Erie County Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have reshaped transportation in Erie County. Yet, with the increasing reliance on these apps for everyday commuting, the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles has also risen. When a rideshare collision occurs, multiple insurance policies, driver status, and liability issues may be involved. These situations often require legal guidance to determine who is responsible and how compensation can be pursued.

Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys skillfully represent clients who have been harmed in incidents involving rideshare vehicles. Whether the injured party was a passenger, pedestrian, or driver of another vehicle, there may be an opportunity to hold Uber, Lyft, or their drivers accountable for resulting harm. Our Erie County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers understand the unique structure of rideshare services and how it influences legal claims.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

That depends on several factors, including the rideshare driver’s activity at the time of the crash: 

• If the driver had the app off and was not accepting ride requests, the driver’s personal auto insurance generally applies. 
• If the driver had the app on but had not yet accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft typically offer limited liability coverage. That includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Once a ride is accepted and the passenger is en route or inside the vehicle, both companies provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

Other parties may also bear responsibility. For example, another driver may have caused the crash, or the accident may involve a mechanical failure linked to vehicle maintenance. In cases involving shared fault, New York’s comparative negligence laws apply, meaning compensation may be reduced based on the level of responsibility attributed to each party.

These policies can apply to passengers, pedestrians, and others harmed during the course of the trip. This layered insurance system often creates confusion, especially when trying to determine which policy is active and what compensation is available.

Why Do Rideshare Drivers Cause Accidents?

Rideshare drivers may cause accidents due to the unique pressures and demands of the job. Our Erie County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have worked on these cases caused by:

• Frequent distraction from using navigation apps and managing ride requests.
• Driver fatigue after working long hours or late-night shifts.
• Speeding to complete more trips and earn higher fares.
• Making sudden stops or unsafe turns while searching for passengers.
• Driving in unfamiliar areas without full awareness of traffic patterns or road conditions.

While Uber and Lyft require drivers to meet certain criteria, not all drivers have professional driving backgrounds. The combination of distractions, long hours, and time pressures can create perfect storms that cause crashes.

Are Pedestrians or Cyclists Covered by Rideshare Insurance?

Individuals outside the vehicle, such as pedestrians or cyclists, may also bring claims against Uber or Lyft if they are injured by a rideshare driver. As with other kinds of rideshare crashes, you must determine the driver’s status at the time of the crash.

Can Multiple Parties Share Liability in a Rideshare Accident?

Yes, it is common for more than one party to share fault in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle. The rideshare driver, another motorist, a vehicle manufacturer, or even the municipality responsible for road maintenance could be partially liable. In these cases, New York’s comparative negligence law allows injured claimants to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, although the amount awarded may be reduced.

Our Erie County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers know that investigating all potentially responsible parties can lead to broader avenues for recovery. For example, if both the rideshare driver and another driver contributed to the crash, claims may be pursued through both insurance policies. A thorough investigation is necessary to identify the contributing factors and build a case for compensation.

How Can I Prove Liability in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Our Erie County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers meticulously gather evidence to show that another party’s actions directly caused a client’s collision. The first step is obtaining a police report, which may contain details about fault, statements from drivers or witnesses, and any citations issued. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, traffic signals, and road conditions can also support the claim. Medical records help connect injuries to the crash, especially when treatment is received immediately after the incident.

Rideshare app data can be important. Trip receipts, driver information, and communication through the platform can establish whether the driver was active at the time, which affects available insurance coverage. Eyewitness accounts, dashcam footage, and surveillance video from nearby businesses may provide further proof.

In some cases, accident reconstruction or driver phone records may help show distraction or speeding. A detailed investigation is often necessary to determine who was at fault and to support a claim for damages.

How Are Damages Calculated in Uber and Lyft Accident Cases?

Damages in rideshare accident cases are calculated based on several factors. These often include the claimant’s medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning potential, property damage, and pain and suffering. Documentation like medical records, employment files, and receipts is necessary to support a claim.

Each case presents a different set of facts. Some individuals may face short-term injuries that resolve quickly, while others may experience long-term limitations. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the harm and its effect on daily life. Future care needs and the impact on a person’s ability to work are also factored into damage assessments.

Our Erie County Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys Skillfully Represent Clients Injured in Rideshare Crashes

At Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys, our legal team has invaluable experience handling cases involving multi-layered insurance policies and evolving transportation technologies. To schedule a free case review, call our Hamburg, New York office at 716-648-3030 or complete our online form. Our Erie County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers serve clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.