Lyft Accidents

Lyft has become ubiquitous as an alternative to taxis or public transportation, but that doesn’t make them safer. Perhaps you even use them to get to work every day. Riding in a Lyft vehicle puts you at the mercy of another driver, and accidents still can happen to anyone on New Jersey roads, even to Lyft drivers. If you’re in a Lyft when an accident occurs or your vehicle is in an accident with a Lyft driver, rely on Jersey City Lyft accident attorneys to get you the compensation you need to recover fully from your injuries and to restore your damaged property. Call the best Lyft accident lawyer in NJ at RAM Law.

Why Do I Need a Lyft Accident Attorney?

After an accident, you need a Lyft accident attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation and to handle the legal complexities. If you’re ever in an accident while riding with Lyft, consider first things first:

1. Make sure everyone involved is okay.
2. Report the accident right away to the local police.
3. Do this through the Lyft app or by calling their support line.
4. Call your personal injury attorney.

Lyft and other ridesharing companies have insurance to cover accidents, but it can get complicated. They might try to avoid paying or offer you less than what you need. To make sure you’re treated fairly, You need someone who can advocate for you and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

For incidents like rideshare accidents with companies such as Lyft and Uber rely on RAM Law Jersey City Lyft accident attorneys to benefit you and your case’s outcome. Their knowledgeable and experienced car accident attorneys are well-versed in local laws and keep up with all the legal changes that may occur regarding rideshare accidents in the state of New Jersey.

What Are the Steps to Take after a Vehicular Accident in a Lyft?

If you’re a driver or a passenger trapped in an accident in New Jersey, your immediate focus should be on your health and safety. Seek medical attention first, especially if the injuries are serious like neck or back injuries or spinal cord injury, and then notify the authorities. After the scene is secure and you’re out of danger:

• Swap information. Collect contact information, license plate numbers and insurance information from your Lyft driver and others involved.
• Call your Lyft accident attorney. They guide you in the steps you need to take while you’re able and can sometimes send an experienced investigator to the scene to get additional information to strengthen your case.
• Take photos. Capture the scene and take pictures and videos of the injuries and damage to the vehicles involved.
• Notify your insurance provider. Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible.
• Do not accept fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police and your insurance company and avoid admitting anything or making any statement until you talk to your Lyft accident lawyer, even if you’re at fault.
• Keep records. Save any medical bills, repair estimates, or other relevant expenses related to your accident.

Let your Jersey City Lyft accident attorney deal with the complex legal and insurance issues; they are well aware of New Jersey laws and ride-share policies. Moving quickly protects both your health and your legal rights, and having knowledgeable support makes the process smoother and less stressful.

What Typically Leads to Lyft Accidents?

Lyft accidents happen for various reasons, such as speeding, driver distractions or passenger negligence. Other common causes of Lyft accidents include:

• Dangerous driving. If your Lyft driver isn’t careful, they might lose control and crash into other vehicles or objects.
• Tired drivers. If your driver has been working long hours without a break, they might not drive safely because they’re tired.
• Neglected car maintenance. If the car isn’t properly looked after, things like brakes failing or tires bursting could cause accidents.
• Road problems. Bad roads, construction zones or unexpected animals or objects on the road can make accidents more likely, especially if the driver is going too fast.

Both you and your driver should be aware of these risks that can lead to accidents. If you notice anything unsafe or if your driver is being reckless, don’t be afraid to speak up, ask to be let out of the vehicle and report it to Lyft.

How Does Lyft Ensure Safety and Prevent Accidents?

Lyft takes safety seriously; they monitor all the rides, and in case they encounter any unusual activity, they will contact you. Also, several measures are in place to ensure the well-being of both drivers and passengers, including:

• Dashcam surveillance. They equip vehicles with dash cams to record both the interior and exterior during rides. This footage serves as valuable evidence in case of disputes or safety incidents.
• Car inspections. Their cars go for regular maintenance and meet specific standards to ensure cars are safe and reliable.
• Driver training. They provide training to drivers, teaching extensive safe driving practices and emergency procedures.
• App safety features. During rides with Lyft, passengers can utilize the app to track their trip in real time and share their location with friends or family for added security.

In the event of a Lyft accident, even with these safety measures in place, unexpected incidents can still happen. By the strength of these safety protocols and evidence, you can easily handle any challenges that may appear with greater confidence, knowing that you have a strong base to support your case.

How Does the Status of a Lyft Driver Affect Insurance Coverage?

