Hempstead Uber/Taxi Accident Lawyer
New York’s yellow cabs are an iconic part of its transportation system, but more recently, rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft have become new players on the scene. While most of the thousands of trips each day go smoothly, others may result in serious accidents.
An experienced Hempstead Uber/taxi accident lawyer could help you through the complicated legal issues that arise after an accident. By talking to a qualified attorney, you could be better prepared to evaluate your damages and effectively pursue compensation from the party responsible for your losses.
Taxi Insurance Requirements
Following an accident as a passenger in a taxi, one avenue for recovery may be to file a claim with the company’s insurance provider. The New York Taxi and Limousine Commission mandates that taxis operating in Hempstead and its surrounding area must maintain a minimum of $100,000 of insurance coverage per person for bodily injury, $300,000 of coverage per accident, and $10,000 of coverage in property damage. A skilled Hempstead lawyer could help someone involved in a taxi accident file claim for damages with the proper insurance company.
Complications with Uber Accident Cases
There are several issues an injured claimant should be aware of if they were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle when a crash occurred. First, Uber drivers are not considered employees but rather independent contractors. As a result, Uber may decide to deny any liability for an accident involving one of its drivers.
If the company denies responsibility for a claim after a crash, it might be necessary to file a claim with the driver’s insurance policy. Unlike the requirements for taxi and limousine insurance, state law only requires individual drivers to have $25,000 of insurance coverage per person for bodily injury and $10,000 of insurance coverage for damages. These lower coverage amounts could potentially decrease the recoverable damages available in a civil claim.
Additionally, some insurance companies have exclusions in their policies for drivers who work for Uber and may deny responsibility if their motorist was carrying a passenger. Given these complicated issues regarding which insurance policy could be responsible for a claim, it is generally a good idea to contact an Uber or taxi accident lawyer for advice and guidance before filing or settling a claim in Hempstead.
Uber’s Insurance Policy
In light of these complicated insurance coverage issues, Uber recently instituted limited insurance coverage for its drivers. If someone is in an accident as a passenger in an Uber vehicle, they can submit a claim directly through the app rather than filing a claim with the driver’s auto policy. From the moment a rideshare driver accepts a trip, the company maintains liability coverage in amounts of at least:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 per covered accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- $1,000,000 of coverage to riders, people in other vehicles, pedestrians or property
- $250,000 of uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
Speak with an Uber/Taxi Accident Attorney
If you suffered an injury in a crash involving an Uber or taxi, whether as a passenger or another motorist, you do not need to fight for compensation on your own. A Hempstead Uber/taxi accident lawyer could help you navigate complex insurance issues and struggle to pursue fair compensation. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.