Rideshare Accident Attorneys Daniel J. Williams and James Bayard Smith, Jr. serving victims in Middlesex Borough, New Jersey
An accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle can result in serious injuries, unexpected medical expenses, and uncertainty about which insurance company is responsible for covering your losses. At Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC, our personal injury attorneys represent individuals in Middlesex Borough, New Jersey, who have been injured in rideshare accidents. We help passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and other accident victims understand their legal rights and explore their options for pursuing compensation.
Rideshare accident claims can be more complicated than traditional motor vehicle accident cases because insurance coverage may depend on whether the rideshare driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or using the vehicle for personal purposes. Our attorneys assist injured individuals in Middlesex Borough and throughout Middlesex County with evaluating liability, navigating insurance claims, and seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.
Our office is located at 767 Central Ave, Westfield, NJ 07090. Call (908) 264-7228 or contact us online to discuss your rideshare accident case.
Recent Client Review
“Smith & William and their team, specifically Nydia Ruiz-Velez were professionals from start to finish. During these turbulent times they assisted me and my family and swiftly managed to resolve many of our legal matters within a short period of time. I cannot emphasize how great this firm treated us, always communicating with us, assuring peace of mind during the entire process. My family and I highly recommend this firm and thank and them their team for their phenomenal legal service. A+”
— R.H.C.
Rideshare Accident Attorneys Serving Victims in Middlesex Borough, New Jersey
A rideshare accident can be one of the most traumatic and life-altering events for New Jersey residents. After a serious crash, you may never work again. You might face a long, grueling recovery process with various treatments and rehabilitation. Perhaps your rideshare accident claimed the life of a loved one, leaving you with a lifetime of grief. Whatever the case may be, an experienced rideshare accident attorney in Middlesex Borough, New Jersey, might be able to help. Here’s how:
Why Do I Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Middlesex Borough?
Middlesex Borough – also known simply as “Middlesex” – boasts a population of about 15,000 people. This population is no stranger to safety hazards, as the Middlesex Sampling Plant caused a major controversy back in the 50s and 60s after dumping radioactive waste in the area. Today, rideshare apps represent a similar safety hazard – as Uber and Lyft vehicles crash on a fairly regular basis.
After these crashes, injured victims in Middlesex can turn to rideshare accident attorneys for assistance. But how exactly does a rideshare accident lawyer help? First, they may help you determine whether filing a claim is even possible. Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence statute, you may be unable to pursue compensation if you were mostly to blame for the crash. However, you should still discuss your situation with a lawyer – even if you believe you caused the accident.
Evidence may determine that other parties contributed to the crash in ways you did not realize. Do not give up hope until you have reviewed the big picture with your lawyer. Comparative negligence can be quite complex – and you may need to gather evidence that proves you were not the primary cause of the crash. This is something an attorney may be able to assist with.
Rideshare accidents are often more complex than normal auto accident claims because of Uber and Lyft’s unique insurance system. Under this system, a lower level of coverage may apply if the rideshare driver was active on the app – but not engaged in driving or picking up passengers. The company’s full insurance coverage applies when the driver is engaged in work-related duties – while there may be no coverage for accidents involving “inactive” rideshare drivers.
Because of these complex factors, it makes sense to work with a lawyer who has direct experience with rideshare accidents. Although you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, navigating this process alone can be challenging – especially if you are simultaneously recovering from serious injuries.
Examples of Rideshare Accidents in Middlesex Borough
Rideshare accidents may fall into several categories. First, you might suffer injuries while riding as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle. This is perhaps the easiest type of claim to pursue, since the driver is inherently engaged in work-related duties while transporting you. After an accident of this nature, you might struggle with head injuries, broken bones, paralysis, or organ damage.
Another common type of accident occurs when a driver becomes injured in a crash with a rideshare vehicle. This type of claim is arguably more complex, because the injured motorist must determine whether the rideshare driver was “active” on the app. They must also show that they were not the primary reason for the crash, and that the rideshare driver contributed to the accident in some way.
A rideshare accident might also involve a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. In this case, the likelihood of a hit-and-run is relatively high. A pedestrian might also need to establish that they were not jaywalking at the time of the accident. Cyclists are often “doored” by passengers getting out of rideshare vehicles – and these accidents can easily prove fatal.
Finally, Uber vehicles may be involved in multi-vehicle accidents. These crashes can be difficult to unravel, and they often involve chain-reaction collisions. If the Uber vehicle contributed to the crash in any way, you may be able to pursue compensation from the company.
Should I Contact Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC, After a Rideshare Accident?
After a rideshare accident in New Jersey, the first step should always be to seek treatment. A logical second step is to contact Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. Legal professionals like James Bayard Smith, Jr. and Daniel J. Williams have helped numerous injured plaintiffs over the course of their careers – including victims of rideshare accidents. Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys in Middlesex Borough, New Jersey can negotiate effectively on your behalf for a rideshare insurance settlement. Contact us today to get started with an action plan.
