If you’ve been injured in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, you could recover your losses through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. A Huntington rideshare accident lawyer at Morelli Law Firm can assist you. When you call, you’ll receive a free consultation with one of our team members.
Our Firm Can Help You Claim Personal Injury Damages
If a collision with an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle resulted in your or your loved one’s injury, you have avenues for seeking financial recovery. After a car accident, you could receive compensation for a multitude of damages, such as:
- Damage to property
- Vehicle repairs
- Pending and future medical bills
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Other losses
However, you must determine who is responsible for paying these damages in order to file your claim or lawsuit. Our car accident attorneys can help.
Compensation Depends on the Rideshare Driver’s Insurance Coverage
New York State law VAT § 1693 mandates that a transportation network company (TNC) like Uber and Lyft must carry auto insurance policies for its drivers. However, since rideshare drivers are contracted workers, their coverage from the rideshare company depends on their status when the accident occurs.
There are three distinct categories Uber and Lyft drivers fall under regarding accident insurance coverage:
Drivers Picking Up Passengers
When a driver is logged into the rideshare platform and on the way to a passenger – or already transporting one – the rideshare company must provide $1.25 million in liability insurance to cover death, bodily injury, and property damage. An additional $1.25 million is also required for uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
Drivers Waiting for Requests
TNCs must also provide drivers actively awaiting rides with at least $75,000 for bodily injury or death per person (at least $150,000 per accident). Additionally, the law requires $25,000 for property damage. This insurance will act as the primary insurance provided that the Uber/Lyft driver’s own auto insurance does not apply.
Offline Drivers
When a driver is offline (i.e., not logged into the app), they do not receive coverage from the rideshare company at all. Since the driver is considered off duty, their personal or commercial car insurance must cover them if an accident occurs.
There may be multiple liable parties in your rideshare accident. For example, the rideshare driver, a third-party driver, a pedestrian, or another third-party entity could be at-fault. A rideshare accident lawyer at our firm can explain how the applicable insurance coverage affects your case and your ability to claim compensation for your injuries in Huntington.
Huntington Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys Want to Ease the Burden of Your Accident Case
You do not have to figure out which insurance policy applies in your case alone. Our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the laws and regulations for TNCs in Huntington and throughout New York.
We are prepared to handle your insurance claim or take your case to court. When you choose Morelli Law Firm, we put decades of legal experience to work for you by:
- Investigating the cause of your rideshare accident
- Gathering evidence and documentation to support your case
- Taking care of any necessary paperwork
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Filing court documents
- Advocating for your interests in court
We’ve Secured Millions of Dollars in Settlements and Legal Judgments
We do not shy away from trial. Our firm has built a reputation of taking on large companies and corporations on behalf of victims who were wronged. Clients in Huntington can expect the same passion and skill that has led to numerous large legal victories. You can read some of our Google reviews from satisfied clients below:
- “David Sirokin and the Morelli Law firm are the best in the business!! Handled my case with care and fought for me and my family. Changed our lives forever!! – Will Clark
- “My entire family and I couldn’t thank Michael and his team enough for what they did for us. This is an exceptional law firm for anyone who is looking for quality and professional personal injury lawyer.” – Xiang Mei Cao
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Multiple factors can cause a rideshare crash, possibly leading to a claim or lawsuit against the driver or rideshare company. Common causes of accidents involving Lyft and Uber drivers include:
Driver Fatigue
Many drivers contracted with TNCs like Uber and Lyft are working to support themselves. As such, they may be on the road for several hours trying to earn as much money as they can. These long hours can lead to tiredness and fatigue.
Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers have to juggle using a mobile app for navigation, receiving phone calls from riders, and accepting ride requests, all while paying attention to the road. Add potentially distracting passengers in the backseat, and it’s easy to see how car accidents happen.
Speeding
Uber and Lyft drivers have to operate with a sense of urgency. Since the earning capacity is as many rides as a driver can take, speed is often rewarded. As a result, drivers might be rushing to the next passenger, their next errand before picking up a new passenger, or their next job, and exceeding speed limits while they’re at it.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents.TNCs have very strict rules about driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, but DUI collisions can still occur.
Lack of Training
Rideshare drivers are not trained for this occupation. While the Taxi and Limo Commission regulates taxi drivers, TNC drivers are only loosely regulated by their TNC company and local laws.
Cab drivers have to undergo training in local traffic laws, driver safety, and street layout in addition to learning how to use the necessary equipment. It’s not hard to see how collisions happen under all these circumstances.
Morelli Law Firm Is Prepared to Advocate for You
Injuries from a rideshare car accident can jeopardize your life and livelihood. If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation. A rideshare accident lawyer on our team can help you seek compensation in Huntington.