Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, have transformed urban transportation, offering convenience at our fingertips. However, accidents involving these vehicles present unique legal challenges. If a victim’s driver is liable for the accident, it is important to seek legal help for determining how to seek compensation for medical costs and other damages.
After a car crash with a rideshare driver, be sure to contact an experienced New York City car accident lawyer at The Bongiorno Law Firm. During a free consultation, we can discuss your situation and determine whether you may have a case.
Can I Sue Uber/Lyft After a New York City Crash Involving One of Their Drivers?
If you are involved in a crash with a rideshare vehicle in NYC, your ability to sue Uber or Lyft depends on multiple factors, including your role in the accident and the status of the rideshare driver.
What If I Was Injured as a Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle Crash?
If you were injured as a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, you would first go through your no-fault insurance. For further compensation, such as if you have a qualifying serious injury, you may be able to sue the rideshare company.
Both Uber and Lyft provide one million in coverage through their commercial liability policies. This coverage kicks in the moment you enter the vehicle as a paying passenger. This coverage also extends to other drivers and pedestrians hit by rideshare vehicles actively engaged in a trip.
What If an Uber or Lyft Driver Were At Fault for a Crash Involving My Vehicle?
If your vehicle was hit by a rideshare driver, the insurance that may apply depends on the status of the Lyft or Uber driver at the time of the collision.
Generally, the status of a rideshare driver falls into three categories:
- Off-duty: The app is off, and the driver is not accepting rides.
- Available: The app is on, but the driver has not accepted any rides.
- En route or on a trip: The driver has accepted a ride and is either picking up or transporting a passenger.
Off-Duty Drivers
When a rideshare driver causes an accident while off duty, the situation is similar to a typical car accident, the driver’s personal auto insurance becomes the primary coverage. In this case, you would directly pursue legal action against the driver, just as in any other vehicle collision.
Available Drivers
Available Drivers are drivers that do not have passengers in their car and do not have any rides accepted. Both Lyft and Uber provide limited liability coverage during this time as the driver is “on the job.” Victims may need to consider taking legal action against the driver and the rideshare company to secure full compensation.
En Route or On-Trip Drivers
Accidents that occur after a driver has accepted a ride or while a driver is actively transporting a passenger involve more comprehensive insurance coverage. Lyft and Uber both maintain a $1 million liability policy for those situations.
What if a Third-Party Was Involved in the Accident?
Sometimes, the rideshare driver or the company may not be fully responsible for the accident. Other factors to consider include:
- Another driver may have caused the accident.
- Poor road conditions could have contributed to the crash.
- Mechanical issues due to poor maintenance might have played a role in the incident.
In these cases, your lawsuit may need to include additional parties, such as other drivers, government agencies responsible for road maintenance, or vehicle manufacturers.
What Legal Challenges Might I Face in a Rideshare Case?
Proving your case after a rideshare accident in NYC often involves cutting through layers of insurance coverage and determining the driver’s exact status at the time of the crash.
Insurance companies may dispute whether the driver was actively logged into the app, had accepted a ride, or was en route to pick up a passenger. Insurers for the rideshare company may argue their coverage is secondary to the driver’s personal policy, creating delays in processing your claim.
Another challenge comes from the rapidly changing nature of driver-recorded data and app activity logs. Without quick legal action, crucial evidence like the driver’s active status, GPS location data, and in-app communication records can be lost or become harder to obtain. Additionally, many rideshare drivers lack commercial driver licenses or specialized training, making it harder to establish professional standards of care when building your case.
Ready for Legal Action? Contact The Bongiorno Law Firm
If you were involved in a rideshare car accident in New York City, seeking legal help from The Bongiorno Law Firm could greatly benefit you.
Our firm is dedicated to helping you understand your rights after a car accident caused by another’s negligence. We have a highly qualified and committed legal team that will diligently navigate the complexities of your case. We have a history of proven results and always fight for the maximum possible compensation.
Call us today to find out if you may have a case. If we represent you, there are no legal fees or upfront costs to pay. We only get paid if you do.
Contact our trusted NYC Law Firm Today: (516) 741-4170
