The convenience of using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has transformed how we travel in Syracuse. From a quick trip to shop at Destiny USA, to getting home safely from a night out in Armory Square, or commuting to classes at Syracuse University, we often place our trust in the hands of a stranger.
We expect a safe, uneventful ride. But when that trust is broken by a sudden, violent crash on a busy road like I-81 or I-690, the results can be devastating. You may be in pain, unable to work, and facing a mountain of medical bills, all while trying to understand who is responsible.
The legal system surrounding rideshare accidents is complex, involving multiple insurance policies and powerful corporations. At William Mattar, P.C. our focus is solely on helping people injured in motor vehicle accidents. We understand what you are going through, and we are here to provide the guidance and support you need.
If you have been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, please know that a dedicated Syracuse rideshare accident lawyer from our team is ready to listen to your story and help you understand your rights. Let our experience be your strength.
Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices for Your Syracuse Rideshare Accident Claim?
After a traumatic rideshare accident, choosing the right legal team is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need a law firm that not only has the resources to stand up to large insurance companies but also has the compassion to understand the human cost of your injuries. At William Mattar, P.C. we are committed to being that firm for you. We combine the power of a large, established law firm with the personalized, caring attention you deserve.
Here is why so many injured victims across New York State have trusted us to handle their cases:
A Focus on Motor Vehicle Accidents
Personal injury law is a broad field, but at William Mattar, P.C. we have chosen to dedicate our entire practice to one thing: helping people hurt in vehicle crashes. This is not just one of many things we do; it is the only thing we do. This laser focus means every attorney at our firm is uncommonly practiced in the specific nuances of car, truck, motorcycle, and rideshare accident claims.
Decades of Experience and Proven Results
For more than 30 years, our firm has been a steadfast advocate for the injured. We have a long and proud track record of success, having collected significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. This experience gives us the insight and legal skill to navigate even the most complex rideshare cases, ensuring we are always fighting for your maximum recovery.
Our No Fee Until We Win Promise
We believe everyone deserves access to exceptional legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis and offer our No Fee Until We Win. You will not pay any upfront costs or attorneys’ legal fees. We only get paid attorney’s fees if we successfully recover money for you. This allows you to focus on your healing while we focus on fighting for you.
When you choose William Mattar, P.C. you are partnering with a team that is deeply committed to making a difference in your life.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Syracuse Uber or Lyft Accident?
One of the most complex aspects of a rideshare accident claim is the layers of insurance coverage. Unlike a typical car accident that involves only the personal policies of the drivers, a crash with an Uber or Lyft vehicle involves different levels of coverage depending on the driver's status in the app at the exact moment of the collision.
The insurance companies will look for any reason to deny or limit your claim, which is why having an experienced attorney is so critical. Our team understands these intricate insurance rules and knows how to hold the correct parties accountable.
Here is a breakdown of how insurance coverage typically works in Upstate New York:
Offline or the App is Off
If a rideshare driver causes an accident while they are not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they may be considered to be driving for personal reasons. In this scenario, the rideshare company’s insurance does not apply. Your claim would proceed just like any other car accident, directed at the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
Available or Waiting for a Ride Request
This phase occurs when the driver has logged into the app and is available to accept a ride request but has not yet been matched with a passenger. During this time, the driver’s personal auto insurance is still considered the primary source of coverage.
However, recognizing that many personal policies deny claims involving any form of commercial activity, New York State requires rideshare companies to provide a secondary layer of liability coverage. This coverage only kicks in if the driver's personal insurance denies the claim. The minimum coverage levels during this period are:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
While this is more than the standard state minimum, it may not be enough to cover severe injuries.
En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride
Once the driver accepts a ride request and is on their way to pick up a passenger, or once a passenger is in the vehicle, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance policy is in effect. This is the highest level of coverage. In Upstate New York, Uber and Lyft are required to carry a $1.25 million policy that covers liability, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
This substantial policy is designed to protect injured victims, whether they are the rideshare passenger, a pedestrian, or an occupant of another vehicle. However, because so much money is at stake, the rideshare company's insurer will employ experienced adjusters and lawyers to protect their bottom line. They will scrutinize every detail of your claim, looking for ways to minimize your payout or shift blame.
