Rideshare apps have increased in popularity in recent years. Visitors and residents in New York are much more likely to use a rideshare application than a taxi service. However, while these applications are known for their ease of use and convenience, they can introduce new risks that passengers have not anticipated beforehand.
Vehicular accidents can happen to anyone, but when they happen to passengers using Lyft or another rideshare application, it can introduce certain legal complications, especially in the case you’ve sustained substantial injuries and incurred personal and professional losses due to your accident.
If you’re asking, “Can you sue Lyft for an accident in New York,” it’s important to understand that the company uses independent contractors (rather than employees) who must comply with Lyft policies. It is only possible to sue Lyft under certain circumstances. This article will cover this topic in-depth and provide general information about filing a personal injury claim.
Lyft’s Driver Requirements
Lyft requires its drivers to maintain a good driving record and not have a previous criminal history. They also require drivers to maintain compliance with all applicable state and local laws, to maintain a current license and registration, and to pass a background check.
In addition to these initial requirements, Lyft also performs annual background checks and monitors for criminal convictions. These types of efforts are essential to reducing the likelihood of car accidents due to driver faults and reducing the chance of other criminal activity occurring.
When accidents or crimes involving a Lyft rideshare occur, the driver’s background and previous driver’s history will be scrutinized. If a personal injury victim can prove that Lyft was negligent, as in retaining a driver with a history of DUIs, a criminal background, or other activity that would increase passenger risks, they could be liable in a personal injury case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Lyft Accident?
Determining liability in a Lyft accident is a complex process that requires a qualified legal analysis of your case and all case details. Further, to qualify to sue Lyft directly for the fault of a rideshare driver, it would become necessary to prove the company was negligent in some way and that negligence directly contributed to the accident.
Otherwise, liability will likely fall on your rideshare driver or the other drivers involved in your car accident. Liability will also be determined by whether or not your driver was logged into the Lyft application and whether they were actively transporting passengers at the time of the accident.
| Can You Sue Lyft for an Accident in New York? | |
| Driver Negligence | Your personal injury claim might be filed under the driver’s insurance policy if their actions directly contributed to your accident. |
| Other Drivers | If the driver was logged into the Uber app and actively transporting a client at Your personal injury claim might be filed under another driver’s insurance policy if their actions contributed to your accident. |
| Lyft Negligence | In some cases, Lyft may be directly responsible for an accident if they were negligent. |
Choosing a Lyft Accident Lawyer in NYC
Rideshare accidents can become a complex legal challenge, especially for individuals with substantial injuries. You don’t want to handle negotiating with insurance companies alone, especially if you believe negligence on the part of Lyft directly contributed to your accident.
The Law Offices of Eric Richman has over twenty-five years of fighting for personal injury victims in New York City. Our initial consultations are free, and we can be reached day or night to discuss your questions and concerns. We can take over the legal challenges of seeing your case to a successful conclusion.
Eric Richman’s team offers compassionate, expert legal representation for the New York City Area. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation or call us at (800) 801-9655.
