It’s so easy to tap your phone, hop into a rideshare, and get where you need to go. Services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Montclair simpler and more convenient for many people. But many things feel uncertain when a rideshare ride doesn’t go as planned and an accident occurs.
Who’s supposed to take responsibility? Who’s covering your medical costs? What should you do if the rideshare company says it’s not their problem?
Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. helps rideshare passengers deal with what comes after the crash—the injuries, the missed work, the financial stress, and the frustration of not getting clear answers. In these situations, a Montclair Uber accident attorney can step in to help protect your rights and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Rideshare accidents can be complicated, largely because of how insurance works in these situations. It’s not as simple as a regular car accident where you exchange insurance details and rely on one person’s policy to cover damage. With Uber and Lyft, the type of insurance coverage depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the accident.
Here’s how these situations break down:
- Driver was not using app. If the driver wasn’t logged into the app at the time of the accident, their personal car insurance usually covers the crash.
- Driver was logged in and waiting for passengers. If the accident happened while the driver was waiting for a ride request, limited liability coverage from the rideshare company and their personal insurance typically apply.
- Driver was on route to or carrying a passenger. If the accident took place while the driver was on a trip (either picking someone up or driving a passenger), then the rideshare company’s full insurance coverage will likely apply.
It can be overwhelming to deal with injuries, medical bills, and rideshare companies all at once. Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. is prepared to take the lead on insurance and legal issues so you can stay focused on your medical care and recovery.
Here are some of the most common reasons rideshare accidents happen:
- Distractions—from constantly using the rideshare app to accept rides and check directions;
- Long hours—which leave drivers extremely tired and less aware of their surroundings;
- Speeding—often motivated by trying to finish rides quickly and pick up the next passenger to earn more during a shift;
- Unfamiliar areas—challenges while navigating neighborhoods drivers don’t know well; and
- Vehicle issues—such as poorly maintained brakes or tires, which drivers are responsible for keeping in good condition.
When a rideshare driver’s choices lead to an accident, it can change everything for the passenger in the car. Proving the cause of the crash is often the key to recovering the full cost of your injuries, lost income, and medical care.
Accidents happen fast, and in the moment, it’s hard to know exactly how you’ve been affected. Some injuries, like cuts or bruises, are obvious right away. Other times, the damage might not show until later, like headaches from a concussion or pain in your neck or back.
The types of injuries we frequently see after rideshare accidents include:
- Whiplash,
- Head and neck injuries,
- Back injuries,
- Broken bones, and
- Soft tissue injuries, like strains or sprains.
The longer you wait to act after a rideshare crash, the harder it can be to connect your injuries to the accident. New Jersey also sets strict deadlines for filing a claim; missing them can cost you the chance to recover compensation. Speaking with a Montclair Lyft accident lawyer early can help you stay ahead of deadlines and preserve your ability to seek damages.
It’s hard to think straight when you’re sitting there at the scene of an accident, adrenaline pumping. But certain steps can help you protect yourself and your claim. Here’s what to do if you’re in a rideshare accident:
- Get medical attention. Always make your health the top priority. Even minor aches should be checked out.
- Call the police. They will file an accident report to document the crash, which can be helpful when determining fault.
- Exchange information. Record the rideshare driver’s name, license plate number, insurance, and anything else you can about them.
- Talk to witnesses. If there were people who saw the collision, ask for their contact details. Their statements can be valuable later.
- Take photos. Capture visual evidence of the crash site, vehicle damage, injuries, and any conditions that might explain how the accident occurred.
Finally, if an insurance company calls you, be cautious. They may ask questions in a way that makes you accidentally take some of the blame. It can help to have a Montclair rideshare accident attorney speak to them instead, so you’re not being pressured into saying something that hurts your case.
Handling a rideshare accident claim can be stressful, but when you work with Glugeth & Pierguidi, you don’t have to go through it alone. Here’s what a Montclair rideshare accident lawyer can do for you:
- Gather evidence from the crash to help determine who may be at fault;
- Manage communication with other parties, sparing you the stress of conversations with rideshare and insurance companies; and
- Keep you updated on the status of your claim, so you’re never left wondering where things stand.
Most importantly, we’re on your side. Our goal is to help you walk away with the support you need to move on from the accident.
If a rideshare crash left you injured, the clock is already ticking. Every day that passes makes it harder to collect the evidence and testimony needed to prove liability. Uber and Lyft’s insurance teams move fast—and you should, too.
Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. has more than two decades of experience fighting in and out of court for the rights of those injured on New Jersey’s roads. Our advocates are rigorous and compassionate representatives, and we’re ready to help you.
Call our office to take the first action toward holding the rideshare companies accountable. A Montclair Uber accident attorney is ready to start working for you today.
Resources:
N.J. Stat. § 39:5H-10, link.