When you step into a rideshare vehicle like an Uber or Lyft, you put your trust in the driver to safely get you to your destination. Whether you’re heading home from a Sabres game at the KeyBank Center, taking an afternoon ride to Elmwood Village, or navigating the congested streets around Hertel Avenue, accidents can happen. Rideshare accidents are as unpredictable as they are overwhelming.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, know that you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A Buffalo rideshare accident lawyer is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
At William Mattar, P.C. we understand how troubling this time can be. Injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future can leave you feeling lost. But you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Why Choose William Mattar, P.C. for Your Buffalo Rideshare Accident Claim?
When you’re facing the fallout of a rideshare accident, experience matters. After years of helping injured victims in Buffalo and across New York State, William Mattar, P.C. has built a reputation for providing compassionate and skilled legal representation in cases involving rideshare accidents.
We focus on motor vehicle accidents, including Uber and Lyft incidents.
When you call us, our team of intake specialists is available 24/7 to walk you through the critical first steps. We act quickly to gather evidence, secure testimony, and protect your rights. Every moment you wait could impact your claim, so don’t delay. With our No Fee Until We Win policy, you can focus on healing knowing you won’t pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
At William Mattar, P.C. your recovery is our priority.
Who May Be Eligible to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?
Rideshare accidents can involve many different parties, and understanding who may be eligible to pursue a claim is essential. Here’s a breakdown of individuals who may have a right to file a claim after a rideshare accident in Buffalo.
- Rideshare Passengers: If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and were injured during the ride, you likely have a case for compensation, whether the rideshare driver or another motorist caused the accident.
- Other Motorists: If your vehicle was hit by a rideshare driver, you may have grounds to file a claim against the driver’s insurance policy or the rideshare company.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: If a rideshare driver hit you while you were walking or biking, you can pursue compensation for your injuries.
- Rideshare Drivers: Even if you were driving for Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident, you may still have a viable claim. This depends on factors like who was at fault and your status within the rideshare app at the time of the collision.
Accidents can happen anywhere in greater Buffalo, whether you’re crossing Niagara Street, navigating through Allentown, or driving on the I-190. No matter where or how the accident occurred, William Mattar P.C. will work tirelessly to help determine your eligibility and build a strong case for your recovery, particularly if you are dealing with rideshare accident injuries.
How Does Insurance Work After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Determining who is financially responsible after a rideshare accident can be complex. This is because Uber and Lyft drivers are covered by a combination of their own personal insurance policies and the rideshare company's coverage. The status of the driver within the app plays a critical role.
Here’s a closer look at how coverage works for Uber and Lyft drivers in New York State.
Offline or the App is Off
If the rideshare driver was not logged into the app at the time of the accident, the driver’s personal insurance policy will apply to any injuries or damages. For example, if a rideshare driver on a break hits your vehicle at an intersection in Amherst, it falls on their private insurance to compensate you for your losses, which can make the process of recovery after an accident injury more complicated.
Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
When a driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request yet, they are covered under Uber or Lyft’s limited liability policy. This coverage typically includes:
- up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
- $100,000 total per accident
If your rideshare accident occurred during this stage, our team will identify all available insurance coverage to ensure maximum compensation.
En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride
Once a rideshare driver accepts a ride request and until the passenger exits the vehicle, Uber or Lyft provides significant insurance coverage. Their liability policy can cover at least $1 million for bodily injury and property damage per accident. They also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for accidents caused by drivers who lack sufficient insurance.
Say you were seriously injured as a rideshare passenger heading to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. At this stage, Uber or Lyft’s insurance would likely come into play. Our attorneys will work diligently to ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to under the law, handling negotiations with the insurance company after a car accident so you can focus on recovery.
The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
It’s not uncommon for accident victims to receive quick settlement offers from insurance companies. These offers can be tempting, especially when medical bills and lost wages start piling up. However, accepting the first offer is rarely in your best interest.
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, even if it’s at your expense. You might hear phrases like, “This is the best we can do,” or “We’re offering this as a goodwill gesture.” But their goal is to protect their bottom line, not yours. An accident lawyer help protect you from these tactics and fight for the compensation you truly deserve. Here are some common tactics insurers use to shortchange accident victims:
- Rushed Offers: Insurance adjusters might pressure you to settle quickly, knowing that you haven’t had time to fully assess the extent of your injuries or future needs.
