Albany Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyers After an Albany Car Accident
Many people use rideshares as their transportation of choice. These services can help you explore a new city or go out for the evening. With so many rideshare drivers on the road, accidents can happen, sometimes leaving passengers and others on the road seriously injured.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Albany, contact William Mattar law offices. Our experienced Albany rideshare accident attorneys can help those injured in serious motor vehicle accidents in the Capital Region, and we can help you too. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 844-noswap444-4444 or complete our online consultation form.
What to Do the Day After a Rideshare Accident in Albany, NY
If you were involved in a rideshare accident yesterday, it's essential to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
1. Follow up on medical care
- If you didn't seek medical attention immediately after the accident, do so today.
- Even if your injuries seem minor, it's crucial to get a professional medical evaluation.
- Follow your doctor's advice and attend all recommended follow-up appointments.
2. Contact your insurance company
- Inform your personal auto insurance provider about the accident.
- Provide them with the details of the incident, including the police report number and any other relevant information.
- Clarify your coverage and any next steps you need to take.
3. Document your experience
- Write down your recollection of the accident while the details are still fresh in your mind.
- Keep a record of any pain, discomfort, or emotional distress you experience in the days following the accident.
- Track any expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, transportation costs, or lost wages.
4. Consult with a rideshare accident attorney
- If you haven't already done so, contact an experienced Albany rideshare accident lawyer, like those at William Mattar law offices.
5. Be cautious when communicating with others about the accident
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with anyone other than your Lyft of Uber accident attorney and medical professionals.
- If contacted by the rideshare company or their insurance provider, politely decline to give a statement and refer them to your lawyer.
- Remember, anything you say could potentially be used against you in future legal proceedings.
By taking these steps the day after your Albany rideshare accident, you can better protect your health, well-being, and legal rights. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney at our law firm.
Why Hire an Albany Rideshare Accident Attorney?
It can be helpful to hire an Albany Uber accident lawyer after you suffer an injury. An attorney can take on many of the legal details of filing a claim, including investigating the crash, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring deadlines are met. An attorney can also use legal knowledge to ensure you receive the best recovery possible.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a rideshare is classified as a Transportation Network Company (TNC) in New York. These services use a digital platform (typically a mobile app) to connect independent drivers and customers. TNCs are subject to unique insurance regulations.
Car accident cases of any kind involve a lot of work and investigation. However, rideshare accidents have added complications. It can be challenging to obtain compensation when up against a big rideshare company. An Uber accident attorney or rideshare attorney knows the applicable regulations and rideshare laws and can fight for you to get compensation after your accident.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Albany
Rideshare accidents, like those involving Uber or Lyft vehicles, can happen for various reasons. Understanding these common causes can help you stay alert and take necessary precautions when using these services. Some of the most frequent factors contributing to rideshare accidents include:
1. Distracted driving
- Rideshare drivers often rely on their smartphones for navigation, accepting ride requests, and communicating with passengers.
- This constant interaction with mobile devices can lead to dangerous distractions behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the app, can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
2. Fatigue
- Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive late at night to maximize their earnings.
- Fatigue can impair a driver's judgment, reaction time, and ability to focus on the road.
- Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
3. Speeding
- Some rideshare drivers may feel pressured to complete rides quickly to maximize their profits or to meet passenger demands.
- This can lead to speeding and reckless driving behaviors, such as running red lights or stop signs.
- Speeding reduces a driver's control over the vehicle and increases the severity of accidents when they occur.
4. Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers
- The demand for rideshare services has led to a rapid increase in the number of drivers on the road.
- Some of these drivers may lack the necessary experience or training to handle challenging driving situations.
- Inadequate driver screening and training processes by rideshare companies can contribute to a higher risk of accidents.
