The fatal pedestrian accident involving a semi-autonomous Volvo being operated by Uber raised a lot of questions regarding the future of self-driving cars. According to Recode, Uber’s software did detect the 47-year-old victim as she was crossing the street; however, it did not prompt the vehicle to react in time to avoid the collision.
Until software engineers and auto manufacturers develop a vehicle that can both detect hazards and respond to them immediately, self-driving cars will remain nothing more than a futuristic concept. In the meantime, pedestrians must worry about vehicles manned by drunk, distracted, and drowsy drivers, including those who are transporting passengers for Uber and Lyft.
If you were struck while on foot by someone who was driving for a ridesharing company, you probably have a lot of questions about your case. To determine if you have grounds for a claim against the motorist or another party, contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny.
Our lawyers are experienced litigators with a passion for the law and a commitment to our clients. Call (646) 808-3785 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in New York City.
- Do Claimants Sue the Ridesharing Company Directly After a Pedestrian Accident?
People who drive for Uber and Lyft are not actually employees of the company. Rather, they are independent contractors.
In general, it much harder to hold a company liable for the actions of an independent contractor than for those of an employee; however, Uber and Lyft still provide insurance coverage for their drivers. In most cases, accident victims will make a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance policy if the at-fault driver was picking up or transporting a paying passenger when the incident occurred.
- How Do You Prove Liability After an Uber or Lyft Pedestrian Accident?
There are several kinds of evidence that can help injured parties prove liability following an Uber or Lyft pedestrian accident. These include:
- Eyewitness testimony;
- Dash cam recordings;
- Footage from nearby surveillance cameras;
- Photographs of the scene;
- Police reports;
- Statements from accident reconstruction experts; and
- Receipts detailing the ridesharing trip.
- How Much Coverage Do Uber & Lyft Provide Drivers in New York?
In New York, Uber provides drivers who are actively transporting passengers with $1.25 million in liability coverage per accident. This includes bodily injury and property damage. Lyft, on the other hand, provides $1 million in liability coverage per accident from when drivers accept a request to when the ride ends.
Call (646) 808-3785 for a Free Consultation with a New York City Accident Attorney
If an Uber or Lyft driver struck you while you were crossing the street, turn to The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny. Our accident lawyers will prepare your case as if it is going to trial, even if a settlement is the expected outcome, and we will fight relentlessly on your behalf at every stage of the proceedings. Call (646) 808-3785 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in New York City.
