Lackawanna Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Thanks to rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, getting around Lackawanna and Western New York has never been more convenient. However, when a rideshare trip ends in a crash, passengers and other parties may be left dealing with serious injuries and financial burdens. If you've been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The Lackawanna Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys can help you understand your options and next steps.

What Usually Causes Uber and Lyft Accidents in Lackawanna?

Rideshare accidents happen for many reasons, but common contributing factors include:

• Distracted Driving: Uber and Lyft drivers often glance at their phones to accept trips or follow GPS directions, which can divert attention from the road.
• Speeding: To complete more trips and increase earnings, some drivers may speed or drive aggressively.
• Driver Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long shifts or drive late into the night, increasing the risk of drowsy driving.
• Unfamiliarity With Roads: Drivers who are unfamiliar with Lackawanna’s local roads may make sudden stops or unsafe turns.
• Unsafe Pick-Up or Drop-Off Locations: Stopping in high-traffic or poorly lit areas can endanger both passengers and other motorists.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Uber and Lyft drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles, but some neglect essential repairs like brake service or tire replacement.

What Should You Do Right After a Rideshare Accident?

If you're involved in an Uber or Lyft crash, take the following steps:

• Check for injuries and call 911. Even if injuries appear minor, emergency medical evaluation is important—some injuries may not be immediately obvious.
• Ensure a police report is filed. Ask responding officers for a copy of the report number. This document will be vital for any insurance or legal claim.
• Exchange information with all drivers involved and gather witness contacts.
• Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and your injuries.
• Save your ride receipt and trip details from the app. You should also report the accident in the Uber or Lyft app to help initiate a claim through the company’s insurance.

How Do New York’s “No-Fault” Rules and Serious Injury Threshold Apply?

New York follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for your medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and related costs, regardless of who caused the accident.

In rideshare accidents:

• If you’re a passenger, you may be covered by the rideshare company’s PIP coverage or your own if you have it.
• PIP benefits usually cover up to $50,000 per person.
• However, non-economic damages like pain and suffering are not covered under no-fault insurance.

To pursue those, you must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold, which includes:

• Death.
• Dismemberment.
• Significant disfigurement.
• Fracture.
• Loss of a fetus.
• Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system.
• Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member.
• Significant limitation of the use of a body function or system.
• A medically determined injury that prevents you from performing your usual activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident.

If your injuries qualify, you may file a claim against the at-fault party.

What Coverage Do Uber and Lyft Provide?

Uber and Lyft both offer tiered insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

• App On, But No Ride Accepted: Limited liability coverage — typically $75,000 per person, $150,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Ride Accepted or in Progress: Up to $1.25 million in liability coverage in New York (this is higher than the $1 million coverage in most other states). This includes third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.

Note: These policies apply only if the driver’s personal auto insurance does not cover the crash.

Can I File a Lawsuit for My Uber or Lyft Accident?

Yes. If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold and insurance doesn’t fully cover your losses, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue additional compensation.

Filing a lawsuit may be necessary if:

• The insurance companies dispute fault or your injuries.
• You are offered a low settlement.
• There are multiple insurers involved, and no one takes responsibility.
• The three-year statute of limitations is approaching.
• You have suffered complex or catastrophic injuries such as brain damage or permanent disability.

Most Uber and Lyft claims in New York resolve through settlement, but lawsuits are often filed when negotiations stall or deadlines loom.

Why Do People in Lackawanna Choose Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys?

Based in Hamburg, New York, Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys is proud to serve individuals in Lackawanna, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Cheektowaga, and across Erie County. Our team brings decades of experience handling serious car crashes, including those involving rideshare drivers. With a record of million-dollar verdicts and settlements, we provide not just legal skill but also compassionate, responsive support from your first call to case resolution.

Get the Support You Need After a Rideshare Crash: Contact the Lackawanna Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys

If you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t navigate the insurance and legal process alone. The Lackawanna Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 716-648-3030 or fill out our online contact form for a free case review. Located in Hamburg, we proudly serve clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.