Queens Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Queens Rideshare Accidents Lawyers You Can Trust

With the rise of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft in NYC, the traditional yellow taxis have seen a decline in their business. As a result, there is an increased chance of getting into an accident with a rideshare vehicle as more people rely on them for transportation. Although information on rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft is limited, with over 65,000 Uber-linked vehicles operating in NYC, it is likely that a large number of people may experience a rideshare accident at some point.

At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, our Queens rideshare accident lawyers have been fighting for the rights of victims of negligence throughout New York City, including in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Contact our office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Liability In Rideshare Accident Claims

In New York, if you are in a car accident, you can usually seek compensation from your own insurance provider through the state’s no-fault system. However, if you want to be compensated for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, you need to file a claim against the driver who caused the accident. When commercial vehicle drivers are involved in an accident, their employers are often legally responsible. In such cases, you can file a claim against the trucking company, taxi company, bus company, and so on to get compensated for your damages.

The issue of determining liability in accidents involving Uber and Lyft is complex due to the classification of their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. This limits the responsibility that Uber and Lyft hold for their drivers’ actions. Furthermore, private auto insurance companies do not usually provide coverage for accidents that occur while the driver is working for a rideshare company.

Claiming for an Uber or Lyft accident in Queens or NYC can be difficult due to various factors. If you want to make a claim against the rideshare driver’s insurance instead of relying on the no-fault system, it will likely be denied. Additionally, filing a lawsuit directly against Uber or Lyft is challenging. The positive news is that these rideshare companies provide some coverage for their drivers and those who were injured in the accident.

Compensation For Rideshare Accident Victims

If you get into an accident while using Uber or Lyft, there are ways for you to receive compensation. Your own no-fault insurance may cover your medical bills and lost income resulting from the accident. If your injuries are considered “serious” under New York State law, you may also be able to file a claim directly with the insurance provider of the rideshare driver or with Uber or Lyft.

Although both companies have claimed they are not liable for injuries, Uber and Lyft do provide insurance coverage for individuals who are injured in accidents caused by their drivers. The amount of compensation available varies based on the situation. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced Queens rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine the best next steps for your personal injury case.

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)

The $1 million coverage applies if you were injured as a passenger of an Uber or Lyft, or if you were hit by a distracted Uber or Lyft driver who was looking for a passenger after accepting a ride. However, if you were hit by a driver who had the app turned on but was in between rides, the lower coverage amounts apply.

Primary Causes Of Rideshare Accidents In Queens, NY

Queens, New York has a high demand for rideshare services like Lyft and Uber. This could be because owning a car can be costly, with expensive insurance rates and parking fees. Additionally, rideshare drivers may face accidents due to various factors. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include the following:

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 Queens who operate their rideshare vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Unsafe or illegal u-turns made in Queens, 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 wondered how the rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate? Here’s how it works: The rider first requests a ride through the company’s mobile app, which is then sent to the nearby drivers using their personal cars. Once a driver accepts the request, they pick up the rider and drop them off at their desired location, all while the payment is made electronically through the app without the need for cash or credit cards inside the vehicle.

What Is Rideshare Insurance?

Your car insurance will protect you while you work for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, but only if you haven’t accepted a ride yet. Once you accept a ride, Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance will take over. Managing car insurance as a rideshare driver can be confusing because both personal and commercial insurance policies are involved. To adapt to the rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, insurance providers have established specific regulations and requirements. They introduced a new type of coverage called rideshare insurance, which you can add to your existing policy as an endorsement through most insurance companies.

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

If you have been in a rideshare accident and got injured, prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical attention. Remember to keep records of all the costs you incur, as this will help in building your personal injury case later on. While the incident is still fresh in your memory, write down as many details as possible about the accident.

If you’re involved in a car accident, it can be overwhelming to know what to do next. To ensure your rights are protected, we suggest reaching out to a knowledgeable Queens rideshare accident lawyer who specializes in these types of cases. Get in touch with Rosenberg & Rodriguez right away for a complimentary consultation. We’ll help you file your personal injury claim and prevent any delays.

Contact Our Queens Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today

If you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, or any other type of rideshare vehicle, it can be a complicated situation. It is important to have a legal representative who has a deep understanding of the laws and can proficiently fight for your rights and compensation. Our Queens rideshare accident lawyers have extensive experience handling many cases of accidents involving rideshares. We are willing to take on major rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, to make sure that you receive the highest possible compensation. We have demonstrated success in past cases and will provide representation throughout the legal process, including the initial investigation, settlement negotiations, litigation and beyond. Contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez today for a free consultation now.