North Bergen Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Fighting for Victim's Rights and Compensation
The immediate aftermath of a rideshare accident is often confusing. Who do you contact? Should you call the police? Will the driver’s insurance or ride-sharing company pay for your medical expenses and lost wages? These are some of the many questions you might grapple with while deciding what to do next.
This is why contacting an experienced attorney as soon as possible is important. Trust that our team of personal injury lawyers in North Bergen at Harrell Law Firm is here to fight for your right to recover compensation for all your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re happy to answer your questions and assess your case.
Rideshare Accident Risks
Despite the convenience of rideshare services, accidents are complex to resolve because several parties are generally involved, including their insurance companies. Drivers may be liable for negligent behavior that involves the following:
- Fatigue: Rideshare drivers may drive at night or on weekends after working a regular job. This can lead to exhaustion, which may slow their reaction times.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving can lead to serious accidents. Your driver may be adjusting the GPS or the app or talking on the phone, putting you and others at risk.
- Inexperienced or Reckless Drivers: Rideshare companies may not properly vet their drivers and hire inexperienced people with a history of traffic violations.
- Speeding: Rideshare drivers often drive over the speed limit, rushing to drop off one passenger and pick up another–putting themselves and others at risk.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Rideshare vehicles may receive a lower level of maintenance than other commercial vehicles, increasing the chances of mechanical failures and accidents.
These factors could also be true of another driver, who might have caused the accident. For example, a drunk driver might crash into your Lyft.
Why You Need an Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer
In New Jersey, a no-fault state, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors and not employees of the rideshare company. For example, if an Uber driver is not working, meaning the app is off, the typical car insurance and liability laws apply if they get into an accident.
When the app is on, but the driver has not yet accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft’s commercial coverage includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. This coverage applies to other people in the accident but not the rideshare driver.
In addition, in New Jersey, Uber and Lyft must carry $1.5 million in third-party liability insurance for drivers. They also have $1.5 million in underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. However, it is only available at a particular point in the rideshare experience, which includes the following:
- Drivers who are dropping off or picking up a passenger
- Drivers who have the app engaged while waiting to pick up a passenger
- Drivers who have passengers in their vehicles
If you’ve been in an accident as a passenger, remember that these companies do not pay out claims quickly or easily. If you’ve been seriously injured, it’s crucial that you consult with a rideshare accident attorney to protect your rights and ensure you recover fair and reasonable compensation to cover your damages.
Seeking Compensation and Damages
Victims of rideshare accidents may seek compensation that includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. However, determining the amount can be challenging. This is especially true for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Factors such as the severity of injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and future medical needs play a significant role. Your attorney will calculate an amount, based on your losses and expenses, that includes all compensable damages.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
After a rideshare accident, taking immediate steps can protect your rights. Every case is different, but these general guidelines may apply:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Medical documentation from an ER visit may prove valuable to your claim.
- Document the scene. Take pictures or videos, write down details, and get contact information from witnesses.
- Report the accident to the police, the rideshare company, the driver’s insurance company, and your insurance company.
- Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney. We can provide guidance on the next steps and help you build a strong case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Harrell Law Firm
At Harrell Law Firm, we pride ourselves on our experience and proven track record of handling rideshare accident cases. We understand the challenges you face, such as physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress.
Our team is committed to fighting for you. We want to help you recover fair and reasonable compensation for your losses. We can handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on healing. Schedule a free consultation with a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer to get started. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for you.
