Uber and Lyft accidents are a common occurrence in Binghamton. We expect that rideshare drivers will transport passengers with care. Unfortunately, many Uber and Lyft accidents are caused by Uber and Lyft drivers’ negligent acts.
Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may usually recover damages through rideshare companies’ insurance policies after a crash. Further, if you suffered a serious injury because of an Uber or Lyft accident, you can recover noneconomic damages for pain and suffering from the at-fault driver. An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help evaluate your case and determine your path to financial compensation.
If you were injured because of an Uber or Lyft accident, seek assistance from our experienced Binghamton Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents in Binghamton
Uber and Lyft crashes can stem from various causes. In some cases, Binghamton plaintiffs must prove that a driver caused or contributed to an accident in order to recover noneconomic damages or property damages related to the crash. Our Binghamton Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help prove that an accident was caused by any of the following forms of negligence:
Speeding
Speeding is a dangerous activity. Particularly during high-traffic periods, many drivers feel the need to travel at excessive speeds when they are in a hurry. Speeding drivers will have a difficult time reacting to cars, pedestrians, and traffic signals in their way. Therefore, speeding is a common cause of Uber and Lyft accidents in Binghamton.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another common cause of Uber and Lyft accidents. Drivers in Binghamton can be charged with reckless driving if they act in a way that unreasonably interferes with the proper use of a public road or act in a way that unreasonably endangers other motorists on a public road. For example, drivers engaged in drag racing on a public highway can be convicted of reckless driving.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is also a cause of many Uber and Lyft accidents in Binghamton. Drunk drivers will have impaired judgment and exhibit poor motor skills. Therefore, driving drunk is inherently dangerous. In certain cases, our Binghamton Uber and Lyft accident lawyers may help recover noneconomic damages and property damages from drunk drivers after a crash.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving refers to any distraction that takes a driver’s attention off the road. Distracted driving is a very common cause of Uber and Lyft accidents in Binghamton. The following are examples of activities that constitute distracted driving:
- Scrolling through social media while driving
- Texting while driving
- Talking on the phone while driving
- Adjusting the radio while driving
- Using a GPS while driving
- Talking to other passengers while driving
- Eating or drinking while driving
There are many other activities that may constitute distracted driving. Victims who suffer serious injuries or property damage because of Uber or Lyft accidents may recover compensation from distracted drivers.
Vehicle Defects
Some accidents are caused by a defective vehicle mechanism such as faulty brakes or malfunctioning engine components. In such cases, manufacturers can be held liable for serious injuries and property damages caused by their defective products. Our Binghamton Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help recover compensation from a defective product’s manufacturer.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs
Drivers who run red lights and stop signs are at high risk of causing collisions. Accordingly, drivers who fail to obey traffic signals and signs can be held liable for noneconomic damages and property damages after some Uber and Lyft accidents.
Other Traffic Violations
Drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel and obey traffic laws. Drivers who commit other traffic violations are also a common cause of Uber and Lyft accidents in Binghamton. The following are examples of other traffic violations that frequently lead to Uber and Lyft crashes:
- Failing to use turn signals
- Wrong-way driving
- Failing to yield right of way
- Tailgating
- Illegal passing
- Improper lane changes
Our Binghamton Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help gather evidence to establish that a crash occurred because another driver committed a traffic violation.
Can You Sue Uber and Lyft After a Crash in Binghamton?
Uber and Lyft are classified as independent contractors, opposed to standard employers. Accordingly, they usually cannot be held liable for the actions of their drivers.
Only in very rare circumstances may claims be filed against Uber or Lyft directly after an accident. For example, rideshare companies that engaged in negligent hiring practices can be held liable for damages their drivers cause. If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare driver, our Binghamton Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can evaluate the legal options available to you during a free case review.
Filing Insurance Claims After Uber & Lyft Accidents in Binghamton
Uber and Lyft both carry insurance policies to cover damages caused by accidents involving their drivers. Passengers and pedestrians injured because of Uber and Lyft accidents may recover economic damages from rideshare companies’ insurance policies. Our Binghamton Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can assist victims when filing their insurance claim.
However, other drivers will typically have to file claims with their own insurer after suffering an Uber or Lyft accident. New York is a no-fault car insurance state, which means injured motorists generally must recover damages from their own insurance policy after crashes. Only when serious injuries occur may claims be made against other, at-fault drivers. Property damage, however, is not governed by no-fault insurance laws. Our experienced Binghamton Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help motorists recover property damages from rideshare drivers after crashes.
If You Were Injured Because of an Uber or Lyft Accident in Binghamton, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured because of an Uber or Lyft accident, get help recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Binghamton Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.