You recently experienced a horrific rear-end crash that left you with serious injuries. Now, you stare at your medical bills and wonder who is truly responsible for your damages.
If the at-fault driver works for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, navigating your case can be confusing. However, the liability hinges entirely on the driver’s status at the moment of impact. Understanding this is the key to your compensation.
Determining the state of the driver
In New York, the No-Fault insurance policy allows you to cover your immediate bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. If you sustained serious injuries, you may pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party.
However, the insurance premium that covers your damages depends on the driver’s status upon collision:
- If the driver has the app off and was driving for personal reasons, their personal auto insurance is responsible for your damages.
- If the driver is logged into the ridesharing app and waiting for a request, the rideshare company’s insurance covers at least $75,000 for bodily injury in an accident, $150,000 for bodily injury to two or more individuals and $25,000 in property damage per accident.
- If the driver is en route to a passenger or on a trip, their rideshare company’s insurance covers at least $1,250,000 for property damage and injuries to third parties.
Identifying which driver status applies to your rear-end case is the most critical factor in securing fair compensation.
Finding help to move forward with your claim
Rideshare accident claims can be a complex process, especially when the accident leaves you with serious injuries. Obtaining compensation is possible by filing a case against the at-fault driver. However, the situation depends on their driver status upon collision. If you are unsure of your next steps, you should seek legal advice to gain guidance on your situation.