Nassau County Rideshare Accident Lawyer

In Nassau County, NY, hailing a rideshare service is often seen as a safe and convenient way to get around. We climb into these vehicles, trusting complete strangers behind the wheel to deliver us safely to our destinations.

We hand over the reins, expecting a smooth and uneventful journey.

But what happens when that expectation is shattered by a rideshare accident? Rideshare accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages.

The very convenience of a rideshare turns into a major source of stress and financial hardship.

This is where a Nassau County rideshare accident lawyer from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can step in and help you recover. Our lawyers understand the complexities of rideshare accident cases, including the often-confusing insurance policies that come into play.

We can help you navigate the legal system, fight for the compensation you deserve, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the entire process. Work with our team today when you call (516) 689-1132.

Reasons to Work With a Nassau County Rideshare Accident Attorney

There are several reasons why you might want to work with a Nassau County Rideshare Accident Attorney if you’ve been in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft:

• Complex Insurance Coverage: Ridesharing companies have complex insurance policies that can be difficult for the average person to understand. An attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of these policies and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Maximize Compensation: You may be entitled to compensation for more than just medical bills after a rideshare accident. An attorney can help you recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• Emotional Support: Car accidents can be very stressful, and dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. An attorney can help you deal with the emotional stress of the accident and focus on your recovery.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: An attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. This evidence may include police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
• Negotiation Expertise: Rideshare companies have teams of lawyers working for them. An attorney can negotiate with the rideshare company’s insurance company on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement.

Keep in mind that this is not a complete or comprehensive list, and the only way to know for sure whether you need an attorney’s services is to speak with one. Our expert Nassau County personal injury lawyers offer free consultations at no risk to you, so if you need any questions answered, contact us today.

Rideshare Accident Insurance Coverage in Nassau County

New York State has specific minimum insurance requirements for rideshare drivers, ensuring financial protection for themselves, passengers, and other drivers on the road. These requirements apply during specific periods of a rideshare trip.

One crucial coverage is Bodily Injury Liability (BIL). This protects third parties, other drivers, and pedestrians from financial burdens if the rideshare driver causes an accident.

The minimum coverage is $25,000 per person injured, with a maximum of $50,000 for all those injured in a single accident. Additionally, there’s a minimum death benefit of $50,000 per person killed, up to $100,000 for all fatalities in a single accident.

Another critical coverage is Property Damage Liability (PDL), which pays for repairs to other vehicles or property damaged by the rideshare driver in an accident. The minimum PDL coverage required is $10,000 per accident.

Rideshare drivers in New York must also carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), also known as No-Fault Insurance. This covers the driver and their passengers for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.

The minimum PIP coverage mandated by the state is $50,000 per accident.

Finally, Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) protects the rideshare driver and their passengers from financial hardship if they’re injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. The minimum UMBI coverage required is $25,000 per person injured, with a maximum of $50,000 for all those injured in a single accident.

It’s important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and rideshare companies often have additional insurance coverage in place for their drivers. Uber and Lyft, in particular, guarantee at least double these minimums mandated by state law.

Uber

People who drive for Uber still need to maintain their own personal auto insurance policy as required by New York. This will ensure that both the driver and any victims are covered for any accidents that occur when they are not logged into the Uber app.

However, Uber provides additional insurance specifically for drivers who are logged into the app and driving a rider. This kicks in if a driver is found to be at fault for an accident.

There’s a minimum coverage amount provided by Uber which includes $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries to others, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. On top of that minimum coverage, Uber also offers additional insurance for up to $1 million in case of an accident their drivers cause.

This covers a wider range of situations, including injuries to riders and third parties, as well as damage to their property. There’s even coverage for repairs to the driver’s vehicle (up to the actual cash value) if they have comprehensive and/or collision coverage on their personal policy, but with a $2,500 deductible to consider.

As an optional add-on, drivers can also purchase Injury Protection from Uber. This would cover the driver’s own medical expenses if they themselves are injured in an accident while working for Uber.

Lyft

Lyft driver insurance, just like Uber, depends on whether a driver is actively using the app and on the type of car you drive. If they are not using the Lyft app at all, their standard personal auto insurance applies, and victims may seek compensation from their liability insurance policy.

