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Although you may be quick to assume that Uber and Lyft are safe and affordable means of transportation, they are not immune to accidents on the road. If you were injured while using one of these ridesharing services, it is important that you are versed in the liability coverage that you may be eligible for. Read on to discover how a seasoned Buffalo Uber/Lyft accident lawyer at Ramos & Ramos can help you retain financial compensation.
How do Uber/Lyft accidents happen in New York state?
Uber/Lyft accidents are no different than any other auto accident that occurs on the New York roads. Sometimes, the cause of such accidents is unsafe road conditions or hazardous local weather conditions. However, most of the time, such accidents are caused by the negligence of either the rideshare driver or the other party. Common examples of driver negligence read as follows:
- Ignoring traffic lights and signs.
- Driving over the speed limit.
- Distracted driving, which includes texting or looking at a GPS.
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued, which causes slowed reflexes in response to road hazards.
- Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, which causes decreased decision-making abilities.
How does the Uber/Lyft accident liability coverage work in New York State?
New York state recognizes Uber/Lyft’s liability coverage system to help those who have been wrongfully injured in a rideshare accident. So, you can receive the following amounts of compensation if you fall under any of the following periods:
- Period 0: when an Uber/Lyft driver is not yet logged into the rideshare app and causes an accident, the company will likely not provide liability coverage. So, you will have to sue the driver’s insurance directly. However, later on, you may realize that the company is liable for your accident, regardless of whether your driver was logged into the app.
- Period 1: when an Uber/Lyft driver has logged into the rideshare app but has not accepted a ride and causes an accident. The company will likely provide liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and/or $25,000 property damage liability.
- Period 2: when you were injured in an accident caused by an Uber/Lyft driver who has accepted a ride and was en route to pick up the person. The company’s liability coverage will increase to up to $1 million.
- Period 3: when an Uber/Lyft driver causes an accident while you are in their car. The company will likely provide you with up to $1 million in liability coverage, and the driver with limited coverage for their car and uninsured motorists’ coverage.
If you are ready to receive the compensation that you deserve, contact a knowledgeable Buffalo auto accident lawyer today.
Contact Our Experienced New York Firm
If you require legal representation for matters of personal injury in New York, contact Ramos & Ramos. Whether you were injured in an auto accident, a slip and fall, or under any other circumstances, we’re here to help.
