Buffalo Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Ridesharing services provided by companies such as Uber and Lyft have changed transportation in Buffalo. Hailing a ride is now as easy as opening a smartphone app. Rather than take a taxi or public transportation, many people choose to use these services due to their accessibility.
While there are pluses to ridesharing services, accidents involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle can be complex. In these cases, multiple parties and insurance carriers may be involved, including the ridesharing company itself. Injury victims can find themselves in a stressful position where they don’t know where to turn for compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Buffalo, contact a Buffalo rideshare accident attorney at William Mattar law offices today. Our rideshare accident lawyers have the knowledge to tackle accident cases involving complicated rideshare laws. We will fight for you to get the compensation you need to cover injury-related expenses. Call our offices at 844-noswap444-4444 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Uber and Lyft Accidents in Buffalo
There are often very few requirements for becoming a rideshare driver. For instance, to drive with Uber, you must meet the minimum age to drive in your city, have one year of driving experience (3 years if you are under 23 years old), a valid driver’s license, and have an eligible four-door vehicle. With these basic criteria satisfied, just about anyone can start driving for Uber.
Uber and Lyft accidents sometimes happen due to the negligence of a rideshare driver or another motorist on the roadway. Rideshare drivers and passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and pedestrians involved in these collisions can suffer severe or even life-altering injuries.
Victims of rideshare accidents can sustain a range of serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, broken bones, burns, lacerations, and internal organ damage. These injuries can make it difficult for a person to go about their everyday life following the accident.
The Benefits of Hiring a Buffalo Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accidents involving Lyft or Uber can be complex and overwhelming, leaving victims unsure of their legal rights and how to proceed. Navigating the legal system and dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to focus on your recovery. This is where hiring a skilled rideshare accident lawyer can be invaluable.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer will conduct a comprehensive investigation into your accident, gathering essential evidence to support your claim. This may include:
- Reviewing police reports and accident scene photos
- Interviewing witnesses and obtaining their statements
- Analyzing medical records and treatment plans
- Examining any available video footage from dashcams or surveillance cameras
Your Lyft or Uber accident attorney may also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the crash and establish liability. By building a strong case with compelling evidence, your lawyer can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Navigating Complex Insurance Issues
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, including the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s coverage. Understanding how these policies interact and which one applies to your situation can be confusing. A knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney can help you make sense of these complex insurance issues and ensure that you pursue all available sources of compensation.
Your lawyer will handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting your rights and negotiating for a fair settlement. If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, your attorney will be prepared to fight for your interests in court.
Maximizing Your Compensation
A dedicated rideshare accident lawyer will work tirelessly to help you obtain the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. They will:
- Gather medical evidence to demonstrate the extent of your injuries
- Consult with medical experts to establish the long-term impact of your injuries
- Calculate your current and future losses, including medical bills and lost income
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial if necessary to fight for your rights
By having a Lyft or Uber wreck attorney on your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case and pursue the best possible outcome.
Providing Support and Guidance
Dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be stressful and emotionally draining. A compassionate rideshare accident lawyer will provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout the legal process. They will:
- Explain your legal rights and options in clear, easy-to-understand terms
- Keep you informed about the progress of your case
- Answer your questions and address your concerns promptly
- Provide advice and recommendations to help you make informed decisions
- Offer emotional support and understanding during this challenging time
By working with an experienced Rochester rideshare accident attorney, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in capable hands and that someone is fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Who is At Fault for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Buffalo?
Every rideshare accident is different. Depending on the details of the crash, the rideshare driver and/or company, another driver, or a negligent pedestrian or bicyclist may be liable. If a Lyft driver, for example, ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle, that Lyft driver is likely at fault for the accident.
Liability is vital in an Uber or Lyft accident case because it will determine which party is responsible for damages. Rideshare companies generally have insurance policies that provide coverage for an accident involving one of their drivers under certain circumstances. If a rideshare driver is liable for your accident, you will likely be covered under the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
The amount of available coverage for a rideshare collision will vary depending on the company’s policy and the accident facts. Uber’s insurance coverage, as an example, insures drivers based on their “status” at the time of the accident. If an Uber driver is involved in an accident when they are awaiting a ride request, en route to pick up riders, or on a trip, he or she will receive some amount of company coverage.
But if they are not logged into the rideshare app, they will need to rely on their personal auto insurance to cover any damages. Insurance coverage can get complicated after a rideshare accident, and a rideshare accident attorney can help you examine the available insurance coverage.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles can occur due to various factors. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Driver negligence: Rideshare drivers may engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to follow traffic laws, increasing the risk of accidents.
2. Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel and the pressure to accept as many rides as possible can lead to driver fatigue, impairing their ability to make safe driving decisions.
3. Inexperience: Some Lyft or Uber drivers may lack the necessary experience to handle challenging road conditions or high-traffic situations, leading to accidents.
4. Vehicle maintenance issues: Poorly maintained vehicles, such as those with worn tires or faulty brakes, can contribute to accidents.
5. Other motorists’ negligence: Whether they are an Uber driver or Lyft driver, their passengers can fall victim to accidents caused by other negligent drivers on the road.
6. Inclement weather: Hazardous weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, can make driving more difficult and increase the likelihood of accidents.
7. Unfamiliar routes: Rideshare drivers may rely heavily on GPS navigation, which can sometimes lead to confusion or distraction, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Compensation for a Buffalo Rideshare Accident
- Medical expenses: The average cost of hospital bills for a rideshare accident can range from $5,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the severity of the injuries and the required treatment. This may include emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost wages and/or profits: If the accident results in the victim being unable to work, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or profits. The average amount can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the victim’s occupation, salary, and the duration of their inability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering is often calculated as a multiple of the victim’s medical expenses, typically ranging from 1 to 5 times the total medical costs. For example, if the medical expenses are $50,000, the pain and suffering compensation could be anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000.
- Emotional anguish: Similar to pain and suffering, emotional anguish compensation is often based on the severity of the incident and its impact on the victim’s mental health. The average amount can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Diminished quality of life: If the accident results in permanent disabilities or a significant reduction in the victim’s ability to enjoy life, they may be entitled to compensation. The average amount can vary widely, from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the impact on the victim’s life.
- Property damage: Compensation for property damage, such as damage to the victim’s vehicle, can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the damage and the value of the property.
- Wrongful death: In the tragic event that a rideshare accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death. The average settlement for wrongful death cases can range from $500,000 to several million dollars, depending on factors such as the victim’s age, earning potential, and the impact on their family.
It is essential to note that these are just average ranges, and actual compensation amounts can vary significantly based on the unique circumstances of each case. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the number of parties involved, and the available insurance coverage can all impact the final settlement or award.
As mentioned, when multiple insurance carriers are involved, it is crucial to have an experienced rideshare accident attorney who can navigate the complexities of the case and help the victim obtain the maximum compensation they are entitled to. The attorneys at William Mattar law offices have the expertise to guide victims through the legal process and fight for their rights.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Rochester Rideshare Accidents
When it comes to rideshare accidents in Rochester, insurance coverage can be complex. Companies like Uber, one of the most popular ridesharing services, have insurance policies in place to protect their drivers and passengers.
However, the level of coverage provided by Uber depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Offline: Personal Auto Insurance
If an Uber driver is not logged into the app and is involved in an accident, they must rely on their own personal auto insurance policy for coverage.
In this case, Uber’s insurance does not apply, and the driver’s personal liability coverage will be the primary source of compensation for any injuries or damages caused by the accident.
Online but Not on a Trip: Limited Uber Insurance Coverage
When an Uber driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, they are considered to be “available” or “waiting for a ride.” If an accident occurs during this period, Uber provides a limited amount of insurance coverage, which includes:
- Auto Liability Insurance: $75,000 per person for bodily injury, $150,000 per accident for bodily injury, and property damage coverage.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $50,000 per person.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
This coverage is designed to supplement the driver’s personal auto insurance policy and may provide additional protection for accident victims.
On a Trip: Full Uber Insurance Coverage
Once an Uber driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up a passenger or is transporting a passenger, Uber’s full insurance coverage comes into effect. This includes:
- Auto Liability Insurance: $1.25 million for all bodily injury and property damage per accident.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $50,000 per injured person.
- Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) Coverage: $1.25 million per injured person.
- Contingent Collision and Comprehensive Insurance: Coverage for damage to the driver’s vehicle, subject to a deductible.
If you were a passenger in an Uber vehicle during an accident, you would likely be covered by Uber’s $1.25 million liability insurance policy. This coverage is designed to protect passengers and third parties who may have been injured or suffered property damage as a result of the accident.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Navigating the insurance claims process after a rideshare accident can be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple insurance policies and companies. It’s important to consult with an experienced Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorney who can help you understand your rights, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Hurt in a Buffalo Rideshare Accident? Call William Mattar.
Rideshare accidents can be stressful and overwhelming. If you’ve been injured while taking a rideshare, contact William Mattar law offices today and let us advocate on your behalf. Our Buffalo car accident attorneys can help you through filing a claim and work to achieve the best outcome possible for your case. Call our legal team at 844-noswap444-4444 or fill out a free initial consultation form to get started.
