With the introduction of ridesharing apps, Buffalo residents no longer have to call a cab for a ride. Yet, while the services offered by Uber and Lyft provide a useful commodity, ridesharing comes with its own set of disadvantages. Rideshare programs are popular because of their convenience, but this convenient mode of transport can turn into a devastating experience.
For example, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), car accidents had fallen to 32,885 before taxi applications in 2010. Later, a University of Chicago study found that crashes increased by 3% following the expansion of rideshare accidents.
If you have been in a rideshare accident, a Buffalo Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer might be able to help. At Morelli Law Firm, we have handled such claims and helped many clients recover damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Liability in Rideshare Accidents
The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) reminds us that New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means that following any type of collision, regardless of who was at fault, you would first file a claim with your own insurance carrier. Depending on your coverage limits, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and lost income.
However, if your medical condition meets New York’s “serious injuries” threshold, you would then file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company. Liability for your rideshare accident will largely rest on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the driver did not have the app turned on, you would file a claim with their personal insurance provider.
However, if the rideshare driver was actively seeking out or completing requests, you could file a claim with Uber or Lyft. Rideshare companies provide drivers with accident coverage of up to $1 million. However, it depends on the driver’s status when the accident occurred. They may offer $50,000 coverage if the crash happened while the driver was waiting for passengers.
Drivers might be responsible if they fail to meet the required standard care for passengers, bicyclists, other drivers, and pedestrians. In most cases, rideshare companies do not accept liability because they treat drivers as independent contractors. This makes it difficult for injured parties to receive fair compensation after a crash.
Types of Compensation to Expect in a Rideshare Accident Claim
Buffalo law entitles the victims of Uber and Lyft accidents to seek compensation for losses and damages due to injuries incurred. If you are involved in a crash, a Buffalo Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer will demand economic and non-economic damages.
Our rideshare accident lawyers in Buffalo will negotiate for full compensation, including:
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Continued care
- Property damage
- Treatment costs
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Physical impairment or disability
- Permanent disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one in a Buffalo ridesharing accident, you could be entitled to different damages than those listed above. For instance, you could recover the cost of your loved one’s funeral service, end-of-life health care expenses, and pain and suffering.
Buffalo Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Your Time Limit for Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim in Buffalo
In New York state, victims injured in Uber and Lyft accidents have three years from the accident date to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, per New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214(5). The New York statute of limitations can bar you from filing a lawsuit for compensation in the future if you fail to meet the deadline.
While three years seems like a lot of time, our legal team advises victims to take action as soon as possible. We understand your focus will be on treatment for your injuries. That is why our attorneys take over all aspects of your legal case. We aim to give support as you recuperate from your injuries and to help you pursue financial recovery for your damages.
How Our Buffalo Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Help
It can be challenging to fight against established corporations like Uber and Lyft on your own. They may hire a legal team for their interest, further derailing your efforts to secure justice. However, our attorneys can gather evidence and present it in the right way, pushing the liable parties to compensate you for your losses.
There are a few ways in which a rideshare accident lawyer in Buffalo can help.
Determining Liability
If you are injured in a rideshare accident, no one may be willing to accept responsibility. The company might distance itself from direct involvement in the case, while the driver argues that the firm’s insurance policy should settle the matter. Third-party drivers liable for the damages may deny wrongdoing.
Our lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine the responsible parties.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Negotiating for fair compensation in an accident involving rideshare companies can be challenging. Right now, you are possibly nursing severe injuries or face obstacles in your ability to work. However, when you partner with Morelli Law Firm, we can handle the claims process for you.
We can:
- Draft and send your demand letter to the insurance company
- Handle the paperwork involved in your claim
- Evaluate the cost of your covered losses
- Review the details of the involved policies for coverage options
- Manage communications with the claims adjustor
- Advise you on what you should and should not share with the insurer
- Explain your coverage options
- Protect you against any “bad faith” insurance practices
If we cannot reach a fair settlement offer with the insurance company, do not worry. You still have options. If the liable insurer fails to extend a fair settlement offer, then we can file a lawsuit and fight for your rights in court. A ridesharing accident attorney in Buffalo is your advocate during this challenging time. Do not hesitate to call Morelli Law Firm to find out more.
Estimating Your Case’s Worth
After being involved in a collision, many claimants are anxious to know what their compensatory damages are worth. When you work with Morelli Law Firm, we can review your health care bills, employment records, and other documents to determine the value of your damages. We may be able to identify losses that you did not know were available to you.
Can you correctly estimate how much your case is worth? Do you understand the losses and damages you could demand from the liable party? Calculating your settlement is a vital part of your case. Some people accept quick offers from at-fault parties but regret it later.
Accepting a payment that does not meet your costs can strain your finances if you have to use money from your pocket to settle medical bills. Our attorneys can work with medical professionals to estimate the correct monetary value for your damages.
Some of the factors that will play into the value of your damages could include:
- The nature and severity of your accident-related injuries
- How much time you missed from work and whether you will be able to work in the future
- Your insurance policy limits
- The economic cost of your damages
- The extent of your pain and suffering
- Your expected recovery time
Sometimes, insurance companies do not fairly compensate claimants. While going up against a large company like Uber or Lyft may seem intimidating, a Buffalo ridesharing accident lawyer can handle the bulk of the legal process on your behalf.
Attorneys Can Offer Peace of Mind
Getting involved in an Uber or Lyft accident can be stressful and hectic. Such claims are complicated and time-consuming. Negotiating with the liable parties while seeking treatment can be tiresome. Fortunately, you can avoid such experiences by working with a Buffalo Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer.
An attorney who understands the process will do everything on your behalf, giving you time to recover from injuries and gain peace of mind during this challenging time.
If you are ready to start on your case, call Morelli Law Firm or fill out our online contact form today. We can review your case and go over the details with you during a free consultation. You can also ask us any questions you have.
Rideshare Accident Case Preparation
Uber and Lyft claims are unique. For example, accepting a ride means you agree with the company’s terms and conditions. Some firms state that most legal cases by passengers shall require arbitration. However, filing a lawsuit against an Uber or Lyft company is possible, depending on the severity of the injuries suffered.
If the liable parties disagree with the settlement, our lawyers could consider litigation to fight for your interests. We will take several actions to prepare the case, including:
- Collecting accident reports from the New York City Police Department
- Interviewing potential witnesses
- Compiling medical reports and investigating the possibility of continued treatment
- Collaborating with the relevant experts for the accident investigation
- Communicating with liable parties to negotiate
Contact Morelli Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Rideshare accidents can result in severe consequences and change victims’ lives. The law requires Uber and Lyft drivers to exercise diligence in their duties, ensuring passengers’ and other road users’ safety.
Some drivers neglect such requirements and cause injuries to citizens. If you are in such a predicament, our Buffalo Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer could help to safeguard your rights and interests. Call Morelli Law Firm for more advice on your case.