Lyft generally offers the same minimum values as Uber. When a driver is available for rides but hasn’t been matched with a passenger yet, Lyft provides basic third-party liability insurance if the driver’s own policy doesn’t cover them.

This means it kicks in for injuries or property damage to others caused by an accident during this time. The minimum coverage amounts are $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

Lyft’s most extensive coverage applies when a driver is on the way to pick up a rider or has a passenger in their car. This includes a much higher minimum of $1 million for third-party liability insurance.

Additionally, there might be first-party coverage like uninsured motorist protection or medical payments coverage. Drivers also have contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, but only if they already have this on their personal policy and with a $2,500 deductible.

Which Policy Covers My Damages in a Rideshare Accident?

One problem claimants often have with rideshare accidents is that there are so many different avenues of compensation with different conditions for each. It can be difficult to identify which insurance policy should cover your claims.

Generally, as a no-fault state, New York mandates that drivers carry PIP, with the idea that road users are responsible for their own safety first before turning to other sources of compensation. However, there are times you need to step outside the no-fault system, such as if your own policy is insufficient to cover your damages or if you do not have PIP coverage at all (which may be a possibility if you are not a vehicle owner), in which case you will need to turn to an at-fault party’s third-party liability insurance.

However, things get more complicated for accidents involving rideshare drivers.

Let’s start with rideshare passengers injured in accidents. Whether or not you have PIP coverage, the rideshare service’s insurance typically applies first, which can be beneficial for you, as this usually means higher policy limits.

If, however, you are not a customer or passenger of a rideshare service (for example, if you were a pedestrian or fellow driver), the situation changes again.

If you were hit while the rideshare driver was off the clock, once again, you will have to turn to your PIP if you have any, followed by the driver’s liability coverage. If they were on the clock, you may still be able to turn to the service’s policy first.

The exact limits of coverage will vary based on whether the driver was on the way to pick up a passenger or was carrying a passenger at the time of the accident.

Keep in mind that whether or not the fault in an accident has to be determined for your claim will depend on which policy applies. You will not have to determine the fault in order to get compensation from your PIP or from the rideshare company’s policy, but you will if the policy that applies is the driver’s own.

The Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Claims

In New York, the law imposes a deadline, known as the statute of limitations, on how long you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit after an accident. This applies to rideshare accidents as well.

For personal injury and property damage claims stemming from a rideshare accident, the statute of limitations in New York is three years from the date of sustaining the injury/damage. It’s important to be aware of this deadline because if you miss it, you may lose your right to sue for compensation.

Even if you file your claim within the three-year window, the process can be stressful, and delays or denials can occur. Rideshare companies have insurance adjusters who are adept at finding reasons to deny or minimize claims.

While you’re dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of recovering from your injuries, you may also be facing lost wages and accumulating medical bills. The added stress of dealing with a complex insurance claim can make a difficult situation even worse.

Because of the potential for delays and denials, it’s advisable to pursue legal action as soon as possible after a rideshare accident. An experienced Nassau County rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Your lawyer will handle the legal legwork, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek legal help – the sooner you contact a Nassau County personal injury law firm, the better chance you have of getting a fair outcome.

Choose the CEO Lawyer as Your Nassau County Rideshare Accident Law Firm

Have you been injured in a rideshare accident? While rideshare services offer a convenient transportation option, navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming.

Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare crashes involve a complex web of insurance policies, each with its own terms and limitations. Figuring out who’s responsible and how much compensation you deserve can feel like a frustrating puzzle.

You might be wondering: Does the rideshare company’s insurance cover my injuries? What about the driver’s personal insurance?

These are just some of the questions that can leave you feeling lost and unsure.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the intricacies of rideshare accident law in Nassau County. Our team of experienced Nassau County personal injury attorneys is dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured in rideshare accidents.

We take the time to thoroughly investigate your case, analyze all applicable insurance policies, and build a strong case to maximize your compensation. We don’t back down from fighting for what you deserve, whether it’s medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Don’t let the complexities of rideshare accident claims hold you back from getting the compensation you deserve. Let the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm be your strong advocate.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. Call the CEO Lawyer today at (516) 689-1132 and take the first step towards getting back on your feet. With our experience and dedication on your side, you can face the road to recovery with confidence.