Different types of insurance coverage like auto liability, occupational accident coverage and contingent collision coverage apply depending on the status of your Lyft driver at the time of an accident. Driver status impacts insurance coverage for both Lyft drivers and passengers involved in accidents through various states, such as:

• Offline status. When a Lyft driver isn’t using the Lyft app at the time of the accident, their auto insurance coverage applies.
• Online status. When the Lyft driver is online in the Lyft app and ready to accept ride requests but hasn’t yet accepted one, Lyft provides contingent liability coverage.
• On the way to a pickup. When your Lyft driver accepts a trip request and is on the way to pick up a passenger, uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage This coverage protects both the driver and the passenger in case of an accident during the trip.
• On the trip. When your Lyft driver is actively transporting you during a trip, Lyft’s automobile liability coverage applies. This coverage includes bodily injury and property damage liability for third parties involved in the accident, such as other drivers, passengers, pedestrians and property owners.

When you’re in a lawsuit, a lawyer can help you determine the driver’s status at the time of the accident by filing for discovery. However, no matter what the driver’s situation is, the driver’s insurance doesn’t automatically extend to cover injuries.

How Do Lyft Accident Lawyers Handle Negotiations and Legal Proceedings?

Lyft accident lawyers are highly experienced in ride-sharing laws, insurance policies and liability issues. From the moment they take on your case, lawyers are committed to building a strong argument in your favor. Lyft attorneys typically manage:

• Collecting evidence. They collect essential evidence such as medical records, witness statements, police reports and documentation of damages to support your claim.
• Calculating losses. They evaluate your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage to accurately calculate your losses.
• Building a strong case. They present a strong case to the insurance company during negotiations, highlighting the liability of the at-fault party and the volume of the damages you’ve suffered, for a fair outcome.
• Negotiating settlements. They engage with your insurance company to secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and damages.

In cases where negotiations with the insurance company prove challenging, Lyft accident attorneys from RAM Law are prepared to proceed to court to ensure your rights are upheld. Throughout the legal proceedings, they provide comprehensive support by:

• Initiating legal action through formal documentation
• Submitting legal requests before a trial
• Serving as your legal counsel during court proceedings
• Challenging court decisions by seeking review from a higher court when necessary

Lyft accident lawyers are here to help you understand what’s happening and make you feel strong during your case. Attend follow-up meetings with your lawyer and provide the right evidence throughout the court proceedings.

What Kinds of Compensation Am I Eligible to Claim after a Lyft Accident?

Depending on the situation, you can be eligible to claim payment for various losses, such as wrongful death, loss of consortium and damages that occurred due to an accident. Lyft accident lawyers stand up for your rights and seek fair compensation on your behalf. Injured victims of Lyft accidents in New Jersey can make claims for things such as:

• Medical expenses. You can get compensation for the costs of medical treatment required due to the accident, no matter how long they last.
• Lost wages. Compensation for income lost because of missed workdays, reduced hours, or any disability resulting from the injury may be reimbursed.
• Future medical expenses. Future costs for ongoing medical care like rehabilitation, physical therapy and long-term treatment may be claimed when they occur as a result of the accident.
• Pain and suffering. You can get payment for the physical and emotional distress experienced due to the injury.

Handling the claim process can be very complex while you’re still recovering from injuries caused by the accident. It requires precise and timely documentation of your medical bills, expenses and other evidence to support your claim.

How Does an Accident Involving a Lyft or Uber Differ from a Typical Auto Accident?

Lyft and Uber are part of a wave of transportation services known as transportation network companies under New Jersey law. They link passengers looking for rides with auto-owning drivers. People choose Lyft and Uber because they’re convenient and budget-friendly ways to travel without needing their car. NJ laws governing these services include:

• Insurance coverage. Lyft and Uber drivers usually have special insurance from the companies. This insurance often covers more than regular car insurance, especially when the driver is working.
• At-fault party. Figuring out who’s to blame can be trickier. It depends on things like whether the driver was on a ride at the time or if someone else caused the accident.
• Injuries for passengers. If you’re a passenger, you might have more options for getting money to cover your injuries. You could claim against the driver’s insurance, the ride-sharing company’s insurance, or even someone else involved in the accident.
• Rules and regulations. Lyft and Uber must follow different rules set by the government. These rules can affect things like how insurance works and who’s responsible for what in an accident.
• Dealing with claims. Sorting out a Lyft or Uber accident can be more complicated. You might have to deal with a bunch of different insurance companies, not just one.

Whether you’ve been involved in a Lyft, Uber or any other type of auto accident, seek legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney who specializes in personal injury cases. A Lyft accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, handle complex insurance claims, and ensure that you receive what you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Car Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Help Injured Clients Recover Compensation

The effects of an accident can linger long after the crash, especially if you suffer serious injuries. If a negligent driver has injured you, work with Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Our skilled car accident lawyers will help you put your life back on course. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or complete our online form. Located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.