Buffalo Lyft & Uber Accident Lawyers

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are becoming increasingly popular in Buffalo for regular commuters and visitors alike. People who use these services appreciate the convenience and affordable pricing compared to taxi and limousine services; however, this new industry has additional legal considerations.

The main concern for passengers is: who is responsible in the event of an accident, and what injury protection is offered?

Requirements for Uber and Lyft Drivers in Buffalo

Although the services offered by Uber and Lyft are very similar to traditional taxi cabs, there have been accidents and even altercations with drivers that have spurred companies to cooperate with lawmakers to develop regulations for their hiring practices.

New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has developed their own application process for employees of rideshare companies in order to drive in the city. The number of total applications is limited, and the TLC has the ability to ban drivers for a period of 1-3 years from the rideshare program if any of the following are true:

• Past traffic violations
• TLC license has been revoked or denied in the past
• Information omitted on application
• Pending criminal charges
• Prior DUI incidents
• Previous instance of illegal drug usage

Additionally, the TLC requires that rideshare drivers in New York:

• Undergo a simple medical exam
• Take a defensive driving course
• Take a Vehicle for Hire course
• Get an E level CDL license
• Submit to fingerprinting and a drug test

If you were in an Uber or Lyft accident in Buffalo and the driver did not meet these requirements, then our lawyers may be able to assist you with your case.

Uber Accident Policies in Buffalo

Both drivers and passengers of Uber and Lyft want to know that they are protected in the event of an accident. In 2014, an Uber driver was involved in a fatal car accident, and the public was shocked when the company did not accept liability due to the fact that the driver was an independent contractor.

Today, there are guidelines in place that mandate that all for-hire vehicles for companies like Uber and Lyft have commercial insurance policies. These policies have three different levels of coverage depending on what the driver’s status is at the time of the accident:

• Not available to give a ride. The driver is not currently available to pick up a passenger, and they will need to rely on their own insurance policy.
• Available to pick up a rider. The driver is available and waiting for a passenger. Typically, the driver’s insurance policy will pay, but Uber may pay if the total cost is not covered.
• On a trip with passengers in the vehicle. Uber has a 1 million dollar insurance policy that will cover both the driver and passengers, regardless of their personal level of insurance.

In New York, drivers for rideshare companies are considered licensees, not employees, which can sometimes make determining liability in an accident difficult. A Buffalo lawyer who has experience with Uber and Lyft accidents will gather evidence to help determine who is responsible.