New York Lyft & Uber Accidents
Traffic accidents are all too common in New York City, and as rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft have grown, we find these vehicles are getting into collisions regularly. We are routinely called by Lyft and Uber car accident passengers, motorists struck by rideshare vehicles, and even rideshare drivers injured in crashes due to other negligent drivers. Rideshare accident victims face a more complicated claim process than those injured in personal car accidents, and it will benefit you to work with a Lyft and Uber accident lawyer to navigate this process.
The New York car accident lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. have had considerable success with these types of claims. We will thoroughly investigate the Uber or Lyft accident, identify all the relevant insurance policies, file your claim, and help you pursue full and fair compensation for your rideshare accident injuries.
Contact us today at (212) 490-5700, or online. We offer free consultations, never charge up-front legal fees, and you owe nothing unless we win you compensation.
Common Lyft and Uber Accidents
Uber went live in New York City in May 2011, while Lyft launched its service in NYC in July 2014. Since then, our Uber accident attorneys have handled numerous car crash claims involving these rideshare vehicles. We have achieved impressive results for our clients and found many of the crashes are the result of:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Failing to obey traffic signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Failing to look out for pedestrians
- Weaving between lanes
- Following too closely
- Failing to check blind spots
- Intoxicated driving
- Inadequately maintained vehicles
If a Lyft or Uber driver hit a car you were in, or you were riding in the rideshare vehicle at the time of the crash, call us right away. It is beneficial to begin a prompt investigation into the crash to determine what happened and who is responsible.
We have handled many claims in which the Uber or Lyft driver is to blame. Many rideshare drivers are in a hurry to finish one ride and accept the next ride request. Many are distracted by the GPS on their phones or are busy multitasking. We also have had cases in which an Uber or Lyft driver worked too many hours without sleep and caused a drowsy driving accident. We will get to the bottom of what happened to cause your injuries.
Were You a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident?
If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft when it crashed, you should call an Uber accident lawyer right away. It is important for you to determine who caused the accident. Specifically, was your Uber or Lyft driver at fault or did another motorist cause the crash.
If your Lyft or Uber driver caused the collision and your injuries, then your lawyer will help you pursue compensation through a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance policy as well as Uber or Lyft’s liability policy. However, if another motorist caused the crash, then you will need to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and their auto insurance.
Did an Uber or Lyft Crash Into Your Car?
If you were driving or riding in another vehicle when an Uber or Lyft caused a collision, we recommend you contact a personal injury attorney. You may be well aware that that driver is at fault. However, you need to know whether they have signed into the Uber or Lyft app, and if so, whether they had accepted a ride request or not.
Car Accidents
Lyft’s Liability Insurance
Lyft has a similar business structure to Uber, which means if a Lyft driver causes an accident, you typically cannot sue the company directly. That being said, if you are a passenger in a Lyft car accident, or a Lyft driver struck your vehicle and caused you harm, you should talk with a Lyft accident lawyer about pursuing an insurance settlement.
When a driver is not signed into the app
Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies to any crashes they cause. Just because a driver has a Lyft sign in the windshield does not mean they are working. Without being signed into the app, you need to pursue compensation directly from the driver and their insurance.
When a driver is waiting for a ride request
Lyft provides contingent liability coverage up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, plus $25,000 for property damage. This is contingent coverage, which means a Lyft accident victim would first need to pursue compensation under the driver’s personal insurance.
When a driver has accepted a ride, until that ride is finished
Lyft provides a $1 million liability insurance policy and an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy from the time a driver accepts a ride request until that ride ends. The company also provides drivers with contingent collision and comprehensive coverage.
If an on-duty Lyft driver caused an accident and your injuries, call us right away. We will aggressively pursue a Lyft accident settlement through the driver’s personal auto insurance and Lyft’s policies.
Let HKD Pursue Uber Accident Compensation
If you were injured in a rideshare accident and someone else was to blame for the crash, our lawyers will take an aggressive approach to securing compensation for your:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Income
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Lower Earning Capacity
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are My Rights If I Am Injured in an Accident With an Uber or Lyft?
If you’re injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, you have the right to seek compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. This includes cases where a loved one has passed away, covering funeral costs and other expenses. While both Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry liability insurance, the companies themselves also maintain $1 million policies that can be claimed against.
If necessary, you can file a lawsuit against the negligent driver, requiring proof of their legal duty, breach of that duty, your damages, and the causal link between their actions and your injuries. In some cases, it might be necessary to include Uber or Lyft as parties in the lawsuit to ensure all responsible parties are accountable. Legal assistance is crucial in navigating these claims and lawsuits for a fair settlement or court verdict.
When Does Uber or Lyft Cover a Rideshare Accident?
The Uber or Lyft insurance policies cover accidents that occur while the driver is logged into the app and is driving for the rideshare company.
What If the Driver Is Not Signed Into the App?
If the rideshare driver is not signed into the app, then you will need to seek compensation from their personal insurance policy. However, there may be exceptions and you should always consult with an attorney.
How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Claim Worth?
Rideshare accident claims are often worth more than typical car vs. car accidents because Uber and Lyft have higher policy limits. While a rideshare driver is operating for Uber or Lyft, the companies’ $1 million policy would cover your accident.
Call an Uber Accident Lawyer For Help
When you suffer injuries in a car crash that involves a Lyft or Uber, we recommend you call us at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. right away. Rideshare accident claims are often more complicated than collisions involving only personal vehicles. You frequently have to navigate claims with two different insurance companies, which can be stressful and contentious. However, we have dealt with claims like this before and are prepared to communicate with any insurers necessary to obtain you fair compensation.
To talk with us after a Lyft or Uber accident, contact us online, or call (212) 490-5700. We offer free consultations, never charge fees up-front, and you owe nothing until we recover compensation for you.
CLIENT REVIEWS
10/15/2021
I have had two cases with Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek and have had great results! I have netted over seven figures and would recommend the firm anyone who has been injured in a slip and fall or auto accident.
5
Francisco Bryan, HKD CLIENT
12/09/2020
My family and I hired Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek to represent us with regards to a car accident case. We were very impressed with the level of attention we received from Jonathan Damashek. They were able to secure a very…
5
Mitchell Levine, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT