New Jersey Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer - Law Office of Steven Ellman

The rise in popularity of ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft means more of these vehicles are on the roads of New Jersey. Unfortunately, this also means more people are injured in traffic accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles. If you’re the victim of an Uber accident or Lyft crash in New Jersey, you may have the right to pursue compensation for the injuries and losses you suffered as a result. Don’t leave any money on the table by pursuing your claim on your own. Turn to New Jersey Uber & Lyft accident lawyer Steven Ellman for help.

For over 35 years, attorney Steven Ellman has provided compassionate, diligent, effective legal representation for injured accident victims across New Jersey. He has a proven record of achieving big results for his clients, including high-value settlements and verdicts in accident cases. Steven Ellman understands the devastating impact that an accident can have on your life. He prides himself on developing close connections with clients, understanding their needs and concerns, clearly and honestly explaining their options, and building a case strategy around the specifics of their case. Steven Ellman handles Uber and Lyft accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you never owe anything unless he wins compensation for you in a settlement or at trial.

Reach out to the Law Office of Steven Ellman for a free initial case evaluation. Uber & Lyft accident attorney Steven Ellman will discuss your legal options for compensation. Let him help you pursue accountability and justice from the at-fault party for the injuries and losses they caused you.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in New Jersey

Although Uber and Lyft are seen as safe transportation alternatives, rideshare drivers are prone to the same mistakes or acts of carelessness as other motorists. Some of the more frequent causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in New Jersey include the following:

Speeding
Tailgating
Reckless driving
Pulling into traffic, changing lanes, or turning without signaling or checking mirrors
Double parking or parking in a traffic lane while they pick up or drop off passengers
Distracted driving, particularly while trying to operate their GPS and rideshare apps
Drowsy or fatigued driving
Driving under the influence
Driver inexperience or unfamiliarity with roads and traffic patterns
Inadequate vehicle maintenance
Vehicle defects
Low visibility due to nighttime driving or adverse weather
Road hazards, including debris, potholes, or snow and ice

What Happens When My Uber or Lyft Is in an Accident?

You might have a claim against Uber or Lyft if you were injured in a rideshare vehicle that was involved in an accident. Under N.J.S.A. §39:5H-10, rideshare companies must maintain specific insurance coverage that activates based on which “phase” the rideshare driver is in when a crash occurs. The following phases require insurance coverage maintained by the rideshare driver, rideshare company, or a combination of the two:

When a rideshare driver is logged in to the rideshare company’s app and is waiting for a ride request:

Liability insurance coverage of at least $50,000 for death or bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death or bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage
Personal injury protection (PIP) benefits
Uninsured motorist (UM and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage

When a rideshare driver is logged in to the rideshare company’s app and transporting a passenger:

Liability insurance coverage of at least $1.5 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage
Medical payments benefits coverage of at least $10,000 per person per incident for the rideshare driver
UM/UIM coverage of at least $1.5 million

If a rideshare driver is not on duty when they cause an accident, their personal auto insurance would apply.

New Jersey follows a “no-fault” car insurance system, which means if you are injured in a crash, you will turn to your own PIP insurance or that covering the vehicle in which you were a passenger. PIP provides compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and certain other losses, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. You would file your initial PIP claim with the policy covering the vehicle you were in at the time of the crash.

What Should I Do If I Get Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident in New Jersey?’

There are several steps you can take to protect your legal rights after suffering an injury in a New Jersey Uber or Lyft accident. You should do the following:

Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles involved in the crash, any visible injuries you suffered, skid marks on the road, traffic controls at the location, and the weather or road conditions at the time of the accident
Report the crash to the rideshare company either through the mobile app, if you were riding an Uber or Lyft, or through Uber’s or Lyft’s websites
Seek prompt medical attention from a doctor to obtain a diagnosis of injuries you suffered in the accident
Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and instructions
Keep any bills or invoices of expenses you incur due to the accident and any of your pay stubs or income statements if you miss work or have reduced income following the accident
Consider keeping a journal to document your recovery from your injuries, including pain and difficulties at work or with daily activities

Finally, reach out to New Jersey Uber car accident attorney Steven Ellman to learn more about your legal rights following an accident. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner he can review your case and start fighting for the money you could be owed.

How Much Compensation Is Available for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

If someone else was to blame, you might be entitled to pursue compensation for expenses and losses from an Uber or Lyft accident in New Jersey. The compensation available in your case will depend on the circumstances and the availability of insurance coverage. In general, financial relief in a rideshare accident case may include money for your:

Vehicle repair or replacement costs if a rideshare driver hit your vehicle
Medical and rehabilitation expenses to treat injuries you suffered in the accident
Long-term care expenses, including home health services or housekeeping assistance, if you suffer a permanent disability due to your injuries
Loss of wages or income if you miss time from your regular job during your recovery
Loss of future earnings and employment benefits if you suffer a permanent disability and can no longer work
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment and quality of life caused by physical impairment or permanent disfigurement or scarring

An important thing to remember is that under New Jersey Statutes §2A:15-5.1, plaintiffs can pursue compensation as long as their share of fault is not greater than the fault held by other parties. In other words, if you were driving and were no more than 50 percent at fault for a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, you could still claim compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit in New Jersey?

Under the statute of limitations in New Jersey Statutes §2A:14-2(a), you have only two years after an Uber or Lyft accident to file a lawsuit against liable parties. Your case could be dismissed if you file suit after the statutory two-year deadline. This makes it essential to begin working with a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you timely file your claims and protect your rights to pursue compensation.

How Can a New Jersey Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Rideshare companies and insurers want to limit liability following an accident. You need experienced, aggressive legal representation to hold Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies accountable and seek the compensation you deserve. Let rideshare accident attorney Steven Ellman help you stand up to these powerful companies and seek justice for your injuries by:

Investigating the crash to secure evidence he can use to build your case.
Identifying the driver or drivers at fault for the accident and your options for pursuing compensation.
Calculating your past, ongoing, and future anticipated expenses and losses.
Preparing and filing your accident claims with the rideshare company and handling communications with the company and its insurers on your behalf while you focus on your physical recovery.
Aggressively pursuing full financial relief for you in a negotiated settlement, if possible.
Taking your claims to court and trial if litigation becomes necessary to demand the results you need and deserve in your case.

Contact a New Jersey Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Today

Don’t take on the rideshare companies without experienced legal counsel on your side and advocating for your rights and interests. Contact New Jersey Uber & Lyft accident lawyer Steven Ellman for a free, no-obligation consultation. He can discuss what to expect throughout the claims process and how the Law Office of Steven Ellman can help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.