Rideshare Accident Attorney
After a long bout of debates, both on the street level and in government, ridesharing is finally allowed in Long Island and the rest of New York City. Services like Uber and Lyft, among others, make it easier than ever to get around without the price of a taxi or the inconvenience of waiting on a train. However, that doesn’t mean ridesharing is always the best option.
Ridesharing companies don’t always screen their applicants too closely. What’s more, rideshare drivers often aren’t held to the same scrutiny as taxi drivers when it comes to their driving. That means accidents are bound to happen. And when they do, getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries can be more than a little difficult, whether you’re a passenger or a driver.
The Long Island rideshare car accident lawyers at TonaLaw know what it takes to win your case. We have won thousands of cases on behalf of our car accident victims, and we’re here to fight for your rights. Call us today at 1-833-TONALAW or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer today.
Insurance Policies Carried By Ridesharing Companies
When you are involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, there are three insurance companies that can come into play: the rideshare driver’s private insurance, the insurance provided by the rideshare company, and the insurance company covering any other drivers involved in the accident.
Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that cover drivers and passengers while the driver is actively working. If, for instance, you are driving for Lyft or Uber and have a passenger, and you are hit by another car, the ridesharing company should cover you and your passenger for medical bills, property damage and other expenses up to $1 million. It will also cover any other drivers involved in the accident.
In New York, these insurance policies do not apply if you are a Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) driver. In addition, your own insurance company may require you to carry extra insurance coverage if you are using your vehicle for ridesharing purposes. If you are in an accident while you are driving for Uber or Lyft, and you don’t have the right policy required by your insurer, your coverage may be excluded or dropped.
It’s important to note that if you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft that is in a wreck, you should be completely covered by various insurance policies in place. Whether you are a rideshare driver, passenger or other driver involved in the wreck, the insurance companies will do everything they can to lessen the amount they will pay out to you. That’s why it’s important to speak with a Long Island rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after this kind of collision.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
The value of your case completely depends on the unique circumstances surrounding the wreck. If you are a driver, either for a ridesharing company or otherwise, the no-fault insurance you are required to carry under New York law will cover your medical bills and other expenses (except vehicle damage), regardless of who is at fault.
If you were not at fault for the accident and you suffered a “serious injury,” you can file a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, which is considered “non-economic damages.” Under state law, a “serious injury” includes:
- Bone fracture
- Permanent limitation of the use of a body member or organ, or body function or system
- Significant disfigurement
- Full disability for 90 days
- Loss of a fetus
- Death
In addition, you can file a lawsuit for vehicle damage and financial loss exceeding $50,000. These types of damages are called economic damages. An experienced Long Island rideshare attorney can help you determine how much compensation you are owed beyond no-fault insurance claims.
Determining Fault in a Rideshare Accident
If you are the passenger in an Uber or Lyft and are injured in an accident, you don’t need to worry about the fault. You are entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. If you are a rideshare driver, you will receive compensation from the company’s insurance provider, regardless of fault. However, if you are seeking greater compensation, or you are a driver involved in an accident with a rideshare car, the fault will play a significant role.
When the police arrive at the scene of the wreck, they will take statements and determine fault, which will be listed in their report. Even if you are partially at fault for your wreck, you can still seek compensation. However, the amount you receive will be lessened by the percentage you are at fault. This is known as pure comparative negligence.
Your rideshare accident lawyer will evaluate the accident and work with experts to determine who was actually at fault in the collision, which will determine how much compensation you are owed.
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Speak to a Long Island Rideshare Car Accident Attorney Today
Whether you are a passenger, driver, or other party involved in a rideshare car accident in Long Island, you have legal options. At TonaLaw, our attorneys have years of experience fighting for compensation for injured members of our community. We know how to negotiate with the insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve. If they don’t offer a fair settlement, we also know how to fight for your rights in court.
If you receive a settlement offer from the insurance company, be sure to have your Long Island rideshare car accident lawyer evaluate it before you accept it. Once you accept the offer, you forfeit your right to seek greater compensation. An experienced attorney can evaluate the offer and help you determine if it’s fair or not.
Give us a call today at 1-833-TONALAW or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.