Ridesharing services have transformed the way we get around cities. With the tap of a button on a smartphone app, you can get a ride and quickly reach your destination. The convenience is undeniable, but what happens when the ride takes an unexpected turn, leading to an accident?
Ridesharing drivers aren’t professional chauffeurs; they’re everyday individuals using their vehicles to provide a service. As a result, ridesharing accidents can be more complex than traditional car accidents.
Rideshare accidents can involve a maze of complexities, from determining liability to navigating the nuances of insurance coverage. An experienced New York rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate these challenges, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. At Joudeh & Kuller, we have the expertise to build a strong case and negotiate on your behalf. If necessary, we can represent you in court and fight for your rights. Let us help you on the road to recovery.
What to Expect from Rideshare Services
When you use a rideshare service, you expect a safe, efficient, and affordable trip. While many rideshare drivers are responsible and skilled, accidents can still occur.
If these accidents happen, know that:
- Rideshare drivers are required by rideshare companies Uber and Lyft to hold personal auto insurance.
- Supplementary insurance coverage is extended when rideshare drivers are actively using the Uber or Lyft app.
- In cases where you’ve suffered harm due to the intentional or negligent conduct of your rideshare driver, you might have grounds to pursue a claim against Uber or Lyft.
One might assume that securing just compensation following a rideshare accident would be simple. After all, rideshare firms are obligated to maintain comprehensive insurance policies. In reality, obtaining the necessary compensation can become significantly more challenging when a ridesharing company is part of the equation.
Rideshare corporations are sizable entities with squads of defense attorneys at their disposal. The same goes for their commercial insurance companies, which are engaged to disprove or lessen the worth of injury claims. This is precisely why having a seasoned personal injury attorney by your side is essential.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can result from a variety of causes. Common contributing factors include distracted driving, speeding, driver fatigue, reckless behavior, and adverse weather or road conditions. Accidents can also involve multiple parties, such as another driver who was not associated with the rideshare service.
Financial Responsibility After a Rideshare Accident
Determining financial responsibility after a rideshare accident can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company itself. The resolution often hinges on the specific details of the accident and local traffic laws.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Rideshare companies typically provide insurance coverage that varies based on the driver’s status on the app.
- When the driver is not using the rideshare app for business purposes, their personal insurance applies. The ridesharing company’s coverage will not apply.
- When they’re actively using the app, but have not accepted a ride request, the rideshare company’s contingent liability coverage may apply. Both Uber and Lyft’s policies offer the following coverage for victims of accidents when a driver’s app is active but they don’t have a passenger:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury coverage
- $100,000 for bodily injury coverage for the entire accident
- $25,000 per accident for property damage coverage
These coverages apply on top of any other insurance that may be available.
- When the driver is en route to pick up passengers or during the ride itself, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance is usually in effect.
The extensive policies provided by both Lyft and Uber encompass:
- $1 million in third-party auto liability coverage
- Protection against uninsured/underinsured motorists
- Collision coverage up to the actual value of the damaged vehicles (subject to a $2,500 deductible)
It’s important to note that this insurance coverage is regarded as “excess” to the driver’s personal insurance. In simpler terms, if the Lyft or Uber driver, or another party, is responsible for the accident, this coverage will come into play if the at-fault party’s insurance is inadequate to compensate for your damages.
Compensation for Rideshare Accident Victims
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. The specific compensation available to you depends on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries.
New York Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
New York imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including those related to rideshare accidents. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
This may seem like a lengthy period, but in reality, it could take several months before medical professionals gain a clear understanding of how your injuries will recover if they do at all. It’s essential to act promptly and consult with personal injury lawyers to ensure you meet this deadline, gain timely testimonies, and preserve much-needed evidence.
Have an Experienced New York Rideshare Accident Attorney on Your Side
A rideshare accident can be a distressing experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. Joudeh & Kuller, a trusted name in personal injury law in New York, is here to support you. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you need to move forward. Don’t let a rideshare accident derail your life – take the first step towards recovery by reaching out to us today.
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