Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation, making travel more convenient for millions. However, with this convenience comes a unique set of legal challenges when accidents occur. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in New Jersey, understanding your rights and the available compensation options is crucial. At My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, LLC, we are committed to helping victims navigate the complexities of rideshare accident claims to secure the justice they deserve.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents occur for many reasons, often tied to negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers often use GPS apps or communicate with passengers, increasing distraction risks.
- Fatigue: Long driving hours without proper breaks can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: In an effort to maximize earnings, some drivers may rush to complete rides.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Poorly maintained vehicles can contribute to mechanical failures and accidents.
- Third-Party Negligence: Other drivers, pedestrians, or even faulty traffic signals may also play a role in causing an accident.
Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple layers of liability:
- Rideshare Driver’s Negligence: If the driver’s actions directly caused the accident, they could be held accountable.
- Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Coverage: Both companies provide insurance policies that cover accidents during active rides or when a driver is available to accept rides. However, coverage depends on the driver’s app status:
- Offline: The driver’s personal insurance applies.
- Available/Waiting for Ride Requests: Limited liability coverage from Uber or Lyft may apply ($50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury).
- En Route or During a Ride: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Third-Party Drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, their insurance might be responsible for compensating victims.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to compensation for various damages:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed at work due to the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged personal property.
- Wrongful Death Damages: For families who lose a loved one in a rideshare accident, compensation may include funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional anguish.
Challenges in Rideshare Accident Claims
Securing compensation after a rideshare accident can be complex due to:
- Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely.
- Multiple Parties Involved: Determining liability between the driver, rideshare company, and third parties can be complicated.
- State Laws: In New Jersey, the comparative negligence rule means your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault.
How My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, LLC Can Help
Navigating a rideshare accident claim requires in-depth knowledge of both New Jersey personal injury laws and the specific policies of rideshare companies. At My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, LLC, we provide:
- Thorough Case Evaluation: Identifying all liable parties and potential sources of compensation.
- Aggressive Representation: Negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
- Personalized Support: Guiding you through every step of the legal process with care and dedication.
Contact MyNJInjuryLawyer
Have questions? Need answers about an injury that occurred in New Jersey as a result of someone else’s negligence? If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an accident, you should contact an attorney familiar with handling these claims. My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, Esq. offers free strategy sessions to address any issue or questions you may have about your injury, medical bills or your accident claim.
Please contact NJ Injury Lawyer Howard Lesnik, Esq., immediately if you were involved in a pedestrian accident and were injured or suffered damages. I personally handle NJ personal injury cases on a regular basis. Please contact me now by email, by phoning 908.264.7701, or by completing the form to the right to schedule your complimentary 30-minute strategy session. Contact Us Today for a free consultation.
