Queens Lyft Accident Attorney
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft continue to make inroads in the greater New York area, causing more and more accidents each day. Nonetheless, rideshare drivers and transportation network companies — such as Uber and Lyft, have a duty not to cause injuries to passengers and other motorists. Because determining liability in a rideshare accident is a bit more complicated than in a typical car accident, it is crucial to have proper legal representation.
Prime Law Firm represents individuals who have been injured in Uber and Lyft accidents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Although rideshare services are a popular alternative to taxis and other forms of public transportation, it is important to know your rights if you have been injured in an accident. Our legal team is well-versed in the applicable insurance and negligence laws and prepared to fight for you.
How Do Ridesharing Services Operate?
Uber and Lyft rely on smartphone apps and satellite technology to bring drivers and passengers together. Passengers use the app on their mobile devices to request a ride, the driver is notified through the app, and the driver then uses GPS to find the passenger. The rideshare driver picks up the passenger and relies on GPS to plot the route to the destination. Finally, passengers pay either with a credit card or through their smartphone, making the entire transaction seamless and convenient — until an accident occurs.
Factors Involved in Ridesharing Accidents in Queens
Unlike professional taxi and limousine drivers, rideshare drivers are independent contractors who may not have commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). Typically, they use their own vehicles design their own schedules, and often work long hours — at the risk of becoming fatigued. Rideshare drivers are also more prone to being distracted by the use of onboard technology. In short, fatigued and distracted Uber and Lyft drivers are more likely to cause accidents, which puts passengers, other motorists and pedestrians at a greater risk of injury.
In a ridesharing accident, both the rideshare company and the driver can be held liable for injuries and property damage. Although the state’s No-Fault insurance law applies to Uber and Lyft accidents, coverage depends on the following factors:
- Was the driver logged into the app and being connected to a rider?
- Had a trip been accepted and was the driver going to pick up the passenger?
- Was the rideshare driver taking the passenger to his or her destination?
Because ridesharing accident claims may involve multiple parties — the rideshare driver’s insurance carrier, the TNC’s insurer, other drivers and their insurance carriers — you need the strategic legal representation Prime Law Firm is qualified to provide. We will work tirelessly to help you obtain meaningful compensation. If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover economic and noneconomic damages.
Economic damages cover lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and other financial losses, while noneconomic damages cover other types of harm such as pain and suffering, physical disabilities, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages may also be awarded if the rideshare driver’s conduct was unlawful or particularly egregious, such as driving under the influence.
New York City Uber/Lyft Ridesharing Attorney
At Prime Law Firm, we understand that being injured in a ridesharing accident is a frightening experience. When you work with our attorneys, you will have peace of mind knowing dedicated advocates are fighting for you. By taking the time to understand the circumstances of your Uber of Lyft accident, we will design an effective legal strategy. We will apply our knowledge of the applicable insurance and negligence laws to help you obtain the maximum compensation.
We will handle every aspect of your case, advise you of all your rights, and represent you in all dealings with the insurance company. Our objective is to obtain a settlement that considers all of your future medical and financial needs. If the insurer fails to make and fair and reasonable offer, we are prepared to litigate your case in court.
Prime Law Firm knows how to hold negligent ridesharing companies and drivers accountable inside or outside of the courtroom. Remember: we handle all Uber and Lyft accident cases on a contingency basis, so you will not pay any attorneys’ fees in advance. Call our office today or complete the contact form on our website to set up a free consultation.