- Downplaying Injuries: Adjusters often claim that your injuries aren’t as severe as they are to justify a lower settlement.
- Questioning Fault: Insurers may attempt to assign some or all of the blame to you, reducing the payout or denying the claim altogether.
- Hidden Exclusions: Some settlements include complex legal language that could limit your recovery or forfeit your right to pursue additional compensation later.
Before signing anything, it’s critical to consult with a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer. At William Mattar, P.C. our attorneys are skilled negotiators who know how to counter insurer tactics and fight for the compensation you truly deserve.
Compensation Available to Buffalo Rideshare Accident Victims
After a rideshare accident, it’s natural to wonder what kinds of compensation may be available to help you recover. At William Mattar, P.C. our goal is to help you secure the financial resources you need to rebuild your life. Compensation available to Buffalo rideshare accident victims typically includes:
- Medical Expenses: This includes coverage for your hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and lost earning potential. Some expenses may be covered by no-fault insurance.
- Pain and Suffering: Injuries often involve more than physical wounds. Compensation for pain, emotional distress, and suffering can help acknowledge the psychological toll of the accident.
- Property Damage: If the accident caused damage to personal property, such as your vehicle, bike, or other belongings, you could receive compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have affected your ability to enjoy activities you once loved, this type of damage may apply.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If you lost a loved one in a rideshare accident, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to seek funeral expenses, lost companionship, and other related damages.
Every case is unique, but no one should face the financial burdens of such an accident alone. Our team is here to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing, and if you’re unsure what can a lawyer do for you after a rideshare accident, we can guide you through every step.
How Much Does a Buffalo Rideshare Accident Attorney Cost?
Concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer? The legal team at William Mattar, P.C. understands this is a common worry, which is why, like most personal injury attorneys, we offer legal representation on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay any upfront legal fees. We only get paid attorney’s fees when we win your case, so if you’ve been injured and wonder if you need a lawyer, there’s no financial risk in reaching out for help.
With our No Fee Until We Win policy, there’s no financial risk to you. Whether you’re facing mounting medical expenses, lost income, or other financial challenges, affording experienced legal representation doesn’t have to be an added burden.
Our team is dedicated to helping injury victims access justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we make it simple and stress-free to take the first step toward securing the compensation you need. Give us a call today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
What If I’m Partly to Blame for My Rideshare Accident Injuries?
If you believe you might share some responsibility for the accident, you may still be able to pursue compensation. New York State follows a legal principle known as comparative negligence. Under this rule, even if you are partially at fault, you can recover damages proportional to the other party’s degree of responsibility.
For example, if the court determines that you were 20% at fault and the rideshare driver was 80% at fault, your settlement or award would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto accident victims to minimize payouts. That’s why having a skilled lawyer on your side is so important. The team at William Mattar, P.C. will investigate your case, gather evidence, and work to counter any unfair blame placed on you. Our goal is to protect your right to pursue fair compensation, no matter the circumstances, and also explain how factors like whether your insurance go up after an accident may affect your situation.
Even if you think you may be partly at fault, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your rights and options.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim?
New York has strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury claims, including those stemming from rideshare accidents. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, there are exceptions that could shorten or extend this window.
For example, if a government entity is involved in your case, the filing deadline could be as little as 90 days. On the other hand, if you’ve only recently discovered the severity of your injuries, you might have more time, and how much the insurance pays will depend on the coverage available and the specifics of your claim.
Acting quickly is crucial. Missing the deadline could forfeit your right to seek compensation, no matter how serious your injuries are.
Contact the New York City Rideshare Accident Lawyers at William Mattar, P.C.
Rideshare accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At William Mattar, P.C. we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way. Our team can:
- Investigate the accident to determine fault and gather critical evidence.
- Handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Ensure all legal deadlines and requirements are met.
- Advocate for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (716) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Speak with our caring and experienced legal team, who will fight for your rights and help you focus on what matters most—your recovery.