Content Reviewed By:
John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- October 23, 2024
If you or your loved one were injured in an accident while using Uber or Lyft in Buffalo, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and financial losses. Insurance claims in a rideshare accident can be more confusing than in other car accident claims, but you don’t have to figure it out yourself or deal with the insurance companies alone.
Our Buffalo rideshare accident lawyers are compassionate and aggressive advocates for injury victims, and we are dedicated to getting you the best results possible. Contact us online or call (716) 500-5678 today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Richmond Vona for Your Buffalo Rideshare Accident Case?
We are a local Buffalo law firm with more than three decades of combined experience helping injured accident victims recover substantial compensation. We have won over $175 million in settlements and verdicts, and personal injury law is all we do. Uber, Lyft, and their insurers are wealthy companies that seek to gain an unfair advantage over injured accident victims, but we have the skills, experience, and tenacity needed to go up against powerful defendants and come out on top.
When you choose Richmond Vona, you will get a results-oriented team of top-rated Buffalo personal injury attorneys who focus on you. You will never feel like just another number as one of our clients—we treat clients like family.
We only take on a few cases at a time so we can give you the personalized attention, unwavering support, and open line of communication you deserve while we fight for the best results possible in your case. We will take the time to get to know you and answer your questions about your case. We charge no upfront fees—you will owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Damages Available in Rideshare Cases
You may be able to recover significant economic and non-economic damages if you were seriously injured in a Buffalo rideshare accident. Economic damages compensate you for quantifiable financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and lowered earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate for subjective losses, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Compensation for car accident injuries typically comes from insurance, starting with any no-fault insurance policy that covers you. As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you may be covered under your own no-fault insurance policy if you have one or the rideshare driver’s no-fault insurance policy. However, if your injuries are severe, no-fault auto insurance may not be enough to cover all of your damages.
Instead, you may need to file a claim against the insurance coverage provided by Uber or Lyft. New York requires rideshare companies and their drivers to carry higher coverage than other drivers, making it easier to recover your full damages. You may also be able to file a third-party liability claim.
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft Directly After a Rideshare Accident?
You may be able to sue Uber or Lyft directly if the companies were negligent. By classifying their rideshare drivers in New York as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft seek to evade direct liability for auto accidents. However, the legal status of rideshare drivers is not yet settled.
Our dedicated Buffalo rideshare accident lawyers are deeply familiar with the governing law in New York. We will investigate your accident thoroughly to determine whether you can sue Uber or Lyft.
Required Insurance for Uber and Lyft Drivers in New York State
New York law requires Uber or Lyft to maintain at least $1.25 million in liability coverage for the injury or death of a rideshare passenger. The rideshare companies may require their drivers to maintain part of this coverage. However, if the driver’s coverage lapses or otherwise fails to satisfy the legal threshold, the rideshare company is responsible for ensuring that $1.25 million in coverage is available. Rideshare companies must also carry $1.25 million in uninsured motorist coverage.
What If I Was Visiting Buffalo and Got Into a Rideshare Car Accident?
We understand how stressful it is to experience a rideshare accident while on vacation, especially if your injuries are severe. Once you finally make it home, the idea of coming back to Buffalo to handle a legal claim can seem overwhelming.
Our Uber and Lyft attorneys in Buffalo can handle everything from our office while you recover at home. You will get the same level of service and communication as a local client. We can handle all communication with you digitally or over the phone, so you will not have to travel while you are injured. If your injuries prevent you from coming to us, we can also come to you.
Should the need ever arise for you to be in Buffalo—for example, if your case goes to trial in a local court—you will not be alone. We will help you arrange your travel and lodging, and our team will support you in every way we can while you are here. We may even be able to arrange for you to go to a Bills or Sabres game, visit Niagara Falls, and enjoy other attractions in our area. When the unexpected happens, you can expect Richmond Vona to be there for you.
Is There a Difference Between Uber and Lyft Accidents?
There may be minor procedural differences between Uber and Lyft accident claims since each company is free to choose its own insurance provider. As of May 2024, Uber’s insurance company is Liberty Mutual, and Lyft’s insurer is United Financial.
