The moments after a car accident are a blur of confusion, fear, and pain. When that accident involves a rideshare vehicle from a service like Uber or Lyft, an extra layer of complexity is added to an already stressful situation. You may have been a passenger on your way to a show in the East End, a driver on your daily commute through the Inner Loop, or a pedestrian crossing a busy street like Monroe Avenue when a collision suddenly changed your life. Your mind is likely racing with questions: Who is responsible? Who will pay for my medical bills? How will I support my family if I can’t work?
At William Mattar, P.C. we understand the turmoil you are experiencing. The physical pain of your injuries is compounded by the emotional and financial stress that follows. While this may seem like unfamiliar territory for you, it is where our dedicated legal team spends every single day: fighting for people just like you.
If you have been hurt in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft, an experienced Rochester rideshare accident lawyer from our team is ready to listen to your story and help you navigate the path forward. Please don’t wait to get the help you need; contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Choose William Mattar, P.C. for Your Rochester Rideshare Accident Claim?
Choosing a law firm to represent you after a traumatic accident is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a dedicated advocate, a supportive team, and a firm with the resources and reputation to stand up to major corporations and insurance companies. At William Mattar, P.C. we have built our practice around being that steadfast ally for injured victims across New York State.
For over 30 years, our firm has had an unwavering focus: helping people injured in motor vehicle accidents. We don’t handle any other type of case at this time. This “laser focus” means that every attorney is deeply knowledgeable about the specific laws, insurance policies, and legal strategies that apply to car, truck, motorcycle, and, critically, rideshare accident claims.
This targeted experience is your advantage. When you are up against the powerful legal teams of rideshare companies and their insurers, you deserve a team that is uncommonly practiced in exactly this area of law.
When you choose William Mattar, P.C. you are retaining a dedicated team with a proven track record, committed to protecting your rights and fighting for maximum compensation in your case. Let us put our three decades of focused experience to work for you.
Who Can Make a Rideshare Accident Claim?
Rideshare accidents can be complicated, involving multiple parties and complex insurance structures. A common source of confusion is understanding who is eligible to file a claim for compensation. The simple answer is that if you were injured due to the negligence of a rideshare driver or another motorist involved in the crash, you likely have the right to seek damages.
At William Mattar Law Offices, 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, our team is here to help you understand your specific rights and options.
How Does Insurance Work After a Rochester Uber or Lyft Accident?
This is one of the most complex aspects of a rideshare accident claim and a primary reason why having an experienced attorney is so critical. Unlike a typical two-car accident, which involves the personal insurance policies of the two drivers, a rideshare accident can involve multiple layers of insurance coverage.
The applicable policy and its limits depend entirely on the driver’s status at the exact moment of the crash. In Upstate New York, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide different levels of commercial insurance that are triggered by the driver’s activity within the app.
Let’s break down the three main scenarios:
Offline or the App is Off
If a rideshare driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons and is not logged into the rideshare app, they are considered to be “off the clock.” In this situation, the rideshare company’s insurance does not apply. If this driver causes an accident, any resulting injury claims would be made against the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
In New York, drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage, but these personal policy limits can sometimes be insufficient to cover the full extent of serious injuries.
Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
This is Period 1 of the rideshare process. The driver is logged into the app, is available to accept a ride, but has not yet been matched with a passenger. During this phase, the driver’s personal insurance is still considered the primary coverage. However, because many personal auto policies contain a “business use exclusion” that could seek to deny coverage, Uber and Lyft provide a layer of contingent liability insurance. This coverage typically includes:
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability per accident
This is more than the minimum required by New York State for personal vehicles, but it can still be quickly exhausted in a crash that causes significant harm.
En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride
This phase, covering the time from when a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger is dropped off, provides the highest level of insurance coverage. When an accident happens during this period, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance policy is in effect. This policy typically provides:
- $1.25 million in third-party liability coverage: This is the policy that covers injuries to people in other vehicles, pedestrians, or others harmed by the at-fault rideshare driver.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: This policy also protects you, the rideshare passenger, and the rideshare driver if the other driver was at fault but has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages.
This $1.25 million policy is substantial, but it does not mean the insurance company will simply hand over a check. They will fight vigorously to minimize their payout. Our legal team has extensive experience dealing with these specific high-value commercial policies and knows how to build a case strong enough to compel them to pay the full and fair compensation you are owed.
