Bronx Lyft Accident Lawyers

Qualified Lyft Accident Lawyers In The Bronx

From morning commutes to late-night outings, many New Yorkers depend on Uber and Lyft for their daily transportation needs. Although these services are essential in our lives, that does not grant them permission to put unsafe drivers behind the wheel or cause car accidents resulting in serious injury. These irresponsible actions have no place on our roads.

If you were involved in an accident while traveling as a passenger with Lyft in the Bronx, then it is possible that you could be due compensation. Don’t hesitate to contact our Bronx Lyft accident lawyer for assistance filing claims; even if you weren’t riding with either service but instead another car, there may still be grounds for pursuing legal action against the driver at fault. Contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you recover what you’re owed.

Why Work With Rosenberg & Rodriguez

Dealing with the aftermath of your Lyft accident in the Bronx is a demanding experience and can be overwhelming given all the questions looming over you. Who is liable? What will happen if someone tries to pass the blame onto you? And most importantly, who will cover the financial costs and consequences of this incident? The answers are hard to come by but navigating a legal claim doesn’t have to be when finding professionals experienced in these matters should be your priority. You deserve smooth sailing from here on out as you focus instead on healing and getting better.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, the legal professionals at Rosenberg & Rodriguez are here to help. We understand how vital financial resources can be after an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence in New York and we know that insurance companies won’t make it easy for you. Our Bronx Lyft accident attorneys will assist with leveling the playing field between you and them so that you receive every single cent of compensation due to your losses. As our client focuses on healing from their injuries, our team of lawyers provides:

  • Investigate the circumstances of your Lyft car accident
  • Determine the Uber or Lyft driver’s status at the time of the crash
  • Identify who, other than the negligent rideshare driver, may be financially responsible for your damages
  • Defend you against claims that you share fault
  • Bring in experts and specialists as we build and assess the value of your case

Our personal injury attorneys in the Bronx have a track record of success and will be steadfast advocates for you during negotiations. If you are not given an equitable settlement, rest assured that we are prepared to go to trial on your behalf. Our proven litigators possess tremendous abilities which can give you an advantage throughout the claim process, so it’s safe to say that our legal team has your back no matter what outcome arises.

Common Causes Of Lyft Accidents In The Bronx

Unfortunately, most motor vehicle accidents are preventable. Carelessness by drivers is typically the source of these accidents – making it even more likely that a Lyft driver will be negligent due to the pressure and stress associated with their job. It’s time we recognize this issue and put measures into place that help ensure our safety on the roads.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a worsening issue that plagues all drivers, and Lyft operators are no exception. Constantly glued to their phones and electronic devices, rideshare drivers have the added responsibility of using technology to find passengers, maneuver roads in different boroughs, as well as communicate with them. This makes them even more vulnerable than most motorists when it comes to distracted driving behaviors.

Driver Fatigue

It is crucial to be aware that Lyft drivers often work extended shifts, particularly at night – if a driver is working for Uber as an additional source of income, it likely means they have already been on the job for over eight hours. Tired operators are less capable of responding quickly in hazardous situations and more prone to dozing off while driving.

Impaired driving

All too often, drugs and alcohol are culprits in accidents involving Lyft vehicles. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident caused by a Lyft driver, you must hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.

Inexperienced Drivers

Though anyone can become a Lyft driver, this doesn’t guarantee that they will be competent. Unlike taxi drivers and limo chauffeurs who are required to obtain special licenses or endorsements, there’s no such prerequisite for Lyft operators. Therefore, when you hire a Lyft driver it is essential to ensure they have the necessary skill set and experience to provide adequate service.

Speeding

With more rides a Lyft driver accomplishes, the bigger their paycheck. For some drivers then, obeying speed limits may turn into an optional activity rather than a regulation to stick by—which can be risky in areas such as The Bronx with its bustling roads and crossings.

Not only can Lyft drivers be liable for an auto accident, but there are a variety of other contributing factors to consider as well. These could include:

It is absolutely essential to uncover every potential factor of a Lyft accident in the Bronx. Per New York state law, anyone who is at all accountable may be liable for covering any repercussions that arise. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, contact our Bronx Lyft accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez today.

Understanding Liability In Lyft Accidents

If you were involved in an accident while riding with a Lyft driver, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may be able to provide some form of compensation. But if the incident was due to the fault of the Lyft driver, then more financial recompense could possibly be available depending on their personal auto insurance policy as well as possible coverage from Lyft itself. A crucial factor to assess is whether or not the driver was actively engaged in their job duties when it happened – this will decide which policies apply for determining liability and responsibility.

Lyft App Is Turned Off

When the Lyft app is shut down, drivers are no longer on duty and must abide by the same road rules as any other driver. Consequently, during this period personal car insurance will be in effect as opposed to the coverage provided via Lyft’s policy.

