Ridesharing isn’t going anywhere. Americans took 6.9 billion trips in 2019 via Uber alone, with Lyft and other rideshare services likely increasing that number substantially. But the more time rideshare drivers spend on the road, the more likely they are to have an accident. A report from the University of Chicago found that rideshare use causes nearly 1,000 additional car accidents per day. Fortunately for consumers, in certain instances outside the five boroughs, New York law requires rideshare services to provide their drivers with substantial insurance coverage. In other instances, there still may be a way to obtain additional coverage if the accident involves a rideshare vehicle, even in the five boroughs where the city’s TLC laws apply. In one case our firm recently handled, two elderly sisters were crossing the road at the same time. Before they finished crossing, a distracted rideshare driver accidentally hit the women, who each suffered multiple broken bones and spent months in the hospital and rehabilitation facilities after several surgeries. We have unfortunately seen horrifying accidents such as that without adequate insurance coverage, but thankfully, in this instance, our clients qualified for coverage under a rideshare policy, and we were able to negotiate a significant multimillion dollar settlement on their behalf. The rideshare coverage is not automatic, factors such as the location of the accident, or whether the app is being utilized by the driver at the time of the accident can affect how much an accident victim is able to claim in compensation. In other words, the case with the elderly pedestrians probably would have worked out differently if the driver had turned off his app for a break before he hit them. Few motorists have personal insurance comparable to rideshare coverage. This reality is one of many reasons why it’s wise for everyone to carry supplemental uninsured motorist coverage to protect family members in case of a hit and run accident or an accident with a minimum insurance policy vehicle, and to call experienced attorneys such as those here at Friedman & Simon after any car accident. ARE YOU COVERED? Understanding Rideshare Insurance
Though technology makes everyday tasks a bit easier, sometimes, the best thing a business owner can do is unplug and recharge! Running a business is a time-consuming and stressful effort. But by stepping back, you can reset and get a fresh perspective on your work. START SMALL. Create small habits if you can’t go an entire day without technology! Try starting your morning completely unplugged until you get into the office, or step away from your devices for an hour or two during the day. When you start small, you can build from there! SCHEDULE EMAIL TIME. We are all too familiar with an overwhelming email stream. We wake up and fall asleep to it, and if we’re not careful, the constant interruptions can run our entire day! If you want to cut down on screen time, schedule email checks. You can make a commitment to address them in the morning or maybe the late afternoon. But during after-hours, establish a hard cutoff time! Inform your employees and clients of your available time frame — set an expectation for more productivity and communication. CHOOSE A SECOND IN COMMAND. Suppose you’re dedicated to checking out now and then. In that case, it can be beneficial to have someone handle anything that may arise. Consider someone trustworthy and reliable, and give them an overview of day-to-day operations. You can explain what can and cannot be done and alert other employees that all questions and concerns be directed to this person. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. When you’re at work, your main priority is to focus on your business and clients. But when you pack up and head home, you must take time for yourself! Do activities you love, spend quality time with family and friends, and put away your laptop and phone. That email or call can wait until the next business day begins. Pulling the plug on technology can feel intimidating as a business owner, but give it a try! You may be surprised at how refreshed you feel returning to work. Take Time to Unplug! Return to Work Recharged
To that end, if you’ve been the victim of a rideshare accident, the case could be a minefield filled with loopholes and coverage disputes. Never attempt to resolve these cases alone. Let Friedman & Simon fight the battle on your behalf and secure the highest possible settlement.
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