After a ridesharing accident, knowing where and with whom to file your claim can be a struggle. Uber and Lyft accidents are still finding their footing in the legal world.
If you have been involved in a ridesharing collision, you need an experienced Uber/Lyft accident attorney in Buffalo. At Towey Law, PLLC, we can help you navigate the complex claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you need.
Call our offices today and speak with a qualified accident lawyer in Buffalo by calling (716) 300-8232 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose An Uber And Lyft Accident Lawyer From Towey Law?
The Buffalo Uber accident attorneys at our law firm are dedicated to serving the injured residents of Buffalo, New York:
- To ensure everyone has access to skilled and experienced representation, we offer free case evaluations.
- We have recovered millions in compensation through settlements and verdicts on our clients’ behalf.
- With the Lyft accident attorneys of Towey Law PLLC by your side, you have representation that calls Buffalo home and is invested in protecting the rights of their community.
Why Hire an Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney?
The ridesharing world is constantly changing and adapting. Due to the evolving laws, the most challenging aspect is determining liability after the Uber or Lyft accident. An Uber/Lyft accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Towey Law, PLLC, our esteemed accident lawyers will:
- Investigate your claim
- Gather critical evidence
- Overcome denied claims
- Assess the full value of your claim by calculating your pain, suffering, and emotional distress
If a loved one has died in an Uber/Lyft accident, you deserve peace of mind. Contact the Buffalo wrongful death lawyers at Towey Law, PLLC to recover the damages you need.
Ridesharing is Contributing to More Traffic Deaths
Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft have exploded in use over the last few years. The University of Chicago and Rice University conducted a study to see if Uber and Lyft have had an impact on the safety of our roads.
According to the study, road fatalities have been driven up by 3 percent since 2011. Some of the contributing factors may be:
- Uber and Lyft have caused more cars to be on the road.
- People are using ridesharing apps instead of public transportation.
- Uber and Lyft encourage as many drivers as possible on the roads to get to riders quickly.
- The financial costs of additional fatalities are estimated at $10 billion.
Why Is Determining Liability Challenging in Uber/Lyft Accidents?
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which makes filing a claim much more complex.
Companies classify their workers as employees or independent contractors. If you are an employee and cause an accident, your employer will carry liability insurance. After an accident, it can be difficult to know if you should file a claim with the driver on their personal insurance or with the company.
Other challenges include:
- Insurance policies that only cover damage when an accident occurs from personal use, not ridesharing.
- Specific policies for rideshare drivers
- Due to mounting lawsuits, Uber and Lyft have started to offer liability insurance to their contractors, but not all drivers are willing to pay for the service.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Buffalo
After an Uber or Lyft accident, take every step possible to protect your safety. What you do now will help you get the care you need to protect your life, but also will minimize the risk of serious losses later.
- Call 911 and report your incident. Help others who may need it. Always prioritize your safety.
- Get the medical care you need. Go to the hospital to document your injuries and losses completely. This could be critical in saving your life from unknown injuries. It also documents your injuries related to the accident.
- At the scene, when safe, take photos of the surrounding area, a video of the location and damage, and images of the insurance card and driver’s license of the other drivers involved.
- Ask witnesses to provide their contact information to you.
Answer all law enforcement questions. Be accurate, but do not imply anything that could be later used against you.
What Types of Compensation Are Available After an Uber or Lyft Wreck?
After an Uber or Lyft wreck, you have the right to compensation for any losses you sustain from the experience. This may include:
- Medical costs for immediate and any ongoing needs
- Loss of wages if you are unable to go to work for some time
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of earning capacity
- Disability-related losses
- Emotional trauma
Our Buffalo rideshare accident attorney will help you build evidence to show what all of these losses are and how they relate to the accident. Be thorough with us about how this incident impacts your health and well-being.
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Fault After a Lyft or Uber Accident?
Evidence to prove fault in an Uber or Lyft accident is dependent on the situation. Some evidence we may pursue includes the following:
- Photos and videos you or others take of the incident
- Documentation from the rideshare company of the driver’s actions and service
- Medical reports from the driver if police suspect intoxication
- Statements from all involved
- Accident reconstruction services, if necessary
- Medical and accident experts
We use the police report as a starting point. Expect your Uber and Lyft accident attorney in Buffalo to be thorough with you regarding all of your losses.
Who Can File a Buffalo Uber Accident Claim?
You can file a claim after an Uber or Lyft accident if you can demonstrate that the driver or the company in some way caused your injuries. Proving negligence means showing a duty of care, demonstrating a breach of that duty of care, and then demonstrating that you have substantial injuries from that accident. Let us help you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Buffalo Uber Accident Claim?
The Statute of Limitations in New York provides three years from car accident victims to seek legal action against an at-fault party. We do not encourage you to wait this long. The insurance company for Uber or other rideshare drivers may also expect claims to be handled far sooner than this. If you are in a Buffalo Uber car accident, contact our personal injury attorney immediately for the guidance you need.
If you wait too long, you are unable to file a claim in a court of law. That means the court cannot force the at-fault party to pay you what you are owed. Instead, contact us now for immediate help and to start the process.
Contact Our Uber/Lyft Accident Attorneys in Buffalo
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a rideshare service, call Towey Law, PLLC today. Our Buffalo personal injury attorneys can help you overcome the challenges of your personal injury claim and secure the compensation you deserve.
Our Uber/Lyft accident attorneys in Buffalo have the experience, skills, and resources to successfully handle your case. Schedule a free case evaluation today by clicking here or calling (716) 300-8232.