Ridesharing services, including Uber and Lyft, are a growing presence in cities across the country. Taxis were once the only choice for hailing a ride, but these companies have quickly risen to prominence. In a recent year, for instance, Uber had over 93 million active users every month.
With more rideshares on the roads in Rochester, accidents are bound to occur. If you’ve been injured taking a rideshare in Rochester, the team at William Mattar can help. Our Rochester rideshare accident lawyers represent victims who have been injured in Ubers, Lyfts, and other rideshares. Don’t wait to call and miss out on your claim—call today at 844-noswap444-4444.
The Importance of Hiring a Rochester Rideshare Accident Attorney
If you've been involved in a Lyft or Uber accident, you may find yourself confused and not sure how to move forward. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be stressful, confusing, and time-consuming, especially when trying to grasp the legal system and communicate with insurance companies.
This is where a skilled rideshare accident attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Consider the following ways an attorney can assist you:
1. In-Depth Accident Analysis
A knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney from our law firm will examine the details of your accident to determine liability and build a robust case on your behalf. They will collect and analyze crucial evidence, including:
- police reports,
- eyewitness accounts,
- medical documentation,
- and any available video footage.
If necessary, they may collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists to gain a clearer understanding of the incident and establish fault. Through this analysis, your Uber and Lyft accident attorney can identify key factors that may bolster your case and help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.
2. Handling Insurance Company Negotiations
Insurance companies often prioritize their own financial interests over injured victims, which may lead to minimizing or denying your claim. Rochester Lyft accident lawyers, or any type of rideshare lawyer, can take charge of all communications with insurers, protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests.
They can skillfully negotiate with insurance representatives to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other accident-related damages. Your attorney can also help you make sense of the intricate insurance policies involved in rideshare accidents, including the rideshare company's coverage and the driver's personal insurance.
3. Relentless Pursuit of Just Compensation
A dedicated rideshare accident attorney will work tirelessly to gain the compensation you're entitled to for your personal injuries and losses. They will gather compelling evidence, consult with medical professionals, and construct a persuasive case to support your claim.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations against Uber or Lyft drivers, your attorney will be prepared to represent you in court and argue your case before a judge and jury. They will explore all potential sources of compensation, such as the rideshare company's insurance policy, the driver's personal insurance, and any relevant third-party claims.
4. Providing Reassurance and Guidance
The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be emotionally and mentally draining. By partnering with an experienced attorney, you can concentrate on your recovery while they handle the legal side of your case.
Your attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case and address any concerns or questions you may have throughout the process. They will offer invaluable guidance and support, empowering you to make well-informed decisions and ensuring that your rights are safeguarded every step of the way.
Causes of Rochester Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare accidents are, in a sense, very similar to any motor vehicle accident. When you get in a rideshare, you put your safety and wellbeing into the hands of a stranger, a rideshare driver.
Just like any driver, a negligent rideshare driver can cause a serious accident. Negligent drivers may speed, text on their phone, fiddle with navigation, or drive aggressively. Likewise, other motorists on the road may be reckless, distracted, or even under the influence, resulting in a serious collision. These factors can be exasperated in cities like Rochester, where there is sometimes significant traffic congestion.
Often rideshare drivers are required to stop and pick-up passengers in new locations. Also, rideshare drivers, just like any other driver, can sometimes fail to yield the right of way or follow traffic laws. For these reasons, it is also possible that pedestrians can be struck by a rideshare vehicle and suffer serious injuries.
Common Bodily Injuries After a Rideshare Vehicle Accident
Like any car accident, accidents involving rideshares can result in severe and fatal injuries to vehicle occupants. These injuries can significantly affect the victim’s life for years to come. Victims of Rochester rideshare crashes can suffer:
- Head trauma: Those injured in rideshare accidents can suffer serious head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI can be caused by a jolt to the head and can damage memory, movement, sensation, or emotional functioning. Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations.
- Whiplash: A neck injury known as whiplash is common in motor vehicle crashes, especially rear-end collisions. Whiplash can occur when the neck is wrenched forward and back again in a forceful motion. Symptoms can include but are not limited to neck pain and stiffness, loss of range of motion in the neck, and headaches.
- Broken bones: Injury victims of rideshare accidents can sustain bone fractures that range in severity. Several types of fractures necessitate different levels of treatment. Severely broken bones, such as broken legs and arms, can require a lengthy recovery period.
- Lacerations: Lacerations, or cuts, are deep wounds to the skin or flesh. These cuts are often caused by blunt trauma and can result in permanent scarring.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, one of our experienced accident attorneys is available 24/7 to hear your case.
Insurance Coverage for a Rochester Rideshare Accident
Rideshare companies have insurance for drivers. This is true for Uber, one of the most well-known ridesharing services. According to its website, Uber’s policy is based on the driver’s status at the time the accident occurred. In the event of a rideshare crash, insurance coverage for Uber drivers in New York is as follows:
- Offline: If not logged onto the Uber app, drivers must rely on their personal auto insurance.
- Online (not on trip): An Uber driver who is online but not on a trip likely does not have passengers. If an accident occurs, the driver will be covered up to a certain amount of auto liability insurance ($75k for bodily injury per person and $150K for bodily injury per accident), personal injury protection ($50k per person), and uninsured motorist coverage ($25k for bodily injury per person; $50k for bodily injury per accident, etc.).
- On trip: An Uber driver on a trip will be covered up to a certain amount of auto liability insurance ($1.25 million for all bodily injury and property damage per accident), personal injury protection ($50k per injured person), SUM uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage ($1.25 million per injured person), and contingent collision and comprehensive insurance.
If you were a rideshare passenger when an accident occurred, you will very likely be covered to some extent by the company’s insurance coverage. Contact William Mattar law offices today to learn how we can help you file a claim and achieve maximum compensation.
Seeking Compensation After a Rideshare Accident in Rochester, NY
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in Syracuse, New York, you may be facing a long road to recovery, both physically and financially. The good news is that you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related expenses.
However, navigating the world of rideshare accident compensation can be a hefty task. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Establishing Fault and Liability:
To successfully pursue compensation for your injuries and losses, you must be able to prove that the rideshare driver or another party was responsible for the accident. This often involves a comprehensive investigation, which may include gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
It may also be necessary to work with accident reconstruction specialists to determine the cause of the crash and establish liability. An experienced Syracuse rideshare accident attorney can be invaluable in this process, helping you build a strong case and navigate the legal complexities involved.
Pursuing Various Forms of Compensation:
Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, as well as the overall impact the accident has had on your life, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. These can include reimbursement for medical expenses, such as hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation costs.
If your injuries have forced you to miss work or have diminished your future earning capacity, you may also be able to recover lost wages and compensation for your reduced earning potential. Additionally, you may be eligible for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
If your personal property, such as your vehicle, was damaged in the accident, you may also be able to seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
Being Mindful of the Statute of Limitations:
It is crucial to keep in mind that there is a limited window of time in which you can take legal action to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. In Rochester, New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those stemming from rideshare accidents, is generally three years from the date of the incident.
This means that you have three years from the day of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Failing to take legal action within this timeframe could result in losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.
Contact a Rochester Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t suffer the consequences of an accident injury alone. Let one of the Rochester rideshare accident lawyers at William Mattar stand by your side. We will advocate for you to get the compensation you need and protect your best interests. Schedule an initial case consultation today using our free online form. Or call our offices at 844-noswap444-4444 to speak to a member of our team.