Manhattan Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Manhattan Rideshare Accidents Lawyers Fighting For You

Due to the growing popularity of ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft in NYC, there has been a decrease in business for traditional yellow taxis. Consequently, the frequency of accidents involving ride-sharing vehicles has increased as more people choose them for transportation. While there is limited data on ride-share accidents involving Uber and Lyft, the high number of Uber-associated vehicles in operation in NYC (over 65,000) suggests that many people may experience a ride-sharing accident at some point.

If you’ve been a victim of negligence in New York City, including Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, you can count on our Manhattan rideshare accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez to fight for your rights. Get in touch with our office today to book a free consultation and find out more about how we can assist you.

Liability In Rideshare Accident Claims

If you’re in a car accident in New York, you can seek compensation through the state’s no-fault system from your own insurance provider. However, to get compensated for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, you must file a claim against the driver who caused the accident. When accidents involve commercial vehicle drivers, their employers are typically legally responsible. In those instances, you can file a claim against the trucking, taxi, or bus company, for example, to obtain compensation for damages.

Determining who is responsible for accidents involving Uber and Lyft is complicated because their drivers are classified as independent contractors instead of employees. This means that Uber and Lyft have limited liability for their drivers’ actions. In addition, typical auto insurance policies usually don’t cover accidents that occur when the driver is working for a rideshare company.

Making a claim for an accident involving an Uber or Lyft in Manhattan or NYC can be challenging due to several factors. If you decide to claim against the rideshare driver’s insurance rather than going through the no-fault system, your claim may be denied. It’s also difficult to file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft directly. However, it’s worth noting that these companies do offer some coverage for their drivers and passengers who were injured in accidents.

Compensation For Rideshare Accident Victims

In case of an accident, while riding with Uber or Lyft, you may be eligible for compensation. You can use your own no-fault insurance to cover medical bills and lost income resulting from the accident. If the extent of your injuries is considered “serious” based on New York State law, you could file a claim with the insurance provider of the rideshare driver or with Uber or Lyft themselves.

While Uber and Lyft deny liability for injuries, they do offer insurance coverage for those injured in accidents caused by their drivers. The level of compensation provided depends on the circumstances. Therefore, it is crucial to seek the advice of a skilled Manhattan rideshare accident lawyer right away to determine the optimal course of action for your personal injury claim.

Uber And Lyft Both Recognize Four Driving Periods

  • Period 0: The app is turned off
  • Period 1: The app is turned on, but the driver has not accepted a ride
  • Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride is on their way to pick up the passenger
  • Period 3: The driver has a passenger in the vehicle

Both Uber And Lyft Offer The Following Coverage

  • No Coverage: During period 0; accidents in period 0 can be treated as typical car accidents
  • $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident in bodily injury: For accidents occurring in period 1
  • $25,000 per accident in property damage: During period 1
  • Up to $1 million: For accidents occurring in period 2 or 3 (any time a ride has been accepted)

You will receive a $1 million coverage if you were injured in an Uber or Lyft ride or if you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver who was distracted while looking for a passenger after accepting a ride. But, if you were hit by a driver who had the app turned on but was not carrying a passenger at that moment, you will receive lower coverage amounts.

Primary Causes Of Rideshare Accidents In Manhattan, NY

There is a high demand for Lyft and Uber rides in Manhattan, New York. Because owning a car in this area can be expensive with high insurance rates and parking fees, many people choose to use rideshare services. Rideshare drivers may also face accidents due to various factors, such as some of the common causes of car accidents.

  • Ridesharing vehicles that pick up or drop off passengers at intersections or other dangerous locations
  • Rideshare drivers who are looking for passengers and not paying attention to the road can cause accidents
  • GPS units or cell phones used for GPS guidance can be distracting for rideshare drivers
  • Drivers in Manhattan who operate their rideshare vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Unsafe or illegal u-turns made in Manhattan, NY
  • Driving over the speed limit to get passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Rideshare Program?

Have you ever been curious about how Uber and Lyft, the ridesharing companies, function? Allow me to explain. The process starts with the rider utilizing the company’s mobile app to request a ride. The app then sends the request to available drivers located nearby who use their personal vehicles. When a driver accepts the request, they transport the rider to their desired destination, and payment is done electronically via the app without requiring cash or credit cards in the vehicle.

What Is Rideshare Insurance?

If you work as a ride-sharing driver for Uber or Lyft, your car insurance will cover you before you accept a ride. However, once you accept a ride, the insurance provided by Uber or Lyft will take effect. It can be challenging to navigate car insurance as a ride-sharing driver because you’ll need both personal and commercial insurance policies. Insurance providers have created regulations and requirements in response to the increasing popularity of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. They now offer an additional form of coverage referred to as rideshare insurance, which can be added to your current policy as an endorsement through various insurance companies.

What To Do After A Rideshare Accident In Manhattan, NY?

In case you’re injured in a rideshare accident, it’s essential to prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical attention. Additionally, make sure to keep records of all the costs you incur as it will help build your personal injury case. It is also recommended to write down as many details as possible about the accident while the incident is still fresh in your memory.

If you get into a car accident, it can be confusing and stressful to figure out what steps to take. To make sure your legal rights are safeguarded, it’s recommended that you contact an experienced Manhattan lawyer who specializes in rideshare accidents. To get started, reach out to Rosenberg & Rodriguez for a free consultation. They can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim and prevent any delays.

Contact Our Manhattan Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today

In case of an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or any rideshare vehicle, the situation can be complicated. It is crucial to have a knowledgeable legal representative who can effectively advocate for your rights and compensation. Our team of Manhattan rideshare accident lawyers has a wealth of experience in handling such cases.

At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we have a history of successfully representing clients in cases against rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft. Our main goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible. We offer comprehensive legal representation that includes initial investigation, settlement negotiations, litigation, and more. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.