Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers in White Plains
Although ridesharing apps suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, their rise to popularity is undeniable. The percentage of Americans who said they used ridesharing services more than doubled between 2015 and 2018. While 33% of Americans said they had yet to hear of Uber or Lyft in 2015, that number dropped to only 3% in 2018.
As more people use ridesharing services, they inevitably find themselves in an Uber or Lyft accident at some point or another. Depending on when a rideshare accident occurs, the company’s insurance policy may cover the personal injury losses caused by an accident. A White Plains Uber accident lawyer at Greenspan & Greenspan, P.C., can review your case and determine whose insurance policy applies.
Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Like other motor vehicle accidents, various factors contribute to Uber and Lyft accidents. Common causes of Lyft and Uber accidents include:
- Driving above the speed limit,
- Texting and driving,
- Failure to obey posted traffic signs and signals,
- Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or under the influence of drugs, or
- Driving in poor conditions.
- Focusing attention on the App instead of on the road
An Uber car accident attorney will collect information about the collision to determine what caused the crash. Reviewing the car accident report, witness statements, and surveillance and dashcam footage of the crash will give your attorney clues about what happened and who might be responsible.
Who Pays for Losses in an Uber Accident?
New York is considered a “no-fault” insurance state. That means insured parties injured in car accidents typically receive reimbursement from their insurance company, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Whether the car owner’s or Uber/Lyft’s insurance covers the accident depends on when the accident happens.
When a rideshare driver turns off their app, Lyft and Uber’s insurance does not cover the accident. Instead, the driver’s personal auto insurance covers the collision.
When a rideshare driver is online but has yet to accept a ride or is currently searching for a rider, rideshares provides third-party liability insurance to the driver. In New York, except for New York City, this coverage includes:
- $75,000 for bodily injury or death of one person,
- $150,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and
- $25,000 for property damage.
This coverage applies until the driver turns the ridesharing app off or the driver accepts a new ride.
When a rideshare driver accepts a ride request, is on their way to pick up a rider, or is in the process of driving a customer, Uber and Lyft provide comprehensive insurance to their drivers with the following coverage:
- $1,250,000 for bodily injuries and property damage, and
- $1,250,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
A White Plains Lyft accident lawyer can work with you to determine which insurance policy applies to your accident.
Common Injuries in Uber/Lyft Accidents
Drivers and passengers suffer a wide variety of injuries in Uber/Lyft crashes. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones,
- Seatbelt burns,
- Whiplash,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Internal bleeding,
- Torn ligaments,
- Nerve damage, and
- Cuts and bruises.
If you are the victim of an accident, you should seek medical attention immediately to create a medical record of your injuries. The team at Greenspan & Greenspan can assist you with locating medical treatment providers in your area so you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle the details of your car accident case.
Contact a White Plains Uber Accident Lawyer at Greenspan & Greenspan, P.C., to Discuss Your Case
A qualified Lyft accident attorney can maximize the value of your motor vehicle accident claim to make sure you are fully compensated for your financial losses. An attorney at our rideshare accident law firm can help your case by:
- Determining the status of the rideshare driver when the accident occurred;
- Negotiating with the opposing party on your behalf;
- Calculating the monetary value of your losses; and
- Preparing your case for trial, if necessary.
Suffering injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident can inflict unexpected hardship on you and your family. Let us worry about your legal claim so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and getting back to work. If you or a loved one need a lawyer for an Uber accident, contact Greenspan & Greenspan, P.C., to talk to an attorney today.