Yonkers Rideshare Accident Lawyer
A sudden crash on the busy streets of Yonkers can turn an ordinary rideshare trip into a new normal. Whether commuting to work or heading out to enjoy the vibrant Hudson Riverfront, an Uber or Lyft accident can leave you with injuries, mounting medical bills, and countless questions about your next steps. In these moments, having a trusted guide to help you make sense of it all can make a real difference.
That’s where Greenspan & Greenspan steps in. We have decades of experience standing up for accident victims. If you need a Yonkers rideshare accident lawyer, our team is here to provide the legal support you need to recover the compensation you deserve.
What to Know About Rideshare Accidents in Yonkers
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer convenience and affordability, but accidents involving these vehicles can present complex legal challenges. Victims may include passengers injured during a ride, pedestrians or cyclists struck by a rideshare vehicle, and even other motorists caught in a collision.
Establishing liability in these cases requires a detailed investigation because rideshare accidents usually involve multiple parties and overlapping insurance policies. An experienced Yonkers Uber accident lawyer can cut through this complex web, safeguarding your rights while pursuing a fair settlement or verdict.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident to Maximize Your Claim
Taking the following steps after a rideshare accident can strengthen your claim:
- Prioritize your health. Symptoms of serious injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, often appear hours or days later. Getting prompt medical care protects your health and creates essential documentation for your claim.
- Report the accident. Notify the police and get a copy of the accident report. You should also report the incident through the Uber or Lyft app.
- Document everything. Capture the scene with photos or videos showing vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchanging contact information with the driver and witnesses helps to strengthen your case.
Each step lays the groundwork for a successful claim and ensures you are prepared to address any challenges. Contact our Yonkers Lyft accident lawyer to take the first steps toward protecting your interests.
The Rights of Rideshare Accident Victims in Yonkers
If you’ve suffered an injury in a rideshare accident, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your damages, including:
- Coverage for medical expenses, whether immediate emergency care or long-term treatments essential to your recovery;
- Lost wages from time away from work, ensuring your financial stability while you heal;
- Compensation for pain and suffering, addressing the accident’s physical and emotional toll; and
- The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as a vehicle or personal belongings, after the collision.
Even pedestrians and cyclists injured by a rideshare vehicle have specific protections under New York law, regardless of whether they were using the service at the time of the accident. By working with an experienced attorney, you can fully understand these rights and build a strong case to recover the compensation you deserve.
How New York Handles Rideshare Accident Claims in Yonkers
New York law has specific guidelines for rideshare operations that affect how you manage an accident claim. The following are some essential rules and regulations.
Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Drivers
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft must provide different levels of insurance coverage based on the driver’s activity:
- Offline. When the driver is not logged into the app, their personal car insurance applies.
- The app is active, but no passenger. Rideshare companies provide contingent liability coverage of $75,000 per person, $150,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- A passenger is onboard. Coverage increases significantly to $1.25 million for liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection when the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle.
Knowing the status of the rideshare driver can significantly impact the role insurance plays in your claim.
Special Cases: Taxi Drivers Using Rideshare Platforms
Some rideshare drivers in Yonkers also own or operate taxis under multiple commercial licenses. These cases can involve overlapping insurance policies and added complexity. Working with a seasoned Yonkers Lyft accident lawyer ensures you can pursue all potential sources of compensation.
Statute of Limitations
You usually have three years from the accident date in New York to file a personal injury claim. In cases involving a government-owned vehicle, like a Bee-Line bus or Yonkers agency vehicle, you must file a claim within 90 days.
Why You Need a Yonkers Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accidents present distinct legal and practical difficulties. A knowledgeable Yonkers rideshare accident attorney has the skills to handle these challenges successfully. A few ways an attorney can help include:
- Identifying all liable parties, from the rideshare driver and company to third-party drivers or vehicle manufacturers;
- Ensuring your claim is valued correctly so that an insurer does not attempt to minimize your payout;
- Filing necessary documentation in adherence to deadlines and regulations if your claim involves a government entity or commercial driver; and
- Pursuing every avenue to maximize your compensation, covering economic and noneconomic damages.
Having an experienced advocate by your side ensures the precise and careful handling of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Your Path to Justice Starts Here
Greenspan & Greenspan have been fighting for accident victims since 1959. Our decades of experience and commitment to client care mean you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Recover Compensation If the Rideshare Driver Wasn’t Logged into the App?
Yes. The driver’s auto insurance would apply in such cases. Filing a claim or lawsuit would typically involve negotiating with their insurer.
Are Uber and Lyft Directly Liable for Accidents Caused by Their Drivers?
Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, which limits the companies’ direct liability. However, their mandatory commercial insurance policies often cover injuries and damages.
Can I File a Claim If the Rideshare Driver Was Not at Fault for the Accident?
You can still file a claim if another party, such as a third-party driver or a vehicle manufacturer, was responsible for the accident. Rideshare companies also cover passengers injured during a trip, regardless of who caused the accident.
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