Mariners Harbor Uber + Lyft Accident Lawyer
People are on the road every day, whether they are behind the wheel or a passenger. In Staten Island and much of the surrounding area, rideshare services like Lyft and Uber are extremely popular. Unfortunately, accidents with Ubers and Lyfts are known to happen, and passengers and other drivers are hurt. If this sounds like your current situation, an attorney can help you take legal action and get compensation.
In a car accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, the responsible parties often include the driver of the rideshare car and other drivers involved in the crash. Typically, the companies Uber and Lyft cannot be held vicariously liable, although there might still be ways we can hold them responsible. Damages might be quite high, as victims often incur large debts for things like medical bills. They may also experience more subjective injuries, like emotional distress or psychological trauma. To start your case, we must first examine your case against New York’s insurance laws regarding no-fault claims and car accidents. Generally, victims may initiate civil cases only if they have a “serious injury.”
Get a private, free case assessment by calling (718) 841-0083 and talking to our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers with The Carrion Law Firm.
Who You Can Hold Responsible for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Mariners Harbor
Responsibility for any car accident is not an easy question to answer. While we might believe that a certain person or people are responsible for your accident, those people might say otherwise. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers need some proof to back up your claims, and the evidence might indicate that one or more than one person or party is to blame for an accident with an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
The Driver
In many cases, the driver of the Lyft or Uber is responsible for the accident. These drivers are often distracted by the driving app on their phone, as the app must be open and active for the driver to be matched with riders. Drivers also might be more inclined to speed or drive recklessly in order to complete trips faster and earn more money. The driver should have personal auto insurance to help cover damages. They may also be covered by insurance through the rideshare company, depending on the circumstances.
Other Drivers
Sometimes, the rideshare driver is not the only one the blame for an accident. If other vehicles and drivers are involved in the accident, one of the other drivers might have contributed to the crash. For example, your Uber driver might have been speeding, but the other driver might have been on their phone texting, and both drivers’ negligence might have played a role in the accident. You may sue multiple drivers if we believe they are responsible.
Uber and Lyft
You might be tempted to file a case against the companies Uber or Lyft after a car accident. This might be harder to do than you realize. Typically, Uber and Lyft cannot be held vicariously responsible for accidents caused by their drivers because their drivers are not legally considered employees. Instead, drivers are independent contractors who work on their own terms. Principles of vicarious liability do not apply to independent contractors.
However, there might be other reasons to sue these companies. For example, suppose the driver in question had a history of causing accidents and the rideshare company they drove for knew about it but chose not to terminate them. In that case, you might be able to sue the rideshare company for negligent retention of the dangerous driver. Your best bet is to talk about your situation with your lawyer to determine if you have a claim against Lyft or Uber.
Damages Recoverable in Uber or Lyft Accident Cases in Mariners Harbor
A plaintiff’s damages represent how an accident cost them. While many of these costs are measured in dollars and cents, other losses and injuries are more subjective. Calculating damages can be challenging, as we must make sure our calculations are accurate. If they are not, you risk missing out on valuable financial compensation.
Economic Damages
The costs of an accident with an Uber or a Lyft can be staggering. Injured victims might need emergency medical care, and the cost of medical care is notoriously high. Even one trip to the hospital might be more than many can afford. If your injuries are serious, you might need more extensive or long-term care, which can be extremely expensive over time.
You might have lost property in the crash. If you were driving your own car when a driver for Uber or for Lyft crashed into you, we must include the cost of your damaged car in your damages calculations. If you were a rideshare passenger, you might have lost personal items like your phone, wallet, or jewelry.
What about your job? Can you continue working while you recover from your injuries, or do you need to leave your job for a while? If you cannot work, we can claim your lost wages and income as part of your economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Other damages might be unrelated to money, but that does not mean they do not warrant financial compensation. Your non-economic damages are related to your personal experiences, and they are unique to you. Since they may be unconnected to money, the jury usually must decide their value and what compensation to award.
Common non-economic damages include pain, mental suffering, reductions in your quality of life, humiliation, and other painful experiences. While these damages do not come with a price tag, they may still be worth substantial compensation. For example, a car accident victim whose injuries lead to a permanent disability or disfigurement must live with their injuries forever. The accident might have an enormous impact on your life, and you deserve justice.
Review Your Case with Our Mariners Harbor Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys
Get a private, free case assessment by calling (718) 841-0083 and talking to our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers with The Carrion Law Firm.