Freeport, NY Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Attorney
The increase in rideshare applications in the past few decades has revolutionized transportation throughout the United States. As a cost-effective and convenient way of traveling from point A to point B without a personal vehicle, many individuals regularly use apps like Uber and Lyft. However, these applications require individuals to entrust a stranger to drive with a reasonable duty of care. However, rideshare companies do not always vet their drivers, increasing the risk of an accident.
If you have been injured in a Freeport, New York, rideshare accident due to a driver’s negligence, contact an experienced rideshare attorney at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP.
With over 100 years of combined experience protecting New York residents, you can trust our Freeport, NY rideshare accident lawyers to provide honest and knowledgeable legal information and services. Our Freeport, NY rideshare accident attorneys treat our clients like family and utilize our extensive resources to solidify your claim. Speak with one of our team members to learn more about your legal options.
Understanding Uber and Lyft Liability and Insurance Coverage in New York
In New York, rideshare accident liability is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the unique circumstances of each claim. However, there are multiple parties commonly involved in Uber or Lyft accidents in New York, including:
- Uber or Lyft driver
- Other drivers
- Passengers
- Third-parties
- Rideshare company
Because Uber and Lyft have complex liability insurance coverage, rideshare accidents are often more complicated than typical vehicle accident claims. If you’re in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you must be aware of the pickup location, the intended route, and whether the driver was actively engaged in rideshare tasks at the time of the accident. Consider the reason why these details are important to your claim below:
Driver Was Not Actively in Rideshare Mode
When a Uber or Lyft driver is not actively using the rideshare app and is unavailable to accept requests, then their personal auto insurance coverage applies in the event of an accident. This means that the driver’s personal insurance policy is responsible for covering any damages or injuries that occur from the accident rather than the insurance policy provided by the rideshare company.
For a driver to hold employment with Uber or Lyft, they must have their own auto insurance policies, meeting the state minimum amount of liability coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury for one individual
- $50,000 for bodily injury for multiple individuals
- $50,000 for the death of one individual
- $10,000 for property damage
In these cases, it’s also important to understand that you will likely hold the driver responsible rather than the company. However, you may still be able to hold the company liable if the organization did not take the proper precautions to ensure the driver had qualifying insurance.
Driver Was Actively Waiting on a Ride Request
For New York rideshare drivers actively waiting on a ride request, Uber and Lyft require the insurance policy to provide at least $75,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, at least $150,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons, and at least $25,000 for property damage. These insurance coverage limits are required by law and are in addition to any coverage provided by the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
Even though the rideshare applications have coverage limits, you will want to discuss the legal options available with your Freeport, NY rideshare accident lawyer. You may be able to recover more than the limits offered with experienced legal counsel and representation.
Driver Was Actively in Rideshare Mode
As soon as the Uber or Lyft driver accepts the ride request and until the ride is completed, the New York law requires the companies to provide insurance coverage to rideshare passengers and drivers. However, the type and amount of coverage depend on where the transportation originated within New York.
If the Uber or Lyft driver picked you up outside the five boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Manhattan, or Staten Island), then the rideshare insurance policy must provide at least $1,250,000 for bodily injury/death of any person and $1,250,000 of supplemental uninsured/underinsured (“SUM”) insurance, as well as personal injury protection (“no-fault”) insurance. However, if the origin of the ride is within the five boroughs, the insurance coverage falls under the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (NYC TLC).
Contact the Freeport, New York Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
Accidents involving Uber and Lyft are complex and require a thorough understanding of New York’s rideshare laws to recover the compensation you deserve. Our team at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP has over 100 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of Freeport, New York clients. By utilizing our extensive knowledge and connections within the community, we will develop a strong claim for our clients. Our Freeport, NY rideshare accident attorneys provide professional legal representation tailored to every client’s unique circumstances.
For more information about our firm and to learn how we navigate our personal injury cases, subscribe to our Youtube channel. For a free consultation, call 866-878-6774 or complete our contact form today.
