Brooklyn Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers
The ubiquitous yellow taxis that you grew used to seeing in Brooklyn no longer control the transportation market. Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft now control more than 80% of the market in New York. There is no denying that these companies have made getting a ride easier and more affordable for most people. However, it is also clear that rideshare companies cause accidents.
If you have been injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle or have been involved in a crash with one of these cars, you may be entitled to financial compensation. First, a Brooklyn Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Brooklyn?
Uber and Lyft drivers are often under pressure to pick up passengers on time and help them reach their destination. At the same time, these rideshare drivers are interested in maximizing their earnings because they are often working second jobs. These drivers are not always fully trained because they can get behind the wheel within days after applying to drive. While some rideshare drivers may have safe practices, others may be a substantial danger.
Uber and Lyft drivers may cause accidents by doing the following:
- Illegal turns
- Speeding
- Failure to check blind spots
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
Distracted driving is one of the major causes of Uber and Lyft accidents. These drivers are always on the lookout for passengers, which could result in well-paying rides. Uber and Lyft drivers are continuously looking at the app. They may be “deadheading, ” meaning they are congregating in an area known to lead to more lucrative rides. In addition, they are looking at the app when they are driving passengers because they often do not know where they are going. A driver taking their eyes off the road for even a few seconds raises the risk of a serious accident.
Who Is Responsible for My Uber and Lyft Accident?
If you are a ride-sharing vehicle passenger, either the Uber or Lyft driver or the other motorist involved in the crash could be responsible for the accident. There is a chance that both drivers may share in the blame for the accident. You must know who was liable so you can file a claim against the appropriate insurance policy.
If you are the other vehicle’s driver, you would need to prove that the Uber or Lyft driver was negligent in the circumstances surrounding your accident. In any rideshare accident case, negligence means a motorist did something unreasonable under the circumstances.
Does Uber or Lyft Cover My Accident Injuries?
Once you establish that a driver was negligent in the accident, you would move towards financial compensation. The key difference between rideshare and taxi companies is that you cannot Sue companies like Uber or Lyft directly. You could sue a taxi company in the past because the driver was not an employee, but Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors.
Nonetheless, insurance coverage is available for Uber or Lyft accident injuries. These companies are required by law to provide commercial insurance policies to their drivers.
New York has special laws that apply to Uber and Lyft drivers. These laws require rideshare companies to provide an even larger policy than they otherwise would have. Unlike other states, where the required minimum coverage is $1 million when the driver has accepted a ride request or has a passenger in the car, New York requires $1.25 million in liability insurance.
Uber and Lyft deal with several insurance companies, paying each one a large sum for coverage. These companies then turn around and play hardball with claimants because they want to keep as much as possible for profit. These companies are well-versed in rideshare accidents, and you may be disadvantaged when dealing with them on your own.
How Much Is My Uber or Lyft Accident Case Worth?
A Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyer cannot give you a concrete answer on the spot when you ask them about the value of your case during your initial consultation. Only after they review your medical records and other documentation can they help you determine how much your case is worth. Uber or Lyft accident compensation depends on your circumstances; no two personal injury accident cases are the same.
Your rideshare accident compensation may include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Your attorney will help negotiate compensation, fighting to maximize the value of your claim. Ultimately, you are under no legal obligation to accept any settlement offer that does not fully pay you for your damages.
What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Brooklyn?
Your most important priority after an Uber or Lyft accident is your health. Not only must you promptly diagnose and treat your injuries because it can help you recover more quickly, but your medical care is also a crucial step in the legal process. You would need extensive documentation of your injuries to file a claim. When you see a doctor to get treated, they will diagnose you and give you a prognosis for your health.
Contacting a Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyer is also an essential step. When you are up against experienced insurance companies, you stand little chance of success without getting help from a rideshare accident lawyer. An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will handle all of the details of your claim and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. Not only would they file the claim, but they could negotiate for you to receive total compensation.
Contact the Brooklyn Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki After a Rideshare Crash
The Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki will help you navigate the complex legal system. Call 718-522-1020 or complete our online form to schedule a free initial consultation. Located in Brooklyn, we serve clients throughout New York City, including The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
