If I am Hit By a Lyft Driver in NYC, Who Do I Sue?

If a Lyft driver hits you in New York City, you may be able to sue them if their negligence or recklessness caused the collision. However, depending on the details of the incident, another party may be liable. You could also have more than one defendant in your case if multiple parties contributed to the collision.

When you are already dealing with injuries and piling medical bills, it can be difficult to prepare for a lawsuit. A Lyft accident lawyer in New York will empower you to take legal action to protect your right to compensation.

Who to Sue After You Are Hit by a Lyft Driver in New York City

If you are hit by a Lyft driver in New York City, determining who to sue depends on the circumstances of the accident. Typically, you may file a claim against the Lyft driver if they were negligent and caused the crash.

If other parties contributed to the collision, you may be able to sue them as well. Consult a New York rideshare accident lawyer who can help you identify the responsible party and pursue compensation.

The defendant in a Lyft accident case could be any of the following:

• Lyft driver: The driver can be held responsible if they fail to follow traffic laws or drive safely, leading to an accident.
• Vehicle manufacturer: You can file a lawsuit against a vehicle manufacturer after a Lyft accident if a defect in the vehicle contributed to the crash. This might include faulty brakes, defective airbags, or design flaws that make the vehicle unsafe.
• Another motorist: If you were hit by a Lyft driver who bumped into you after being hit by another driver, they may be liable for your damages. In cases involving multi-vehicle collisions, determining liability becomes especially difficult, as multiple parties may share fault.
• Government agency: If the government fails to properly maintain the roads or address known safety hazards, they may be held liable. Filing a lawsuit against a government agency often requires following specific procedures, such as giving notice of your claim within a set timeframe, which is shorter than for typical personal injury cases.

After a Lyft collision, determining who to sue can be complex and largely depends on the specific details surrounding the crash. A personal injury lawyer in New York will analyze the available evidence to establish the sequence of events that led to the accident and identify the parties involved.

After identifying the responsible parties, the lawyer will build a strong case against the defendant. This involves gathering additional evidence, consulting with experts if necessary, and preparing compelling arguments to demonstrate liability.

New York Is a No-Fault Auto Insurance State

New York operates under a no-fault insurance system for car crashes. After a collision, your own insurance will cover your medical expenses and some related costs, regardless of who caused the crash. This approach allows you to receive prompt payment for medical bills and lost wages without needing to establish fault.

There are exceptions that allow victims to seek compensation beyond their insurance policy. In specific situations, such as severe injuries, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you were seriously injured in a Lyft accident in New York City, you may have the option to pursue additional compensation through a lawsuit.

If the following details apply to your case, you may file a lawsuit:

• Permanent injury or disfigurement
• Damages over $50,000
• Loss of function or severe limitation
• Wrongful death of a loved one

Through a lawsuit, you have the opportunity to seek compensation for a wider variety of losses, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This can potentially provide you with a larger financial recovery, especially in cases where a serious injury has dramatically affected your life and well-being.

Consult a car accident lawyer in New York to determine whether your case qualifies for a lawsuit. They will thoroughly investigate the accident, assess your injuries, and review your financial losses. Based on this information, your attorney will guide you on the most appropriate course of action.

New York Has a Pure Comparative Negligence System

If your case does qualify for a lawsuit, New York’s comparative negligence law will influence your compensation. You can recover your losses even if you were partially at fault as long as you are not fully responsible for the collision. However, your degree of fault will be reduced from your compensation.

For example, if you are 10% at fault for the collision with a Lyft driver, you will collect 90% of the total compensation. If this amount is $140,000, you will still get $126,000. After reviewing the unique details of your claim, a Lyft accident attorney can determine how New York’s negligence rule impacts your financial recovery.

A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Sue if You Are Hit by a Lyft Driver

Being involved in a rideshare accident can lead to severe injuries and expensive property damage. In most cases, you can recover damages through your insurance policy, but under certain conditions, you can take legal action. If the Lyft driver or another party caused the crash, you could sue them for additional compensation.

Morelli Law Firm has been serving injured victims since 1998. We create personalized legal strategies to meet the unique details of every case we handle. Call us today to tell us your account of the Lyft accident.