Syracuse motor vehicle accidents that result in serious physical injuries are already a stressful experience. Accidents involving rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft can add complication. In the aftermath of a Syracuse Uber or Lyft crash, injury victims may find it challenging to get the compensation they need.
Contact William Mattar law offices if you've been injured in a Syracuse rideshare accident. Our experienced Syracuse rideshare accident lawyers know the laws surrounding rideshare programs, and we can help you receive maximum compensation.
How Does Uber and Lyft Work?
Ridesharing platforms, including Uber and Lyft, are a unique transportation form that allows customers to hail rides through a mobile app. Using the app, customers request a ride, which a nearby rideshare driver can accept or reject.
There are often different types of services available through these platforms, which vary in cost.
Like a taxi, ridesharing has its risks. As a passenger, you cannot control the vehicle's operation and rely on your driver's driving skills and judgment. When an Uber or Lyft driver is inexperienced or negligent, accidents can occur, potentially resulting in severe injuries to passengers.
Why are Uber and Lyft Accidents so Complex?
Uber and Lyft accidents can be complex, and various factors can play a role in determining whether an injury victim is entitled to compensation. For one, there are often multiple parties involved which can make navigating insurance claims difficult. Parties can potentially include the rideshare driver and passengers, other non-rideshare drivers and passengers, pedestrians, or even a municipality.
Determining liability is critical to recovering compensation for accident injuries. But this can also be hard to establish if a rideshare company is involved. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the rideshare company may provide coverage through its group insurance policy. An experienced rideshare attorney can examine this issue for you.
In a rideshare accident case, you may need to communicate with several insurance companies, including your personal auto insurance, the rideshare company's insurance company, and the at-fault driver's personal car insurance company. This can be confusing, especially if you are being pressured to accept a lower settlement offer than you deserve. An experienced accident attorney can help you file all necessary insurance claims and negotiate with the involved insurance companies on your behalf.
What Should I Do if I was Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Syracuse?
Suffering injuries in a Syracuse rideshare accident can be traumatic. If you've been injured as a passenger or were struck by a rideshare driver, there are steps you can consider taking to help ensure you can file a future claim:
- Call 911 to alert emergency services and law enforcement of the accident. If you've been injured, consider seeking immediate medical attention.
- If you are able to do so safely, you can collect evidence, such as license plate numbers, driver contact information, accident scene photos, and any other relevant accident details that may be pertinent to your case.
- Notify your personal insurance carrier of the rideshare accident.
- Consider consulting with an accident attorney who can take on your case's legal aspects and help you pursue the compensation you need.
You don't have to deal with the effects of a rideshare crash alone. Our team is standing by 24/7 to help case — call us today to learn more.
The Role of a Syracuse Rideshare Accident Attorney
When you've been injured in a rideshare accident, taking on the legal side of things can be overwhelming. This is where an experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance.
Whether you're looking for a Syracuse Uber accident attorney or another type of rideshare accident attorney, here's how they can help you with your case.
Thorough Investigation
- An experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident.
- They will gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and surveillance footage, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Personal injury attorneys may also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability.
- By conducting a comprehensive investigation, an attorney can uncover critical information that may strengthen your case and help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Communication with Insurance Companies
- Insurance and rideshare companies often prioritize their own interests and may attempt to minimize or deny your claim. An experienced Syracuse rideshare accident attorney can handle all communication on your behalf.
- They can negotiate with insurers to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- An attorney can also help you navigate the complex insurance policies involved in rideshare accidents, including the rideshare company's insurance and the driver's personal insurance.
Fight for Fair Compensation
- An experienced rideshare accident attorney will fight tirelessly so that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
- They can gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- If necessary, an Uber and Lyft attorney can represent you in court and argue your case before a judge and jury.
- They can also help you explore all available avenues for compensation, including the rideshare company's insurance policy, the driver's personal insurance, and any applicable third-party claims.
Peace of Mind
- Dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be stressful and time-consuming. By working with an experienced Uber or Lyft accident lawyers, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
- An attorney can provide you with regular updates on the progress of your case and answer any questions you may have along the way.
- They can also offer guidance and support throughout the legal process, helping you make informed decisions and making sure that your rights are protected.
