Woodbridge Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers in Woodbridge, NJ

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft drivers, you should get a Woodbridge rideshare accident attorney from Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. at your side. With our years of collective experience and knowledgeable attorneys on staff, we are well-equipped to protect your interests and guide you through the process of seeking justice and compensation for your injuries. We can provide legal counsel to Uber and Lyft passengers, drivers, and third parties involved in a rideshare accident, like pedestrians or other motorists on the road.

Think you have a rideshare accident claim to file? Find out by calling (732) 709-4400 now.

What is a Rideshare Accident?

A rideshare accident is any car accident involving a vehicle registered under Uber, Lyft, or another ridesharing company. Although a rideshare accident is a car accident at its core, any resulting claim can encounter unique complications due to the involvement of a rideshare company. Our Woodbridge rideshare attorneys are here to help you make sense of your claim or lawsuit, no matter what parties are involved or who is liable.

New Jersey Rideshare Laws

Drivers must meet specific criteria set by rideshare companies, which typically include age requirements, a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and passing a background check. They might also need to have a vehicle that meets certain standards set by the company.

Rideshare drivers are required to have auto insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements. Rideshare companies also provide additional coverage that typically applies when the driver is actively engaged in providing rides via the app.

Periodic vehicle inspections might be required by the rideshare company to ensure the safety and quality of the vehicles used for ridesharing.

Both drivers and passengers are expected to comply with safety regulations. For example, drivers should follow traffic laws and ensure passengers wear seatbelts.

Do Uber & Lyft Offer Insurance?

Uber's insurance policy provides coverage for those who have been injured in some rideshare accidents, depending on the cause and when the accident happened. The policy might cover up to $1.5 million per incident for death, bodily injury, and property damage of those involved. In addition, the company’s policy might cover uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which can help cover medical expenses if another driver is at fault but lacks adequate insurance. Lyft carries an incredibly similar insurance policy, too.

Whether Uber or Lyft will provide insurance depends on when the accident happened, such as:

• No coverage: If the rideshare driver was not using the app at the time of the accident, then Uber or Lyft will not accept any responsibility for what happened. The insurance policies of the involved parties will need to be used instead of anything held by the rideshare companies.
• Some coverage: If the rideshare driver was using the app but had not accepted a fare, then Uber or Lyft can provide some insurance coverage. However, the rideshare driver’s privately held auto insurance policy must be used first for the rideshare company to even consider offering its policy coverage for some damages.
• Most coverage: If the rideshare driver was using the app and had accepted a fare, whether the rideshare passenger was in the vehicle or waiting at the pickup location, then Uber or Lyft can provide the most insurance coverage, up to the $1.5 million coverage mentioned above.

Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving while impaired
• Inadequate driver training by ridesharing companies
• Poorly maintained vehicles
• Bad weather conditions
• Unsafe street or highway conditions
• Unfamiliarity with local traffic laws

Our Woodbridge rideshare accident lawyers can research and investigate your case to see what might have been the cause of the crash. The liable party could be the rideshare driver, another motorist, another rideshare passenger who was deliberately trying to distract the driver, or even the rideshare company. Although, Uber and Lyft have fought tough legal battles to ensure that drivers who use their apps are independent contractors and not employees. In general, it is difficult to pass liability upward to an employer for accidents caused by independent contractors.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in New Jersey

If you're involved in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, it's essential to take certain steps to ensure your safety, gather necessary information, and protect your legal rights. Here's what you should do:

• Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911.
• Report the Accident: Contact the police and report the accident. This is crucial for documentation purposes and to create an official record of the incident.
• Document Information: Collect important information from the scene, including:
  • Names and contact information of the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved in the accident.
  • Vehicle information (license plate numbers, make, and model).
  • Insurance information of all drivers involved.
  • Contact information of any witnesses.
• Take Photos: If it's safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and any contributing factors (like road conditions or traffic signs). This visual evidence can be valuable later.
• Report to the Rideshare Company: Notify the rideshare company (Uber or Lyft) about the accident. You can usually do this through the app. They might guide the next steps and assist in handling the situation.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't feel injured immediately after the accident, some injuries might manifest later. It's advisable to seek medical evaluation to ensure your health and well-being.
• Document Your Expenses: Keep a record of any expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, transportation costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.
• Consult Legal Help: Consider consulting a personal injury attorney experienced in handling rideshare accidents. They can guide your legal options and help navigate the complexities of insurance claims.
• Review Insurance Coverage: Understand the insurance coverage available to you. Rideshare companies typically have insurance coverage for passengers involved in accidents during a ride. Your insurance might also come into play, depending on the circumstances.

Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident in NJ

In a rideshare accident in New Jersey, liability for the accident can be determined based on various factors, including the circumstances of the accident, the parties involved, and the state's laws. Liability in rideshare accidents often involves multiple parties, such as:

• Rideshare Driver: If the rideshare driver is found to be at fault for the accident—for instance, due to reckless driving, distraction, or violating traffic laws—they can be held liable. Their auto insurance might cover damages up to a certain limit, but rideshare companies often provide additional coverage when the driver is actively engaged in providing services through the app.
• Rideshare Company: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically have liability insurance coverage that applies when their drivers are actively working or transporting passengers. This coverage may come into play if the driver's insurance coverage is insufficient to cover the damages or if the accident occurred while the driver was providing services through the rideshare app.
• Other Motorists: If another driver is responsible for the accident, they can be held liable for the damages and injuries resulting from the accident, irrespective of whether a rideshare vehicle is involved.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Rideshare Accident?

The types of damages you can recover after a rideshare accident are essentially the same damages you can recover following a typical car accident: Medical expenses, rehabilitation/physical therapy, prescription costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. Need help determining the value of your case? Reach out to our team of rideshare accident lawyers today to discuss your situation in a free consultation!

How Much Compensation Can I Expect to Receive After a Rideshare Accident?

The amount of compensation you may receive after a rideshare accident will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the specific circumstances of the accident. Each case is unique, and there is no set amount of compensation that you can expect to receive. An experienced rideshare accident attorney in Woodbridge, NJ can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case and determine the types and amount of damages you may be entitled to receive.

What if the Rideshare Company Denies My Claim?

If your claim with the rideshare company was denied, you may want to consider reaching out to a personal injury lawyer about your case. A qualified personal injury attorney can review your case, help you understand your legal options, and potentially negotiate with the rideshare company or their insurance carrier on your behalf. Some other options you may have if your initial claim is denied by the rideshare company include: Filing a claim with the driver’s insurance or filing a lawsuit against the rideshare company itself.

How Long Do I Have to File an Injury Claim After a Rideshare Accident?

In New Jersey, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in court or settle the claim with the at-fault party or their insurance company.

Get Our Help to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in NJ

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing accident, our Woodbridge rideshare accident lawyers are here to help. With years of dedicated service and a deep understanding of laws governing all sorts of motor vehicle accidents, including those that involve rideshare companies, our team can provide aggressive legal representation to fight for your rights as an injured plaintiff. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help get you the compensation that you deserve by filing a personal injury claim.