Buffalo Lyft Collision Injury Lawyer
When you’re injured in a Lyft crash in Buffalo NY, you may be left facing serious injuries, medical bills, and difficult questions about insurance coverage and liability. Whether the accident occurred while you were a passenger in a Lyft, driving another vehicle, or walking nearby, the legal aftermath of rideshare accidents can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s critical to consult with a Buffalo Lyft collision injury lawyer who understands the complexities of rideshare cases under New York law.
At Brown Chiari LLP, we represent individuals injured in rideshare accidents throughout Western New York. Our firm is known for its aggressive pursuit of justice and compassionate legal support for those suffering from personal injury. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft crash, our experienced legal team can help you file a personal injury claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Rideshare Accidents and Legal Responsibility in New York
Rideshare accidents in Buffalo are more legally complex than the typical car crash. This is because rideshare drivers operate in a gray area between personal and commercial driving. The status of the driver at the time the accident occurred—whether they were logged into the app, picking up a passenger, or transporting one—determines which insurance policies may apply.
If the driver was off-duty, only their personal auto insurance may be available. If they were actively working, then Lyft’s commercial insurance could cover damages. In some cases, injured parties may also need to pursue claims against others at fault parties, such as another driver or a third-party vehicle owner.
Navigating this legal landscape without the guidance of a personal injury lawyer can leave accident victims vulnerable to lowball settlements or denied claims. That’s why our injury attorneys focus on uncovering every available source of insurance coverage and pursuing full compensation for our clients.
What Makes Lyft Accidents in Buffalo Different?
Unlike traditional motor vehicle accidents, rideshare collisions involve an additional layer of legal and logistical complexity. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This distinction can affect your rights as an injured person and influence how your injury claim is processed.
Moreover, rideshare companies typically deny direct liability for their drivers’ negligence. Instead, they provide tiered insurance coverage that activates based on the driver’s status. If a driver is not logged into the app, their own insurance coverage applies. When the app is on but no ride is accepted, Lyft provides limited coverage. Full commercial coverage, up to $1 million in liability, is only available if the driver has accepted a ride or is actively transporting a passenger.
This creates major complications when trying to recover compensation after a rideshare accident. Our Buffalo personal injury attorneys know how to determine the driver’s status and demand payment from the appropriate insurance company.
The Types of Injuries and Losses Rideshare Accident Victims Face
Injuries caused by rideshare accidents can range from minor to catastrophic. At Brown Chiari LLP, we’ve represented clients suffering from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. Some cases tragically involve wrongful death and the need to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members.
The aftermath of a Lyft collision often includes more than just physical pain. Victims frequently deal with mounting medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, and emotional distress. These are not just disruptions—they are life-altering consequences that deserve fair compensation under personal injury law.
Under New York’s no fault insurance state rules, your own personal injury protection (PIP) will typically cover basic medical bills and a portion of your lost income. However, when injuries meet the serious injury threshold under state law, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit for additional damages, including pain and suffering, long-term disability, and future medical care.
Building a Strong Personal Injury Case After a Lyft Collision
To hold a negligent Lyft driver accountable, your attorney must build a strong personal injury case backed by evidence. At Brown Chiari LLP, we take a comprehensive approach to every rideshare accident case. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, insurance documentation, and evidence from the accident scene.
We work with medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts when necessary to demonstrate the cause of the crash and the extent of your injuries. Our goal is always to secure a fair settlement or court award that fully reflects the impact of the accident on your life.
In some cases, we may also need to prove liability against rideshare companies, especially if there are concerns about negligent hiring, lack of proper background checks, or other systemic failures. Though these claims are more difficult, our firm has the experience and resources needed to pursue them.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Compensation for Lyft accident victims in Buffalo varies depending on the severity of the injuries and the details of the crash. However, a successful personal injury claim may include recovery for:
- All current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage and other property loss
- Loss of companionship or consortium in wrongful death cases
Every case is different, and our Buffalo personal injury lawyers take the time to understand the unique needs and goals of each client. Whether we are negotiating with an insurance company or presenting your case at trial, we fight for maximum compensation every step of the way.
Why Hire a Buffalo Personal Injury Attorney for a Rideshare Accident?
It’s important to understand that the insurance company—whether it’s the driver’s personal auto insurer or Lyft’s commercial carrier—is not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. That’s why having an experienced accident lawyer is essential.
Brown Chiari LLP brings decades of experience to every case we handle. As a respected personal injury law firm in Buffalo NY, we provide personalized attention, aggressive representation, and a proven record of results. From your free consultation through every step of your injury claim, our dedicated legal team will keep you informed, supported, and positioned for success.
Our attorneys handle everything from start to finish—investigating the accident scene, handling communications with the insurance company, calculating damages, and ensuring that no detail is overlooked. You focus on recovery while we focus on your legal rights.
Learn more about Buffalo Lyft Collision Injury Lawyer services. Call Brown Chiari LLP at (716) 681-7190 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
Buffalo Lyft Collision Injury Lawyer FAQs
What insurance covers a Lyft accident in Buffalo NY?
Lyft offers commercial insurance coverage, but it only applies if the driver is working in the app at the time of the crash. Otherwise, the driver’s personal auto insurance may apply. A Buffalo car accident lawyer can help identify which policies are relevant.
Can I sue Lyft directly after a rideshare accident?
Generally, you cannot sue Lyft directly because their drivers are classified as independent contractors. However, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver or another at fault party, depending on the case.
What if the at fault driver had no insurance?
If the at fault party lacked insurance, Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply—provided the driver was actively using the Lyft platform. Your injury attorney can help navigate this complex process.
Do Uber and Lyft accidents follow the same legal rules?
Yes, rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers are generally handled similarly under New York personal injury law. However, differences in each company’s insurance policies may affect your claim.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York?
In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date the accident happened to file a lawsuit in New York. In wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is two years. It’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.