New Jersey Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have changed how people travel, but when an accident occurs, victims often face complex legal challenges. If you have been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, the experienced New Jersey Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. can guide you through the legal process.

What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents?

When two standard passenger vehicles are involved in a crash, the drivers typically rely on their personal insurance policies. However, Uber and Lyft accidents often involve multiple layers of insurance coverage.

For example, major rideshare companies provide liability insurance for their drivers, but the amount depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

• Driver Logged into the App, No Ride Accepted: Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage applies only if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the accident.
• Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1.5 million in third-party liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Driver Offline (Not Logged into the App): The driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and Uber or Lyft provide no coverage.

Another complication is that rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This classification often shields Uber and Lyft from direct liability in lawsuits. However, in some cases, if a rideshare company fails to properly screen a driver or ignores safety complaints, it may be possible to hold the company accountable.

Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be more complex than in standard car crashes. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to hold one or more parties responsible, including:

• The Uber or Lyft driver, if they were negligent while driving.
• Another motorist, if their reckless or negligent actions caused the accident.
• The rideshare company’s failure to properly vet drivers or enforce safety policies contributed to the crash.
• A third party, such as a manufacturer of defective vehicle parts or a government entity responsible for hazardous road conditions.

While Uber and Lyft try to distance themselves from liability, evidence of negligent hiring or failure to act on safety concerns could make them partially responsible for damages.

How Do New Jersey Laws Impact Rideshare Accidents?

New Jersey has specific laws governing rideshare drivers under its Transportation Network Company (TNC) regulations. These laws require Uber and Lyft drivers to:

• Pass background checks before being permitted to drive.
• Maintain higher insurance coverage than regular drivers.
• Follow Sami’s Law, which requires drivers to display illuminated signs and scannable QR codes for passenger safety.

Additionally, New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning victims typically file claims with their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance first, regardless of fault. However, exceptions exist:

• Basic Insurance Policy: Covers PIP benefits but does not include bodily injury liability coverage, limiting a victim’s ability to sue unless they suffer a catastrophic injury.
• Standard Insurance Policy: Offers the choice between a limited right to sue (only for serious injuries) or an unlimited right to sue (allowing claims for pain and suffering in all cases).

New Jersey also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can only recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident.

What Compensation Can You Seek After a Rideshare Accident?

Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents in New Jersey may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages if injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently.
• Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life (only available under a standard policy with an unlimited right to sue).
• Property damage to cover repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one was fatally injured in a rideshare accident.

What Should You Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in New Jersey?

If you are involved in a rideshare accident, take the following steps to protect your rights:

• Seek medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
• Call the police and obtain a copy of the accident report.
• Document the scene, taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries.
• Exchange contact information with the rideshare driver, other motorists, and any witnesses.
• Report the accident to Uber or Lyft through their app if you were a passenger.
• Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident with insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.

Build a Strong Rideshare Accident Case with the New Jersey Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P.

If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you deserve strong legal representation. The New Jersey Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. are ready to fight for your rights. Call 732-247-3600 or contact us online for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County from our offices in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey.