In New York City, it’s extremely convenient to be able to use your cellphone to an Uber or Lyft ride to anywhere you want to go. But what happens if you are in an accident while riding in an Uber/Lyft vehicle, and who is responsible for your injuries and other damages?
It’s important to remember that a ride-sharing app is a technology company, not a taxi service. Normally you would file a claim against the automobile coverage of your driver instead of the company. However, the problem with that is, many times the driver’s personal New York insurance company will deny your claim because they may not cover the driver while they are working for Uber or Lyft.
Safe Uber/Lyft Rides in New York City
When you use either an Uber or Lyft app, you are offered a safe driver and a safe motor vehicle to ride in. Both companies do background checks on their potential drivers, and there must be a safety check of their motor vehicle before they are allowed to work on the Uber or Lyft app in New York City.
Additionally, the Uber/Lyft driver must have a clean driving record and criminal background. However, you should keep in mind that none of the Uber or Lyft drivers work for those companies, they are considered to be independent contractors.
This allows Uber/Lyft to shift the motor vehicle accident liability to the drivers instead of the companies themselves. Uber and Lyft do this because they understand those car accidents happen, and they want to reduce those events and cover you for damages if an accident occurs.
Uber/Lyft Insurance Coverage
If you or a loved one is involved in an Uber accident in New York City, they will cover a minimum of $50,000 per person with a maximum amount of $100,000. In addition, Uber will cover property damage with a maximum amount of $25,000. If your Uber driver has collision and comprehensive coverage, Uber will cover that as well. The total is $1 million for bodily injury.
If there isn’t a passenger in the Uber driver’s car at the time of the car accident, Uber’s coverage changes.
Is It Easy to Get Compensation from Uber or Lyft?
Not unlike your own personal car insurance, both Uber and Lyft will attempt to not pay out claims. Numerous claims made to Uber’s car insurance company have been denied. The law offices of Gary Falkowitz suggests that you hire a skilled and experienced Uber accident lawyer in NYC to assist you with your Uber or Lyft insurance claim.
If your claim is denied through Uber, you may be able to sue the company directly in order to receive compensation for your injuries and other losses. But, because Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, it could be difficult to sue Uber or Lyft directly.
What the Problems Are with Uber and Lyft in New York?
While Uber and Lyft both perform screenings on their drivers, it’s not as complete as if the driver was going to work for a taxi company. Because of this, Uber and Lyft vehicles are in a high rate of accidents in New York City and elsewhere. The maintenance of the Uber/Lyft driver’s vehicle is up to the driver, and the initial safety inspection may not pick up on any safety concerns with the vehicle.
Additionally, people can drive cars for Uber that they don’t personally own. Many NYC Uber drivers rent or borrow the cars when they drive. Because of this, there are many issues that could arise if you are involved in an New York City Uber accident.
Causes of Uber/Lyft Accidents in New York City
In New York City, one of the main causes of all car accidents, including those involving an Uber/Lyft vehicle is due to distracted driving. Other common causes of Uber/Lyft accidents in New York City can include, but aren’t limited to:
- An Uber passenger was injured due to the actions of the Uber driver
- A passenger or driver was injured in another vehicle due to the actions of an Uber/Lyft driver
- The driver of another vehicle injured an Uber driver because of their negligence
Types of Cases the Law Offices of Gary Falkowitz Has Handled
While every case is different and depends on your individual circumstances, just like any other New York personal injury case we’ve handled in the past. Many of the Uber/Lyft accidents we’ve handled were caused as a result of:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued Drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Road Hazards
Now that you know more about Uber/Lyft accidents in New York City, you should know that you need a New York City caraccident lawyer. The Falkowitz Law Firm will guide you as to every step of the process and will make you feel confident in your case.
There is never a reason to worry about whether or not you are submitting the proper paperwork from your Uber accident to the proper people, as we will assist you with that. Contact us today for your consultation so we can start working on your case to make sure you receive all the compensation you deserve.
