The popularity of rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft has grown exponentially recently. In 2021, there were over 6.9 billion Uber rides taken worldwide. However, with new technology and growth come new challenges. According to a University of Chicago study, rideshare services have led to an estimated 3 percent rise in the number of motor vehicle fatalities and fatal accidents.
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Uber and Lyft accident lawyers who have experience in handling rideshare accident cases. At Kucher Law Group, our Brooklyn Lyft accident lawyers can diligently investigate your case, gather evidence, and work tirelessly to build a strong claim on your behalf. We may be able to negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected. Schedule a consultation today at (929) 563-6780 for a free consultation.
What Are Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
If you have been in a rideshare accident, you probably have many questions. What are your legal rights? Can you file a lawsuit against one or either of these companies? If you are the victim of an accident, you always have the right to make legal claims. You may also be entitled to damages.
Damages Could Help With:
• Medical bills
• The loss of ability to earn income
• Loss of wages
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death
Usually, you can file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft if you were injured in an accident caused by one of their drivers. This is true for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. Depending on your case, you could be entitled to significant compensation and awarded damages. With that being said, many factors will play a role in determining how liability and fault are distributed. You can also recover against Uber or Lyft if you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and they were not at fault for the accident. In those instances, if the vehicle at fault does not have enough insurance to pay for your injuries then you can recover additional compensation from Uber or Lyft.
As a victim, your best course of action may involve hiring a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will represent your interests with the insurance companies. Moreover, your lawyer can help you build a solid case against a corporation such as Uber or Lyft.
Uber & Lyft Accident Causes & Injuries
Unfortunately, rideshare accidents have been on the rise in recent years. With these accidents, certain injuries are often seen. This is because Uber and Lyft accidents often involve distracted driving and negligence.
Common Uber & Lyft Accident Causes:
• Distractions on the road
• Texting or phone use while driving
• Sudden stops
• Unfamiliarity with new neighborhoods
• Intoxication/ DUI
• Vehicle malfunctions or poorly maintained vehicles
• Poor visibility at night
• Inclement weather
Common Injuries:
• Whiplash
• Spinal Injuries
• Head Trauma
• Broken Bones
• Bruises
• Lacerations
• Internal Injuries
Uber Passenger Accident Settlement Amounts
While a specific settlement amount cannot be guaranteed due to the significant variations in accident cases, a common approach is looking into the specific damages the injured party incurred as a result of the accident.
The settlement amount you may receive is contingent upon several factors, including:
- Medical Treatment: The cost of your medical expenses related to the accident.
- Property Damage: The value of any property damaged or lost in the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost due to the accident and resulting injuries.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: In personal injury cases involving severe injuries, the potential impact on your ability to earn income in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Significant if you are seeking legal recourse for the untimely passing of a beloved family member.
- Punitive Damages: If the conduct or negligence of a rideshare driver was exceptionally egregious, additional damages may be awarded.
In general, more severe injuries tend to result in larger settlements. For instance, there have been Uber accident claims that settled between $500,000 and $1 million. These cases involved accident victims who experienced disabilities or severe mental trauma due to the incident. Injuries such as severe fractures, brain injuries, nerve damage, or wrongful death were present in those cases.
However, even if you have suffered soft tissue injuries like whiplash, strains, or sprains, it is important to acknowledge the disruption to your life, work, finances, and overall enjoyment. While such settlements may not reach multi-million-dollar figures, they are still significant in addressing the impact of the accident on your well-being.
If you or someone you are familiar with has experienced an Uber passenger accident and you’re looking for information regarding settlement amounts, it is recommended to consult a Brooklyn personal injury attorney. Kucher Law Group is ready to assess the situation, gather essential evidence, and support you to secure a settlement. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case.
| Settlement Factors | Description |
|---|---|
| Medical Treatment | Covers the cost of medical expenses related to the accident. |
| Property Damage | Represents the value of any property damaged or lost in the accident. |
| Lost Wages | Compensates for the income lost due to the accident and resulting injuries. |
| Diminished Earning Capacity | Accounts for the potential impact on your ability to earn income in the future. |
| Pain and Suffering | Provides compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. |
| Emotional Distress | Significant if seeking legal recourse for the untimely passing of a beloved family member. |
| Punitive Damages | Additional damages that may be awarded if the driver’s conduct or negligence was exceptionally egregious. |
Do Rideshare Companies Have Insurance?
Yes, rideshare drivers and companies are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. In NYC, $1 million in liability coverage may be required. Outside of New York City in other areas of the state, this amount can be as high as $1.25 million. These policies are in place to provide coverage for anyone injured in a collision. Insurance laws vary from state to state. Contact one of our attorneys for a full rundown of New York’s minimum insurance laws. We can schedule a case consultation for you right away.
What are the Most Common Reasons Uber or Lyft are Sued?
Negligence is the primary reason that lawsuits are filed against Lyft or Uber. Uber and Lyft drivers may be financially motivated by delivering and picking up passengers expediently. This can lead to a lack of care and negligence on the road.
Proving negligence can be complex. An attorney can assist you as you proceed with filing claims and building your lawsuit. For instance, your attorney would be able to uncover whether the driver at fault had a history of reckless driving, drunk driving, or traffic offenses.
There could also be negligence on the part of Uber or Lyft. How well were drivers trained? Were all drivers screened thoroughly before the start of their employment? These are important questions that may impact your case outcome.
Other Factors to Consider
If you were injured due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation and damages. Whether you were a bicyclist, driver, motorcyclist, on-foot pedestrian, or passenger, you have legal rights in New York. If your injuries meet the legal requirements and severity levels to support a lawsuit, you could (and maybe should) consider suing for damages.
Hire a Skilled New York Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer! Call Now.
Every lawsuit is different. To find specific answers to your inquiries, we ordered you to call in one of our skilled personal injury attorneys right away. If your injuries meet New York state legal requirements in regard to severity, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Careless, negligent, and reckless drivers should be held accountable for their actions. Allow one of our New York personal injury Uber and Lyft accident lawyers to assist you now! We proudly serve clients in Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond. Contact us and schedule a consultation today at (929) 563-6780 for a free consultation.