New York Rideshare Lawyer

As Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), commonly known as ridesharing services, gain authorization to function across New York State, their popularity as a mode of transport is surging. This increase in ridership, however, brings a corresponding rise in car accidents, impacting both passengers and other road users.

The unique operational framework of TNCs, differing significantly from traditional regulated taxi services, introduces complex challenges regarding injuries sustained in ridesharing incidents.

Ridesharing carries risks, just like any other mode of transportation. Cyclists, pedestrians, and car drivers who use ridesharing services may sustain serious injuries in collisions.

The victims can then be left with excruciating agony, costly medical bills, missed income, and other expenses.

But relax! At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are the leading personal injury firm in the broader New York region.

Suffering an injury from a ridesharing accident can be distressing, but you’re not alone. Our expertise ensures that victims like you secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Should I Hire a New York Rideshare Attorney if I’ve Been Injured in a Rideshare Accident?

When you’re involved in an accident with a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft in NYC, facing the consequences can be overwhelming and complex. The intricacies of legal deadlines, various insurance policies, and procedural requirements often make the situation more stressful for those injured.

This complexity is one of the primary reasons to consider hiring an attorney specializing in accident cases.

Having an accident lawyer by your side can be incredibly beneficial. They take on the burden of managing the legal intricacies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Their expertise includes identifying all potential sources of compensation, which might cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. An experienced lawyer acts as a dedicated advocate, fighting to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve following a rideshare accident.

Contacting an accident attorney can be crucial if you are injured in a rideshare accident. They will evaluate your case, advise on the best action, and work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair treatment and compensation. Remember, you don’t have to worry in this tough time as we are always with you.

Why Should I Contact a New York Rideshare Law Firm After a Rideshare Accident?

Contacting a professional personal injury lawyer after an accident involving rideshare is crucial for several reasons, each aimed at safeguarding your rights and ensuring fair compensation:

• Managing Insurance Intricacy: Insurance discussions can be intricate, particularly since adjusters might withhold crucial information like the rideshare vehicle at fault insurance limits. Despite these vehicles being insured with substantial policies — up to $1 million for commercial and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, plus potential additional umbrella coverage — obtaining this information can be challenging. An adept attorney can solve these complexities, utilizing laws like New York’s Insurance Law 4520(f), which mandates disclosure of policy limits, to your advantage.
• Leveling the Playing Field: Negotiating directly with insurance adjusters puts you at a significant disadvantage, especially without knowledge of the intricate insurance details. Focusing on recovery should be your priority, not battling against well-resourced insurance giants. An expert attorney can ensure fair negotiation, aiming for your deserved compensation.
• Valuing Your Claim: With previous experience, accurately assessing the value of your claim can be possible. A law firm with a solid track record in rideshare accidents can offer invaluable guidance, drawing from years of securing financial redress through settlements and trials, to ensure your case is valued correctly.
• Challenging Rideshare Companies: Rideshare entities might deny responsibility, claiming the driver was not active on their app at the time of the accident. Experienced legal representation is critical for obtaining all pertinent documents, including electronically stored information (ESI), to establish your claim while striving for maximum compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
• Understanding Insurance Nuances: In New York, the No-Fault insurance provision ensures up to $50,000 for medical care under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for accidents involving rideshare vehicles. Moreover, you can pursue claims against any at-fault party for bodily injuries, provided you demonstrate a serious injury as defined by Insurance Law 5102(d). An attorney in these areas can pilot the legal intricacies to optimize your benefits and compensation.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Ridesharing Accident?

Solving the complexities of insurance after a ridesharing accident can be daunting, especially when multiple insurance companies are involved. These typically include the insurance provider of the ridesharing service, the rideshare driver’s insurer, and any other drivers involved in the accident.

Victims of such accidents often find themselves in a maze of policies and claims, uncertain about how to proceed to secure compensation for their injuries.

Legal expertise, such as that offered by the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm attorneys, can be invaluable. They have the experience and knowledge to guide you through the process, ensuring you understand your rights and the compensation you might be due to.

Their support is crucial in avoiding the trap of settling for less than what is fair and necessary for your recovery.

If you have suffered serious injuries in a ridesharing accident, you could be eligible for several forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for all medical-related costs, including hospital stays, treatments, medications, and any future medical care related to the accident injuries.
• Lost Income: Compensation for any loss of earnings due to your inability to work, which can also include future lost earnings if your capacity to work is permanently affected.
• Pain and Suffering: This encompasses compensation for physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the accident. It acknowledges the non-economic impact of your injuries.
• Property Damage: You will be reimbursed for any damage to your personal property, including your vehicle, during the accident.
• Diminished Quality of Life: If your injuries have led to long-term disability or chronic conditions that affect your daily life and happiness, you may be entitled to compensation for these profound changes.
• Wrongful Death: In the unfortunate event that the accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may seek compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional impact of their loved one’s death.

Awareness of and utilization of these many forms of compensation can considerably reduce the financial and psychological strain that follows a ridesharing accident. Attorneys are experts at ensuring victims receive just compensation for their losses and assisting them in traversing the convoluted insurance system.

Why Do NYC Rideshare Accidents Happen?

