If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you are not alone. With so many Uber and Lyft vehicles on our roads, it is hardly surprising to learn that numerous people are hurt each year by rideshare crashes. The expectation is clear: These rideshare drivers are supposed to get you home in one piece. If they fail to do this, you are perfectly entitled to explore your legal options and pursue compensation. Many other injured victims have taken similar steps in the past, and many have experienced success.
But knowing that other people have suffered the same injuries is hardly comforting. Fortunately, you are not only surrounded by other injured victims; you are also surrounded by lawyers who are willing to guide you toward justice and compensation. The trick is choosing the right one. There are certain lawyers in New Jersey who have considerable experience with rideshare accidents. These are the lawyers you should work with, as they have developed a range of effective strategies that can help you overcome common issues associated with rideshare lawsuits.
If you are searching for legal representation after a rideshare crash, consider the Smith & Williams, LLC. Over the years, we have assisted numerous injured plaintiffs – including those who have suffered injuries in rideshare crashes. We have the experience necessary to guide you to a positive outcome, and we have developed numerous strategies to overcome the issues that tend to arise with these lawsuits. As a general rule, it is best to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible after suffering injuries in any crash.
Understanding How Rideshare Insurance Works
Rideshare insurance is different compared to normal car insurance. Rideshare drivers may be covered by a range of different insurance policies based on each specific situation. That being said, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what kind of situation you are dealing with. For example, was the driver on their way to pick up a passenger at the time of the crash? If so, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy may cover all of your damages. But what if they pulled into a restaurant parking lot to grab a quick bite to eat between trips? What if they struck a pedestrian in the parking lot? Does this count as a work-related car trip or a personal errand? These are some of the questions you may need to answer when figuring out how insurance affects your claim or lawsuit.
On the other hand, there are some situations that are very straightforward. For example, if the driver had a passenger in their vehicle at the time of the crash, they were clearly “on the clock” and working for their rideshare company. In this situation, there should be no debate about whether Uber or Lyft’s insurance covers the cost of your damages.
Even if you were struck by a driver who is “off the clock,” you still have the opportunity to pursue compensation. After all, this is just like any other car accident in New Jersey when you remove rideshare companies from the equation. One potential issue, however, is if the drivers fail to get commercial car insurance. Many drivers are unaware that they need to upgrade their personal car insurance if they drive for a living. Personal car insurance alone may not provide coverage in these situations.
Why You Might Need to Sue
Victims may need to sue if their injuries are serious. In this situation, no-fault insurance may not cover the full extent of their damages. Their injuries may have left them with a permanent disability that prevents them from earning a living and enjoying a normal life. Serious injuries are also much more costly to treat. Finally, these serious injuries can cause very real psychological issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, to name but a few. It is also worth mentioning that disfigurement can leave victims with self-esteem issues.
Understanding the Difference Between Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Economic damages include your financial losses – things like medical expenses and missed wages. In the case of a wrongful death lawsuit, funeral expenses are also economic damages. Non-economic damages include emotional and psychological issues such as PTSD or disfigurement. They are referred to by catch-all phrases like “emotional distress” or “pain and suffering.” The no-fault system provides compensation for only economic damages, while a lawsuit can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Rideshare Accident Attorney in Plainfield?
If you have been searching for a rideshare accident attorney in Plainfield, look no further than the Smith & Williams, LLC. We know that rideshare injuries can be incredibly difficult to deal with. The last thing you might want is to go through a lawsuit while simultaneously trying to make healthcare appointments and heal as best you can. But exploring your legal options alongside our attorneys can lead to the compensation you need to cover these medical expenses. Without this level of financial support, you might find it difficult to access effective healthcare and minimize long-term consequences. In other words, moving forward with a legal action plan might be critical to your healing process.
Talking things out with our legal team is easy. Simply call us at your earliest convenience to book a consultation. From there, we can discuss the specifics of your case and determine the best course of action. This personalized level of guidance is impossible to achieve through internet research alone. Remember, the statute of limitations may prevent you from suing if you wait too long. Start the process now to give yourself the best possible chance of positive results.
