26 Feb UBER & LYFT ACCIDENTS IN NEW YORK
Posted By Gruenberg Kelly Della || 26-Feb-2019
From getting back home after a night of drinking to being dropped off at the airport, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become a reliable source of transportation in recent years. However, these vehicles are also vulnerable to car accidents, just like any other vehicle.
Common car accident scenarios involving Uber and Lyft drivers include:
- Getting struck by an Uber or Lyft driver while operating your own vehicle, walking the street, or riding a bicycle.
- You were riding in an Uber or Lyft and either your driver caused the accident or another motorist.
- You were driving for Uber or Lyft and someone else hit you.
Remember, New York is considered a “no-fault” insurance state, meaning if you own or drive a vehicle in New York, you must have at least $50,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This type of coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other basic economic damages—no matter who is to blame for the crash. In order to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party, you must prove that you suffered serious injury since the $50,000 minimum won’t cover such injuries.
Both Uber and Lyft have liability insurance coverage to pay for any injuries as a result of negligence from their drivers. However, the coverage only applies when the driver has his/her app turned on and either waiting for ride requests or during a ride.
The following is Uber’s liability insurance when a driver is logged on the app and waiting for requests:
- Maximum $75,000 for bodily injury per person
- Maximum $150,000 for bodily injury per collision
- Maximum $25,000 for property damage per collision
In addition, Uber also has $25,000 for bodily injury per individual and $50,000 for bodily injury per accident in uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, as well as PIP of $50,000 per injured individual.
The following is Uber’s policy when the driver accepts a request and is on a trip:
- Maximum $1.25 million for all bodily injury and property damage per collision
- Maximum $1.25 in SUM uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- PIP up to $50,000 per individual
This policy lasts for the duration of the ride and covers collision and comprehensive damages.
When an Uber or Lyft driver is off the clock, then their personal auto insurance policy will apply in the event of an accident.
If you have suffered an injury caused by a negligent Uber/Lyft driver or while riding in a rideshare vehicle in New York, our Long Island personal injury attorneys at Gruenberg Kelly Della can help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. We understand how complex these car accident cases can be, which is why we will protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process to help you make a full recovery from injury.
For more information, contact us and schedule a free consultation today.