Uber Accident Lawsuits in NYC
Who Is Responsible For Injuries In Rideshare Accidents?
The advent of rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft raises an important question: Who is liable in an accident? Private car drivers are usually held liable when their negligence causes injury or death. Is that also true of New York City rideshare drivers?
The Basic Question About Liability For Rideshare Accidents
New York City taxi companies have figured out how to limit their liability when accidents occur. They still can be held liable for injuries and fatalities, but the amount available for compensating the injured is restricted.
Uber has gone a step further and has tried to eliminate its liability entirely by classifying its drivers as independent contractors, shifting liability from the company to the driver. By doing this, Uber says it is not responsible for accidents caused by incompetent drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, distracted drivers and drivers who violate New York City traffic laws. Although there have been lawsuits against Uber throughout the United States, issues related to the assignment of liability remain unanswered.
At the New York City law firm of [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], our attorneys handle all types of vehicle accident lawsuits, including those involving rideshare vehicles. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, you owe it to yourself to find out about your options. Call us today to get a FREE case evaluation at [nap_phone id=”LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-1″].
Examples Of Uber Accidents In NYC
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles are just like those involving taxis and private vehicles, with an additional twist: Because of the app used by passengers to summon a driver (sometimes called an e-hail), drivers may be more easily distracted, taking their eyes off the road and becoming more likely to crash. Other types of Uber accidents in NYC have involved pedestrian injuries and deaths as well as personal attacks and sexual assaults. There are also stories of Uber drivers charging hundreds of dollars for rides that should have cost $25.
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles have included:
- An Uber driver hit a mother and her four children when his car mounted the sidewalk after he lost control.
- An Uber driver killed a man as he was crossing East 62nd Street in Manhattan with his girlfriend.
- A woman using a rideshare to go from the Lower East Side in Manhattan to Wooddale in Queens was fondled and kissed by an Uber driver before she escaped.
- An Uber driver was reported to have stalked a woman he picked up at Lincoln Center in Manhattan for a ride across town.
- Passengers were injured when an Uber driver had a seizure and slammed into a light pole on East 59th Street.
The law that covers liability for rideshare accidents continues to shift. If you were injured, it is important to have an experienced lawyer who understands current liability law as it relates to Uber and Lyft accidents. Contact [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″] for a FREE car accident case evaluation. Let us put our experience to work for you.