Lyft App Is On: Driver Is Available To Accept Passengers

For all drivers actively available to accept passengers, Lyft offers a comprehensive insurance policy that kicks in after a car accident. Here is the coverage you can count on from this policy:

  • $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
  • $100,000 in bodily injury coverage for the entire accident
  • $25,000 per accident in property damage coverage

Lyft App Is On: Driver Has Accepted A Passenger

If a Lyft driver has been accepted by and is on their way to fetch a customer, or even carrying one in the car, they are granted much more generous protections under the comprehensive insurance policy. These coverings include:

  • $1 million in third-party auto liability
  • Coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists
  • Collision coverage up to the actual value of the damaged vehicles (a $2,500 deductible applies)

If an accident occurs and a Lyft driver is at fault, their insurance coverage will only apply if the damages aren’t covered in full by the other party’s insurance policy. This form of protection falls under “excess” coverage for drivers.

Insurance Payouts For Lyft Accidents In The Bronx

When it comes to insurance, Uber, and Lyft share many similarities. As with any other driver on the road, their drivers are required to carry personal rideshare coverage first and foremost; however, when they have a passenger or are actively working for either company there is also an additional layer of protection from extra policies provided by both companies. This way you can rest assured that should anything go wrong while riding in one of these vehicles, you can turn to the designated policy, or file a claim against them like any other vehicle operator.

Whenever a rider is present in the car or when the driver is about to pick up someone, both companies typically provide insurance policies of $1 million for any possible accident. This coverage includes:

  • Injured Uber and Lyft passengers
  • Other drivers and passengers injured by an Uber or Lyft driver
  • Cyclists
  • Pedestrians
  • The Lyft drivers themselves

These policies can cover injuries and property damage, potentially helping you get the coverage you need. However, you should never accept a payout from an insurance company without going over the offer with an experienced Bronx Lyft accident lawyer.

In the event of an accident while your Lyft driver was on duty yet hadn’t accepted a ride, usually, a different type of insurance policy will apply. Firstly, their personal insurance will be able to provide coverage for damages as usual. If that’s not sufficient enough though, both rideshare companies also have extra policies in place which can aid with covering expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Common Are Lyft Accidents?

While there are no precise numbers for Lyft car crashes, research from the University of Chicago and Rice University has discovered that traffic collisions have risen since 2011 – when ridesharing services first started. Shockingly, fatal accidents increased by 3% in comparison to leading up to this point. This confirms how much more hazardous our roads can become as a result of companies like Uber or Lyft being on them. Every year, an additional 1,100 deaths are attributed to the presence of Uber and Lyft rideshare vehicles. While these tragic losses may not always be directly related to their operation, it is clear that roads have become less safe as a result.

What’s The Average Settlement For A Lyft Accident?

Uncovering the value of your case will depend on several elements, such as:

  • How serious are your injuries?
  • What types of injuries did you suffer in the accident?
  • Was a passenger in the back of a Lyft, a pedestrian on the road, or in another vehicle?
  • Are you able to continue working? If not, how long will you be unable to earn an income?
  • How has being in the rideshare accident affected you emotionally?
  • What kind of out-of-pocket costs do you have?
  • Do you share responsibility for the wreck?
  • Did you take the necessary steps to mitigate your injuries?
  • Has the accident aggravated any pre-existing medical conditions?

How much your case is worth ultimately depends on how much the accident and resulting injuries have impacted your life. Every injury situation is unique, so it’s essential to talk with a Lyft accident lawyer in the Bronx about yours specifically. Rosenberg & Rodriguez stands ready 24/7 to answer all of your questions; don’t hesitate, to reach out now for an appointment to discuss what potential value lies within your Lyft accident injury case.

What Do I Do After A Lyft Accident In New York?

In the aftermath of an accident, dialing 911 is essential for getting medical aid promptly and obtaining a police report. Do not hesitate to call in order to ensure your safety and well-being.

Immediately after an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, it is essential that you do not speak to anyone from the company before first consulting a lawyer. The companies have response teams in place for such occurrences, but they are working on behalf of their own interests only – not yours. Collect all contact and insurance information pertaining to any drivers involved (including personal and corporate details) prior to speaking with someone at either Uber or Lyft about your crash.

Contact A Bronx Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been involved in an incident with Lyft in the Bronx, it is essential to comprehend your legal rights for compensation, the process for claiming said compensation, and insurance limitations set by liability companies and valid carriers. This way, you can get compensated as quickly as possible. Here at Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we understand the difficult situation you may be in and are willing to provide assistance with any of your needs for your case. Our Bronx Lyft accident lawyers will make every effort to ensure that you recover all the compensation that you deserve. If a family member or yourself has endured an injury due to an incident involving ridesharing services such as Lyft, don’t hesitate, contact us today!