New York City Uber Accident Lawyer
Let’s face it, technology has taken over and revolutionized almost every aspect of everyday living. New York City in particular is flooded with new innovations in technology that improves the productivity, efficiency, and availability in the lives of every business owner, professional, and even the average Joe. The wheel of new technological insights continues to spin and shape the city.
One of the major areas where technology has made its mark in New York City has been the rise of “app” or application-based “ridesharing;” the prominent players include “Uber” and “Lyft.” Companies like Uber and Lyft offer ridesharing services for their users, and operate through the use of smartphone apps. Essentially, anyone with a smartphone can download these ridesharing mobile apps onto their smartphone and request a driver with a car to appear at their front door. The driver then picks the person up and takes them to their requested destination. Once the driver drops their passenger off, the driver then logs their trip into the app. The entire fare is processed through the app itself as the passenger’s credit card information is secured in the app, and the driver is usually compensated at a rate of about 80 percent of the total fare. This process eliminates the need for cash, securely stores the passenger’s credit card information, and is more efficient. This new technology in ridesharing is really innovative and provides for a whole new level of convenience and efficiency for car service passengers.
The media and advertising companies have been promoting these ride services as a new stylish way of traveling around the city. With more and more people using smartphones, passengers are no longer standing on street corners waving their arms to hail cabs, and are opting to use their cellphones and the new apps to secure their rides across or downtown.
But with any new service, there are always other issues that arise from their use that need to be addressed.
How We Can Help
To ensure that your Uber accident or other ridesharing accident is successfully prosecuted, it is critical that you choose an experienced ridesharing lawyer in New York City. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we focus on representing ridesharing passengers who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents. We have used the apps ourselves, know how they work and function, and are familiar with what it takes to secure you the maximum compensation on your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we handle these cases.
When you need a lawyer, get the BIG GUNZ®
Regardless of how these ridesharing companies structure themselves, their drivers and vehicles are required to maintain adequate insurance coverage. Ridesharing companies transport millions of people and have become a popular form of transportation in New York City. Ridesharing accidents can cause devastating injuries to their drivers, their passengers and other people. These life-altering injuries, include broken bones, amputations, severe head and facial trauma, lacerations, burns and even death. We understand the destructive impact that a ridesharing accident can have on you and your family.
We are here to help you figure out how to pay your medical bills, cover your rent, and get better during this difficult time. Let us help you recover your:
- Medical expenses (present and future)
- Physical therapy/ rehabilitation expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity in case of a disability
- Pain and suffering and emotional trauma
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Who Is responsible When A Ridesharing Car Gets Into An Accident?
If you are riding in a New York City taxi, the owner and driver of the vehicle are generally responsible in event the taxi is involved in an accident. Ridesharing is different. These ridesharing companies lack accountability over their drivers and the owners of the vehicles used to transport their customers. Ridesharing companies treat their drivers as “independent contractors,” as such these drivers have immense freedom. The ridesharing companies claim that they lack sufficient supervision, oversight and control over these drivers and thus they have no responsibility over their negligent actions. Ridesharing companies tend to insulate themselves from liability as they claim that the drivers are working with them to promote their services, not for them.
Although ridesharing companies conduct background searches on their drivers, motor vehicle accidents occur every day. When you call a taxicab, you at least know that in New York City, the driver is an employee of a licensed taxi company and is fully insured for at least $100,000 for bodily injury. However, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with a ridesharing company, you are limited by whatever insurance coverage limits the vehicle’s owner and driver have available, and the ridesharing company has no liability to you. By structuring itself this way, the ridesharing companies reduce their overhead costs, limit their liability exposure, and keep their profits flowing in. Unfortunately, app users and ridesharing customers loss out with substantially reduced insurance coverage limits and protection from an unforeseen motor vehicle accident.
What Insurance Is Available In A Ridesharing Car?
We understand that it can be challenging to identify which insurance company is responsible in a ridesharing motor vehicle accident. Each rideshare company has different policies, but our job is to cut through the corporate red tape and help you get that information and secure fair and reasonable compensation for your case. Generally, the bigger ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have similar rules about insurance coverage:
- If an accident happens when the rideshare company’s mobile app is off, only the driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible. The company won’t cover any damages that happen when the app is off.
- If an accident happens when the rideshare company’s mobile app is on, the driver’s personal insurance and the company’s contingent liability coverage will potentially cover the accident.
- If an accident happens during the ride, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance may also apply.
Contact Us Today For Help
If you use a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft, Sidecar, Trees for Cars, Zimride, and RideScout, we are here to help you in the event you get into a ridesharing accident. If you or loved one was injured in a ridesharing accident, please contact us online or call us at 212-725-8500. Our initial consultation is free, and there are no legal fees unless we are successful. Let us be your ridesharing accident lawyer.
