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We are conveniently located 0.3 miles from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Emergency Room. If you or a loved one has been injured, turn to Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C.. Click below to get walking directions. Our attorneys are prepared and ready to help you.
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Taxi & Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Queens, NY
Differences in Taxi and Rideshare Accidents
At Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C., we can help you whether you were injured in a taxi, uber, lyft, or with a different rideshare company
Rideshare and taxi accident cases differ significantly due to the varying operational and insurance frameworks governing each service. Taxis are typically regulated by local authorities and are required to have commercial insurance policies that cover drivers, passengers, and third parties at all times during operation. This makes dealing with taxi accident claims somewhat straightforward in terms of insurance coverage.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, however, use a tiered insurance system, which is detailed further on this page, that depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. This can complicate claims, as the coverage depends on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or had a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Furthermore, rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, which can impact liability and the pursuit of damages. Rideshare accident cases often require a nuanced understanding of digital data logs from the rideshare company, which can prove critical in establishing the driver's status during the time of the accident.
In both types of cases, having legal representation from a firm familiar with the specific laws and regulations, like Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C., is crucial. We can help navigate the legal complexities, deal with insurance companies, and ensure that all potential sources of compensation are fully explored. Click here for a FREE consultation with an attorney
Passengers Injured in Rideshare or Taxi Accidents
If you've been injured as a passenger in a rideshare or taxi accident in Queens, NY, Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C. is here to assist you in navigating the complexities of your legal rights and insurance claims. Our experienced attorneys understand the specific laws and insurance regulations that govern rideshare and taxi services in New York City. We are committed to ensuring that you receive full compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Trust us to handle your case with the utmost care and professionalism, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we fight for the justice you deserve.
Rideshare & Taxi Drivers Injured in an Accident in Queens
Rideshare and taxi drivers face unique challenges when injured in an accident, especially when navigating through insurance claims and potential disputes over coverage. At Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C., we specialize in representing drivers who have encountered these difficulties in Queens, NY. Our expertise extends to cases where standard insurance coverage may fall short, such as when drivers are between rides or when the app is turned off.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage: It's crucial for rideshare and taxi drivers to understand their insurance policies, which can vary significantly based on whether the app is active, a ride has been accepted, or a passenger is in the vehicle. Our legal team can help clarify these distinctions and advocate for your rights under both your personal insurance and the additional coverage provided by your employer. Please see blow for a more detailed breakdown on how the Uber and Lyft insurance coverage works based on driving periods.
Seeking Compensation Beyond Insurance: If your insurance or the rideshare company's coverage is insufficient to cover all damages and medical expenses, Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C. can help you explore additional legal avenues for compensation. We can assist in filing a lawsuit against responsible parties, including third-party drivers and vehicle manufacturers, if necessary.
Support Throughout the Process: We understand the stress and financial strain that an accident can cause for drivers who rely on their vehicles for income. Our attorneys provide comprehensive support throughout the legal process, from initial consultations to final settlements or court proceedings, ensuring that you are not alone in this challenging time.
Uber and Lyft's Insurance Coverage by Driving Periods
Uber and Lyft categorize driver activities into four periods, each with different insurance coverage levels:
Period 0: The app is off. No rideshare coverage applies. Any accidents are handled like regular car accidents under the driver’s personal insurance.
Period 1: The app is on, but no ride has been accepted yet. Coverage includes:
Period 3: The passenger is in the vehicle. Coverage continues at up to $1 million for accidents.
The $1 million coverage is crucial as it protects passengers in the vehicle and third parties if an accident occurs while the driver is actively engaged in a rideshare trip, either en route to pick up a passenger or during the trip itself. However, if an accident happens during Period 1 when the driver is available but has not yet accepted a ride, the coverage limits are lower.
Frequent Questions About Rideshare & Taxi Accidents in New York City
What Should I Do If I Was in a Taxi Accident in New York City?
If you are involved in a taxi accident in New York City, taking the right steps can significantly impact the outcome of any claims or legal actions you might pursue. Firstly, ensure your safety and that of others: check for injuries and call 911 if medical attention is needed. It's crucial to document the scene; take photos of the accident, including all vehicles involved, any visible damages, and the surrounding area. Collect contact and insurance information from the driver and any witnesses. Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report, as it's an essential document for insurance and legal processes.
Additionally, it's important to seek medical attention even if you feel fine initially, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to shock and adrenaline.
Who Is Liable for Damages After A Rideshare Accident?
Liability in rideshare accidents can be multifaceted, involving the rideshare driver's personal insurance, followed by the rideshare company's insurance once personal limits are exceeded. However, other parties may also hold responsibility under New York's comparative negligence rules. This can include other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or even manufacturers if equipment failure contributed to the accident. Our skilled attorneys at Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C. are adept at identifying all liable parties to maximize your compensation under the law.
Can I Sue If I Was Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in New York State?
Yes, you can sue if you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in New York State, but the specifics of your legal rights and whom you can sue depend on several factors related to the accident scenario. New York law allows for lawsuits against responsible parties in cases of negligence that result in personal injury.
In the context of rideshare accidents, the following considerations are key:
- Driver’s Status: The liability in an Uber or Lyft accident can depend on the driver’s status with the app at the time of the accident. If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, which includes third-party liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the driver was available but had not yet accepted a ride request, coverage might be limited.
- Multiple Parties: In rideshare accidents, multiple parties could potentially be liable. This includes the rideshare driver, other drivers involved in the accident, the rideshare company, and even vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers if vehicle faults contributed to the accident.
- Comparative Negligence: New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you were partially at fault in the accident, any compensation awarded could be reduced by your percentage of fault. This does not bar you from suing, but it can affect the total compensation you might receive.
-Direct Lawsuit Against Rideshare Companies: Suing the rideshare company directly can be challenging due to the classification of drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, given certain conditions such as negligence in hiring practices or inadequate safety measures, the company itself can be held liable.
- Legal Representation: Because of the complexities involved in such cases, working with a personal injury attorney who has experience in rideshare accidents is crucial. They can help determine all potential sources of liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve.
What To Expect From Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C.
From our office in the Richmond Hill neighborhood of Queens, NY, we represent all motor vehicle accident victims, whether you were injured in a taxi or a rideshare vehicle. Call 718-521-6874 or use our online contact form to schedule a FREE consultation.