Who is Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have become popular because of their convenience in moving from one place to another. Drivers must exercise caution and drive safely to protect their passengers and other road users. Sadly, accidents are inevitable, and ridesharing vehicles often get collisions just like other drivers.

Personal injury lawyers in New York say that ridesharing drivers are responsible for passengers’ safety. If a breach happens, the driver could be liable for the consequences. However, you must familiarize yourself with what happens and what to do after a rideshare accident. Consult a skilled New York accident attorney to understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Multiple Parties Could Be Liable

Apart from the rideshare driver, other parties could also be at fault for the accident, further complicating your compensation claim. Long Island car accident attorneys highlight the following potential parties that could be found liable for the crash:

  • Another driver who crashes into the ridesharing vehicle
  • A motorist, pedestrian, or cyclist
  • A manufacturer who is to blame for faulty vehicle parts that caused the accident
  • The ridesharing company for not doing a background check on the driver before contracting them.
  • A government entity for not properly maintaining the roads

Determining liability can be complex, so working with knowledgeable car accident lawyers in Long Island is crucial. They can assist you through the complex nuances of recovering the compensation you deserve from the relevant party.

How Can I File a Compensation Claim After a Rideshare Accident?

Before seeking compensation, familiarize yourself with the legal framework of rideshare accidents. This knowledge forms the basis of a strong personal injury claim, and working with skilled car accident attorneys in Long Island can enhance the chances of a favorable outcome.

New York has specific regulations for rideshare companies, which can dramatically influence the outcome of your personal injury claim. Some crucial statutes are the following:

  • Transportation Network Company Law: The regulatory network for rideshare companies has a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use. It requires rideshare vehicles to carry mandatory insurance, and rideshare companies must perform background checks on the drivers they allow to use their ridesharing services.
  • Comparative negligence: New York has a comparative negligence system that implies you can still recover damages even if you were partially to blame. Even so, your settlement will be reduced according to your fault percentage.
  • Statute of limitations: You have a specific timeframe for filing a compensation claim after the accident. Generally, you have three years from the accident date, but the deadline is shorter if the claim is against the municipality. In that case, you must file a Notice of Claim in 90 days and a formal claim within one year and 90 days.

What is the No-Fault Insurance System?

In addition to the above statutes, New York has a no-fault insurance system protecting your right to pursue compensation. The law stipulates that your car insurance policy or that covering the car you were in should compensate you for the medical expenses and lost wages up to a specific limit.

If you sustain injuries beyond the state’s “serious injury” threshold, you can file a lawsuit for pain and suffering against the at-fault party. To be eligible, you must have sustained a fracture, permanent limitation of a body part, or significant disfigurement.

Long Island car accident attorneys mention that rideshare accidents can be complex under the no-fault insurance system. Whether or not the insurance company will cover the additional claims depends on some crucial factors:

  • Off-app: If the driver is not logged into the ridesharing app during the accident, their personal auto insurance applies
  • On-app, waiting for a ride request: Ridesharing companies should provide coverage for bodily injury of up to $75,000 per person and up to $150,000 per accident. They should also cover property damage of up to $25,000 per accident.
  • En route to pick up a client or when dropping them off: The coverage is $1.25 million for third-party liability. You may also claim uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage or contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.

This system can dramatically affect the damages you collect in your personal injury claim. Work with experienced personal injury attorneys in New York to ensure you get the total amount your case is worth.

How Can I Build a Strong Rideshare Accident Claim?

Seeking settlement after a rideshare accident can be complex, and insurance companies will likely shortchange you to protect their profits. So, ensure you build a strong claim by gathering and preserving crucial evidence, such as:

  • Official police report about the accident
  • Medical bills and record
  • Proof of the rideshare trip
  • Witness accounts
  • Photos or recordings of the accident scene and the injuries sustained
  • Testimony from accident reconstruction experts

A Skilled Car Accident Attorney Providing Legal Counsel on the No-Fault Insurance System

Recovering compensation for injuries sustained in a ridesharing accident can be challenging. While the no-fault insurance system stipulates that you should receive compensation regardless of who was at fault, several factors come into play to determine the outcome of your claim. Working with skilled Long Island car accident attorneys can help you build a strong case.

The Rizzuto Law Firm hosts dedicated personal injury attorneys who can handle your case to ensure you obtain a fair settlement amount for your damages. Our legal team emphasizes the rights of accident victims and fights hard to protect them. If you have a personal injury claim, call us at 516-604-5496 to schedule a FREE case assessment.