New York City’s yellow cabs have received stiff competition in recent years from rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber. By tapping an app on their phones, consumers can request a car to pull up to their houses and enjoy a clean ride at an affordable price. The independent contractors who drive for these companies have an incentive to provide good service since consumers can use an app to rate their driver when they pay.
Unsurprisingly, these vehicles get into accidents—just like taxi cabs. If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, you need to speak with an experienced lawyer. The Law Offices of Gary E. Rosenberg, P.C. can help.
Liability for a Rideshare Accident
After a wreck, you are probably anxious to know whether you can receive compensation. This will depend on the facts. There are many types of rideshare accidents:
- You are riding in an Uber or Lyft when it crashes.
- You are a motorist who is struck by an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle.
- You are a pedestrian struck by a rideshare vehicle.
Injured as a Passenger
If you are hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft, your driver could be to blame. For example, he might have run a red light or been texting when he hit someone. Alternatively, another motorist could have struck your car, or the road could be to blame. We need more facts to determine who is at fault.
Injured as a Motorist
If you are driving your own car, then an Uber or Lyft could crash into you. This would be an example of the rideshare driver being at fault, though you could share some liability yourself.
Injured as a Pedestrian
As a pedestrian, the rideshare driver is probably to blame for clipping you. However, if you were jaywalking, then you could share some liability for the accident.
Receiving Compensation when a Rideshare Driver is At Fault
If the Uber or Lyft driver is to blame, then you can helpfully make a claim on the driver’s insurance. Both Uber and Lyft require that their drivers carry coverage with high policy limits. However, the maximum amount available will depend on the facts:
The driver has the app turned off. In this case, the Uber or Lyft driver is no different than any other motorist in Queens. This is basically a regular car accident case. You can access no-fault benefits and bring a lawsuit if you have a serious enough injury.
The driver has the app on and is looking for rides. If the driver hasn’t yet accepted a ride, then $50,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage is available, up to $100,000 per accident. You are also covered for $25,000 in property damage liability.
The driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the car. Up to $1 million is available in insurance benefits.
Compensation for Other Accidents
You might be a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when it is struck by another motorist. For example, you might be rear-ended by a drunk driver. In these accidents, you bring a claim against the motorist who is at fault for your collision. Though you are in an Uber or Lyft, your driver isn’t to blame, so you don’t sue them.
The rideshare driver’s insurance policy might come into play, however. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover your claim, you can use Uber or Lyft coverage. They have underinsured motorist coverage for up to $1 million—an excellent benefit to cover serious losses.
Do You Need an Attorney?
Yes. Don’t expect the rideshare company or its driver to eagerly admit fault. They might try to blame someone else for the collision. As an injured victim, you need to seek compensation for your injuries.
An attorney is a big help in untangling factual disagreements. Sometimes, rideshare drivers and other motorists point the finger at each other. As an injured passenger, you don’t know who is telling the truth. Our law firm can review the evidence and speak to witnesses. By pulling together your case for compensation, we allow you to focus on recovery.
Schedule a Consultation with a Queens Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Gary E. Rosenberg is a talented personal injury attorney who has handled many accident cases. The rideshare industry has transformed the way people get around Queens. But the legal issues are many of the same ones we see in taxicab accidents. Let Attorney Rosenberg use his experience for your benefit. Call today to schedule a free consultation.