New York Lyft Accident Lawyer

lyft accidents, Young woman walking on the street at night looking at her cellphone

When you get into a Lyft ride, you’re putting a lot of trust in a rideshare driver you don’t know. Most of the time, your Lyft driver will get you to your destination safely – but if they don’t, the consequences can be devastating.

Of course, it’s not just Lyft passengers that can be hurt in accidents. Perhaps you’re a Lyft driver – or a third party involved in an accident with a Lyft vehicle.

Whatever your circumstances, if you’ve been injured while using a rideshare app or in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, talk to us today. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to get the compensation you deserve.

How long do you have to pursue a claim after Lyft accidents?

As with other New York State personal injury damage claims, the filing periods can take a very short time period in some instances. And the only way to determine the time applicable for pursuing your damage claim is by getting in touch with us to discuss your particular situation with us.

Once you’ve determined your time applicable for pursuing your claim, it is better to start filling your lawsuit sooner rather than later for several good reasons:

The first is the extent of your bodily injury. It can take a medical professional several months to fully assess the impact of your injuries and the ongoing treatment you may need. The longer you take to begin your lawsuit, the greater the chance that you will not be compensated for the full extent of your injuries.

Secondly, there’s evidence to consider. The best Lyft accident attorneys understand that recording your memories and collecting evidence is best done sooner rather than later – adding strength to your claim and removing any doubt that insurance companies can otherwise capitalise on.

Why is it important that you seek compensation after a Lyft motor vehicle accident?

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Lyft accident, there are many reasons why talking to a Lyft rideshare accident lawyer should be at the top of your to-do list.

  • Medical bills: You should not have to foot the costs of medical treatments or physical therapy if you’ve been injured in a Long Island or New York Lyft accident.
  • Lost wages: Even slight injuries can result in time unable to work. If you’re not responsible, you shouldn’t be out of pocket.
  • Future medical treatment costs: Injuries can last a lifetime, so it’s important that your settlement reflects that.
  • Property damage: It’s not just your health that counts – any damage to your personal property should be taken into consideration too.
  • Pain and suffering: You should not be made to experience pain or suffer any kind of emotional distress because you’ve hailed a rideshare. Compensation needs to reflect your pain and upset.
  • Accountability: Companies and guilty parties don’t learn from ‘near misses’ – they learn when they have to face the consequences fair and square. By pursuing your case, you could help to prevent future Lyft accidents.

Of course, we can also help you to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one has lost their life as a result of a Lyft accident. No one should have to go through this – but if you find yourself in this position, you’ll be working with a passionate personal injury lawyer who will give your case the care and attention it deserves.

What kind of compensation can you expect from a Lyft insurance policy?

How insurance works for Lyft drivers is a little more complex than a private individual driving their own car.

Since a Lyft driver is an independent contractor, their status in their vehicle changes depending on whether they are available for hire, driving to or transporting a Lyft passenger, or off-the-clock.

To understand the insurance coverage and potential compensation available, it’s useful to understand these different scenarios:

Lyft app off

If the Lyft app is off, it means the driver is off-duty. In this instance, the Lyft insurance policy will not apply, and any claim will be brought against the driver and their own motor vehicle insurance.

Lyft app on-drive available

If the driver has the Lyft app turned on and is available to take passengers (but does not have Lyft passengers in the vehicle), then a limited version of Lyft insurance applies.

Coverage limits are:

  • $100,000 in bodily injury coverage for the entire accident
  • $25,000 per accident in overall property damage coverage

These values are in addition to any other insurance that could be called into force.

Lyft app on-driver has accepted a passenger

The Lyft insurance policy has significantly enhanced coverage if the driver has picked a Lyft passenger up or is on their way to collect a passenger.

  • Collision coverage for the actual value of the vehicles damaged
  • $1 million in third-party liability coverage
  • Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers

However, it’s worth noting that Lyft insurance only applies if the driver’s own insurance policy doesn’t cover your damages.

A Lyft accident can lead to serious injuries

There’s no doubt that rideshare drivers don’t set out to cause harm – but motor vehicle accidents are often responsible for extremely serious, often life-changing injuries. Even a moment’s lapse in concentration or poor judgment can lead to:

  • Brain and spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Burns
  • Paralysis
  • Neck and back injuries (including whiplash)
  • Concussions
  • Organ damage Soft tissue injuries
  • Loss of life

Whether or not your injuries heal with time is often just down to a roll of the dice. Hopefully, you’re lucky and your injuries get forgotten about quickly – but in many cases, the impact can stay with you for life, resulting in soaring medical bills.

Talk to us today to arrange a free legal consultation

If you’ve been injured after putting your trust in a rideshare company, you need an experienced Long Island Lyft Accident Lawyer on your side.

You may find that Lyft’s insurance company contacts you quickly – asking you to sign documents or accept a settlement. Even if you’re keen to get your unpleasant experience wrapped up, it’s vital that you speak to an experienced car accident law firm before you do.

At Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C., we pride ourselves on an outstanding attorney/client relationship. We’ll listen carefully and fight hard to make sure you get the justice you deserve. Contact our offices today to arrange a free consultation.

Miller, Montiel, & Strano, P.C. help clients with their Lyft accident claims throughout New York including Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, and Brooklyn.