NEW YORK LYFT ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

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Sameer Chopra

Sameer Chopra is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with 17 years of experience standing up to large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords on behalf of injured individuals. He is a true New Yorker and recognized as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

He was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017-2019 and then became a Super Lawyer from 2020 to present. He was also recognized as the 2021 Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Lawyers and was selected by Top Attorneys in North America as a distinguished Exclusive Presidents Circle Attorney for his continued excellence within the legal community. Sameer has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including significant verdicts against the City of New York and/or their affiliated agencies, and independent insurance carriers.

Content Last Updated: April 24, 2024

A Lyft accident claim can become complicated, with multiple insurance companies and defendants involved. Victims are often unsure where to turn for help. That’s where our Lyft accident attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP, come in. We are real New Yorkers and focus on serving our community by providing high-quality legal representation to folks throughout the five boroughs and beyond.

We know New York’s unique motor vehicle laws and how they apply when a rideshare company like Lyft is involved in an accident. As the exclusive personal injury law firm of The New York Mets, we are ready to go to bat for you.

Understanding Lyft Accidents in New York

Lyft accidents have become increasingly common as more and more people choose ridesharing services to get around the city. For example, according to the NYPD, 342 taxi vehicles were involved in collisions in the city in October 2023. Some of the common causes of accidents involving injuries or fatalities include:

Driver inattention and distraction
Driver Fatigue
Failure to yield to right-of-way
Following too closely
Improper passing or lane usage
Speeding

According to the NYPD, driver inattention or distraction was by far the most common contributing factor to auto accidents in New York that resulted in injuries or fatalities.

Does Lyft Insure Its Drivers?

Here’s what the company insurance looks like for Lyft drivers in accidents:

When the Lyft app is turned off, the Lyft driver’s own insurance applies.
When the Lyft app is on and the driver is waiting for a rider, Lyft provides third-party liability coverage if the driver’s personal auto insurance does not apply. The coverage is:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury;
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury; and
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
When the Lyft app is on and drivers are en route to pick up passengers or during rides, Lyft maintains the following insurance for covered accidents:
- At least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability; and
- First-party coverage, which may include uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay, and/or Occupational Accident coverage.

Legal Rights and Options for People Injured in Lyft Accidents

If you have been hurt in a Lyft accident, whether you are a rider or pedestrian, you have legal options. In New York, injured accident victims must first turn to no-fault benefits for coverage, which provides up to $50,000 in compensation for economic losses. Non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, are not covered.

To sue for negligence or recover compensation through third-party liability insurance, including for non-economic losses, you must suffer a serious injury or damages in excess of $50,000. This route also requires establishing fault. “Serious injuries” include the following:

Significant limitation of body function or system
Substantial disability for at least 90 days
Permanent limitation of a body organ or member
Permanent loss of a body organ, member, function, or system
Loss of a fetus
Fracture
Serious disfigurement
Dismemberment
Wrongful Death

If you file a lawsuit, the issue of fault comes into play. In New York, the law follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This system means you can recover some of your losses if you were not 100 percent responsible for the Lyft accident.

For example, if you are 30 percent responsible for the accident and another party is 70 percent responsible, you can sue them to recover 70 percent of your losses.

Insurance companies work hard to diminish or deny the value of claims they receive. That’s why it’s critical to promptly document all of the accident details and keep records of your medical symptoms and treatments. Working with a New York Lyft accident lawyer at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP, can make this process easier.

Compensation and Claims Process for Lyft Accidents in New York

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including:

Medical expenses and rehabilitation expenses
Lost wages for time missed from work
Loss of future income
Pain and suffering
Lowered quality of life

It’s difficult to predict and impossible to guarantee how much your Lyft accident claim is worth because each case is unique. That said, Chopra & Nocerino, LLP, has a track strong track record of securing high-value verdicts and settlements for our clients.

The process of filing an injury claim in New York ride-sharing accidents

In New York, you normally have three years to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party in an accident. However, the sooner you bring your case to an attorney, the better. This will give them plenty of time to build a strong claim on your behalf.

Further, the deadlines for filing an insurance claim are normally much shorter. For example, the New York Department of Financial Services explains that you must give notice “as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event more than 30 days after the date of the accident” to secure no-fault insurance benefits.

That is why it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of missed deadlines and increase your chances of securing meaningful compensation for your injuries and losses.

Why You Should Choose Real New Yorkers Like Chopra & Nocerino for Your Team

Most personal injury accident cases are settled in out-of-court negotiations. The legal team at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP, knows how to develop a strong negotiating strategy, leveraging available evidence in your favor. The lawyers who work for Lyft and its insurers will likely push back vigorously. By working with tough lawyers dedicated to fighting for your interests, you will raise the odds of securing the compensation you are entitled to.

We also have the skills, resources, and experience needed to argue even the most complex personal injury case before a judge and jury. Our knowledgeable Lyft accident attorneys are ready to defend your right to justice, accountability, and compensation.

Legal Options When There Are No Physical Injuries

Even if you do not sustain physical injuries, you may still be able to recover compensation for your property damage. Importantly, however, the no-fault insurance required by state law only covers bodily injury and not property damage. The accident attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP, can help you figure out the best source of compensation for your car totaled in a Lyft accident.

Talk to the Dedicated Lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP, Today

If you have been hurt in a Lyft accident, you might be unsure of your legal rights. In New York, there are strict deadlines for filing a legal claim. For help understanding your legal rights and options, call the Lyft accident attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP.

We provide individualized services tailored to the unique needs of your case. Schedule your free consultation today by filling out our online form.