New York City Lyft Accident Lawyer
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Content reviewed by: Alex Shulman
- Last updated: Apr. 15, 2024
Lyft and other ride-sharing companies brought convenience into commuting. But just like every other car on the road, their vehicles face the same risks of getting involved in an accident. If you or your loved one was hurt in a Lyft crash, you need a law firm that not only focuses on winning but also prioritizes exemplary service. Contact the trusted New York Lyft accident lawyers at Shulman & Hill to review your case at no cost.
In busy cities such as New York, Lyft and other ride-sharing companies have revolutionized the transport system by allowing us to get to our destinations faster and easier. Unfortunately, Lyft passengers and drivers still face the same car accident risks, such as other reckless drivers, unsafe vehicles, and poor roads.
If you have suffered injuries or a loved one has lost their life in a Lyft car accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the negligent driver or Lyft. The experienced New York Lyft accident lawyers at Shulman & Hill have protected the rights of injured passengers and drivers for over a decade. We understand that proving liability and navigating the claims process for these accidents differs from other crashes, and we’re ready to work on your case.
If you need help filing a Lyft accident claim or want to learn more about your legal options, contact Shulman & Hill for a free case evaluation.
Why Call a Personal Injury Lawyer From Shulman & Hill After Your NYC Lyft Accident
Our firm has more than a decade of experience handling personal injury cases. From the moment you come to us with your NYC Lyft accident case, your needs will be our priority. Our dedicated lawyers and multilingual staff will work together to understand your case and provide rigorous representation. At Shulman & Hill, we’ve redefined the level of service expected in the legal industry by focusing on open communication and working closely with clients for the best outcome possible.
Our New York personal injury attorneys have received national acclaim for their exemplary work in seeking justice for accident victims. Partner Alex Shulman has been on the New York Super Lawyers list since 2017, an honor awarded to only 5 percent of attorneys in each state. He has also won recognition from The National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 40 Under 40 list.
Some notable settlements and verdicts we’ve obtained for car accident injury victims include the following:
- $1,500,000 for a bus driver who was rear-ended in Westchester County and suffered neck, back, and shoulder injuries
- $1,350,000 for a driver involved in a head-on collision that left them with clavicle and cervical spine injuries
- $1,100,000 for an Uber driver who suffered neck and shoulder injuries from a rear-end collision by a commercial vehicle
What Our New York Lyft Accident Attorneys Can Do for You
The role of our skilled NYC Lyft accident lawyers is to advocate for you and protect your rights during every step of the claims and litigation process. Some of the ways we can serve you include the following:
- Investigating the accident to determine its cause and prove liability
- Gathering evidence from different sources and building a strong case that supports your claim
- Requesting, obtaining, and analyzing the police report for more proof
- Collaborating with experts to determine an amount of compensation that’s fair for your damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies to arrive at the best possible compensation
- Litigating your case and trying your case before a judge and jury, if necessary
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,600,000 settlement for a 53-year-old union bus driver
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,500,000 settlement for a bus driver
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,100,000 settlement for a 51-year-old Uber driver
Shulman & Hill recently obtained a $1,000,000 insurance policy tender for a client
Who Is Liable After an NYC Lyft Accident?
Under New York law, anyone who causes injury or death through negligence can be liable for damages. New York has a comparative negligence rule, which means you can collect compensation even if you are partially at fault for an accident. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault.
At Shulman & Hill, no case is too big, challenging, or complex for our experienced New York City Lyft accident lawyers. Speak with us today to start the investigation as soon as possible.
Causes of Lyft Accidents in New York City
Driver inattention and distraction were the leading causes of road accidents in New York City in November 2023. Lyft drivers are often distracted while checking GPS directions or speaking on the phone. Fatigue is another common cause of accidents as drivers strive to meet daily revenue targets.