The Insurance Company Made Me a Settlement Offer. Should I Take It?
It is very common for an insurance adjuster to contact an accident victim shortly after a crash. They may sound friendly and concerned, and they might make what seems like a quick and reasonable settlement offer. It can be tempting to accept, especially when medical bills are piling up and you are unable to work.
We urge you: Do not accept any settlement offer, sign any documents, or provide a recorded statement to an insurance company without first speaking to an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, which means paying out as little as possible on claims. The initial offer they make is almost always far less than what your claim is truly worth. They may use several tactics to shortchange you:
- They rush you: They want you to settle before the full extent of your injuries is known.
- They use your words against you: Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions during recorded statements. A simple "I'm doing okay" can be twisted to mean you are not seriously injured, even if you were just being polite.
- They downplay your pain: They may try to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that they were pre-existing.
- They offer a "nuisance value" settlement: They will offer a few thousand dollars just to make you go away, hoping you will take the quick cash without realizing your claim could be worth many times more.
When you hire William Mattar, P.C. we can take over communication with the insurance companies. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the true value of your claim. This includes calculating not just your current medical bills and lost wages which are not covered by no-fault insurance, but also projecting your future medical needs, loss of earning capacity, and quantifying your pain and suffering.
We will then negotiate from a position of strength, armed with evidence, to demand maximum compensation in your case. If they refuse to make a fair offer, we are always prepared to take your case to court.
Compensation Available to Rochester Rideshare Accident Victims
A serious injury can affect every part of your life, from your health and finances to your emotional well-being. A personal injury claim aims to secure compensation, known as "damages," that helps to make you whole again. Our legal team will work tirelessly to identify and pursue every category of compensation available to you under New York law.
This may include:
- Medical Expenses not covered by no-fault insurance: This covers all past, current, and future medical care related to your injuries, including ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices like wheelchairs or crutches.
- Lost Income not covered by no-fault insurance: If you were unable to work while recovering, we will fight for the income you lost.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent and prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn a living in the future, you can be compensated for this long-term financial loss.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional trauma you have endured due to your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: This can include compensation for conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the uninjured spouse of a victim may file a claim for the loss of companionship, support, and services resulting from their loved one’s injuries.
Our experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers will take the time to understand the full impact the accident has had on your life, ensuring that we fight for a comprehensive settlement or award that addresses all of your needs.
Rochester Rideshare Accident Claim FAQs
It’s natural to have many questions after a rideshare accident. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions our clients have.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident lawsuit in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident - though it can sometimes be much shorter. While this may seem like a long time, it is critical to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and critical deadlines for filing certain claims (like No-Fault benefits) are much shorter. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible gives them the best opportunity to meet all deadlines and build a strong case for you.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. New York follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially to blame for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the crash, your final award would be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies often try to unfairly assign blame to victims to reduce their payout, which is why having an attorney to protect your interests is vital.
How much will it cost me to hire a lawyer from William Mattar?
You can afford our help. At William Mattar, P.C. we operate on a contingency fee basis, which we call our No Fee Until We Win. This means you pay absolutely no attorneys’ fee upfront. We cover all the costs of investigating and pursuing your case. We only get paid a legal fee if and when we successfully recover money for you through a settlement or a court verdict. This allows you to get the high-quality legal representation you deserve without any financial risk.
Contact the Rochester Rideshare Accident Lawyers at William Mattar, P.C.
After a rideshare accident, you don't have to face the physical, emotional, and financial burdens alone. The legal team at William Mattar, P.C. is here to lift that weight from your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Our large, established firm has the focus, experience, and resources to fight for justice and compensation on your behalf.
When you entrust your case to us, we will:
- Conduct a complete and thorough investigation into your accident.
- Handle communications with insurance adjusters and corporate lawyers.
- Gather the evidence needed to build a powerful and persuasive claim.
- Work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full value of your damages.
- Fight tirelessly to secure maximum possible compensation for you.
Time is critical after an accident. Each day that passes can make it more difficult to collect evidence and build the strongest possible case. Don't let valuable time slip away. Contact William Mattar, P.C. now for a free and confidential consultation. Let our team start working for you today.