However, the overall claims process and compensation available are similar. Both companies must maintain the same minimum insurance coverage, and the procedure for filing insurance claims will not vary widely based solely on whether you were an Uber or Lyft passenger.
That said, no two accidents are the same. The evidence you will need to prove your claim will be different in every accident, and the compensation you recover will vary based on numerous factors, such as the severity of your injuries and how the accident unfolded.
"*" indicates required fields
This law firm goes above and beyond to fight for you. Their entire team treats you with respect and truly cares about your well-being. Look no further if you need a personal injury lawyer.
John Richmond and the team at Richmond Vona did an incredible job with my complicated personal injury case. They made sure no stone was unturned and got me the settlement I deserved for my situation. They treat you well, explain everything you need to know and more so you are always in the loop about the status of your case. John was easy to get in touch with anytime during the process and made signing paperwork easy and understandable. Their entire staff is professional and helpful throughout the process These guys are fair, trustworthy, and will stand up for you!
This firm’s attention to detail is second to none. It’s evident that they are true professionals and really care about their injured clients. This is the firm to call if you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.
How Liability Is Determined in Rideshare Accidents
If you were seriously injured in a Lyft or Uber accident while on a trip, you may be able to hold multiple parties liable, including the driver and the rideshare company. However, liability is not limited to Uber, Lyft, or their drivers. The following parties may also have caused or contributed to your accident:
- Other drivers
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Vehicle part manufacturers
- Government entities responsible for maintaining roads
If you were hit by another driver, you can file a claim against that driver’s insurance policy, assuming you exhaust any available no-fault insurance coverage. If you were hit by an uninsured driver or if the driver’s policy does not cover all of your damages, the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist policy may cover your remaining damages up to $1.25 million.
When Are Uber and Lyft Liable?
Rideshare companies can be held liable for Uber and Lyft accidents if they allow unsafe drivers or vehicles to provide rides through their apps. For example, you may be able to hold Uber or Lyft liable in the following scenarios:
- Uber or Lyft allowed an unqualified driver to provide rides.
- The driver was younger than 19.
- The platform failed to maintain the required insurance.
- Uber or Lyft allowed your driver to keep working after they were caught driving drunk.
- Uber or Lyft ignored other riders’ safety complaints about your driver.
- Uber or Lyft allowed your driver to use a vehicle that did not meet state requirements.
This is not an exhaustive list. Our knowledgeable Uber and Lyft accident attorneys in Buffalo will identify any negligent mistakes the rideshare company made that contributed to your accident and hold it accountable.
How an Attorney Can Help You After a Rideshare Accident
Rideshare accident claims are more complex than other car accidents because more work may be needed to establish liability. You can report your accident through the rideshare app, but an experienced Buffalo Lyft or Uber accident lawyer should take it from there. We are dedicated to getting every penny you deserve, and we will use a comprehensive approach to achieve that goal. Among other things, we will provide the following services at no upfront costs to you:
- Investigate your accident – We will thoroughly investigate your accident, potentially working with reconstructionists and forensic experts who can help us prove liability.
- Calculate your damages – We will review your medical records and work with medical and financial experts who can help us understand the long-term impact of the accident and the lifetime cost of your injuries.
- Fight for maximum compensation – Our top-rated Buffalo car accident lawyers will skillfully negotiate the settlement you deserve. We are serious trial attorneys who won’t hesitate to take your case to court if the defendants refuse to pay fair compensation.
You can count on us to maintain an open line of communication throughout your case. We care about the outcome of your claim. If we don’t win compensation on your behalf, you pay nothing.
Richmond Vona Is Your Premier Buffalo Uber and Lyft Accident Firm
Whether you are from Buffalo or were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident while vacationing in the area, our skilled and compassionate attorneys will handle your rideshare accident case with a uniquely tailored legal strategy. Our attorneys have recovered over $175 million in case results, going above and beyond in every case for our clients.
If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, our Buffalo rideshare accident lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (716) 500-5678 today to schedule a free consultation.
