Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare apps have transformed how people get around the city. For some, taking an Uber or Lyft provides a sense of relief because they don’t have to drive in traffic. But others may experience a scary ride due to an inexperienced driver.
Regardless of your driver’s skill, you may be injured in an accident while on the way to your destination. If you’ve experienced injuries from an accident involving a rideshare service, the process of recovering compensation will likely involve numerous parties. Consulting with a Union City Uber accident attorney can help you navigate this complex process to recover a fair settlement for your injuries.
Whose Insurance Is Responsible for My Compensation?
New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means parties injured in a car accident must generally file a claim against their own personal injury protection (PIP) on their individual auto insurance policy.
Additionally, the ability to sue an at-fault party for noneconomic damages like pain and suffering is limited to situations where the victim has suffered specific serious injuries.
However, New Jersey’s no-fault law doesn’t apply to Uber or Lyft accidents because the definition of automobile, in this context, doesn’t include vehicles used to transport passengers. Furthermore, you do not have to meet any specific injury threshold to sue the rideshare company for noneconomic damages.
Figuring out the responsible parties in your claim can be the most challenging aspect of recovering compensation.
Uber or Lyft Insurance Policies
Uber and Lyft have tried to classify their drivers as independent contractors for users to avoid liability. However, New Jersey enacted a law in 2017 to help protect passengers injured during Uber and Lyft rides.
Rideshare companies must provide at least $1.5 million of liability coverage for injuries, death, and property damage when one of their drivers causes an accident while transporting a passenger or on the way to pick up a passenger.
If the driver causes an accident while logged on to the rideshare app and waiting for a request, the rideshare company must provide liability insurance of $50,000 for death or bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death or bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
You can obtain the rideshare’s insurance information from the driver at the scene of the accident. State law requires drivers to carry proof of insurance and provide it to interested parties in the event of an accident. Before filing a claim, you should consult a Union City Uber accident attorney to better understand the full amount of compensation available for your injuries.
Another At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If another driver was at fault for all or a portion of the accident, you may be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, state law only requires drivers to have a minimum coverage of $25,000 for injuries.
If the driver didn’t opt for a higher coverage limit, you may not be able to receive full compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. You can file a claim with the rideshare’s insurance company to recover your expenses under the underinsured/uninsured motorists coverage Uber and Lyft are required to carry.
The specific facts of your accident will determine which insurance policies cover you. Do yourself a favor and reach out to our Union City Uber accident lawyers. We can help you understand how the different insurance policies apply to your compensation claim.
Steps to Take After an Uber/Lyft Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after an Uber or Lyft accident may significantly impact your ability to recover damages. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical attention. If anyone is injured, call 911. Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation to rule out hidden injuries.
- Report the accident. File an accident report with the police. Additionally, the incident can be reported to Uber or Lyft via their app to initiate the claims process.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, injuries, and any contributing factors, such as road conditions. These will be crucial pieces of evidence.
- Exchange information. Collect contact and insurance details from the rideshare driver and other parties involved. If there are witnesses, get their contact information too.
- Consult a Union City rideshare accident lawyer. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your case. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
By following these steps, you can protect your legal rights and increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Consulting with a Union City rideshare accident lawyer early on can help ensure you meet all deadlines and efficiently handle your case.
How Can a Union City Lyft Accident Lawyer Help?
Uber and Lyft accident claims are extremely complex and involve a lot of moving parts. It’s unwise to try and go this alone.
Hiring a Union City Uber accident lawyer can make all the difference in navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident. Here’s how a lawyer can assist:
- Investigating the accident. A thorough investigation of the accident is essential. Your attorney will gather police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage to build a case and prove fault.
- Handling insurance companies. Attorneys at insurance companies are equipped with numerous tactics to reduce and deny coverage, and they’ll take advantage of lawyers without experience. You want confident, skilled Uber accident lawyers representing your interests because it will show the insurance companies that you won’t be pushed around.
- Pursuing maximum compensation. An experienced Union City Lyft accident lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies to cover all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Litigating if necessary. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be ready to take the case to court, ensuring your rights are protected.
Working with a Union City rideshare accident lawyer increases your chances of recovering fair compensation and holding the liable party responsible for your injuries.
Why Uber/Lyft Accidents Are Different
Uber reported 153 motor vehicle fatalities from 2021-2022, an increase from 101 in the prior year. These accidents differ from regular car accidents in several essential ways.
Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of insurance coverage depending on whether the driver is logged into the app and transporting passengers. Determining which policy applies requires legal expertise, as both the driver’s personal insurance and the company’s coverage may come into play.
Liability Complexities
Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, which can complicate claims against Uber or Lyft. The companies may attempt to limit their liability by distancing themselves from their drivers’ actions. A skilled Union City Uber accident lawyer can hold these companies accountable by investigating whether they adhered to proper safety protocols.
Driver Safety Protocols
Uber and Lyft have safety measures in place, but accidents can still occur due to driver fatigue, distraction from the app, or negligent driving. If an investigation reveals that Uber or Lyft failed in their responsibilities to ensure safe driving conditions, your lawyer can pursue further compensation.
Contact a Union City Uber Accident Lawyer at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C.
The attorneys at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., are ready to protect your rights to compensation. For more than 10 years, we’ve helped clients in Union City, as well as the rest of New Jersey and New York, recover millions of dollars for injuries caused by someone’s negligence.
Our experienced attorneys aren’t phased by the insurance company’s aggressive approach. Contact the Union City Lyft accident lawyers at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., to learn if you can file a claim for compensation.
