Rideshare Accidents

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have become a popular mode of transportation in New York City and other parts of the state. While these services offer many conveniences, such as quick and easy access to transportation, they also pose certain risks. Rideshare accidents and incidents are on the rise in New York, and passengers and drivers need to understand the charges they may face if they are involved in such an incident.

One of the most common types of rideshare incidents is a car accident. Accidents can occur for various reasons, such as reckless driving, distracted driving, or poor road conditions. In New York, if a driver is found to be at fault for a rideshare accident, they may face charges of reckless driving or even vehicular manslaughter, depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries sustained by passengers or other drivers.

Another type of rideshare incident that can occur is assault or harassment. Passengers or drivers may be subjected to verbal or physical assault or be harassed in other ways. In these cases, the perpetrator may face charges of assault or harassment, which can carry serious legal consequences.

There are cases of fraud or misconduct involving rideshare companies or drivers. For example, a driver may overcharge a passenger, or a company may fail to vet its drivers or maintain its vehicles properly. These types of incidents can result in charges of fraud or other forms of misconduct, which can lead to fines, penalties, and other legal consequences.

At Viscosi Law, we understand the complexities of rideshare accidents and incidents in New York. We are committed to helping our clients navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident or incident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Types of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can occur in several ways in New York, including:

Driver Negligence: This can include distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, and other unsafe behaviors by the rideshare driver that lead to an accident.
Passenger Negligence: In some cases, passengers may engage in behavior that distracts the driver or causes an accident, such as opening the door while the car is in motion.
Vehicle Defects: If the rideshare vehicle is not correctly maintained or has a defect, it can cause an accident. This could include issues with the brakes, tires, steering, or other components.
Road Hazards: Hazards on the road, such as potholes or debris, can cause an accident, even if the rideshare driver is driving safely.
Other Drivers: Accidents can also be caused by other drivers on the road, including those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted, or otherwise driving unsafely.

Charges for Rideshare Accidents

Ridesharing accidents have become increasingly common in recent years, and they can result in severe consequences for both the driver and passengers involved. If you have been involved in a ridesharing accident in New York, it is vital to understand the different types of charges that can arise from these incidents. Here are some of the types of charges that can result from a ridesharing accident in New York:

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a traffic violation taken very seriously in New York. It involves operating a vehicle in a manner that disregards the safety of others on the road. Reckless driving can involve a variety of dangerous behaviors, such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving, running red lights or stop signs, weaving in and out of traffic, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In New York, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor offense, which means it is a criminal offense. The consequences of a reckless driving conviction can be severe and long-lasting. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you may face fines, points on your driver’s license, increased insurance rates, and even jail time.

Reckless driving is a common cause of car accidents, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. If you have been involved in a car accident caused by reckless driving, seeking legal help to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve is important.

Driving Under the Influence

DUI is a criminal offense when someone operates a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. In New York, the term is “driving while ability impaired by alcohol or drugs” (DWAI).

A person can be charged with a DWAI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is between 0.05% and 0.07%, or if drugs impair their driving ability. If a person’s BAC is 0.08% or higher, they can be charged with a DUI.

DUIs are taken very seriously in New York and can have severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. The penalties for a DUI conviction can vary depending on the circumstances, such as the driver’s BAC level, previous DUI convictions, and whether anyone was injured or killed as a result of the impaired driving.

Vehicular Assault

Vehicular assault is a severe criminal offense that involves causing injury to another person with a vehicle while driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In New York, Vehicular Assault is considered a felony offense that can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

To be charged with Vehicular Assault in New York, a person must have caused severe physical injury to another person while operating a vehicle under one of the following circumstances:

while driving recklessly
while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
while driving with a suspended or revoked license
while operating a commercial vehicle without the proper license or certification

In addition to these circumstances, Vehicular Assault can also be charged as Aggravated Vehicular Assault if the driver was driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.18 or higher or if they caused the injury while committing another felony offense.

The penalties for Vehicular Assault in New York depend on the specific circumstances of the case but can include:

A prison sentence of up to seven years.
Fines of up to $5,000.
A permanent criminal record.

In cases where the defendant is charged with Aggravated Vehicular Assault, the penalties can be even more severe.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter is a crime involving causing another person’s death while operating a motor vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner. In New York, it is defined as causing the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or vessel (such as a boat) under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. There are two degrees of vehicular manslaughter in New York:

Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree: This is a class D felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison. It is charged when a person causes the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle in a criminally negligent manner or while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree: This is a class C felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 to 15 years in prison. It is charged when a person causes the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a BAC of 0.18% or higher or while committing a traffic violation and either has a BAC of 0.08% or higher or has a prior conviction for DUI within the past ten years.