Other common causes of Lyft accidents in New York include the following:
- Speeding
- Intoxicated driving
- Following too closely
- Inexperienced drivers
- Road rage
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Improper use of lanes
- Disregard for traffic signals
- Unsafe lane changes
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage for Drivers
New York state law considers Lyft and other ride-sharing companies as transportation network companies, or TNCs. Lyft clearly states that its drivers are independent contractors. However, under New York state law, TNCs must still cover victims who suffer injuries from accidents involving their drivers. New York laws provide that a driver is working for a TNC if they’re logged onto the mobile app or engaged in a trip. In these cases, Lyft carries third-party liability group insurance policies for their drivers:
- The app is off: Lyft does not have to maintain coverage, and victims must seek compensation from the driver’s auto insurance.
- The app is on, and the driver is available for a trip: Lyft provides limited coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- The driver is transporting a passenger or is en route to pick up a passenger: Lyft is required to maintain $1,000,000 for third-party liability in many cases.
Additionally, New York City laws require rideshare drivers to obtain a Taxi and Limousine Commission license and carry their own commercial insurance policies with the following minimum coverage when carrying one to seven passengers:
- $100,000 per person
- $300,000 per accident
These commercial policies will typically cover your injuries after an accident within the five NYC boroughs, regardless of whether the driver was logged onto the app.
Meanwhile, because Lyft deems its drivers as independent contractors, drivers cannot file workers’ compensation claims in New York if they are injured while driving for Lyft.
Available Damages in New York City Lyft Accident Cases
The damages you can recover will depend on the extent of the losses you’ve incurred from the Lyft accident. Typically, awards are for economic and non-economic damages, but in rare cases, a judge may award punitive damages as well to punish the defendant for malicious conduct or gross negligence.
- Economic damages: These compensate you for the direct financial losses you’ve incurred, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, loss of earning ability, and funeral fees in case of wrongful death.
- Non-economic damages: These damages cover intangible losses caused by the accident that impact the quality of a victim’s life. They include pain and suffering, psychological distress, loss of consortium, and inability to enjoy life.
Common Injuries in Lyft Accidents
Unfortunately, most Lyft accidents cause serious injuries, which often take a long time to heal. They include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Herniated disks
- Internal organ damage
- Bruises and lacerations
- Concussions
- Paralysis
How Long Do I Have to File a Lyft Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit. In New York, you have up to three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. While there are a few exceptions that extend this period, claims filed after three years are likely to be denied, eliminating your opportunity to pursue compensation.
It’s important to speak with a Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to give them sufficient time to build a compelling case.
What To Do After a Lyft Accident in New York
Your actions immediately following a Lyft car accident can significantly affect your health and financial well-being. Taking the following steps will protect you and your right to compensation:
- See if you or others involved exhibit any signs of injuries, and call 911 if needed.
- Contact the police to report the accident and injuries.
- Document the accident scene to gather evidence through pictures and videos of your injuries, road conditions, license plates, and anything else that might be relevant.
- Gather contact and insurance details of everyone involved in the accident, including any eyewitnesses.
- Report the accident to Lyft through its app by selecting the trip, tapping “Get Help,” choosing the “Accident” option, and providing the necessary details.
- Seek a medical evaluation to safeguard your health and obtain medical records, which are crucial when calculating your damages.
- Contact Shulman & Hill and speak to one of our award-winning Lyft accident attorneys.
- Reach out to your auto or health insurance company if necessary to get clarification on how their policies apply to your situation.
Rely on the Experienced Lyft Accident Lawyers at Shulman & Hill
Whether you’re a Lyft passenger, another motorist, a cyclist, a motorcycle rider, or a pedestrian, you deserve justice after getting hurt in a Lyft accident. The knowledgeable New York Lyft accident lawyers at Shulman & Hill are ready to help you when you need us the most. We provide exceptional legal service so you can focus on your recovery.
Start with a free consultation with our skilled attorneys, who will evaluate your case and determine the best way forward. Contact us today by calling 212-221-1000 or filling out our online form.