It can be hard to remember a time without them, but ride-sharing services are still a relatively new concept. Lyft, one of the more popular options, has been around for less than a decade. Before they started back in 2012, people in densely populated urban areas like New York relied heavily on cars, trains, and busses to move about New York City.
Although ridesharing apps are a great method for getting around, they do not come without flaws. Like any other form of transportation, Lyfts have their own unique issues when it comes to following up after accidents.
Every time you call a Lyft in New York, it is important to be cautious of your surroundings. Although you are not the driver, you are putting your life in the hands of someone you have probably never met. As a result, it is important to be aware that the possibility of an accident is always there.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a New York Lyft accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for losses like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Shulman & Hill, our New York location specializes in personal injury cases like Lyft accidents. If you need assistance with filing a claim or any other aspect of a New York Lyft accident case, contact us as soon as you can.
New York Lyft Accidents: The Aftermath
If you are ever involved in a New York Lyft accident, there is a very good chance you will be left with injuries that require some form of medical treatment. There is also a good chance you have not prepared to pay for unexpected medical bills for such treatment.
Be aware that your injuries may also limit your ability to work. Until you have fully recovered, you might find yourself unable to earn a paycheck.
Your losses also may not be strictly financial in nature. You may have to endure physical and mental pain during your recovery. If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you could also face emotional struggles. Your injuries might even prevent you from fulfilling your role as spouse, parent, and more.
You may be entitled to compensation accordingly. Optimize your chances of collecting the full amount of compensation to which you may be entitled by enlisting the help of a personal injury law firm in New York.
New York Lyft Accident Cases: Essential Information
Ridesharing services have made getting around New York (and New York City especially) easier than ever. That being said, the convenience of these services comes at a price. Experts have found that ridesharing services have contributed to an increase in traffic accidents in recent years.
There is a natural and simple explanation for this. Ultimately, ridesharing services have put more cars on the road. In theory, more traffic often equates to an increased likelihood of an accident occurring. This is particularly true in an area like New York, which was already one of the most densely populated areas in the country before Lyft and other apps existed.
Potential Causes of New York Lyft Accidents
New York Lyft accidents can occur due to a number of reasons. They include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Sleep-deprived driving
- Hazardous road conditions
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Vehicle defects and/or lack of proper vehicle maintenance
- Aggressive driving
Regardless of what causes your particular Lyft accident, you may sustain injuries that could drain your bank account immensely. Paying for unexpected bills is difficult for most people. It becomes even more difficult if you are unable to return to work until you fully recover from your injuries. You may not be able to earn a paycheck if your injuries keep you away from work for several weeks—or even months. In worst-case scenarios, you may not be able to return to work ever again.
Seeking Compensation After a New York Lyft Accident
Initially, representing yourself in a New York Lyft accident case seems like it might be a great way to ensure that you receive maximum compensation. Unfortunately, the opposite is often the case. Due to their extensive knowledge of the law, a personal injury lawyer in New York will likely increase your chances of receiving compensation. Lawyers of this caliber capable of achieving results are exactly what you will find at Shulman & Hill. Review your case with a New York Lyft accident attorney to learn more about your options. In fact, we currently offer free consultations.
In New York City, ridesharing services like Lyft must have insurance that allows injured victims to seek compensation for their losses. You can begin the process of pursuing compensation by filing a claim against Lyft’s insurance.
If you were involved in an accident with a Lyft driver that had not yet accepted a passenger, you can seek compensation via a limited policy. Coverage includes:
- $50,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $100,000 bodily injury coverage for the accident
- $25,000 property damage coverage per accident
When you are involved in a New York Lyft accident with a driver who has accepted a passenger, the full policy applies. It includes:
- $1 million third-party auto liability
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
- Collision coverage up to the damaged vehicles’ maximum value (with a $2,500 deductible)
No matter the situation, it is generally a good idea to hire a Lyft accident lawyer in New York before filing a claim against any insurance—whether it be Lyft’s or the driver’s. We can help you pursue compensation in the following essential ways:
Investigating the Accident
The process of seeking compensation usually starts by filing a claim against Lyft. However, depending on a wide array of factors, the amount of compensation you receive (or do not receive) from Lyft may not be enough to account for all of your losses.
If a third party’s negligence comes into play, you may want to consider filing an additional claim against them. For instance, if the particular vehicle involved should have been recalled due to break issues and was not, the blame would likely fall on the auto manufacturer themselves.
Estimating a Claim
Every case is different. Various factors contribute to the overall value of your claim. You do not want to collect less than you are capable of just because you were unaware of how to account for your losses. Our New York Lyft accident attorneys can thoroughly review the significant details of your accident to accurately determine how to press on.
Negotiating
Like many other businesses, an insurance company’s goal is to protect its bottom line. A company responsible for compensating you after a New York Lyft accident may strive to pay out as little as possible.
Why Choose Shulman & Hill?
Since Shulman & Hill was founded in 2013, we have helped happy clients attain settlements or awards totaling tens of millions of dollars. Our lawyers hold themselves to the highest standards of New York law.
If you have been injured on the job, do not wait. Give our injury lawyers a call today and we can help you seek compensation.