In today's fast-paced world, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how we travel around Buffalo and Western New York. While these services offer convenience and accessibility, they also introduce complex legal questions when accidents occur. At RK&L, our rideshare accident lawyers understand the unique challenges these cases present and are committed to helping you navigate the aftermath of a rideshare collision. Contact RK&L for a free consultation with an experienced Buffalo rideshare accident lawyer who will fight tirelessly for your rights and maximum compensation.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Buffalo
Rideshare accidents differ significantly from traditional auto collisions. When you're involved in an accident with an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle, multiple parties may bear responsibility - the driver, the rideshare company, other motorists, or even the city of Buffalo if road conditions contributed to the crash. Our rideshare accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of New York's transportation laws and how they apply to these modern transportation services.
The rise in rideshare usage throughout Buffalo has unfortunately led to an increase in related accidents. Whether you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, driving your own car that was struck by a rideshare driver, or a pedestrian injured by a rideshare vehicle, our team at RK&L is prepared to advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Rideshare Accident Injury
As rideshare accident lawyers serving Buffalo residents, we fight to secure all forms of compensation you deserve following an Uber or Lyft collision.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care related to your rideshare accident injuries.
- Lost Income: Reimbursement for wages lost while recovering from your injuries, including salary, bonuses, commissions, and other benefits you missed due to the rideshare accident.
- Diminished Earning Capacity: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous position or working at all, calculated based on your age, skills, and career trajectory before the rideshare accident.
- Property Damage: Payment for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal property damaged in the rideshare collision.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for the physical discomfort and pain endured due to injuries sustained in your rideshare accident.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, or PTSD resulting from your traumatic rideshare accident experience.
- Loss of Enjoyment: Financial recovery for diminished ability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, and other pleasurable aspects of life following your rideshare accident injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to your spouse for the loss of companionship, affection, and support following your serious rideshare accident injuries.
- Wrongful Death Benefits: Compensation for surviving family members in fatal rideshare accident cases, including funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
At RK&L, our car accident lawyers work with medical and financial experts to accurately calculate your current and future losses, ensuring your rideshare accident settlement adequately addresses all impacts of your injuries.
How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation
At RK&L, our rideshare accident lawyers employ proven strategies to ensure Buffalo clients receive the maximum compensation possible after Uber or Lyft accidents.
- Thorough Investigation: Our personal injury lawyer will meticulously gather crucial evidence including rideshare app logs, driver history, vehicle maintenance records, witness statements, and surveillance footage that strengthens your claim.
- Multiple Liability Sources: Our rideshare accident attorney will identify all potentially responsible parties—the rideshare driver, the transportation network company, third-party drivers, or vehicle manufacturers—to access multiple insurance policies.
- Complete Damage Documentation: Our rideshare accident lawyer will collaborate with medical providers to document every injury-related expense, ensuring current and future treatment costs are fully accounted for in your rideshare accident claim.
- Insurance Policy Analysis: Our rideshare accident attorney scrutinize the complex insurance coverage hierarchy in rideshare accidents, determining whether personal, rideshare company, or commercial policies apply to your specific situation.
- Expert Witness Testimony: Our personal injury attorney will work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economic analysts who provide powerful testimony about the cause and impact of your rideshare collision.
- Strategic Negotiation Tactics: We leverage our knowledge of insurance company tactics to counter lowball offers and apply appropriate pressure to secure fair compensation for your rideshare injuries.
- Litigation Readiness: Our car accident lawyers prepare every case as if it will proceed to trial, demonstrating to insurance adjusters our willingness to fight for maximum compensation in the courtroom if settlement offers are inadequate.
- Timely Filing Compliance: We ensure all legal documents are filed within New York's statute of limitations and satisfy rideshare companies' notification requirements to preserve your right to compensation.
Our car accident lawyers at RK&L have recovered millions for Buffalo residents injured in transportation network accidents, applying our comprehensive approach to overcome the unique challenges presented by rideshare collision cases.
Common Injuries in Buffalo Rideshare Accidents
Our rideshare accident lawyers have helped Buffalo residents recover compensation for a wide range of injuries sustained during Uber and Lyft collisions.
- Whiplash and Neck Trauma: The sudden impact in rideshare accidents often causes soft tissue damage in the neck, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion that may persist for months.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Rideshare collisions frequently damage vertebrae, discs, or the spinal cord itself, potentially leading to chronic pain, mobility limitations, or in severe cases, paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even seemingly minor rideshare accidents can cause concussions or more serious brain trauma when passengers' heads strike windows, seats, or other vehicle components.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of rideshare crashes commonly breaks arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones, requiring extensive healing time and potentially surgical intervention.
