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Taxi & Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Queens, NY
Accidents involving taxis and rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft can leave victims dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical expenses, and confusing insurance claims. If you were injured in a rideshare or taxi accident in Queens, NY, you need an experienced attorney who understands the unique legal challenges of these cases. At Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C., we fight to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation available under the law. Contact our Queens rideshare accident lawyers here or call us at 332-264-5169.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way people travel, but they have also introduced legal complexities when accidents occur. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, determining liability can be challenging due to the tiered insurance policies that apply at different stages of a ride. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Queens have extensive experience handling these cases and can help you navigate the claims process to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Taxi Accidents
Taxis have long been a reliable mode of transportation in Queens, but when accidents happen, victims must deal with commercial insurance providers that may attempt to minimize payouts. Unlike rideshare companies, taxi operators are subject to strict regulations, including required insurance coverage for passengers and third parties. Our Queens taxi accident attorneys are well-versed in taxi accident claims and will fight to hold negligent drivers and taxi companies accountable.
Legal Differences Between Rideshare & Taxi Accidents
While both taxis and rideshares provide transportation, the legal aspects of accident claims differ significantly. Taxi drivers operate under commercial licenses and must carry specific insurance policies, which typically provide clear coverage for accidents. Rideshare drivers, on the other hand, are classified as independent contractors, and their insurance coverage depends on whether they were logged into the app, on their way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone.
Because of these differences, it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney who understands the nuances of both types of claims. At Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C., we analyze every detail of your case to determine the best legal strategy and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers and Taxi Accident Lawyers Help in These Cases
Whether you were injured as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian in a rideshare or taxi accident, our attorneys provide comprehensive legal support, including:
- Investigating the accident to determine fault and liability
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation
- Filing personal injury lawsuits when necessary
- Advocating for maximum recovery of medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering
What to Do After a Taxi or Rideshare Accident in Queens
If you have been involved in an accident, taking the right steps can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation:
- Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention
- Gather driver and witness contact information
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
- Request a copy of the police report
- Consult with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies
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.
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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.
Contact a Queens Rideshare Accident Lawyer or Taxi Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a rideshare or taxi accident, you need a dedicated legal team to protect your rights. Contact us at Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C. in Queens, NY to schedule your free initial consultation or call 332-264-5169 today.