Other factors that can contribute to rideshare accidents include:
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Unfamiliarity with local roads and traffic patterns
- Inadequate insurance coverage
If you've been involved in an Albany rideshare accident caused by any of these factors, it's essential to consult with an experienced attorney. The dedicated legal team at William Mattar law offices can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Types of Uber and Lyft Accident Injuries
Rideshare accidents, like any other motor vehicle collision, can lead to a wide array of injuries, ranging from minor to life-altering. The severity and duration of these injuries can vary greatly depending on factors such as the force of the impact, the position of the passengers, and the presence of safety features like seatbelts and airbags. Here are some of the most frequently seen injuries in rideshare accidents:
1. Neck and whiplash injuries:
Rear-end collisions, which are common in rideshare accidents, often result in whiplash injuries. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown forward and then backward, causing damage to the soft tissues in the neck. The cost of treating a whiplash injury can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the severity and length of treatment required.
2. Fractures and broken bones:
The violent impact of a rideshare accident can cause passengers to suffer from broken bones and fractures, especially in the extremities like arms, legs, ribs, and collar bone. The cost of treating a fracture can vary significantly, from around $2,500 for a simple break to $30,000 or more for a complex fracture that requires surgical intervention.
3. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI):
Rideshare accidents can also lead to traumatic brain injuries, which occur when a sudden jolt or blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can have long-term consequences on a person's cognitive abilities, motor skills, and emotional well-being. The lifetime cost of treating a mild TBI can range from $85,000 to $3 million, depending on the severity and duration of the injury.
4. Spinal cord injuries:
In the most severe rideshare accidents, passengers may suffer from spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis below the site of the injury. The cost of treating a spinal cord injury can be astronomical, ranging from $350,000 to over $1 million in the first year alone, with ongoing expenses for rehabilitation, medical equipment, and home modifications.
5. Soft tissue injuries:
Rideshare accidents can also cause soft tissue injuries, which involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Common examples include sprains, strains, and contusions. The cost of treating a soft tissue injury can range from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of treatment needed.
6. Psychological trauma:
In addition to physical injuries, rideshare accidents can also take a toll on a person's mental health. Victims may experience emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The cost of treating psychological trauma can range from $1,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the length and type of therapy required.
It's important to keep in mind that these are average costs and can vary widely based on factors such as the location of the accident, the victim's individual circumstances, and the specific healthcare providers involved.
Moreover, rideshare accident victims may also face additional expenses, such as lost wages due to missed work and property damage to their personal belongings. A skilled rideshare accident attorney can help victims assess the full extent of their damages and pursue fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Can I Get Compensation for an Albany Rideshare Accident?
When your injured in a rideshare accident in Albany, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs. However, the process of securing compensation can be complex, as it often depends on the specific circumstances of the crash and the parties found liable.
- Passenger injuries: If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and your driver caused the accident, you will likely be covered under the rideshare company's insurance policy. Uber and Lyft, for example, provide up to $1 million in liability coverage per accident for passengers. This coverage can help pay for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages resulting from the accident.
- Driver injuries: If you were driving for a rideshare company and were involved in an accident caused by another party, you may be able to seek compensation through the at-fault driver's insurance policy. Additionally, if you have a personal auto insurance policy with rideshare endorsement or a commercial insurance policy, you may be able to receive coverage for your injuries and damages.
- Third-party injuries: If you were injured in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, either as another motorist, pedestrian, or cyclist, you may be able to pursue compensation through the rideshare company's insurance policy. The amount of coverage available will depend on the driver's status at the time of the Uber or Lyft accident (e.g., waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger).
Understanding the claims process after an Uber or Lyft accident can be challenging, as you may have to deal with multiple insurance companies, each with their own adjusters and rules. The experienced car accident attorneys at William Mattar can help you overcome these obstacles and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team can assist you in pursuing compensation for:
- Medical expenses: This includes costs related to hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatment you may require due to the accident.
- Lost wages or profits: If your injuries have forced you to miss work or have reduced your earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income.
- Pain and suffering: You may be able to receive compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries have impacted your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
Please don't hesitate to contact an Albany rideshare accident lawyer at William Mattar. They can help you understand your rights, the complex claims process, and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Hurt in an Albany Rideshare Accident? Call William Mattar.
Albany rideshare accidents can be devastating. If you were an Uber passenger in a crash, or a pedestrian hit by a Lyft driver — William Mattar law offices can help. Our rideshare accident lawyers know the struggles you may face and can help you with your accident claim. Call us today at 844-noswap444-4444 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys.