What Is a Rideshare Company’s Liability in a Car Crash in New York?
It wasn't too long ago that the only rideshare car accidents that happened in New York involved carpools. Now, with the rapid growth of rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber, more and more New York car accidents involve personal vehicles used for commercial purposes. This can lead to complicated liability issues for passengers in the rideshare car and for occupants of other vehicles.
The physical, emotional, and financial repercussions after a car accident can be devastating not just for victims, but also their family. The experienced New York City car accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP will help injured victims and their families secure fair and full compensation for all their losses. Call us at (212) 986-7353.
Steps to Protect Your Rights
In some ways, a rideshare accident should be no different than an accident involving two non-commercial drivers. Whether you are a passenger in the rideshare vehicle or riding in another vehicle, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Call the authorities and remain at the crash site
- Make sure you name and information is in the police report. Get a copy of the report for your own records
- Collect phone numbers and insurance information from everyone involved as well as contact information for eyewitnesses
- Take photos of the vehicles, the crash site and your injuries
- Seek and get prompt medical attention and treatment for your injuries
- Contact an experienced New York City attorney to discuss your case
You might be offered compensation from the at-fault driver for the injuries you have suffered. Make sure your settlement includes support not only for your immediate medical bills, but also your future medical expenses, your lost wages, and even compensation for your pain and suffering.
Understanding the Challenges in New York
The process of receiving fair compensation for your injuries may be difficult if the at-fault driver is a rideshare independent contractor. If the at-fault driver is an Uber or Lyft driver, you may struggle to receive the support you need. You should be able to pursue compensation from the rideshare insurance. Technically, Uber and Lyft are responsible for the actions of their drivers who are engaged in a ride request. There has been a history of denied claims because these companies only connect drivers to consumers and don't actually own the vehicles or train the drivers.
One of the reasons why officials were hesitant to let rideshare companies work within New York is because of the lack of regulation and the potential for liability issues. It's still unclear how much liability rideshare companies will handle in the event of an accident and enough time has not passed to confirm that it will be a serious issue for New York residents.
Speak with a NY Rideshare Car Accident Lawyer
If you've been injured in a rideshare car accident, it may be in your best interest to speak with a NY injury lawyer about your legal rights and options. Whether it is from the at-fault driver or from the rideshare company, you should receive fair compensation for the injuries you have suffered.
The New York rideshare car accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP are here to help. Call us at (212) 986-7353 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation.
Additional Information
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