The Impact of Ridesharing Services on Motor Vehicle Accident Claims in New York

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how people get around in New York, offering convenience, affordability, and on-demand transportation at the tap of a phone screen. But with this new mode of travel comes a new set of complications, especially when it comes to motor vehicle accident claims. When a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, determining liability and pursuing compensation can be more complex than in a typical two-car accident.

Read on to learn more about how a rideshare vehicle can change the way a car accident claim is handled. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft in Orange County or the Mid-Hudson Valley, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C., to visit with a skilled and experienced Goshen rideshare accident lawyer.

The Legal Landscape of Ridesharing Accidents in New York

Unlike traditional taxi services, ridesharing companies classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction has legal implications that can affect your ability to bring a claim. While ridesharing companies may be held liable under certain circumstances, there are limitations, and liability often depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

In New York, rideshare drivers or the companies themselves are required to carry commercial insurance coverage when they are actively using the app. Both Uber and Lyft provide significant coverage, but the level of coverage depends on what stage of a trip the driver is in when the accident occurs:

• App Off: If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance applies. In New York, drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 for property damage in a single accident, $25,000 for bodily injury or $50,000 for death per person, and $50,000 for injury and $100,000 for death per accident if more than one person is injured or killed.
• App On, No Passenger: When the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride request, limited liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage is provided by the rideshare company.
• En Route or Passenger Onboard: Once a driver accepts a ride and is en route to pick up a far or already has a passenger in the car, the company provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

These tiers of coverage are critical to understand because they determine who pays for your injuries and how much compensation might be available. It also means that a thorough investigation is often necessary to determine exactly what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.

Challenges in Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim

Identifying the at-fault party and the applicable insurance policy can be challenging after a ridesharing accident. If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that is hit by another driver, you might want to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. However, if your rideshare driver is at fault, you would typically file a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance.

If you are another driver or pedestrian struck by a rideshare vehicle, liability may depend on whether the driver was actively working on the app at the time. Gathering this information can be difficult without legal assistance, especially if the rideshare company is reluctant to share details.

Moreover, insurance companies for ridesharing platforms are often aggressive in defending claims, making it difficult for injured victims to get fair compensation without a seasoned attorney to advocate on their behalf. Disputes can arise over the extent of injuries, whether the driver was truly active on the app, or if the accident qualifies under the company’s coverage provisions.

No-fault Insurance and the Serious Injury Threshold

As with any auto accident in New York, no-fault insurance rules apply initially. This means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, to pursue a claim for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages, you must meet the serious injury threshold under New York law.

A serious injury includes, among others listed in the law:

• Significant disfigurement
• Bone fractures
• Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member
• Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
• A medically determined injury that prevents the person from performing usual and customary daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days immediately following the accident

If your injuries meet one or more of these criteria, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party, whether that’s the rideshare driver or another motorist. If the accident occurred while the rideshare company’s $1 million coverage applied, it may not be necessary to file a lawsuit, but you may still need legal counsel to negotiate a full and fair settlement that accounts for all your damages.

Legal Help Makes a Difference

Given the added complexity involved in rideshare accidents, having an experienced personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., we understand the unique legal and insurance issues that ridesharing accidents present. We investigate every aspect of your case to identify the correct liable parties and maximize your compensation.

We’ll help you navigate the web of insurance policies, determine the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the crash, and build a compelling case on your behalf. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver, we fight for your rights and work to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Contact Dupée & Monroe After a Rideshare Accident in Orange County or the Hudson Valley

As ridesharing services continue to grow in popularity across New York, the legal landscape for motor vehicle accident claims is evolving. Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and similar platforms require careful legal analysis and a thorough understanding of state laws, insurance structures, and liability issues. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Orange County or the Hudson Valley, don’t try to handle your claim alone. Contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C. today for a free consultation and get the legal guidance you need to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.