Rideshare Accidents in New York City
Experienced attorneys serving the Bronx and beyond
Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are a convenient and inexpensive way for New Yorkers to reach their destinations. But like any other mode of transportation in New York City, car accidents can happen when you least expect them to.
Rideshare drivers in New York are expected to operate their vehicles safely, but a simple act of carelessness could change things for the worse. Additionally, the negligence of other motorists can't always be predicted.
Rideshare accidents can be complicated, as they usually involve more than two parties. Our law firm will investigate and gather the facts needed to build a strong case. With decades of experience, the Bronx car accident attorneys at Giampa Law know how to handle some of the most complex cases. We'll aggressively pursue your case and uncover the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation with us today.
When is an Uber or Lyft driver on duty?
One of the most important questions when to comes to an Uber or Lyft accident is whether the driver was on duty at the time of the accident. This is important because whether or not the Uber or Lyft driver was on duty could impact where and how injury victims seek financial compensation for their injury-related expenses.
In most cases, Uber, Lyft or other rideshare drivers are considered on-duty while performing the following tasks or jobs:
- Driving with an Uber or Lyft passenger in the vehicle.
- En route to pick up an Uber or Lyft customer.
- Looking up directions for a ride request.
- Awaiting a ride request with the Uber or Lyft app open.
Don’t simply take the rideshare company or driver’s word for it if they try to claim they were not on duty at the time of your accident. Have your rideshare accident lawyer investigate. If the driver was on duty at the time of your crash, you may have many more funding options available for your injury-related expenses.
We'll find out who was at fault
New York law requires rideshare companies to effectively screen their contractors. Drivers must pass a criminal background check, possess a clean driving record, and enroll in the Department of Motor Vehicle's License Event Notification System, which tracks and reports tickets, suspensions and revocations. State law also requires that rideshare companies provide vehicle liability insurance for $1.25 million when a driver has a passenger.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, it's important that you seek medical attention immediately. Waiting to do so could hurt your chances of receiving full compensation. If the rideshare driver was at fault, you can file a claim against the driver and the rideshare company. If the accident involved another at-fault motorist, both you and the rideshare driver can file a claim against the negligent driver and their insurance company. While accidents involving rideshare companies can be confusing, you can trust the attorneys at Giampa Law to handle it.
Should I accept a settlement offer for my Uber or Lyft accident?
Don’t be surprised if you receive a settlement offer from the insurance company representing the rideshare driver or rideshare company. You might be tempted to accept such an offer, especially if you already have a lot of bills for your medical care and you cannot work due to your injury.
But the reality is many car accident settlement claims don’t even come close to covering all your injury-related expenses. And once you accept a settlement offer for your rideshare accident, that’s it. You can’t go back months or years later and ask for more money, even if your injury-related expenses increase dramatically in the future.
This is why you should ask for any settlement offer you receive in writing. That way, you can review your offer with your rideshare accident lawyer and decide whether to accept it or ask for more money. Either way, your attorney can help you demand the money you deserve for your Lyft or Uber injury accident claim.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft for a rideshare accident?
In some circumstances, you can sue the rideshare company directly, but in most cases, you would pursue compensation from the at-fault driver, not the rideshare company. However, the rideshare companies carry supplemental insurance that covers their drivers when they are on duty, so even if you’re not suing Uber or Lyft directly, you’re still dealing with their insurance company.
It’s important to be aware that such legal cases can often be very challenging. Uber and Lyft are large, multinational companies. And if you do file a lawsuit against a Lyft or Uber driver in response to your New York City rideshare accident, be prepared for them to respond with a team of attorneys with one goal – to reduce or deny your injury claim or lawsuit.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft know how complicated such cases can be for injury victims. That’s why they’re hoping you give up and don’t take legal action. This is why it’s critical that you have an experienced New York Uber car accident lawyer or Lyft car accident attorney on your side, fighting for your rights.
Why should I hire a New York rideshare accident lawyer?
Rideshare companies are supposed to accept responsibility if a passenger is injured in an accident. The driver is not considered an employee, but works as a contractor. For that reason, when the driver is between fares, the company won't take any responsibility for the his or her actions. In many cases, you may have to file a claim against the driver's insurance company.
As with any car accident, the insurance company will go to great lengths to reduce their own costs. But an experienced rideshare accident attorney at Giampa Law will get to the bottom of it. We'll find out who is responsible and we'll hold them accountable. Contact our Bronx office today and find out how a New York City rideshare car accident attorney can help you.