Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Queens, New York

At David Resnick & Associates, P.C., our Queens personal injury attorneys have been protecting the rights of New York City residents for more than 25 years. As time has passed, we’ve seen incredible changes in the Queens County landscape and have closely monitored how these changes impact the safety of the 2.4 million people who call Queens home.

One of those significant changes came a decade ago with the approval of rideshare transportation throughout New York City. Since then, companies like Uber and Lyft have dramatically changed how New Yorkers get around. Rideshare apps provide a seamless experience, with features like GPS tracking, estimated arrival times, and upfront pricing accessible from smartphones.

This is especially important for Queens residents, as rideshare services operate with a large pool of drivers who can cover a wide geographic area. Unlike taxis, often concentrated in high-traffic zones like Manhattan and leaving outer boroughs underserved, rideshare drivers go nearly everywhere without hesitation or refusal.

Moreover, rideshares are excellent transportation options for people of all ages due to their convenience, accessibility, and safety features.

For young adults and professionals, rideshares offer a reliable and flexible way to navigate busy urban areas without the hassles of parking or the costs associated with car ownership. For seniors, rideshares provide a convenient mode of transportation that reduces the need to drive, enhancing their mobility and independence while ensuring they can reach appointments, social engagements, and errands safely.

Unfortunately, all the benefits of rideshare transportation do not prevent drivers from causing or being involved in traffic accidents—with and without passengers onboard.

If you have been involved in a crash with an Uber or Lyft driver, either as a passenger or an occupant of another vehicle, we can help you determine whose insurance is liable for your damages so you do not have to pay for your recovery out of pocket.

Contact our skilled Queens rideshare accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim. Our law firm represents accident victims throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx, and only works on a contingency basis. You do not pay our legal fees if we do not win your case. This is our promise to you, ensuring you can pursue your case without financial risk.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Queens, New York?

When negligence is a factor, rideshare accidents and other driver accidents often share the exact causes because both involve similar behaviors and conditions that compromise road safety.

The most common causes of rideshare accidents in Queens, NY, include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones for navigation, communication with passengers, or other distractions can lead to accidents.1
• Speeding: Rideshare drivers may speed to maximize the number of rides they can complete, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and decision-making.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Some rideshare drivers may lack extensive experience or familiarity with local roads, which can lead to mistakes.
• Traffic Violations: Running red lights, improper lane changes, and failure to yield can result in collisions.
• Aggressive Driving: Some drivers may engage in aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or weaving through traffic to reach their destinations faster.
• Passenger Distractions: Interactions with passengers, such as handling requests or dealing with unruly behavior, can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Inadequate vehicle maintenance can lead to mechanical failures or other issues that result in accidents.
• Heavy Traffic: Queens’ dense traffic conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents due to congestion and frequent stops and starts.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make driving more hazardous, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in an Uber or Lyft crash in New York City, contact our Queens rideshare accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim. We can help you understand which insurance coverage(s) can be pursued for your damages so you are not left paying for your expenses out of pocket.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Queens Rideshare Accident and Injuries?

Determining which insurance policy to pursue for a rideshare accident with injuries involves understanding the specifics of the accident and the coverage provided by the rideshare company’s insurance policies.

Here are the steps we take to help you identify the appropriate insurance policy to pursue:

• Determine the Driver’s Status: The rideshare driver’s status during the accident is crucial. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide different levels of coverage depending on whether the driver was offline, available and waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger.
• Offline or Personal Use: If the driver was offline or not using the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance policy is the primary coverage. You would need to file a claim against the driver’s insurance.

In New York, the legal minimum insurance coverage requirements for all drivers is:

• $10,000 for property damage for a single accident.
• $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death for a person involved in an accident.
• $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more people in an accident.

The driver’s insurance policy can be pursued during this time, as the rideshare company has no liability while the driver is offline. They are considered just another motorist when they are not on the clock.

• Available and Waiting for a Ride Request: When the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company typically provides limited liability coverage.

This usually includes:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
• $25,000 per accident for property damage.

In this case, you may pursue a claim against the rideshare company’s limited liability coverage if the driver’s personal insurance is insufficient.

• En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Transporting a Passenger: If the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage is typically more comprehensive.

This includes:

• Up to $1 million in third-party liability.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage.
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has personal comprehensive and collision coverage).

In this scenario, you would pursue a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance policy for compensation.

Navigating insurance claims can be complex, especially with multiple policies involved. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Queens can help you determine the appropriate insurance policy to pursue, handle communications with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Skilled Queens Rideshare Accident and Injury Attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. to Help Build Your Case for Success

The legal team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., understands the impact a rideshare accident can have on you and your family. We work hard to obtain the maximum damages you’re entitled to. We serve accident victims in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, and New York City.

If you have questions about your rideshare accident, contact the New York law firm of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., online or call us at 212-279-2000 today for a free consultation about your case.

There is never a charge to speak with our skilled Queens rideshare accident and injury attorneys. If your case qualifies to move forward, we will handle every aspect from start to finish without charging any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. You will pay nothing for our elite personal injury attorney services unless we win your case. That is a promise.