Lyft & Uber Accident Attorney Westchester & The Hudson Valley
Now that Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), or ridesharing services, are permitted to operate throughout the state of New York, they are becoming an increasingly popular form of transportation. With more riders using these services, however, car accidents and injuries to passengers and other motorists are one the rise. Because TNCs operate under different rules than regulated taxicab services, there are complex issues associated with injuries arising from ridesharing accidents.
The law office of Michael LoGiudice is the premier personal injury firm serving the greater New York area. If you were injured in a ridesharing accident, we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Do Ridesharing Apps Work?
Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, relying on smartphone apps and satellite technology to connect passengers and drivers. Consumers request a ride using the mobile app, the driver is notified through the app, and then uses GPS navigation to determine the location of the passenger. The driver picks up and takes the passenger to his or her destination using GPS to navigate the route. The passenger then pays with a credit card or through their smartphone.
Factors Involved in a Ridesharing Accident
Unlike taxicab drivers, rideshare drivers are independent contractors who typically use their own vehicles. In most cases, they are not professional drivers, do not have commercial licenses, usually work part-time, and design their own schedules. At the same time, these drivers may work long hours and become fatigued, putting passengers and other motorists at risk of injury. Because they are frequently using their smartphones and GPS systems, drivers are also more prone to becoming distracted.
Nonetheless, rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to ensure the safety of passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. By failing to fulfill this duty, both the driver and the rideshare company can be held liable for injuries that arise from accidents. As with other automobile accidents in New York, the state’s No-Fault insurance law applies.
However, insurance coverage depends on a number of factors:
- Was the driver logged into the app and waiting to be connected to a rider?
- Had the driver accepted a trip and was he or she going to pick up the passenger?
- Was the driver taking the passenger to his or her destination?
If you are involved in a collision with a ridesharing vehicle or are injured as a passenger while using in a ridesharing service, it is crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney to rely on. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to pursue a claim with the driver’s insurance carrier, or the TNCs insurance company. Moreover, under Article 51 of the insurance law, in order to bring a personal injury lawsuit, you must have sustained a serious injury or incurred a basic economic loss greater than $50,000.
Experienced Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer in New York
The law office of Michael LoGiudice is well versed in the complex insurance issues related to rideshare vehicle accidents. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident we can help you obtain compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. If your injury meets the serious injury threshold, we can pursue a lawsuit to recover damages for your pain and suffering. In the end, TNCs will invariably become more popular since consumers will benefit from the convenience of ridesharing services. However, we are committed to holding negligent ridesharing companies and drivers accountable. Call our office or fill out a contact form today for a free consultation.