Nowadays, Uber and Lyft have flooded the streets with low-cost, easily accessible transportation options. However, when drivers for these services are involved in accidents, this new convenience has produced a new type of personal injury claim. Fortunately, ridesharing businesses in New York must have significant insurance coverage that covers motor accidents caused by its drivers.
The Rideshare Business Model
The primary distinction between Uber and Lyft and typical taxi businesses is how you hire cars and how much you pay for the service. Passengers do not hail an Uber or Lyft driver on the street. Instead, they download an app to their phone and use it to hire a driver in advance. The costs will vary. Some rides will be less expensive than cabs, while others will be more expensive.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft drivers are human, just like the rest of us, and they are susceptible to the same risks that cause us to crash. However, a few factors can increase the likelihood of getting involved in an accident.
To begin with, most Uber and Lyft drivers must pay close attention to their GPS to locate their passengers and then transport them to their destination. Taking your eyes off the road for even a fraction of a second can result in a significant accident, and it’s not only the GPS that can cause this.
Driving passengers around is something that can be highly distracting depending on those that step into the car. On that point, one of the significant advantages of driving for Lyft or Uber is that you get to meet a diverse range of people. However, sometimes the chats are too attractive, drawing the driver’s attention away from the road and resulting in an accident.
Finally, fatigue plays a significant influence in Uber and Lyft driver accidents. Many drivers work long hours to maximize their earnings, but those long hours can lead to catastrophic driving errors.
Both Uber and Lyft take precautions to keep their drivers as secure as possible. They track the speed of their drivers’ vehicles and will reject anyone who receives too many traffic penalties. Passengers may also rate their drivers in the app, ensuring that they are always on their best behavior.
What Happens If You Are Involved in an Uber or Lyft Crash?
When you happen to come across an Uber or Lyft accident, it is critical to ascertain who is to blame for your injuries. Your compensation choices will differ based on how the accident happened, who caused it, what role you played in the collision, and what kind of insurance coverage is available. Consider the following scenarios to better understand your choices:
If you get hit by an Uber or Lyft driver
You can ask the help of an accident lawyer to claim for reimbursement under the rideshare company’s insurance policy. You can seek this compensation whether you were a driver, a passenger in another vehicle, or a pedestrian.
If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft as a passenger
You could file a claim for compensation with the rideshare business if the rideshare driver’s negligence caused the accident. If the driver of another vehicle caused the collision, you could file a claim against the at-fault motorist’s insurance coverage.
If you get injured as a driver of Uber or Lyft
You may file a claim against the at-fault driver. Both Uber and Lyft offer rider injury protection insurance to cover emergency medical care and short-term disability costs. If you have this coverage, it may protect you even if you were at fault.
Seeking Legal Help After an Uber or Lyft Accident
After seeking medical attention and collecting evidence, the next best thing is to consult with a seasoned car accident attorney in New York.
At Ronemus & Vilensky, we know how to deal with the insurance companies that actively defend Uber and Lyft, and we will present substantial evidence to prove their liability. You will not be responsible for any payments until we have received reimbursement on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation by calling 212-779-7070 today!