In addition to imprisonment, a conviction for vehicular manslaughter may result in fines, revocation of your driver’s license, and a permanent criminal record. These penalties can have severe and long-lasting consequences for the person charged and their loved ones.

Negligent Driving

Negligent driving, also known as careless driving, is a traffic offense involving operating a motor vehicle in a manner deemed negligent. Negligent driving can include a variety of behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, failing to obey traffic signals, and failing to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians.

In some cases, negligent driving can result in accidents that cause property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Negligent drivers may be held liable for any damages they cause. Depending on the offense’s severity and the accident’s outcome, they may face civil lawsuits, fines, or criminal charges.

Negligent driving is a severe offense that can have long-lasting consequences. In addition to the legal consequences, negligent drivers may face higher insurance rates and difficulty finding employment or housing due to their criminal record. It is vital for all drivers to be aware of the potential dangers of negligent driving and to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly continuously.

If you have been charged with any of these offenses following a ridesharing accident in New York, it is crucial to seek legal representation right away. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and build a strong defense against these charges. Contact Viscosi Law today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Types of Rideshare Incidents

Here are some of the types of rideshare incidents that can happen in New York:

Accidents: This can include collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects. The rideshare driver, another driver, or a combination of factors can cause accidents.
Assault or Harassment: This can occur when a passenger or driver is subjected to unwanted physical contact or verbal abuse by the other party.
Robbery or Theft: This can occur when a passenger or driver is robbed or has their belongings stolen during a ride.
Kidnapping or False Imprisonment: This can occur when a passenger is taken against their will or when a driver refuses to let a passenger out of the vehicle.
Medical Emergencies: This can include situations where a passenger becomes ill or injured during a ride and requires medical attention.
Wrongful Death: This can occur if a passenger or driver is killed as a result of an accident or other incident during a rideshare trip.

Various factors, such as driver negligence, inadequate background checks on drivers, or a lack of safety protocols in place by the rideshare company can cause these incidents.

Rideshare Accidents and Incidents Facts

According to a report by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 2,058 motor vehicle crashes involving ridesharing services in New York State in 2018, resulting in 1,098 injuries and five fatalities.
In New York City alone, there were 634 crashes involving rideshare vehicles in 2018, resulting in 205 injuries and one fatality.
A study by the University of Chicago found that introducing ridesharing services in New York City led to a 3% increase in overall traffic fatalities.
Another study by the University of Chicago found that introducing Uber and Lyft in New York City led to a 10% increase in severe injuries and fatalities among vehicle occupants.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that rideshare vehicles were involved in 97 fatal crashes in the United States between 2014 and 2018.
The NHTSA also found that rideshare vehicles were involved in 10% of all fatal crashes involving cars between 3 and 14 years old.
In a survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 68% of rideshare drivers reported feeling drowsy while driving, and 31% reported falling asleep at the wheel.
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that rideshare vehicles are involved in more accidents per mile driven than traditional taxis.
According to a report by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, there were over 650,000 active for-hire vehicles in New York City in 2018, including rideshare vehicles. This represents a 60% increase since 2015.
The same report found over 133,000 active rideshare vehicles in New York City in 2018, compared to just over 14,000 in 2015.

These statistics highlight the importance of safe driving practices for rideshare drivers and the potential risks associated with using rideshare services as a passenger.

How Viscosi Law Can Help You

As a law firm with expertise in personal injury cases, Viscosi Law can help you in various ways if you have been involved in a rideshare accident or incident in New York. Here are some ways Viscosi Law can assist you:

Legal Representation: Viscosi Law can provide legal representation to help you recover damages for your injuries and losses resulting from the accident. Our team of experienced attorneys can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company or representing you in court if necessary.
Investigation: Our firm can thoroughly investigate the accident to determine the cause and identify the responsible party. This investigation may include reviewing police reports, gathering witness statements, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
Medical Referrals: If you have sustained injuries in the accident, Viscosi Law can refer you to medical professionals specializing in treating your injuries. We have a network of trusted medical professionals who can provide the necessary treatment and care you need to recover from your injuries.
Communication: Viscosi Law can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your interests are protected and you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident or incident can be overwhelming and stressful. Viscosi Law can provide peace of mind by handling all aspects of your case and guiding you through the legal process.

If you have been involved in a rideshare accident or incident in New York, Viscosi Law can provide you with the legal representation, investigation, medical referrals, communication, and peace of mind you need to recover from your injuries and losses.