensation in the form of a wrongful death action.
After an accident, your first course of action should be to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to seek medical attention as necessary. Report the accident to law enforcement and also to the rideshare company (Uber or Lyft) via their app.
Contact a car accident attorney who can help you initiate a claim with the relevant insurance company. This might be your own insurance company, the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, or the insurance provided by Uber or Lyft. The specific process can vary based on the circumstances of the accident, the insurance companies involved, and the laws in your jurisdiction.
Working with a lawyer who is experienced in handling rideshare accident cases is extremely helpful in these situations. Your personal injury attorney can help navigate the complexities of the insurance claims process, negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue a lawsuit if necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
When you’ve been involved in a New York City Uber or Lyft accident, hiring a lawyer can provide you with benefits in more ways than one.
Support and Understanding
Your lawyer can help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you. This includes explaining how the law applies to your situation and helping you navigate the complex legal and insurance systems.
Investigation
An experienced lawyer can help investigate the accident. They may be able to gather evidence from the scene, obtain police and medical reports, interview witnesses, and gather other relevant information to strengthen your case.
Handling Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting and confusing. Your lawyer can correspond with these entities on your behalf, negotiate, and tackle any tactics that insurance companies may use to minimize or deny your claim. Lawyers can help establish who was negligent and responsible for your damages.
Negotiation
Our lawyers can appropriately calculate the value of your claim by accounting for all potential damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of companionship. If negotiations do not produce results and your case ends up in court, a lawyer can represent your interests, present your case before the court, and aim to win the best possible outcome.
Our personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they’re only paid if they win your case. This can provide you with access to high-quality legal representation, even if you’re worried about the cost.
Remember, every case is unique, and while a lawyer can assist in many ways, outcomes can vary based on the specifics of each individual case. Regardless, having a professional on your side who understands the law deeply can significantly mitigate stress and improve the outcomes of your case. At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we’re confident in the cases we take on. Working with us means that we will do everything possible to obtain maximum value for your claim.
Allen L. Rothenberg, New York City Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you or a family member were injured in a rideshare car accident in New York City, don’t face the complexities of an Uber or Lyft accident claim without professional legal help. Speak with an experienced New York City personal injury lawyer at the Rothenberg Law Firm. We are here to fight for maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, physical therapy, and other damages caused by the accident.
Remember, you don’t have to face this alone — let our legal team help you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today for a free consultation at (800) 624-8888, or contact us online to get started.
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP – New York City Office
450 7th Ave 44th floor
New York, NY 10123
Ph: (516) 715-3658
