Work with a Jersey City Uber accident attorney to claim compensation following an accident. If you are hurt in an accident involving a rideshare, you may be eligible to receive payment for your injuries. Our lawyers can help.
We all trust and rely on rideshare divers to be safe. Unfortunately, even drivers with the best reviews can be involved in serious crashes. Accidents involving rideshare drivers can be complicated because they often include multiple parties, making it difficult to determine liability.
Whether you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, were hit by a rideshare vehicle, or were impacted in some other way, you are likely angry, frustrated, and wondering what to do next.
Insurance companies do not always do the right thing when it comes to helping accident victims obtain the total compensation they deserve.
That is why having a Jersey City Uber accident lawyer represent your legal rights is important. At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we are on a mission to help people like you in and around Jersey City. We understand the intricacies of the state’s rideshare laws, the process, and the details that are important to a successful case.
Several factors can contribute to accidents involving rideshare vehicles:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers may be distracted by the app, navigation, or communication with passengers.
- Fatigue: Long hours without adequate rest can impair a driver’s reaction time.
- Speeding: Rushing to pick up or drop off passengers may lead to speeding violations.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Failure to maintain the vehicle properly can result in mechanical failures.
- Insufficient Driver Training: Lack of comprehensive training can lead to poor decision-making on the road.
Understanding these aspects is vital for anyone involved in a rideshare accident. Consulting with an experienced Jersey City Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After an Uber/Lyft Accident
Navigating the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident in Jersey City can be complex due to the unique dynamics of rideshare services. Understanding the appropriate steps to take, determining liability, knowing the types of compensation available, recognizing potential injuries, and being aware of common causes of such accidents are crucial.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, consider the following actions:
- Ensure Safety: Prioritize your well-being and that of others involved. Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Contact Authorities: Report the accident to local law enforcement to ensure an official record is created.
- Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved, including the rideshare driver, and document the scene with photos if possible.
- Notify the Rideshare Company: Report the incident through the Uber or Lyft app to inform them of the accident.
- Consult a Rideshare Accident Lawyer: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and the best course of action.
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Accidents involving Uber or Lyft can lead to various injuries, including:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden movements during a collision can cause soft tissue injuries.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact may result in broken limbs or ribs.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can occur, leading to long-term cognitive issues.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in paralysis or chronic pain.
- Emotional Trauma: Accidents can lead to psychological effects like anxiety or PTSD.
Types of Compensation Available After an Uber Accident
Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation:
- Economic Damages: These include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, courts may award punitive damages to deter similar behavior in the future.
New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning that your insurance will help pay a portion of the accident expenses regardless of who caused the accident. This generally works because New Jersey requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection insurance (PIP). Normally, medical expenses related to your injury would be paid for by the negligent driver’s PIP insurance. Still, in New Jersey, the insurance company does not have this obligation if the driver is driving for work, which is the case for rideshare drivers. This is when your Jersey City Lyft accident attorney can be especially helpful.
The minimum insurance coverage all drivers must carry is $15,000, but drivers can purchase up to $250,000. Rideshare drivers must also apply for a Ride Sharing Endorsement as part of their insurance policy. If they do not have this coverage at the time of the accident, or the driver’s insurance refuses to pay for your injuries for any other reason, you may have to pursue compensation from Uber or Lyft. This situation may also arise if the cost of your medical expenses exceeds the insurance policy coverage limits. A Lyft accident lawyer in Jersey City can help you determine who is liable for your sustained harm.
Liability in Uber and Lyft accidents depends on the driver’s status at the time of the incident:
- App Off: If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal insurance applies.
- App On, No Passenger: When the driver is available or waiting for a ride request, Uber or Lyft provides limited liability coverage.
- Ride in Progress: Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is on board, the rideshare company’s $1.5 million liability coverage is in effect.
Determining fault can be complex, involving the driver, the rideshare company, other motorists, or even third parties. Consulting with a Jersey City Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can help clarify liability issues.
How Can a Jersey City Lyft Accident Attorney Help?
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you could be dealing with multiple insurance companies trying to determine who is liable for your rideshare accident. Many insurance companies are quick to offer settlements that are less than the value of your claim because they know you are facing medical bills and need whatever you can get right now.
A rideshare accident attorney can help you understand your rights and the true value of your claim. They can also investigate your accident independently and gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
Talk to Experienced Jersey City Uber Accident Attorneys Today
The Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. team will always strive to help our clients obtain maximum compensation to support their injury recovery and overall well-being. You need a Jersey City Uber accident lawyer who is confident and provides zealous representation.
Over the last three decades, we have obtained millions of dollars for accident victims throughout New Jersey and know what it takes to achieve favorable results.
Contact us today for your free case consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our Jersey City Uber accident lawyers also handle the following types of cases:
