Rideshare Accident Attorneys Daniel J. Williams and James Bayard Smith, Jr. serving victims in West Orange, New Jersey
Being injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft can create unexpected challenges, especially when multiple insurance companies may be involved. At Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC, our personal injury attorneys assist individuals in West Orange, New Jersey, who have suffered injuries in rideshare accidents. We help injured passengers, motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists understand their legal rights and explore options for recovering compensation when another party’s negligence causes an accident.
Rideshare accident claims can involve complicated questions about liability and insurance coverage, particularly when determining whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or using the vehicle for personal purposes. Our attorneys serve clients in West Orange and throughout Essex County, helping them investigate accident circumstances, evaluate available insurance coverage, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
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
“I had an amazing experience with Smith and Williams Law Offices after my MVC lawsuit. From the beginning, they were professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about my case and well-being. They kept me informed throughout the entire process, answered all of my questions, and fought hard to get the best outcome possible. The staff was kind, supportive, and made a stressful situation so much easier to handle. I truly felt like they had my back every step of the way. I highly recommend them to anyone needing a dedicated and trustworthy legal team!”
— S.D.
Rideshare Accident Attorneys Serving Victims in West Orange, New Jersey
You call an Uber after a night out and expect a safe trip home. But partway through your journey, your Uber driver runs a red light – causing a serious collision. This situation is becoming all too common in New Jersey – and it is leading to life-altering consequences for average people. If this situation sounds familiar, you may want to call a rideshare accident attorney in West Orange, New Jersey. These legal professionals may be able to help you pursue accountability, justice, and compensation.
How Can a Rideshare Accident Attorney Help Me?
With a population of about 50,000, West Orange is close to Newark and New York City. This makes it a popular place for people who need to commute to these urban centers each day. Many commuters today choose Uber and Lyft to save money on gas, auto insurance, and (in some areas) tolls. Many others choose rideshare apps to get home safely after a night out.
Regardless of why you choose to ride with Uber or Lyft, a rideshare accident attorney can help you recover compensation if you become injured. These billion-dollar tech companies have the necessary insurance policies to cover anyone who becomes injured as a result of their operations. As a result, it should be easy to negotiate with their representatives for a fair settlement.
A lawyer can help you negotiate effectively and avoid lowball settlements. They can also help you establish your need to cover various damages, such as medical expenses, missed income, emotional distress, disfigurement, and more. If a settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer can help you take these rideshare companies to court.
Uber and Lyft Have Complex Insurance Policies
When navigating injury claims after rideshare accidents in West Orange, it is important to understand the various complexities of rideshare insurance policies. The good news is that both Uber and Lyft have comprehensive liability insurance for anything that goes wrong. On the other hand, the extent of this coverage depends on the circumstances of the accident.
For example, Uber and Lyft’s “full” insurance policy applies when an accident involves a rideshare driver carrying a passenger. The full policy also applies when a driver is on their way to pick up a waiting passenger.
If a driver has the app active and is waiting for a ride request, a smaller level of insurance applies. If the driver turns off the app or engages in activities unrelated to work (such as visiting a drive-thru), Uber’s insurance does not apply. In this situation, the injured parties must pursue compensation from the individual driver – and not the underlying rideshare company.
While this might seem complicated, the average injured victim does not need to worry about how rideshare insurance works. Your injury attorney can navigate this process on your behalf, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. That said, it is important to understand that your compensation may vary depending on the circumstances of your crash.
Long-Term Effects of Head Injuries After Rideshare Accidents
Head injuries are common after rideshare accidents. If you suffered a head injury while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may be struggling with various challenges. For example, you might have experienced cognitive decline due to brain damage. This might make it difficult to complete normal tasks like dressing, eating, and washing. You might also struggle to continue with your previous career.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can also cause various psychological issues. Many TBI patients experience disturbing personality changes. Examples include the loss of inhibitions, social withdrawal, aggressive behavior, and even changes in sexual preferences.
It is important to pursue as much compensation as possible for these various damages. In New Jersey, you can pursue additional compensation for depression and PTSD – both common consequences of TBIs. You can also pursue compensation for “loss of enjoyment of life” if your brain injury has prevented you from engaging in once-loved hobbies or sports.
Contact Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC, After a Rideshare Accident in West Orange
After a rideshare accident in New Jersey, you might be struggling with various issues. Perhaps you are still receiving treatment at a hospital – despite not knowing how you are going to pay for it. You might face weeks, months, or years of lost income due to your injuries. At the same time, you may face PTSD, depression, and other psychological challenges during your recovery. With help from a rideshare accident attorney in West Orange, it may be possible to recover compensation for these damages. For more information, contact Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC today.
