The convenience of summoning a ride with a few taps on your phone has changed how we navigate Buffalo. From a night out in Elmwood Village to catching a Sabres game at the KeyBank Center or even just commuting along the Scajaquada Expressway, services like Uber and Lyft have become a part of our daily lives. We trust these drivers to get us to our destinations safely.
But when a sudden, violent crash breaks that trust, you may be left with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the disorienting stress of dealing with powerful corporations and their insurance companies. In this difficult time, please know that you have rights. The path forward may seem unclear, but a dedicated Buffalo rideshare accident lawyer can be the guide and advocate you need to navigate this complex journey.
At William Mattar, P.C. we understand the shock and uncertainty you’re experiencing. Our practice is focused on helping people hurt in motor vehicle accidents. Let our experienced team take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what truly matters: your recovery. Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help.
Why Choose William Mattar, P.C. for Your Buffalo Rideshare Accident Claim?
After a traumatic accident, choosing the right legal team can feel like another monumental task. You need a firm with not only the right experience but also a genuine commitment to your well-being. At William Mattar, P.C. we have built our reputation on being that firm for thousands of clients across New York State for over 30 years.
Here’s why so many injured New Yorkers have trusted us to fight for them:
- Singular Focus, Deep Experience: For over three decades, our firm has handled motor vehicle accident claims. We have seen firsthand how rideshare accidents have evolved and have developed specific strategies to counter the tactics used by large corporations and their insurers.
- A Track Record of Results: Our dedication has allowed us to help clients collect significant settlements and verdicts for their injuries. This history demonstrates our ability to build powerful cases and negotiate for maximum compensation for our clients.
- A Large, Dedicated Team: When you hire us, you get the strength of an established, statewide law firm. From our 24/7 intake specialists ready to take your call anytime, day or night, to our skilled attorneys and support staff, our entire team is mobilized to work for you.
- No Fee Until We Win: We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us no attorneys’ legal fees unless and until we win a recovery for you.
You have been through enough. Let our experienced and compassionate team handle the details of your legal claim. We will stand by your side, protect your rights, and tirelessly advocate for the justice and compensation you are owed.
Who Can Make a Rideshare Accident Claim?
Because multiple parties are often involved, several different individuals may be eligible to file an Uber or Lyft claim. At William Mattar, P.C. we represent all victims of rideshare accidents, including:
- Rideshare Passengers
- Drivers and Passengers of Other Vehicles
- Pedestrians and Bicyclists
- Rideshare Drivers
No matter how you were involved, if you were injured and it wasn't your fault, it is essential to explore your legal options. Our team can evaluate the specifics of your accident and explain your rights clearly and compassionately.
How Does Insurance Work After a Buffalo Uber or Lyft Accident?
One of the most confusing aspects of a rideshare accident claim is the insurance. Unlike a standard car accident that typically involves only the personal auto policies of the drivers, a rideshare crash can involve the driver’s personal policy and commercial policies provided by Uber or Lyft. Which policy applies depends entirely on where the crash occurred and what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash.
Offline or the App is Off
If the rideshare driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the accident, any claim for injuries would likely be made against the driver’s personal auto insurance policy, just as it would be in any other car accident.
Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
The driver is logged into the app, is available to accept a ride, but has not yet been matched with a passenger. New York State law requires rideshare companies to provide a layer of contingent liability coverage during this period. This coverage typically includes:
- $75,000 in coverage for death and bodily injury per person
- $150,000 in coverage for death and bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in coverage for property damage
This is more than the state minimum, but it can be insufficient for severe injuries.
En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride
This phase, covering “Period 2” (driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up the passenger) and “Period 3” (passenger is in the vehicle), is when the rideshare company’s most significant insurance coverage is active. If you are injured during this time, a $1.25 million third-party liability insurance policy applies. This policy is designed to cover the damages of injured victims, including passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles.
This policy also includes substantial Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage, which protects you if the at-fault driver is the other driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages.
Should I Accept the First Offer From the Insurance Company?
