Can You Sue Lyft or Uber After an Accident?
Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare apps are barely a decade old. But, in that short time, these services have become so ubiquitous as to have facilitated billions of trips around the globe. Unfortunately, new research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests ridesharing may be negatively disrupting local transportation networks and increasing the number of traffic accidents.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you might be left with significant medical expenses and be unable to work. In many circumstances, you could be entitled to compensation from the rideshare company or another driver’s insurance policy. But, how do you file a lawsuit against a massive corporation like Uber or Lyft? Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, answers your questions below.
Suing Lyft or Uber Is Possible Under Some Circumstances
The law requires companies like Uber and Lyft to carry generous auto insurance policies covering both their passengers and anyone injured in a collision caused by an on-duty driver. In New York, this includes:
- $75,000 per person for injury or death, $150,000 per accident for injury or death, and $25,000 per accident for property damage, if logged into the app and looking for passengers
- $1.25 million in liability insurance per accident if they are on a prearranged trip
- $1.25 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance per accident if they are on a prearranged trip
However, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the rideshare company’s negligence beyond what the auto insurance policy provides. A rideshare company’s negligence may include:
- Hiring a driver with a known history of reckless driving, driving under the influence, or other serious traffic violations
- Hiring a driver who is a registered sex offender or a driver with a known history of sexual assault or acts of violence
- Failing to conduct appropriate background checks for drivers allowed on the app
- Retaining a driver on the app despite repeated negative reviews or crash reports
Negligent hiring practices like these may provide grounds for a Lyft or Uber lawsuit. But you should remember that claims for Uber accidents are a relatively new legal development, and you should look for an accident attorney who has experience in this specific field.
Why Work with a Rideshare Accident Attorney?
A lawsuit against Uber or Lyft likely rests on the company’s negligent hiring or retention practices. Proving that a rideshare company acted negligently requires compelling evidence, such as company hiring records or documented standard operating procedures.
This evidence can be difficult or impossible to locate on your own. A knowledgeable attorney can draft spoliation letters requesting valuable evidence and preventing companies from destroying that evidence. Additionally, an experienced rideshare accident lawyer understands this new legal area and how to position your case successfully.
Contact an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney
If you’re looking for an experienced car accident lawyer following a rideshare collision in New York, get in touch with Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney. Contact our firm today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.
