With the prevalence of ridesharing options throughout New Jersey, accidents involving companies like Uber and Lyft have become all too common. Some might argue that the rise of ridesharing represents a net positive. After all, how many intoxicated drivers have avoided dangerous situations by opting for an Uber or Lyft instead of getting behind the wheel? The affordability of these options makes it easier for intoxicated individuals to make the right call and get a ride home.

But what happens when something goes wrong? What happens when this “safe option” proves to be the most dangerous and disastrous moment of your life? What if you get into a rideshare vehicle expecting a safe ride home, only to suffer tragic, life-changing injuries? In this situation, you need to book a consultation with a lawyer who has experience with rideshare accidents. Fortunately, there are attorneys in New Jersey who have dealt with many of these cases in the past. Enlisting the help of one of these lawyers can get you the compensation you need and deserve.

Smith & Williams, LLC is a solid option for anyone injured in a rideshare accident. We know how devastating and disabling these accidents can be, and we’re ready to fight for your rights in an effective manner. Although internet research helps you move forward with a greater level of confidence and understanding, you need to book a consultation with us in order to pursue actual results.

How Rideshare Insurance Works in New Jersey

One of the most important things to consider is how insurance might affect your ability to get compensation for your rideshare accident. When it comes to rideshare accidents, the insurance laws are slightly different in New Jersey. Unlike a normal driver, rideshare drivers can enjoy a range of different coverage from both their own policies and policies offered by their rideshare companies. The complex issue here is that the type of coverage depends entirely on the situation.

For example, the insurance policy might only apply to drivers who currently have passengers. The rideshare company might offer a slightly different policy for drivers who are on the way to pick up customers. If the driver was not “logged in” to the app or performing work duties, they may be covered only by their own personal car insurance. But unlike normal drivers, rideshare employees need to get special commercial car insurance because they are not driving for personal reasons. Unfortunately, many rideshare drivers neglect to take this step – and their personal car insurance is invalid in the event of an accident.

Can I Get Compensation From Uber or Lyft?

But why is car insurance an important topic when dealing with rideshare accidents? Simple: If you can sue the rideshare company directly, you can expect a more reliable settlement that covers your full range of damages. Suing a major tech company like Uber or Lyft is obviously going to provide you with the potential for greater compensation compared to suing an individual driver. These companies have access to near-limitless sums.

So, how much money can you receive? This depends entirely on your unique situation. Serious injuries obviously lead to greater levels of compensation. However, you also need to consider the psychological aspects of your injury (more on that in a second). Getting compensation from Uber or Lyft should be relatively easy, as you simply need to negotiate for a suitable settlement alongside a lawyer. There is a real incentive for all parties to keep these cases out of the courtroom in most cases. Trials are time-consuming, costly, and stressful. They may also reveal sensitive information to the public. For these reasons, Uber and Lyft offer settlements instead of going to court most of the time. As long as the settlement is fair, there is nothing wrong with accepting these sums and avoiding the courtroom.

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

We touched on psychological issues a moment ago. This is an example of a “non-economic” damage. Non-economic damages can accompany even relatively minor injuries, leading to more serious long-term consequences and higher settlements. That being said, you need to have suffered a “serious injury” in order to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the negligent party. If your injury was minor, you generally need to stay within the bounds of New Jersey’s no-fault system – which does not provide compensation for non-economic damages. Examples of non-economic damages include:

  • PTSD
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Humiliation
  • Disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

In some cases, you may be able to sue and claim non-economic damages even if your injury does not really affect your physical well-being. For example, you might have been injured in a fiery crash – leaving you with serious burns across your face. You might make a full physical recovery – but your psychological state may never be the same. In this situation, you would likely be allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue compensation for a range of non-economic damages.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Rideshare Accident Attorney in Perth Amboy?

If you have been searching for a qualified rideshare accident attorney in Perth Amboy, look no further than Smith & Williams, LLC. The truth is that you never know what your case might be worth until you speak with a lawyer. Internet research can only get you so far. You might be eligible for a considerable settlement, but time is of the essence. If you wait too long, the statute of limitations could prevent you from suing. In addition, important evidence may become lost or unreliable the longer you wait. This is why it is always a good option to get in touch with us at your earliest convenience.

During your first consultation, we will listen carefully to your unique situation and determine the best course of action. From there, you can decide whether you would like to proceed. Rest assured that we have helped victims in similar situations, and there is nothing stopping you from achieving similar results. One thing is certain: As an injured victim, you are fully entitled to explore your legal options and hold negligent drivers (or rideshare companies) accountable. Book your consultation today, and you can do just that.