The ridesharing companies Uber and Lyft transport countless passengers throughout Clarkstown, NY. These companies provide an important service to their users. However, many harmful accidents occur each year involving Uber and Lyft drivers.
If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be able to obtain payment for your injuries. Still, the route to compensation can be complex. Assistance from our legal team can be highly valuable when determining the appropriate course of action in your case.
In the aftermath of your collision in Clarkstown, get help from our experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at The Martello Law Firm by dialing (914) 685-6950.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident in Clarkstown, NY?
You will likely not be able to sue Uber or Lyft after a crash involving one of their drivers. That is because their drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. Still, both ridesharing companies carry insurance policies to pay for damages their drivers cause. Therefore, if your accident occurred as the result of an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence, then you may be able to obtain payment by filing a claim with the applicable rideshare company’s insurer. After suffering a crash, you can consult with our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers to assess the legal options available to you.
Common Injuries Caused by Uber and Lyft Accidents in Clarkstown, NY
There are multiple types of harm that victims of Uber and Lyft accidents can suffer. The following are all common examples of injuries caused by such accidents in Clarkstown, NY:
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries describe damage that occur to tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These injuries can affect nearly any part of the body and are often highly debilitating. Those who suffer soft tissue injuries regularly have to spend time away from their jobs while they recover. Furthermore, these injuries can produce severe degrees of physical pain.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are also a common type of injury caused by Uber and Lyft accidents. For many victims, they suffer such injuries when striking hard objects inside of their vehicles during their collisions. Like soft tissue injuries, broken bones can be excruciatingly painful. In serious cases, those who incur broken bones may need to undergo surgical treatment.
Burns
Burns are another very painful type of injury caused by Uber and Lyft accidents. In some cases, victims may sustain burns because of fires and explosions at the scenes of their accidents. However, victims can also sustain painful burn injuries because they contacted hot metals, hot liquids, and hot air during their accidents. For those with especially harmful burns, costly and painful skin grafting procedures may be required.
Spinal Cord Damage
Furthermore, spinal cord damage is an especially severe type of injury caused by Uber and Lyft accidents. There are several different types of spinal cord damage that victims can suffer. For instance, someone who suffers an Uber or Lyft crash may experience a vertebral facture, herniated disc, or spinal stenosis. These injuries can produce highly detrimental effects on the quality of plaintiffs’ lives.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Finally, some victims of Uber and Lyft accidents incur traumatic brain injuries. This type of harm usually results from physical blows to the head. Like spinal cord injuries, these injuries can severely restrict peoples’ abilities to work and enjoy their lives. Thankfully, plaintiffs with traumatic brain injuries can pursue compensation for the wide array of damages they incur.
Time Limit to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit in Clarkstown, NY
The time limit to file an Uber or Lyft accident case in New York is governed by C.V.P. Law § 214. Accordingly, you will generally have three years from the date of your ridesharing accident to bring your lawsuit to court. Failure to act in accordance with this deadline could cause your case to be dismissed.
Still, despite potentially having multiple years, you should attempt to file your lawsuit as quickly as possible. There are several other conditions that must be satisfied for your case to prevail. For example, you must file in the correct jurisdiction, pay necessary filing fees, attach required supporting documents, serve defendants, and avoid filing a frivolous claim. If any of these requirements are not met, then you may have to file your case again. By bringing your lawsuit to court early, you may have time to re-file if necessary.
Proving Fault for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Clarkstown, NY
For an Uber or Lyft accident lawsuit to succeed, the plaintiff must prove that their crash occurred because of the defendant’s negligence. There are several different types of evidence that may be utilized. The following are examples of evidence regularly used by our team:
Witness Statements
Witness statements are often among the most valuable pieces of evidence used to establish fault for ridesharing accidents. Witnesses can provide both written and oral testimony that explains why or how crashes occurred. For instance, a witness may state that your accident happened because an Uber driver made an improper left turn. Further, a witness may provide testimony that asserts the defendant Lyft driver was travelling at excessive speeds before running into you. In any case, you should always attempt to exchange contact information with potential witnesses in the aftermath of your collision.
Photos from the Scene
Furthermore, photos from the scene of your Uber or Lyft accident can be useful when proving fault. These photos can help identify factors that contributed to your crash. Additionally, they can be used to disprove the defendant’s alternative theory of fault. For instance, in your case the defendant may argue that your accident happened as the result of inadequate road conditions. In that case, photos from the scene showing proper road conditions could be used to defeat the defendant’s assertion.
Your Personal Recollection
Lastly, your personal recollection of your Uber or Lyft accident can be very valuable when proving fault. You should attempt to record a recollection of your crash while your memory is fresh. The details you remember may be very helpful when building your case.
After Suffering an Uber or Lyft Accident in Clarkstown, NY, Contact Our Attorneys for Assistance with Your Case
Seek support from our experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling The Martello Law Firm at (914) 685-6950.
