Uber Accident Lawyers in Irvington
You expect a rideshare trip to be quick and safe, not a crash that leaves you with painful injuries, medical bills you never planned for, and time away from work you can’t afford.
After an accident, it’s not always obvious who should pay. The driver? Uber or Lyft? Someone else entirely? Meanwhile, the bills don’t wait, and the companies involved often make it hard to get answers.
If you were hurt while riding with Uber or Lyft, an Irvington Uber accident attorney at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. is ready to stand up for your rights and help hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Why Uber and Lyft Accidents Are So Common in Irvington
Rideshare drivers face constant demands: juggling apps, accepting ride requests, navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods, and dealing with Irvington’s packed roads. This can put them at a higher risk of collisions on the road.
Common causes of Uber and Lyft crashes in the area include:
- Distracted driving while using phones for navigation or ride alerts,
- Speeding through traffic to complete trips faster,
- Long shifts that leave drivers exhausted and less alert, and
- Poor maintenance of personal vehicles used for rideshare work.
When drivers prioritize earning potential over safety, passengers often pay the price. An experienced Irvington Lyft accident lawyer can fight to hold drivers, and in some cases, the companies backing them, accountable for the harm they cause.
Even what feels like a minor crash can leave you with serious medical problems. Some injuries appear immediately, while others may take days or weeks to surface fully.
Common injuries we see after rideshare crashes in Irvington include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage to the neck and back;
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries;
- Broken bones in the arms, legs, or ribs;
- Severe bruising and internal injuries; and
- Emotional distress caused by the trauma of the collision.
It’s essential to get medical care right away after a rideshare accident. Even if symptoms seem minor initially, a doctor’s evaluation is critical to check for more serious damage, including injuries that might later affect your ability to work, drive, or carry out daily activities.
One of the first questions most rideshare passengers ask after an Uber or Lyft accident is, Who pays for this?
In New Jersey, the insurance coverage that applies to a rideshare accident varies depending on what the Uber or Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash. This breaks down as follows:
- Driver not logged into the app. Only the driver’s personal car insurance applies.
- Driver logged into the app but waiting for a request. Uber and Lyft provide limited third-party liability coverage ($50,000 per person for injuries).
- Driver picking up or transporting a passenger. Uber and Lyft offer up to $1.5 million in liability coverage, as New Jersey law requires.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have teams working to protect their bottom line, and they may try to downplay your injuries or delay or deny legitimate claims. An Irvington rideshare accident attorney can help challenge rideshare companies that refuse to pay fair compensation to injured passengers.
A rideshare accident can quickly upend your life. Medical appointments, lost income, physical pain, and a long recovery can take over everything you planned. Seeking compensation can help you regain some stability and support during your recovery.
Passengers injured in Uber or Lyft crashes may pursue compensation for:
- Emergency care and hospitalization;
- Surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy;
- Lost income from missed work;
- Reduced future earning capacity;
- Pain and emotional suffering; and
- Loss of enjoyment of activities you can no longer participate in.
Importantly, New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which can reduce your compensation if you are found partly at fault for the crash.
Rideshare passengers are rarely blamed for an accident, but it can happen. Grabbing the steering wheel, distracting the driver, or encouraging reckless behavior could allow an insurer to argue you contributed to the crash. In those cases, the insurer would reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault.
An Irvington rideshare accident lawyer can help strengthen your compensation claim by presenting the facts clearly, gathering supporting evidence, and addressing any arguments that try to assign you undue blame.
New Jersey law gives injured passengers two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Two years sounds like plenty of time, but critical evidence—e.g., medical records, witness statements, rideshare app data—can disappear quickly. Businesses often erase surveillance footage soon after a crash. Witnesses move. Memories fade.
Strong documentation early on makes for a stronger claim later. Waiting can put your case at risk, even before the deadline expires.
Talking with an Irvington Uber accident attorney soon after your crash can improve your likelihood of building a compelling claim and avoiding mistakes that could hurt your case down the road.
Insurance companies representing Uber, Lyft, and individual drivers work quickly after a crash to protect their interests. They often offer low settlements that do not come close to covering the full cost of an injured passenger’s recovery.
Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. advocates for rideshare passengers by:
- Investigating crashes and gathering necessary evidence;
- Identifying all available insurance policies that may cover the loss;
- Managing communication and negotiations with insurance companies;
- Documenting injuries, expenses, and future care needs; and
- Preparing cases for trial if settlement offers do not reflect the real harm caused.
With over 30 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys know how to build strong rideshare claims and hold companies and drivers accountable for the harm they cause. Every case receives direct attention from seasoned lawyers who understand what it takes to demand fair compensation.
Rideshare accidents can leave you with injuries, expenses, and stress you never expected. You shouldn’t have to fight Uber, Lyft, and multiple insurance companies on your own.
If you were hurt while riding with Uber or Lyft in Irvington, call Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. today. We’ve helped those injured through no fault of their own recover millions in just compensation, and we’re prepared to help you. Speak with a seasoned Irvington rideshare accident lawyer who will take the time to explain your rights and work to protect your claim.
Your consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs. Let us help you move forward after a rideshare accident.
Resources:
N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2(a), link.