- Facial Lacerations: Shattered glass and deployed airbags in rideshare vehicle accidents often cause facial cuts that may require stitches and could result in permanent scarring.
- Internal Organ Damage: The blunt force trauma experienced during serious rideshare collisions can injure vital organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen, creating potentially life-threatening complications.
- Shoulder and Knee Injuries: Rideshare passengers frequently suffer torn rotator cuffs, dislocated shoulders, or damaged knee ligaments when bracing against impact or being thrown within the vehicle.
- Psychological Trauma: Many rideshare accident victims develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder following the collision, requiring professional mental health treatment.
At RK&L, our car accident lawyers work with medical professionals to fully understand how your rideshare accident injuries affect your daily life, ensuring your compensation claim reflects both immediate and long-term physical and emotional consequences.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Our rideshare accident lawyers have identified several recurring factors that contribute to Uber and Lyft collisions throughout Buffalo and Western New York.
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers frequently interact with their app to accept new rides, follow GPS directions, or communicate with passengers, diverting their attention from the road and increasing accident risk.
- Fatigue and Long Hours: Many rideshare drivers work extended shifts or drive after completing their primary jobs, leading to dangerous drowsiness and slowed reaction times behind the wheel.
- Unfamiliar Routes: Rideshare operators often navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods or streets in Buffalo, causing hesitation, unexpected lane changes, or sudden stops that can trigger accidents.
- Passenger Pickup/Dropoff Hazards: Rideshare vehicles frequently stop in unsafe locations like traffic lanes or bus stops to collect or discharge passengers, creating dangerous situations for other motorists.
- App-Induced Pressure: The algorithmic demands of rideshare platforms push drivers to accept rides quickly and complete trips rapidly, encouraging speeding and other unsafe driving behaviors.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Some rideshare drivers neglect proper maintenance of their vehicles due to cost concerns, potentially leading to mechanical failures that contribute to serious accidents.
- Weather-Related Challenges: Buffalo's severe winter conditions create hazardous driving environments that inexperienced or unprepared rideshare drivers may struggle to navigate safely.
- Insufficient Driver Screening: Despite company policies, some rideshare drivers lack adequate training or have problematic driving histories that transportation network companies failed to identify.
Who Is Liable for Your Rideshare Accident Injuries?
Our rideshare accident lawyers navigate the complex liability landscape of Uber and Lyft crashes to identify all parties who may be financially responsible for your injuries.
- Rideshare Drivers: The person operating the Uber or Lyft vehicle may be liable if their negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or traffic violations directly caused your accident.
- Rideshare Companies: Transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft may share responsibility through vicarious liability or for negligent hiring practices when they fail to properly screen or monitor their drivers.
- Other Motorists: Third-party drivers who strike rideshare vehicles or cause accidents through dangerous driving behaviors can be held accountable for resulting injuries to rideshare passengers.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defective vehicle component contributed to your rideshare accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty part may bear liability under product liability laws.
- Vehicle Maintenance Providers: Shops or mechanics who performed inadequate repairs or maintenance on the rideshare vehicle could share responsibility if their negligence contributed to the crash.
- Government Entities: Local Buffalo authorities or New York State agencies might be liable if poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals played a role in your rideshare collision.
- Commercial Property Owners: Businesses with unsafe parking lots or passenger loading zones where your rideshare accident occurred may bear premises liability for failing to maintain safe conditions.
- Rideshare Passenger Contributors: In some cases, passengers who distract drivers, grab the steering wheel, or otherwise interfere with safe vehicle operation may share liability for resulting accidents.
At RK&L, our car accident lawyers conduct exhaustive investigations to identify every potentially liable party in your rideshare accident case, maximizing your access to insurance coverage and compensation sources.
Complex Insurance Issues in Rideshare Accident Cases
One of the most challenging aspects of rideshare accident claims involves insurance coverage. Rideshare companies typically provide different levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident:
- When the app is off: The driver's personal auto insurance applies
- When the app is on but no passenger has been accepted: Limited liability coverage from the rideshare company
- When the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle: Higher liability limits from the rideshare company's commercial policy
Our rideshare accident lawyers understand these nuances and will thoroughly investigate to determine which insurance policies apply to your specific situation. This knowledge is crucial for maximizing your potential recovery after an injury.
