Rideshare Accidents

After you’ve been in an automobile accident, the last thing you need is to mess around with insurance companies and irate drivers. When it comes to accidents that happen while you’re in a rideshare situation, things can get complicated. Rely on the rideshare accident attorneys at RAM Law. For New Jersey Lyft and Uber passengers, the rideshare accident lawyers at RAM Law know how to cut through the red tape and get you the settlement you deserve. Call your New Jersey rideshare lawyer as soon after your accident as possible.

Do I Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer if I’m Injured in a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare companies may try to dodge responsibility and claim that they’re not liable if someone is hurt because of Lyft or Uber accidents. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident involving a rideshare, you need the knowledge of a New Jersey rideshare lawyer. The rideshare accident attorneys at RAM Law have years of experience navigating complex cases involving rideshares and taxis. They can help you understand your rights and hold at-fault parties responsible for the injuries and financial losses you’ve experienced.

Transportation using rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft make it possible to get where you need to go without owning a car or worrying about parking. The last thing you expect when you decide to travel using a rideshare service is being involved in an accident, but hit and run accidents, rear-end accidents, and speeding accidents happen to all types of vehicles including rideshare vehicles. Your own vehicle could also be hit by a rideshare vehicle.

What Should I Do after a Rideshare Accident?

The actions you need to take after a rideshare accident are like the actions you’d take in any type of motor vehicle collision. Things you should do after a rideshare accident include:

• Calling 911 right away to get medical help if there are any injuries
• Calling the police to report the location of the accident
• Remaining at the scene until police arrive
• Giving the police information about what happened and requesting a copy of the police report
• Gathering as much documentation as you can by taking pictures of the accident scene, damage to the vehicle and any visible injuries
• Getting contact information from your driver and the other driver who was involved in the accident as well as the contact information of any eyewitnesses
• Writing down details while they’re fresh in your mind that includes information that may have been a factor in the accident, such as a sudden storm or poor road conditions
• Contacting your New Jersey rideshare lawyer as soon as you’re able

Be sure to get prompt treatment for any injuries and a thorough medical evaluation even if you believe you’re not hurt. Injuries caused by vehicle accidents don’t always exhibit symptoms right away. Notify your own insurance company but don’t make any statements until you’ve reached your experienced New Jersey rideshare attorney. Keep track of records related to the accident, such as medical bills and ambulance charges.

Who’s Liable for a New Jersey Rideshare Accident?

When you’re a passenger in a rideshare or any other vehicle driven by someone else, you have no control over whether the vehicle is involved in an accident unless you’re being unruly or otherwise causing unsafe driving conditions. If you haven’t played a role in causing the accident, you shouldn’t be held responsible for medical bills, lost wages or any other financial consequences you experience. People that may be liable for a New Jersey rideshare accident include:

• The rideshare driver
• The rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft
• Another driver who collided with the rideshare

Accidents involving a rideshare may also be caused by other people, such as pedestrians or bicyclists. If an accident is triggered by mechanical problems, it could be the fault of the vehicle manufacturer or a vehicle repair person. A New Jersey rideshare accident lawyer has the training needed to find specialists who can pinpoint what caused an accident and who may have been responsible.

Some accidents are clearly caused by one driver’s recklessness or error in judgment, while it’s not as obvious in other accidents. In New Jersey, your own insurance company pays a portion of your expenses regardless of who was at fault.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Causes of trucking accidents, bus accidents and accidents involving cars and motorcycles are frequently the same as those that involve rideshare vehicles. Examples of some of the causes of accidents involving an Uber or Lyft include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Fatigue
• Poorly maintained vehicles
• Poor road conditions such as potholes, obstructions in the road or inadequately marked roads

Weather conditions can have a big impact on visibility and road conditions, and this can make driving any type of vehicle more challenging. Rideshare drivers who are working long hours may become fatigued, impatient or exhibit road rage.

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Rideshare Accidents?

As a passenger in an Uber or Lift, there’s always some risk of being in the vehicle when it’s involved in a collision. Passenger injuries that could happen to anyone using a rideshare include:

• Whiplash injury
• Head injury
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injury
• Back and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Shoulder injury from a seat belt

Injuries may be as minor as a few bruises, or they may be catastrophic. The injuries sustained may be very severe if the driver was speeding or if the vehicle was hit by a much larger vehicle such as a bus or commercial truck.

Why Do I Need to Work with Rideshare Accident Attorneys?

Many people think they don’t need to hire a personal injury attorney after they’re hurt in a rideshare accident, but if you’re hurt in this type of accident, you need the proficiency of rideshare accident attorneys. Reasons you need the knowledge of rideshare accident lawyers include:

• Rideshare drivers aren’t employees. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors. They carry motor vehicle insurance but aren’t required to carry commercial insurance.
• Rideshare companies may try to avoid taking responsibility. Rideshare companies carry up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage but are skilled at dodging contact from victims. They’re likely to try to avoid taking responsibility for a rideshare accident and may try to press your insurance company to provide compensation.
• Rideshare accidents can be much more complex than accidents between individuals.

Learn what type of compensation is owed to you if you’re injured in a rideshare accident through no fault of your own. Compensation you may be entitled to includes:

• Medical bills, including the cost of ongoing medical treatments
• Lost wages to compensate you for time you’re unable to work
• Lost earning capacity if injuries are permanent
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

It’s not uncommon to run into roadblocks when trying to obtain compensation after a rideshare accident. Insurance companies are likely to try to get you to settle for less than you deserve. Being injured in an accident can be extremely stressful and when you work with an experienced rideshare accident attorney, you have someone on your side that’s knowledgeable and experienced and can fight to make sure you’re compensated fairly.

Why Choose RAM Law as Your Rideshare Accident Lawyers?

The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be devastating for victims and their families. The damage experienced may be physical, emotional and financial, and you deserve full and fair compensation for your losses. After you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, find a lawyer who has a proven record of success in the New Jersey jurisdiction, fighting in court for people injured in wrecks involving rideshares.

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.