The convenience of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has revolutionized transportation in New Jersey, providing residents and visitors with an easy way to get around. However, the growing number of rideshare vehicles on the road has also led to an increase in rideshare accidents. When these accidents occur, determining who is financially responsible can be confusing, especially with the multiple parties involved.
This guide explains how liability is determined in Uber and Lyft accidents in NJ, outlines the legal protections available to injured passengers and other victims, and highlights the importance of hiring a skilled Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident lawyer to navigate the process.
How Rideshare Accidents Are Different from Regular Car Accidents
Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare accidents involve additional complexities due to the way companies like Uber and Lyft operate. Drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees, which impacts how liability is assigned.
Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the coverage varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For example:
- Driver Not Logged into the App: If the driver is not logged into the app, they are considered off-duty, and their personal auto insurance is responsible for any accidents.
- Driver Logged in but No Passenger Assigned: Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage during this period.
- Driver Logged in with a Passenger or on the Way to a Pickup: Both companies provide $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in these situations.
Understanding these distinctions is critical to determining who pays for your damages in a rideshare accident.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident in NJ
If you’re involved in an accident as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft—or as another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian—taking the following steps can protect your rights:
1. Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible
Your health should always come first. Even if you feel fine, injuries like soft tissue damage, fractures, or torn ligaments may not show immediate symptoms. Prompt medical attention ensures hidden injuries are identified early and creates essential documentation for your claim.
2. Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain a copy of the rideshare driver’s information from the app.
3. Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
Both companies require drivers to report accidents, but you should also report it as a passenger. Document any correspondence with the rideshare company, as this can be valuable for your claim.
4. Contact a Skilled Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Navigating the claims process for a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with large companies like Uber or Lyft. A skilled rideshare accident lawyer will handle communication with insurers, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you’re after.
Unique Examples of Rideshare Accidents in NJ
To better understand how rideshare accidents can occur and their consequences, consider these unique examples:
- Passenger Injury During a Ride: You’re riding in a Lyft in Princeton when the driver rear-ends another car due to icy road conditions. You suffer a fractured collarbone, requiring surgery and physical therapy. The $1 million liability coverage provided by Lyft applies to your injuries.
- Hit by an Uber Driver While Crossing the Street: In Freehold, you’re walking through a crosswalk when an Uber driver, logged into the app but not carrying a passenger, strikes you. The limited $50,000 coverage provided by Uber during this period may cover your medical expenses, but you may need to pursue additional compensation from the driver’s personal insurance.
- Multi-Vehicle Accident Involving an Uber Driver: In Elizabeth, an Uber driver carrying a passenger is rear-ended by a speeding car, causing a chain reaction that injures the rideshare passenger and damages several vehicles. Uber’s $1 million policy would likely cover the injured passenger and other victims, but determining liability for vehicle damage can be complex.
Each of these examples highlights the importance of understanding the insurance dynamics of rideshare accidents and working with an experienced lawyer to pursue your claim.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from sudden impact
- Spinal cord injuries that may result in paralysis
- Broken bones or fractures requiring surgery
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Psychological trauma such as PTSD
The severity of these injuries often depends on the circumstances of the crash, such as the speed of the vehicles and the presence of safety features like airbags.
Filing a Claim After a Rideshare Accident in New Jersey
New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault party.
Serious injuries under NJ law include:
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of a body part
- Significant loss of a bodily function
- Death
If your injuries qualify, an experienced Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance or the at-fault driver’s policy.
The Importance of Hiring a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have extensive legal resources to protect their interests, making it challenging for victims to secure the compensation they’re seeking for their injuries. A personal injury lawyer experienced in rideshare accidents can:
- Investigate the accident to determine liability
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Additionally, rideshare accident lawyers are well-versed in New Jersey’s specific laws and can anticipate strategies rideshare companies may use to minimize their payouts.
Call Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari for Strong Legal Representation if You Were Injured in a Rideshare Accident in NJ
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in New Jersey, don’t face the complexities of insurance claims and legal battles alone. At Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari, our experienced attorneys in Princeton, Freehold, and Elizabeth are here to help you navigate the process and advocate for compensation on your road to recovery.
Contact us today at 973-845-4421 for a free consultation and let our team fight for your rights. Your recovery is our priority—call now and take the first step toward justice!
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.