Orchard Park Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft continue to grow throughout Western New York as a popular alternative to public transportation and even car ownership. However, when Uber and Lyft accidents occur, the victims often face a complex web of insurance policies, liability questions, and legal challenges. If you need to know where to turn after a rideshare accident, let our Orchard Park Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys tell you what you need to know. 

What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different From Regular Car Crashes?

The insurance coverage framework and burden of legal responsibility will look very different for rideshare drivers than they do for traditional car crashes. Most notably, Uber and Lyft provide a specified amount of coverage for their drivers in the case of an accident during a ride. This coverage follows a period-based structure that determines which policy applies:

• During Period 0, when the driver has the applicable app off, the driver's personal auto insurance covers the full extent of the damages after an accident.
• In Period 1, when the driver has logged into the app but has not accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Once the driver enters Period 2 by accepting a ride and traveling to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s $1 million liability insurance policy activates for any potential collisions.
• This higher coverage continues through Period 3, which triggers when the passenger occupies the vehicle. 

What Compensation Might You Receive After a Rideshare Accident?

All of this coverage comes with a disclaimer: New York operates as a "No-Fault" insurance state, meaning that when you get into a rideshare accident, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will kick in first to cover basic economic losses, up to your specified limits. Then, after you reach those limits, Uber and Lyft’s coverage policies will kick in to make up the difference. If you file a successful insurance claim for a rideshare accident in Orchard Park, you can recover compensation to pay for medical expenses like emergency care, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment. This payout can also help address lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and rehabilitation costs.

Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for My Rideshare Accident?

Your potential compensation does not stop there, however. If your injuries exceed New York's "serious injury" threshold (defined injuries resulting in dismemberment, significant disfigurement, bone fractures, loss of a fetus, permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member, significant limitation of a body function or system, or injuries preventing regular daily activities for at least 90 days within the 180 days following the accident), you may pursue additional compensation from the at-fault parties through a personal injury claim.

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid After a Rideshare Accident?

After a rideshare accident, victims frequently delay their medical treatment because they do not feel their particular injuries. However, putting off a medical examination and the resulting documentation can severely compromise your chances of claiming just compensation, as insurance companies will likely question the connection between your injuries and the accident. 

Additionally, you should avoid talking to insurance adjusters without legal counsel present. Insurance representatives frequently use seemingly innocent conversations to extract statements that can later damage your claim. Remember, these companies profit by minimizing payouts, not by ensuring fair compensation.

If you receive an early settlement offer before you fully understand the full extent of your injuries, exercise caution, as early settlements typically fall far below the actual value of your claim, especially if you will need long-term medical care. 

What Steps Should You Take After Involvement in a Rideshare Accident?

Seek medical attention immediately after an accident, as even the most apparently minor injuries can have severe complications down the road. Then, report the accident through the rideshare app and call 911 if no one has yet. If your condition allows, document the scene by taking photos, collecting contact and insurance information from all involved drivers, obtaining any witness contact information, and recording your experiences on a notepad or voice memo. When the authorities arrive, make sure you request a copy of the police report, and again, avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal counsel. 

How Can a Lawyer Help With Your Rideshare Accident Claim?

If you need to claim compensation to cover the injuries you sustained in a rideshare accident, an experienced Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can maximize your chances of both winning your case and getting as much as you deserve. Look for a lawyer who will conduct a thorough investigation into your collision, point out the applicable insurance policies to you, help you calculate the full value of your damages, handle communications with insurance companies, gather and preserve evidence, consult with medical professionals, negotiate for appropriate compensation, and take your case to trial when necessary.

Dan Chiacchia at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys has a track record of success in cases involving car crashes and other accidents. Our firm has provided experienced, compassionate, and diligent representation to clients all over New York, helping them rebuild their lives after serious injuries. We will bring our years of experience to your rideshare accident case, wield our in-depth knowledge of New York traffic laws, insurance regulations, and the local court systems for your benefit, and approach your case with the personalized, compassionate support that you deserve. 

Recover From Your Rideshare Accident With the Orchard Park Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys

If a rideshare accident has injured you, contact the Orchard Park Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys today. Call 716-648-3030 or fill out our online form for a free case review. Located in Hamburg, New York, we proudly serve clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.