The Insurance Company Made Me a Settlement Offer. Should I Take It?
In the days or weeks following your accident, you might receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster. They may sound friendly and concerned, and they might even offer you a quick settlement check. It can be incredibly tempting to accept, especially when medical bills are piling up and you are unable to work.
However, it is crucial to understand that the insurance company’s first offer is almost never its best offer. You should always consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney before accepting any settlement or signing any documents.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their primary goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims. The adjuster’s job is to protect the company’s financial interests, not yours. They often use specific tactics to convince you to accept a lowball offer:
- Offering a Quick Payout: They know you are in a vulnerable position. By offering fast money, they hope you will accept a settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. Accepting an early offer means you forfeit your right to seek further compensation if your condition worsens or requires future surgery or long-term care.
- Requesting a Recorded Statement: An adjuster may ask to record a statement about the accident. They may frame this as a standard procedure, but they are often looking for you to say something they can use against you later, to downplay your injuries or suggest you were partially at fault. You are not necessarily obligated to provide a recorded statement, and you should never do so without your lawyer present. You may be required to provide a recorded statement in the context of your no-fault insurance claim.
- Downplaying Your Injuries: The adjuster may try to minimize the severity of your pain and suffering, suggesting your injuries are not as serious as you claim. They are not medical professionals, and their opinion is designed to devalue your claim.
When you hire our rideshare accident attorney in Syracuse, this pressure stops. We take over all communications with the insurance companies. We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the true value of your claim, which includes not just your current medical bills and lost wages but also your future medical needs, diminished earning capacity, and the physical and emotional pain you have endured.
We negotiate forcefully on your behalf, armed with evidence and a deep understanding of the law. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Compensation Available in a Syracuse Rideshare Accident Lawsuit
No amount of money can erase the trauma of an accident or give you back your health. However, securing fair compensation is essential for relieving the financial burdens placed upon you and your family, allowing you to access the best possible medical care, and providing a sense of justice.
In New York, damages may include.
- Medical Expenses not covered by no-fault insurance: This includes all past, current, and future medical costs, such as ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs.
- Lost Income not covered by no-fault insurance: If your injuries have prevented you from working, we will fight to recover the income you have lost.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: For catastrophic injuries that result in a permanent disability, we can seek compensation for the income you will be unable to earn over the course of your lifetime.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional anguish caused by your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: This includes conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the accident.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation can be sought for permanent scarring or disfigurement that impacts your appearance and self-esteem.
Our experienced attorneys will take the time to listen to your story and understand how this accident has affected every aspect of your life, ensuring we fight for a settlement or verdict that truly reflects all that you have lost.
Syracuse Rideshare Accident FAQs
It’s completely normal to have a lot of questions after being involved in a rideshare accident. The process can feel confusing and intimidating. Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions to provide you with some initial clarity.
How long do I have to file a 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. While this may seem like a long time, it is critical to act quickly. Important evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories can fade. Contacting an attorney right away allows them to begin a thorough investigation while the evidence is still fresh, which can significantly strengthen your case. In addition, the statute of limitations can sometimes be much shorter than three years, often combined with a still shorter notice of claim period when a governmental defendant is involved. Time is always of the essence.
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 final compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your total award will be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies often try to exploit this rule to shift blame onto you, which is why having an attorney to protect your interests is so important.
Will I have to go to court for my rideshare accident case?
The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who are often able to secure a fair settlement without the need for a trial. However, we prepare every case as if it is going to court. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer and it is in your best interest, we will not hesitate to take your case before a judge and jury to fight for you.
Contact the Rideshare Accident Lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices after a Syracuse Crash
You have been through enough. You do not have to face the legal battle ahead on your own. At William Mattar Law Offices, our dedicated Syracuse rideshare accident lawyers are here to lift the burden from your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery. With an office location right here in Syracuse, we are a part of your community and are ready to put our decades of experience and track record of success to work for you.
Remember, time is critical after an accident. Each day that passes can make it more difficult to build the strongest possible case. Let our compassionate, experienced legal team fight for you.
Contact us today at (315) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. With our No Fee Until We Win promise, there is no risk to you.