Long Island Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Expert Rideshare Accident Attorneys on Long Island, NY
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the transportation industry, particularly in cities like Long Island where public transport is limited. These services provide greater convenience than buses and trains and have contributed to reducing drunk driving. However, despite their benefits, there are risks involved in entrusting your safety to a stranger. While many rideshare drivers have prior professional driving experience, accidents can still occur, especially with the increasing number of cars on the road.
If you or a family member has been involved in a rideshare accident, our experienced Long Island rideshare accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we are dedicated to assisting victims and holding the responsible parties accountable. We have helped numerous injured victims in NYC, and we can help you too. Call us at (718) 509-4960 for a free case evaluation.
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can fall into four main categories:
- Passengers injured while in a ridesharing vehicle.
- Rideshare drivers injured while picking up, driving, or dropping off passengers.
- Other drivers injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle.
- Passengers injured in a vehicle collision with a rideshare vehicle en route to pick up a fare.
Rideshare drivers are independent contractors who do not receive the same employee benefits as traditional employees. Therefore, these cases can be complex, but an experienced Long Island rideshare accident lawyer can help navigate the legal process.
Causes of Rideshare Accidents On Long Island
Ridesharing services are prevalent on Long Island due to the impracticality of owning a car in the city, including high insurance rates and expensive parking. Rideshare accidents can occur due to various factors, such as picking up or dropping off passengers at dangerous locations, distracted driving while looking for passengers, GPS guidance, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, making unsafe or illegal u-turns, and speeding to get passengers to their destination quickly.
Comprehending Insurance for Uber and Lyft
Insurance and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft raise numerous questions that require answers. What insurance coverage can an Uber driver expect? The answer to this query relies on when the accident occurred. Rideshare companies have categorized the driver’s time into three different periods to explain what is covered during each stage of the ridesharing process.
Period 1: Waiting for a Match on the App
If you cause an accident during this period, and your own insurance doesn’t cover it or isn’t sufficient, Uber and Lyft’s liability coverage has got you covered. However, this coverage only applies to accidents in which someone else was injured or had their property damaged, not to any damage to your vehicle. This third-party liability insurance covers:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury to a third party injured in an accident you caused
- $100,000 total for bodily injuries to all third parties injured in an accident you caused, regardless of how many people were hurt or how badly they were hurt
- $25,000 for property damage to a third party’s car or other property damaged in an accident you caused
To avoid any confusion, it’s essential to know the following critical things about Period 1 coverage. This insurance is “contingent,” meaning that you need to open a claim with your policy first, and then Uber or Lyft will pay. Here’s how it works:
No Rideshare Endorsement
If you haven’t purchased a rideshare endorsement, Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance should pay out when your company denies the claim (which it will if you’re driving for business purposes). However, this also means that you’ve breached your personal auto policy and run the risk of being canceled or nonrenewed. Furthermore, because Uber’s and Lyft’s coverage limits are relatively low, third parties who were injured can sue you for excess damages if they exceed these limits.
Rideshare Endorsement
Use a rideshare endorsement policy to get primary insurance coverage for any third-party bodily injury or property damage. In such situations, your policy becomes secondary. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that this type of liability coverage doesn’t include your personal medical bills or lost wages.
Periods 2 & 3: En Route to Pick up or Transporting a Passenger
When it comes to liability coverage, Uber and Lyft provide third-party insurance coverage up to $1 million for accidents caused by drivers. This means that if you cause an accident, resulting personal injuries or property damage to passengers or others will be covered by this insurance, but not for yourself. You are still responsible for paying your own medical bills and repair costs.
This liability coverage is also contingent, meaning it pays out after you file a claim with your own auto insurance company because your policy takes precedence. If you do not have a rideshare endorsement, as in Period 1 claims, you may face significant financial problems.
However, there is some positive news to consider. Uber and Lyft offer contingent collision and comprehensive coverage for accidents that occur during Periods 2 and 3. To qualify for this coverage, you need to check that your rideshare endorsement includes both collision and comprehensive coverage and ensure that you have adequate coverage of each.
Collision coverage pays for the repair or replacement of your car, even if the accident was your fault. Here’s how Uber and Lyft’s collision and comprehensive coverages operate:
No Rideshare Endorsement
Without a rideshare endorsement, you will not receive the advantages of Uber or Lyft coverage until you present your claim to your personal auto insurer first. When you file a claim with your Long Island rideshare accident lawyer, you are basically telling your insurance provider that you have broken the rules outlined in your policy agreement. As a result, don’t be shocked if they cancel or do not renew your policy.
Rideshare Endorsement
Normally, your personal policy covers accidents first. However, if the damage exceeds your policy limit, Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance will step in to cover damages up to the actual cash value of your vehicle, subject to a $2,500 deductible. Your rideshare endorsement will most likely cover any accidents that only involve your vehicle. However, it may be worthwhile to consider Uber or Lyft coverage if your vehicle’s actual cash value is high or the collision coverage limit is low.
Finally, for accidents that occur during Periods 2 or 3, both Uber and Lyft may offer compensation through PIP and med pay coverage. Keep in mind that these are first-party coverages that cover your medical bills up to the set limit, even if you are at fault. These types of coverage are not available in all states, and the limits differ according to state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ridesharing and Rideshare Insurance?
Ridesharing has become a popular form of transportation through companies like Uber and Lyft. Riders use the app to request a ride from drivers using their own personal cars, with payments made through the app. However, rideshare drivers must navigate the complexities of personal auto insurance and commercial car insurance, and it can be challenging to determine which coverage applies when. Insurance companies have created specific coverage for ridesharing, also known as rideshare coverage, which can be purchased as an add-on through most insurance companies.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident on Long Island?
If you are involved in a rideshare accident on Long Island, your priority should be seeking medical attention and keeping track of related costs. It is essential to document details about the accident as soon as possible. To protect your rights, it is recommended to contact an experienced Long Island rideshare accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help build your personal injury case. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we offer a free consultation and have the expertise to handle your case and overcome any potential obstacles in obtaining fair compensation from Uber’s insurance company.
Contact Our Long Island Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today
With so many cars on the road transporting people, rideshare services have become an essential mode of transportation. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident with companies like Uber or Lyft, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from a personal injury lawyer. Our experienced Long Island rideshare accident lawyers can handle all aspects of your case, including dealing with insurance policies and obtaining full compensation for your damages. Contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez today to schedule a free consultation.