Did you suffer an injury in a Lyft accident due to someone else’s negligence? At Levine And Wiss, we understand how overwhelming and life-altering an accident like this can be, but the good news is you’re not alone—we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.As your New York City Lyft accident lawyer, you can trust us to keep your interests in mind at all times and advocate for your right to pursue compensation. We have represented people just like you for 15 years and counting. With over 100 years of combined experience, our lawyers have helped thousands of personal injury victims recover hundreds of millions of dollars. By retaining us as your New York City rideshare accident lawyer, you can rest assured that legal professionals are on your side.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage in New York
Lyft offers insurance coverage to its drivers and passengers, but the coverage varies depending on whether the driver is logged into the app and actively accepting ride requests. Your New York City car accident lawyer can help you understand the details of Lyft’s insurance coverage and clarify who is responsible for paying for your injuries—as well as any other damages—after an accident. In the meantime, here’s how Lyft’s insurance coverage works in general.
When the Lyft App Is Off and the Driver Is Not Logged in
If a Lyft driver is neither logged into the app nor actively looking for a ride, their personal car insurance would be the primary coverage in case of an accident. In this situation, Lyft’s insurance policy would not apply.
When the Lyft App Is On and the Driver Is Waiting for a Ride Request
If the Lyft driver is logged into the app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride, Lyft provides liability coverage, which includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Our New York City personal injury lawyers have discovered that this coverage may be insufficient to cover all damages in serious accidents, especially if the victim has sustained significant injuries or if multiple people were involved in the accident.
After the Driver Has Accepted a Ride Request
Once a Lyft driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up a passenger, Lyft often provides even more coverage. Here’s what Lyft’s insurance policy during this phase includes:
- $1 million for bodily injury and property damage
- $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
This higher level of insurance applies while the driver is transporting passengers, ensuring more substantial protection for victims involved in accidents at this stage.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in New York City
New York City’s dense population and heavy traffic conditions create an environment where accidents are more likely to happen. When it comes to Lyft accidents, several common factors contribute to collisions on the roads, including:
- Distracted driving: Lyft drivers are prone to becoming distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or the Lyft app itself while on the road. This heightened risk of distraction can lead to accidents as drivers may fail to pay attention to traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
- Aggressive driving: In the fast-paced environment of New York City, some Lyft drivers may engage in aggressive driving behaviors to meet their ride deadlines or avoid traffic. Speeding, tailgating, or cutting off other drivers are behaviors that can lead to collisions.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: As independent contractors, Lyft drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. If a vehicle is not properly maintained, it can face mechanical failures or malfunctions, leading to a crash.
- Driving under the influence: While Lyft has strict policies against driving under the influence, there are occasions when a driver may operate the vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This significantly increases the likelihood of a collision.
- Fatigue: Driving for extended hours—especially in a busy city like New York—can lead to driver fatigue. Fatigue impairs a driver’s reaction time, decision-making, and overall ability to operate the vehicle safely, which all contribute to an increase in accidents.
New York City Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me
888-468-4878Types of Injuries in Lyft Accidents
The types of injuries that result from Lyft accidents can vary greatly depending on the nature of the collision. However, some injuries are more common in ridesharing accidents due to the way these vehicles interact with traffic and other road users.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury sustained in rear-end collisions, and it can occur when a vehicle is struck from behind. It results in neck and back pain, stiffness, or headaches—if not all of the above. In some cases, whiplash symptoms can persist for weeks or even months after the accident.
- Head injuries: Depending on the severity of the collision, head injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries often have lasting consequences, including cognitive impairment, memory loss, and changes in mood or behavior.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are severe injuries that can result from a car accident. They can lead to partial or complete paralysis, which may require ongoing medical care and support.
- Broken bones and fractures: Accidents often result in broken bones, particularly in high-impact collisions. These fractures may require surgery and long recovery periods, and they can cause permanent mobility issues or chronic pain.
- Soft tissue injuries: In addition to whiplash, other soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains can occur in a Lyft accident. These injuries typically affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing pain and limiting movement.
- Emotional and psychological injuries: In addition to physical injuries, Lyft accident victims may also suffer from emotional and psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional injuries can have long-term impacts on the victim’s quality of life.
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Reach Out to Our Lyft Accident Law Firm in New York City Today
Lyft accidents can have a profound impact on your life, both physically and emotionally. When someone else’s negligence causes you harm, it can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through such a challenging time alone.If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. At Levine And Wiss, our team of New York City Lyft accident lawyers is here to help you understand your legal options. Let us help you take action against those responsible for your injuries. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on holding the negligent parties accountable and seeking justice. Call us now to schedule a consultation and start your path toward recovery.
