The Facts About Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare apps such as UBER and LYFT allow users to hail a ride to almost any destination. Once a trip is confirmed, passengers do not need to wonder whether the vehicle is coming; they can simply track the vehicle’s progress through the rideshare app. The ease of use and convenience has led to a dramatic increase in the popularity of ridesharing.In 2021, the global rideshare market was valued at $85.8 billion. 36% of all Americans have used a ridsharing app which more than doubled from 2015. As of 2022, UBER possess 71% market share while LYFT possesses the remaining 29% market share. UBER maintains 93 million monthly active users while LYFT maintains 18.6 million monthly active users. 

Rideshare companies often boast that they make our streets safer. The argument is that ride sharing reduces the number of drunk driving and thus the number drunk driving related accidents. Surprisingly, a 2016 study by the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that the use of UBER had no significant impact on drunk driving. Additionally, a recent study has found that ridesharing has led to an increase in fatalities from motor vehicle accidents. The study concluded that the increase in ride sharing has led to a 3% increase in motor vehicle fatalities nationwide.

In New York City, while deadly accident reports involving yellow cabs have declined, accidents involving rideshare vehicles have increased. The most common causes of rideshare accidents in New York include distracted driving, driving while under the influence, reckless driving, driver inexperience and unsafe lane changes. 

Causes of UBER and LYFT Accidents in New York

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is among the most common causes of all motor vehicle accidents and rideshares are often distracted. Generally, rideshare drivers are not professional drivers, therefore, they are likely to engage in bad habits that like any other driver. Also, since rideshare drivers have to use their smartphones while in the middle of traffic. 

Driving While Under The Influence

Drowsy or Fatigued Driving

Speeding

In New York state, about 30 percent of all traffic fatalities, list speeding as a contributing factor. Many of these fatalities involve rideshare vehicles. Oftentimes, rideshare drivers disregard the speed limit in order to quickly fetch passengers.

Unsafe Lane Change

One of the most common causes of car accidents in New York is unsafe lane changes. When a driver changes from one marked lane to another without paying attention or when they are not legally allowed to do so, they could collide with another vehicle or cause someone else to crash. This is a frequent cause of rideshare car accidents. 

For the most part, the steps to take after a rideshare accident are similar to those taken after any non-commercial motor vehicle accident. If you are a passenger in a rideshare motor vehicle accident, take the following steps to protect your rights:

• Step 1: Call the police and remain planted at the crash site.
• Step 2: Report the accident on the UBER and LYFT app.
• Step 3: Report your name and contact information to the arriving officer.
• Step 4: Collect the name and insurance information from everyone involved, normally the driver of your ride-share and the driver of the other motor vehicles. Talk to any and all witnesses and gather their contact information. 
• Step 5: Take photos of your vehicle, the crash site, and your injuries. 
• Step 6: Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
• Step 7: Call Koenig and discuss your case. Koenig, a New York personal injury lawyer, will explain your legal options. If you have suffered a serious injury such as a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, Koenig will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and assist you in your quest to obtain a fair and full compensation.

If you have suffered injuries from a motor vehicle accident while a passenger in a rideshare, you may be entitled to substantial compensation, especially if your injuries include serious conditions such as a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury. Liability for your injuries may stem from the negligent or reckless behavior of the rideshare driver or from that of another driver.

Many people are concerned over what happens when someone gets hurt in a New York car accident involving an Uber or LYFT driver. Is the driver responsible for his or her own actions or does the rideshare company bear some responsibility? Generally, UBER and Lyft will not bear any responsibility for a motor vehicle accident caused by their drivers since the driver is not an employee and the company does not own the vehicle. The best way to understand this corporate veil which shields rideshare companies from motor vehicle accident lawsuits is to view the rideshare company as merely a third party which connects drivers with passengers and allows them to transact remotely for livery services. 

In order to file a claim after a rideshare accident, you will need to determine who is at fault for your economic and non-economic damages. In New York, if the UBER driver is liable for the accident, UBER will cover a maximum of $1.25 million in bodily injury or property damage. If another motorist is liable, the driver of another car or truck, a rideshare passenger can pursue a claim on their insurance policy.

If you were injured as a passenger or pedestrian in a car accident involving an UBER or LYFT driver, you may be pondering the question of whom you should sue.  Due to the complicated nature of their business models, where the drivers is not considered an employee of the company, it will be difficult to hold UBER or LYFT responsible for the motor vehicle accidents involving their drivers. Generally, liability will fall on the rideshare driver and potentially another party involved in the accident and not the rideshare company. However, since insurance policies for UBER and LYFT may reach a maximum of over a million dollars, there is little need to file suit against a rideshare company.

If the UBER driver is in between rides, UBER’s insurance will still cover up to $100,000 per accident. LYFT provides similar coverage. LYFT drivers who are either accepting ride or dropping off a passenger, a $1 million insurance policy is available to cover injuries. Neither company will cover injuries caused by accident while the driver is off-duty therefore, while off-duty, the driver’s personal insurance will be the only insurance available. 

Injured in a UBER/LYFT Accident?

How can a New York Car Accident Lawyer Help You?

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident? Speak with Koenig Pierre, a New York UBER and LYFT rideshare accident lawyer, who may be able to assist you in recovering damages following a rideshare accident in New York City or Long Island. Koenig Pierre will assist you by:

• Evaluating your case and determining if you have a viable lawsuit. 
• Identify the insurance policies in effect at the time of your accident. 
• Thoroughly construct your case. 
• File your lawsuit and present your case to a jury. 
• Represent your interest during negotiations with insurance companies. 
• Handle all upfront costs for your case and only get paid once you win. 

Call Koenig Pierre, a New York Car Accident Lawyer, who can assist you in recovering substantial compensation after your rideshare accident in Brooklyn, Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island, Queens and Long Island. 

What Compensation is Available After an UBER or LYFT Accident?

If you have been injured in a New York car accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you may be entitled to the following compensation for serious injuries you have suffered:

• Medical treatment
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish (if associated with a wrongful death claim)
• Punitive damages (if a rideshare’s conduct was remarkably reckless or malicious in nature)

Contact A New York a New York Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a car wreck involving a rideshare vehicle? The New York car accident lawyer, Koenig Pierre will work quickly and dilligently car accident personal injury claim to get you the compensation you can be proud of. Recovery can be obtained not only for your injuries, but also for lost wages, medical costs, property damage, and pain and suffering. A rideshare accident attorney who understands the complexities involved with attaining compensation from insurance companies following a rideshare vehicle accident. If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, call Koenig, a New York UBER & LYFT acciddent lawyer, you can contact him for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 1-800-946-4616.

Car accident lawyer assisting those injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle.

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