Many people rely on Uber and Lyft to travel around Buffalo.  As rideshare services continue to gain popularity, more and more accidents occur involving Uber and Lyft drivers.  In such accidents, the process for recovering monetary damages can be complicated.

The path to recovery will differ depending on the circumstances of a crash.  In many cases, victims will face disputes from an insurance company when pursuing a claim.  An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists recover the compensation they deserve after suffering injuries in crashes involving rideshare drivers.

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, seek assistance from our experienced Buffalo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.

Can You Sue Uber and Lyft Directly After Accidents in Buffalo?

In accidents caused by Uber or Lyft drivers’ negligence, victims may wish to sue rideshare companies directly.  Unfortunately, filing suit against Uber or Lyft directly after an accident is very difficult.  Rideshare companies are classified as independent contractors opposed to regular employers.  Accordingly, Uber and Lyft will typically not be held liable for the negligent actions of their drivers.  However, there are other ways to recover damages after Uber and Lyft accidents in Buffalo.

Filing an Insurance Claim After Uber and Lyft Accidents in Buffalo

In most cases, injured parties will file insurance claims to recover compensation after Uber and Lyft accidents in Buffalo.  New York is a no-fault state, which means that you are entitled to benefits from the insurer of the car you were in or, if you were a pedestrian, the car that struck you.  These benefits will typically cover medical expenses and lost wages incurred because of an Uber or Lyft accident.  Our Buffalo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can offer guidance and support to victims in each of the following situations:

Injured Uber and Lyft Passengers

If you were injured in an accident as an Uber or Lyft passenger, you should make a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance policy.  Uber and Lyft provide a certain amount of insurance coverage to pay for damages caused by their drivers.  Furthermore, claims may be made against a driver’s personal insurance policy after an accident if necessary.

The process is similar for passengers injured in Uber and Lyft accidents caused by other, third-party drivers.  Under New York’s no-fault insurance rules, you typically cannot recover from the at-fault driver.  Again, in this scenario, injured passengers may be compensated by the rideshare company’s insurer.  Our Buffalo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help injured passengers file a claim.

Pedestrians

In pedestrian accidents, victims may recover benefits from the insurance policy of the car that hit them.  Accordingly, pedestrians injured by Uber and Lyft drivers may also be compensated by the rideshare company’s insurance policy.  The assistance of our Buffalo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can be highly valuable when pursuing a claim.

Other Drivers

Other drivers will not be permitted to make a claim against Uber or Lyft’s insurer.  Under New York’s no-fault rules, other drivers injured in Uber and Lyft accidents must make a claim against their own insurance policy.  However, if your claim is improperly denied, our Buffalo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help file a lawsuit against your own insurance company.

It is important to note that New York’s no-fault car insurance system only applies to injuries caused by accidents.  Claims for property damage can be made against an at-fault driver.  Accordingly, if your vehicle was damaged because of a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, our lawyers can help recover compensation from the at-fault driver.  You may be awarded damages for the cost of repair or replacement for your vehicle.

“Serious Injury” Requirement for Non-Economic Damages After Uber and Lyft Accidents in Buffalo

Victims that suffer “serious injuries” may recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering from at-fault drivers after Uber and Lyft accidents in Buffalo.  There are only five categories of injuries which may be considered serious in Buffalo.  If you suffered any of the following injuries, you may be able to recover pain and suffering damages and other non-economic damages:

Death

After fatal Uber and Lyft accidents, victims’ surviving family members may be entitled to non-economic damages.  Our Buffalo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help victims’ families pursue compensation for the loss of their loved one.

Dismemberment

Dismemberment occurs when someone has lost a body part or an entire limb.  Such injuries can severely affect a victim’s quality of life.

Significant Disfigurement

Significant disfigurement typically refers to visible scars.  Scars must be noticeable and potentially cause people to suffer from ridicule and scorn in order to be considered a significant disfigurement.  Our Buffalo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help victims recover for the pain and suffering caused by such scars.

Fractures

Fractures refer to broken bones.  Such injuries can cause a great deal of physical pain.  Fractures to any body part can qualify as a serious injury.

Loss of a Fetus

Mothers who lose their unborn child because of an Uber or Lyft accident may recover damages for the immense pain and suffering caused by the crash.  Such injuries may never heal.  However, financial compensation can help victims deal with the hardships caused by the loss of a fetus.

What Happens When Uber and Lyft Drivers Cause Accidents Off the Clock?

If an Uber or Lyft drivers are treated like any other driver on the road when they are off the clock.  Accordingly, claims may not be made against Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies for damages caused by their drivers when the app is turned off.

For example, if an off-the-clock Uber driver strikes a pedestrian crossing the roadway, the pedestrian may not make a claim for damages against Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage.  Instead, the injured pedestrian may make a claim against the driver’s personal insurance policy.  Our Buffalo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can also provide assistance to those injured by off-the-clock rideshare drivers.

If You Were Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Buffalo, Our Lawyers Can Help

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, get help recovering the compensation you deserve.  Contact our experienced Buffalo Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.