Getting around New York City is more than a nightmare. That’s without even talking about trying to find a parking spot that doesn’t cost a fortune. Some cities are designed with drivers in mind. But this doesn’t apply to NYC. 

 

Most New Yorkers depend on the city’s public transit system or rideshare drivers to get around. However have you ever stopped to think about the NY rideshare requirements for drivers and vehicles? Yep New York state has requirements all rideshare drivers and their vehicles need to meet to help ensure your safety.

New York Requirements for Rideshare Vehicles

Before diving into the vehicle requirements it helps to know who’s coming up with the various rules. Both New York and the rideshare platforms like Lyft and Uber work together. This helps ensure everyone’s on the same page and you can rest easier knowing the vehicle is considered safe.

 

So, you shouldn’t be picked up in a vehicle older than a 2006 model. The vehicle must also be relatively free of dings, dents, and scraped-off paint. In other words, if a clunker shows up, it’s probably violating platform regulations and New York state law.

 

• All rideshare vehicles must also pass an NY DMV emissions inspection.
• The number of doors on the vehicle is another state and platform requirement. The vehicle must have four working doors. If it’s a minivan, the sliding door must also easily open and close.

 

Anyone giving rides for a fee must have Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) license plates. Drivers also need a TLC insurance policy or be named as an approved driver on someone’s policy.

Rideshare Drivers Also Need to Meet Specific Requirements

You’re going to need more than a standard driver’s license to legally give people rides for a fee in New York. You must have a TLC license, along with the corresponding vehicle tags. Getting your TLC license isn’t too difficult, as long as you meet the following criteria:

 

• Be at least 19 years of age
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Have no more than six points on your license
• Have no outstanding tickets or citations

 

If you can’t meet these requirements, you can’t legally drive for a rideshare platform.

Can You Recover Compensation After a Rideshare Accident?

Even though rideshare drivers are pretty safe accidents can and do happen. Since you’re the passenger and not the driver. Does this impact your ability to recover compensation? In most cases you should be able to file a compensation claim. The only problem is figuring out who’s liable for your damages.

 

Determining liability in a rideshare accident claim can be tricky. You may even be dealing with more than one negligent party. For example if the rideshare driver is speeding and the other motorist runs a red light. 

 

Both drivers are partially at fault. While this shouldn’t impact your ability to file a claim it can make it tough to know who to name as a defendant. This is why it’s usually a good idea to work with an experienced New York personal injury lawyer.

Don’t Wait to Report the Rideshare Accident

If the accident doesn’t result in any injuries or fatalities, your rideshare driver may want to skip immediately reporting the collision. Even if it’s perfectly legal. It’s still not a good idea. If you can’t get the driver to call the police. Try canceling the ride and exiting the vehicle. You can always report the accident without the rideshare driver.

 

Besides, New York also follows pure comparative negligence guidelines. This means more than one person can be liable for causing the same accident. Immediately reporting the accident can help ensure you know who’s at fault for the collision or if there’s more than one liable party.  You’re also going to need a copy of the accident report when you file a claim with your insurance provider and against the at-fault driver.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention

Your health should always be a priority so visit your physician immediately after a car accident. Even a minor fender bender in a rideshare vehicle can cause injuries like whiplash. It can take a day or so to start showing symptoms. Instead of waiting to see if you have a health problem then it’s best to be a little proactive. Obviously if your injuries are severe. Then hop into the ambulance and head to the emergency room.

 

Save copies of your medical records relating to the accident. You also want to turn into a bit of a pack rat and keep every bill and receipt including any prescriptions. These are usually recoverable damages.

Document the Accident Scene

Have you always wanted to know what it’s like to be a detective? Well now’s your chance. If your injuries aren’t forcing you into an ambulance. Grab your smartphone. It’s time to play amateur detective.

 

You’re going to take pictures of the accident scene. If you have minor visible injuries like cuts and scrapes, take a few photos. If possible, try to get a few shots of the rideshare vehicle’s position. If there’s an issue with comparative negligence, the vehicle’s position after the accident can help establish blame.

 

Don’t forget to get the contact information from any witnesses. Your personal injury attorney and the insurance adjusters are going to want to interview any witnesses. Don’t get into detail about the accident. Remember, insurance adjusters are always looking for ways to reduce your claim’s value.

 

Another good idea is to look around for any surveillance cameras. This includes traffic cameras. Your attorney can subpoena the footage and use it to help support your accident claim. Once again don’t forget about comparative negligence. The video footage can help identify the at-fault driver or drivers.

Let an Accident Attorney Protect Your Legal Rights in a Rideshare Accident Claim

You’re probably perfectly capable of handling your insurance provider. However, it’s a different story when the accident happens in a rideshare vehicle. Now, you’re the passenger instead of the driver. Nows usually when it pays to have an experienced New York injury attorney working to protect your legal rights.