What To Do After Being Injured in a Rideshare Accident
Our rideshare accident lawyers recommend taking these important steps following an Uber or Lyft collision to protect both your health and your legal rights.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by healthcare professionals as some serious conditions like internal bleeding or concussions may not show immediate symptoms after a rideshare accident.
- Report the Accident: Notify police to obtain an official accident report and report the incident through the rideshare app's safety features, ensuring the transportation network company has a record of your involvement.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and collect contact information from the rideshare driver, other involved motorists, and any witnesses present.
- Preserve Evidence: Save screenshots of your rideshare trip details, receipt, route map, and driver information from the app before they potentially disappear from your account history.
- Avoid Recorded Statements: Decline requests to provide recorded statements to insurance representatives until you've consulted with a rideshare accident lawyer who can protect your interests.
- Follow Medical Advice: Attend all recommended follow-up appointments and complete prescribed treatments, as gaps in medical care can be used by insurance companies to minimize your rideshare accident claim.
- Track Your Expenses: Keep detailed records of all accident-related costs including medical bills, medication receipts, transportation to appointments, and documentation of missed workdays.
- Consult a Rideshare Accident Lawyer: Contact RK&L promptly for a free consultation to understand your legal options and ensure critical deadlines for rideshare accident claims are not missed.
Why Choose RK&L
Our Buffalo rideshare accident lawyers combine legal knowledge, dedication, and a proven track record to deliver outstanding results for clients injured in Uber and Lyft accidents.
- Focused Rideshare Case Experience: Our attorneys have successfully handled numerous transportation network accident claims, giving us unique insight into the complex interplay between traditional auto insurance, rideshare company policies, and New York liability laws.
- Personalized Attention: Unlike high-volume firms where clients become just another case number, our rideshare accident lawyers take the time to understand your specific circumstances, providing individualized strategies and consistent communication throughout your case.
- No Win, No Fee Structure: We represent rideshare accident victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only collect attorney fees if we secure compensation for your injuries through settlement or verdict.
- Proven Results for Buffalo Residents: Our car accident lawyers have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for rideshare accident victims throughout Western New York, consistently maximizing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Get the Compensation You Deserve – Starting Today
Don't face the aftermath of a rideshare accident alone. Contact RK&L for a free consultation with an experienced Buffalo rideshare accident lawyer who will fight tirelessly for your rights and maximum compensation.
Rideshare Accident Lawyer FAQs
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Buffalo, NY?
In New York State, you generally have three years from the date of your rideshare accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, this timeline can vary depending on specific circumstances, and rideshare companies often have their own reporting deadlines that are much shorter. Our rideshare accident lawyers recommend contacting us as soon as possible after your Uber or Lyft collision to ensure all critical deadlines are met.
What makes rideshare accident cases different from regular car accidents?
Rideshare accidents involve unique insurance complexities with coverage that changes based on the driver's status in the app at the time of the crash. Additionally, these cases may involve multiple liable parties including the driver, the transportation network company, and third parties. Our car accident lawyers have specific experience navigating these distinctive elements that don't apply to traditional collision claims.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the rideshare accident?
Yes. New York follows comparative negligence laws, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the rideshare accident. Your recovery amount may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but our rideshare accident lawyers work diligently to minimize any assignment of blame to maximize your compensation.
How does insurance coverage work in rideshare accident cases?
Insurance coverage in rideshare accidents varies based on the driver's status at the time of the collision. If the app was off, the driver's personal insurance applies. If the app was on but no passenger was accepted, limited liability coverage from the rideshare company is available. When the driver is en route to pickup or has a passenger, higher commercial policy limits apply. Our rideshare accident lawyers determine which policies are applicable to ensure you access all available coverage for your injuries.
What if the rideshare driver who caused my accident was an independent contractor?
While rideshare companies often classify drivers as independent contractors to limit liability, this doesn't necessarily prevent you from seeking compensation from the company. Various legal theories including vicarious liability, negligent hiring, or corporate negligence may still apply. Our car accident lawyers understand how to overcome this defense strategy to hold transportation network companies accountable for your rideshare accident injuries.
Should I accept the rideshare company's initial settlement offer?
Initial settlement offers from rideshare companies or their insurers are typically far below what your case is actually worth. These early offers rarely account for long-term medical needs, future lost income, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Our rideshare accident lawyers can accurately value your claim and negotiate for the full compensation you deserve rather than a quick, inadequate settlement.
