Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, a Lyft accident lawyer in Orangetown can help you understand your next steps. Our team handles claims for passengers, Lyft drivers, pedestrians, and other motorists after collisions in the area. We have over 200 years of combined experience.
Shulman & Hill assists with insurance claims, liability disputes, no-fault (PIP) coordination, serious injury cases, and wrongful death arising from Lyft trips in Orangetown. Our car accident lawyer in Orangetown can help you recover compensation.
What to Do After a Lyft Accident
Your steps can protect both your health and your claim. Quick action also helps document what happened and who is at fault. Here’s what our personal injury lawyer in Orangetown suggests:
- Get medical care immediately and follow treatment plans.
- Call the police to obtain the incident number and exchange information.
- Take photos of vehicles, the scene, app screens, and visible injuries.
- Save your ride receipt, in-app messages, and any dashcam footage.
- Avoid recorded statements and do not accept early offers before legal review.
- Contact us quickly so we can preserve evidence and handle insurer calls.
How Lyft Crashes Happen in Traffic
Rideshare collisions often occur on local roads, highways, and busy intersections throughout Orangetown and the surrounding Rockland County areas. Congestion, sudden lane changes, and navigation errors can contribute to crashes.
Common causes include speeding, distraction from the app, failure to yield, and fatigue during extended driving periods. Weather and road conditions can also affect visibility and stopping distance.
Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, our Lyft accident lawyers in Orangetown review how the crash occurred and who may be responsible.
Who Is Covered: Passengers, Drivers, and Third Parties
Several people may bring claims after an Orangetown Lyft accident. Injured Lyft passengers, rideshare drivers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists may seek damages when another party’s negligence caused the collision.
Coverage depends on each person’s role and which insurance policy applies. We identify the correct carrier, confirm coverage periods, and pursue all available sources of compensation.
Understanding Lyft Insurance Coverage in New York
Lyft provides different levels of insurance depending on the driver’s status in the app. When a driver is en route to pick up a passenger or during an active trip, up to $1 million in liability coverage may apply. When the app is off, the driver’s personal auto policy applies.
New York’s no-fault system means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault. If you do not have your own policy, coverage may come from the vehicle you occupied or another applicable policy.
Proving Fault Under New York’s Comparative Negligence Law
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
We collect evidence that shows how the crash occurred, including dashcam footage, phone records, Lyft app data, vehicle damage, traffic camera footage, and witness statements. When needed, we work with experts to analyze speed, braking, and visibility.
Medical Bills, No-Fault Coverage, and the Serious Injury Threshold
PIP generally covers initial medical bills and a portion of lost income up to policy limits. However, to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, your injuries must meet New York’s serious injury threshold.
Qualifying injuries may include fractures, significant disfigurement, or conditions that limit normal activities for a defined period. We evaluate your medical records and policy coverage to determine the best path forward.
Deadlines and Claims Process for Orangetown Rideshare Cases
Most personal injury lawsuits in New York must be filed within three years of the accident. Wrongful death claims are generally subject to a two-year deadline.
Claims involving public entities may require a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Lyft accident claims typically begin through insurance carriers, with negotiation and documentation before litigation if necessary.
How Our Lyft Accident Lawyer in Orangetown Builds Your Case
We begin by securing liability evidence, including scene documentation, app data, surveillance footage, and witness statements. Preservation letters may be sent to Lyft and other parties to protect key records.
We then document damages through medical records, billing, lost income, and expert evaluations when needed. We prepare a detailed demand and negotiate with insurers.
If necessary, we file suit and prepare the case for trial while continuing to pursue settlement opportunities.
Damages You May Recover in an Orangetown Lyft Case
Available compensation depends on your injuries, liability, and coverage. Economic damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and property damage.
If your injuries meet New York’s legal threshold, you may also recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In wrongful death cases, families may pursue damages allowed under New York law.
Contact Our Orangetown Lyft Accident Attorney
You do not have to manage a Lyft claim alone. Shulman & Hill can investigate the crash, coordinate insurance coverage, and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Contact us for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step.