New York City Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing accidents are more common than many users realize. While getting into an Uber or Lyft is meant to help prevent car accidents, negligent and distracted drivers can put riders’ lives at risk. If you or a loved one has injuries from a rideshare accident in New York City, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the at-fault driver, rideshare company, or another party. Contact our attorneys to discuss your case.
Why Choose Us?
- We have the case results to prove our commitment to clients;
- We operate on a contingency-fee-basis;
- We offer free, no-obligation, first-case evaluations;
- We offer vigorous, uncompromising, and skillful legal representation;
- We go the extra mile to serve and satisfy our clients.
Why You Need a Lawyer
A car accident claim involving an active rideshare vehicle can be difficult to negotiate. Whether you are a rideshare driver, a passenger, or a third party outside the Uber/Lyft vehicle, you may have trouble understanding, exercising, and protecting your rights. Hiring an attorney can help you defend your rights during insurance settlement negotiations and/or a personal injury claim. Your lawyer can take care of communications with insurers and rideshare companies while you spend your time healing. Use an attorney to help you maximize your financial recovery from a negligent party.
Why Do Ridesharing Accidents Happen?
Rideshare became immensely popular shortly after its debut from pioneer companies such as Uber and Lyft. Today, hundreds of thousands of riders use ridesharing apps to hail strangers to take them to their destinations. Unlike the taxi industry, however, rideshare companies do not engage in in-depth background checks or employee training procedures. Instead, both Uber and Lyft only look at a driver’s past seven years of criminal and driving records. Ridesharing accidents can have many causes:
- A negligent or distracted ridesharing driver;
- A ridesharing driver with criminal intent;
- A drunk or reckless ridesharing driver;
- Intentional disobedience of roadway rules;
- Third-party driver negligence;
- Poor vehicle maintenance; or
- Unsafe roadway or weather conditions.
If you believe a ridesharing driver, Uber/Lyft, a product manufacturer, another driver, and/or a property owner could be liable for your recent New York City car accident, contact an attorney right away. You have a limited time in which to file your personal injury claim against the at-fault party for serious injuries. If your injuries do not meet the threshold as serious, contact your own insurance provider for benefits. Otherwise, an attorney can help you navigate the legal processes for filing a civil claim.
Who Is Liable?
Liability for ridesharing accidents can be tricky. Uber and Lyft have notoriously escaped liability by classifying their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. Both companies have $1 million insurance policies to cover injured passengers, but stipulations exist for qualifying for this coverage. The Uber or Lyft driver must have been on duty and logged into the app at the time of the collision.
If you were not a passenger, you may not qualify for a claim under the rideshare company’s insurance policy. However, someone else – such as another driver or the government in New York City— could share liability for your injuries. A discussion with a personal injury lawyer at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas and Cannavo, P.C., can help you determine your legal rights.
Contact Us Today
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after a ridesharing accident in NYC. Do not miss an important deadline or risk the destruction of key evidence in your case by waiting. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling car accident cases of all kinds, including those involving rideshare vehicles and drivers. We may be able to help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries. Request your free consultation today.