Rideshare Compensation in Syracuse, NY
If you've been injured in a rideshare accident in Syracuse, New York, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, the process of securing fair compensation can be complex and challenging.
Here's what you need to know about rideshare compensation in Syracuse:
1. Insurance Coverage
- Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers, but the extent of this coverage can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident.
- If the rideshare driver was logged into the app and waiting for a ride request at the time of the accident, the company's insurance policy typically provides liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger, the company's insurance policy provides more extensive coverage, typically up to $1 million in liability coverage.
2. Determining Liability
- To secure compensation for your injuries and damages, you will need to demonstrate that the rideshare driver or another party was at fault for the accident.
- This may involve conducting a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, and consulting with experts to establish liability.
- An experienced Syracuse rideshare accident attorney can help you navigate this process and build a strong case on your behalf.
3. Types of Compensation
- If you've been injured in a rideshare accident in Syracuse, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity, if your injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Property damage, if your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident
- The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the circumstances of the accident.
Statute of Limitations in Syracuse, NY
- In Syracuse, New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including rideshare accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident.
- This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
- If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may be barred from recovering compensation for your losses.
Common Types of Uber or Lyft Driver Accidents in Syracuse
Rideshare accidents can happen in a variety of situations, each with its own unique challenges and legal considerations. Some of the most common types of rideshare accidents include:
Accidents involving passengers:
These accidents occur when a rideshare driver gets into a collision while transporting a passenger. In such cases, the passenger may be entitled to compensation for any injuries or damages sustained during the ride.
Accidents involving other drivers:
Rideshare drivers can also be involved in accidents with other vehicles on the road. In these situations, determining liability can be complex, as it may depend on factors such as who was at fault for the accident and whether the rideshare driver was on-duty or off-duty at the time of the collision.
Pedestrian accidents:
Rideshare vehicles can also be involved in accidents with pedestrians. These accidents can be particularly serious, as pedestrians are more vulnerable to severe injuries when struck by a vehicle.
Property damage accidents:
In some cases, rideshare accidents may only result in property damage, such as damage to the vehicle itself or to surrounding property. While these accidents may not result in physical injuries, they can still be costly and time-consuming to resolve.
Multi-vehicle accidents:
Rideshare drivers can also be involved in accidents that involve multiple vehicles. These accidents can be more complex to investigate and may require the involvement of multiple insurance companies and legal teams.
Regardless of the type of rideshare accident, it is essential for those involved to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney who can help them navigate the unique challenges and legal considerations associated with these cases.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents in Syracuse
Rideshare accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity and duration. Some of the most common injuries sustained in these accidents include:
Whiplash and neck injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, which can occur frequently in rideshare accidents. The average cost of treating a whiplash injury can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the severity and duration of the injury.
Broken bones and fractures
The impact of a rideshare accident can cause broken bones and fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collar bone. The average cost of treating a broken bone can vary widely, from $2,500 for a simple fracture to $30,000 or more for a complex fracture requiring surgery.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Rideshare accidents can also result in traumatic brain injuries, which can have long-lasting effects on a person's cognitive and motor functions. The average cost of treating a mild TBI can range from $85,000 to $3 million over a lifetime, depending on the severity and duration of the injury.
Spinal cord injuries
In severe rideshare accidents, passengers may suffer from spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis. The average cost of treating a spinal cord injury can range from $350,000 to over $1 million in the first year alone, with ongoing costs for rehabilitation and care.
Soft tissue injuries
Rideshare accidents can also cause soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions. The average cost of treating a soft tissue injury can range from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the extent of the injury and the required treatment.
Emotional distress
In addition to physical injuries, rideshare accidents can also cause emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The average cost of treating emotional distress can range from $1,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the required therapy and duration of treatment.
It's important to note that these costs are averages and can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, location, and healthcare provider. In addition to medical expenses, rideshare accident victims may also face lost wages, property damage, and other related costs.
An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help victims understand their rights and seek fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Contact a Syracuse Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
If you've been injured in a Syracuse rideshare accident, don't wait to contact an accident attorney. Filing a claim for compensation is a time-sensitive matter. The Syracuse car accident lawyers at William Mattar can get started right away with an investigation. Call 844-noswap444-4444 today or complete our free consultation form to schedule an initial consultation.