In the days or weeks following your accident, you will likely receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster. They may sound friendly and concerned, and even make you a quick settlement offer. It can be tempting to accept it, especially when bills are piling up and you’re out of work. However, we strongly advise you to never accept the first offer without speaking to a lawyer first.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is not to ensure you are made whole; it is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible on claims. The first offer is almost always a "lowball" offer that does not account for the full, long-term impact of your injuries.
Insurance adjusters use several tactics to shortchange you:
- Pressuring for a Quick Settlement: They offer fast cash before you know the true extent of your injuries. Many injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage, have delayed symptoms. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot ask for more money later, even if you need future surgeries or ongoing care.
- Requesting a Recorded Statement: They will ask to record a statement about the accident, hoping you’ll say something they can use against you. You might downplay your pain or unintentionally say something that could be twisted to imply you were partially at fault. You are not generally obligated to provide a recorded statement, though you may need to make a statement in connection with a no-fault claim.
- Downplaying Your Injuries: The adjuster may review your initial medical records and try to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim, or that they were caused by a pre-existing condition.
- Delaying and Denying: In other cases, they may drag their feet, hoping you’ll become frustrated and desperate enough to accept any offer they eventually make.
When you hire our rideshare accident lawyer in Buffalo, we immediately take over all communication with the insurance companies. We protect you from these tactics. We will conduct a thorough investigation, gather all your medical records, consult with experts if necessary, and calculate the true value of your claim, including future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and your pain and suffering. We then negotiate from a position of strength to demand the full and fair compensation you are truly owed.
Compensation Available to Buffalo Rideshare Accident Victims
No amount of money can erase the trauma of an accident or give you back your health. However, securing fair compensation is a critical part of justice and is essential for providing you with the financial stability you need to heal and move forward. At William Mattar, P.C. our goal is to identify and pursue every category of compensation you are entitled to under New York law. Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
- Medical Expenses not covered by no-fault insurance: This covers everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any necessary future medical care.
- Lost Income not covered by no-fault insurance: If your injuries have forced you to miss work, you can be compensated for the income you have lost.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent and prevent you from returning to your previous job or from working at all, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you would have earned over the course of your career.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by your injuries, both now and in the future.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: This provides compensation for the long-term effects of a life-altering injury, such as scarring, amputation, or loss of bodily function.
Our legal team understands that your losses are deeply personal. We take the time to understand how this accident has truly affected your life so we can fight for a result that reflects the full scope of your damages.
Buffalo Rideshare Accident Claim FAQs
We know that you have many questions during this confusing time. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions we hear from our clients.
If another driver was responsible for causing the crash, your claim would primarily be directed at that driver's insurance policy. However, this is where the rideshare company's Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage can be crucial. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or their policy limits are too low to cover all of your damages, we can file a SUM claim against the Uber or Lyft policy to make up the difference.
In New York State, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. While this may seem like a long time, it is critical to act much sooner. Evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and crucial deadlines for filing certain types of claims can be much shorter. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is the best way to protect your right to compensation. Every case is unique.
Many serious injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal damage, may not show immediate serious symptoms. If you accept a small settlement for a "minor" accident and your condition worsens, you will not be able to seek further compensation. A free consultation with our team can help you understand your rights and the potential value of your claim, with no obligation to hire us.
Contact the Buffalo Rideshare Accident Lawyers at William Mattar, P.C.
You don’t have to carry the weight of this accident on your own. The legal system is complex, and the insurance companies have powerful resources on their side. You deserve to have an equally powerful and compassionate advocate in your corner. Let the dedicated team at William Mattar, P.C. fight for you.
When you trust us with your case, we will:
- Conduct a complete and independent investigation into your accident.
- Identify all at-fault parties and determine every applicable insurance policy.
- Work with you and your doctors to document the full extent of your injuries and losses.
- Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies.
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Your primary job is to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Our job is to handle everything else. Don't let valuable time slip away and risk weakening your claim. Contact the experienced car accident lawyers at William Mattar, P.C. now at (716) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation. Put our large, established team to work for you today and take the first step towards justice and compensation.