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As Lyft accident attorneys, we can help you obtain the compensation that you deserve from Lyft, the driver, and other negligent third parties arising from the accident.
Lyft is a popular rideshare service in New York City, with millions of New Yorkers using it for daily transportation. It offers convenient and affordable rides through its mobile app, allowing riders to request a ride with just a few taps on their smartphone. Despite its convenience, accidents involving Lyft vehicles can occur, resulting in serious injuries to passengers, drivers, and third parties. Common causes of Lyft accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and traffic violations. Lyft accidents may also involve multiple vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. The complex nature of Lyft accidents can make it challenging to determine liability and obtain compensation.
The Law Offices of Albert Goodwin have a deep understanding of the legal complexities surrounding Lyft accidents and can help victims recover the compensation they deserve. We work tirelessly to investigate the accident, identify liable parties, and negotiate with insurance companies. With a track record of success, we are committed to protecting the rights of Lyft accident victims in New York City.
Determining financial responsibility after a Lyft accident
New York contributory negligence laws allow recovering compensation from anyone who contributed to the accident. Under New York's comparative fault system, multiple parties can be held liable for a Lyft accident. Each party's liability is determined based on their percentage of fault in causing the accident. Injured victims can seek compensation from any party who contributed to the accident, even if they were partially at fault themselves. The amount of compensation recovered may be reduced by the victim's own percentage of fault. Identifying all liable parties is crucial to maximizing the compensation available to Lyft accident victims.
Potentially liable parties include the Lyft driver, third-party drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, bus drivers, transit authorities, government agencies. Lyft drivers may be liable if their negligence, such as distracted driving or traffic violations, caused the accident. Third-party drivers of other vehicles can be liable if their actions contributed to the collision with the Lyft vehicle. Pedestrians and bicyclists may be partially liable if they suddenly entered the roadway or failed to follow traffic laws. Bus drivers and transit authorities can be held accountable if their negligence led to the Lyft accident. Government agencies may be liable if poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, or other infrastructure issues caused the accident.
The person who directly causes the crash may not be the one who pays compensation. In some cases, the party who directly caused the accident may not have sufficient insurance coverage or assets to fully compensate the victim. Other parties who contributed to the accident, even if they did not directly cause it, may be required to pay a portion of the compensation. For example, if a third-party driver runs a red light and collides with a Lyft vehicle, but the Lyft driver was also speeding, both parties may be liable. The victim can pursue compensation from both the third-party driver's insurance and Lyft's insurance policy. Identifying all liable parties helps ensure that the victim receives the maximum compensation possible.
Lyft maintains an insurance policy that may cover expenses. Lyft provides an insurance policy that can cover accident-related expenses in certain situations. The applicability and extent of coverage depend on the Lyft driver's status at the time of the accident. When the app is closed, the driver is only covered by their personal insurance policy. When the app is open and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Lyft provides contingent liability coverage with limits of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. When the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or is transporting a passenger, Lyft's full coverage is in effect, including liability coverage of at least $1 million per accident, contingent collision and comprehensive coverages up to the vehicle's actual cash value or repair costs (whichever is less), with a $2,500 deductible, and some first-party coverages.
Common causes of Lyft accidents
The common causes of Lyft accidents are:
- Distracted driving (texting, using smartphones, adjusting GPS, eating, drinking, grooming)
- Tailgating and failing to maintain proper following distance
- Unsafe lane changes (failing to signal, cutting off vehicles, not checking blind spots)
- Failure to yield right of way to pedestrians, oncoming traffic, or vehicles in roundabouts
- Traffic violations (running red lights/stop signs, speeding, illegal turns, improper parking)
- Fatigued driving (drowsiness, lack of rest breaks, slower reaction times)
- Speeding and aggressive driving (exceeding limits, driving too fast for conditions, road rage)
- Unfamiliarity with NYC traffic (difficulty navigating congested streets, confusion with road layouts)
- Vehicle and road defects (poor maintenance, mechanical failures, potholes, missing signs)
Types of compensation available
Lyft accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation for their injuries and losses. This compensation can include reimbursement for medical expenses related to the treatment of accident-related injuries, as well as coverage for future medical costs that may be necessary for ongoing care. Victims who miss work due to their injuries may also be able to recover lost wages, and those whose earning capacity is diminished due to the accident may be compensated for this loss. Physical therapy costs associated with rehabilitation and recovery can also be included in the compensation package. Property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement, may be covered as well. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress, can also be sought in a Lyft accident claim. In cases where a Lyft accident results in a fatality, the victim's family may be entitled to wrongful death damages.
New York personal injury statute of limitations
In New York, victims of Lyft accidents have a limited time to pursue legal action. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including Lyft accidents, is three years from the date of the incident. This means that injured parties must file a lawsuit within three years of the accident to preserve their right to seek compensation. If a lawsuit is not filed within the three-year window, the victim may lose their ability to recover damages through the court system. It is crucial for Lyft accident victims to be aware of this time limit and take action before the statute of limitations expires.
Consulting with an experienced Lyft accident attorney like us soon after the incident is essential for protecting the victim's rights. Evidence related to the accident, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and vehicle damage, can disappear or degrade over time. By speaking with us promptly, victims can ensure that critical evidence is preserved and strengthens their case. Prompt legal action also allows us to conduct thorough investigations while memories are fresh and witnesses are more easily located.
Lyft accident cases can be complex, involving multiple liable parties and complicated insurance coverage issues. Speaking with an experienced Lyft accident lawyer is essential for navigating these complexities and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. The Law Offices of Albert Goodwin offer free case reviews to help Lyft accident victims understand their rights and options. Call today for a free consultation with a skilled NYC Lyft accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. We represent Lyft accident victims throughout the state of New York, including all five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island), Long Island, and Upstate New York. You can call us at 212-233-1233 or send us an email at [email protected]. We are located in Midtown, Manhattan.
About the Author
Albert Goodwin Esq. is a licenced New York attorney with over 17 years of courtroom experience. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him well-qualified to write authoritative articles on a wide range of legal topics. He can be reached at 212-233-1233 or [email protected].