Rideshare accidents in New York City are influenced by various factors, primarily due to the city’s dense traffic. A significant cause is distracted driving. Rideshare drivers often use their smartphones for navigation and ride coordination, which can divert their attention from the road.

This distraction is heightened as they focus on pick-up and drop-off locations, increasing the likelihood of making dangerous driving decisions.

Negligent driving is another critical factor. Rideshare drivers, motivated by earnings per trip, may work long hours without sufficient rest, rush through trips, or be unfamiliar with certain areas, heightening the risk of accidents.

Practices like speeding and disregarding traffic laws further contribute to this risk.

Mechanical issues with vehicles also play a role. Since rideshare drivers use personal cars, failure to maintain these vehicles properly can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire wear, which can lead to accidents.

Victims of rideshare accidents involving companies like Uber and Lyft may be eligible for compensation due to injuries sustained, underlining the significance of understanding these contributing factors.

What Is The Statute of Limitations on Rideshare Accident Lawsuits in New York?

In New York, the deadline for filing car accident lawsuits, including those involving rideshare vehicles, is typically set at three years from the incident date. This statute of limitations is crucial for anyone seeking compensation for injuries or damages sustained in an accident.

If you fail to initiate legal action within this three-year window, your right to compensation will be forfeited, irrespective of the strength of your case or the evidence you might have. Thus, adhering to this deadline is critical, as missing it means the courts will not even consider your case due to the lapse in the allowed period.

What Should I Do as a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident?

Suppose you find yourself as a passenger in a rideshare accident. In that case, it’s crucial to remain calm and take certain steps to protect your legal rights, especially if you’ve suffered injuries due to the negligence of the rideshare driver or another motorist.

Here’s a guide to facing the circumstances of a rideshare accident:

• Prioritize Safety and Call Emergency Services: Your first action should be to assess your safety and that of others involved. If anyone appears injured or has significant damage, dial 911 immediately. Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, seeking medical attention is wise, as some symptoms may develop later.
• Gather Information and Evidence: Once you ensure it’s safe to do so, start collecting evidence. This includes the rideshare driver’s details (name, contact information, insurance details), license plate numbers, and any relevant insurance information from other drivers involved. Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information and statements, as these can be invaluable later.
• Report the Incident to Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident immediately. You’ll also likely be contacted by the insurance company of the driver at fault or the rideshare company’s insurance provider. Exercise caution when interacting with these parties. They may offer a quick settlement that might not fully cover your medical expenses or damages.
• Consult with a Rideshare Accident Attorney: Considering the complexities involved in rideshare accidents, including insurance coverages and liability issues, seeking legal advice is beneficial. A lawyer specializing in rideshare accidents can provide guidance, help you guide the claims process, and work towards securing the compensation you deserve for any injuries or losses.

Remember that how you respond in the earliest stages of a ridesharing mishap might have a significant influence on your chances of getting compensated fairly. If you’re looking for damages, these actions can help defend your rights and strengthen your case.

Safety Concerns Over Rideshare Drivers in New York

Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing firms are online businesses that use their platforms to connect drivers and riders. Because of this disparity, they can function because their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees.

This designation has significant ramifications, especially for New York, where it permits these businesses to circumvent labor regulations, possibly jeopardizing driver qualification and training standards.

To drive for rideshare, the criteria are notably minimal:

• Minimum age requirement of 21 years old
• At least one year of licensed driving experience (three years if you’re under 25)
• A valid U.S. driver’s license
• An eligible 4-door vehicle

However, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) in New York City imposes stricter requirements than those of Uber or Lyft, aiming to enhance passenger and motorist safety. These measures include more rigorous background checks and driver fingerprinting, which some rideshare companies have avoided by exiting markets implementing such regulations.

The strategy of classifying drivers as independent contractors means that rideshare companies traditionally bypass the need to invest in driver training for safe operations or to enforce driver conduct standards. This practice also allows them to avoid providing employee benefits, contributing to a scenario where drivers, often earning low wages, are incentivized to complete as many rides as quickly as possible.

This rush can inadvertently place safety in a secondary position to profit.

Reports by reputable outlets like The New York Times have highlighted how rideshare companies navigate labor laws to eschew responsibilities towards drivers, including not offering essential service materials, setting schedules, or managing conduct effectively. Moreover, incidents involving Uber vehicles have revealed that Uber’s Special Investigations Unit might prioritize the company’s interests over passenger safety, as revealed by a Washington Post investigation.

Another concern is the condition of the vehicles used in these rideshare services. Since they are not company-owned, only requirements of relative newness apply without stringent checks for defects or mechanical soundness.

Nonetheless, a pivotal court decision in New York recently recognized Uber drivers as employees, not independent contractors, making them eligible for unemployment benefits. This judgment was based on Uber’s control over its drivers, suggesting a shift towards more rigorous driver training and oversight.

Such changes could significantly enhance safety for Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services passengers and the broader public on the roads.

Call Our Experienced New York City Rideshare Accident Lawyers

With years of experience, our lawyers have the legal knowledge to know whether you have a valid compensation claim. That’s why we can review your case for free; you are not obligated to hire us or pursue a lawsuit–calling is only the first important step toward protecting your rights.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we have the reputation for excellence you want in your corner. Call today to schedule a 100% free consultation at (516) 689-1132 with a respected NYC Rideshare accident lawyer.