Traffic accidents involving Uber or Lyft rideshare services can be very different from traditional automobile accidents and they can leave injured victims frustrated and confused, at best. After all, these accidents are usually caused by other drivers. When it comes to rideshare accidents, issues about the Garden State’s “no-fault” rules apply, and statutory rules enacted in 2016 also apply. If you or someone you know was recently hurt in a traffic accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, seeking a proficient personal injury attorney is vital.
The personal injury attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC are recognized by their peers in the field of personal injury cases. Over the years, the law firm has successfully championed on behalf of those who have been injured as a result of another party’s careless actions. When you have been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, consider obtaining the support of Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the highest compensation available. You can schedule a no-obligation consultation with Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC by completing the contact form found here.
What Makes Rideshare Accidents Unique?
On the surface, rideshare accidents can appear to be just like any other type of auto accident. Although these accidents are the same in many ways, state law has enacted new legislation that applies to accidents involving rideshare vehicles, such as Uber and Lyft vehicles. Based on the new law, rideshare drivers are now subject to specific auto insurance requirements, which sets different insurance policy rules depending on whether the rideshare driver was transporting a passenger when the accident happened. For the most part, the new law requires that:
- A passenger must be present in the vehicle at the time of the accident. When the rideshare driver is transporting a passenger, the driver is obligated to purchase a policy that will cover up to:
- $1.5 million in coverage for bodily harm, property damage, or loss of life, and
- $10,000 in medical coverage
- The driver was looking for the passenger at the time of the accident. In the event that the rideshare driver is not transporting a passenger at the time of the accident but is operating under the app, such as searching for the passenger, then the law requires that the driver obtain the following coverages:
- $50,000 in bodily harm or loss of life coverage per individual,
- $100,000 in coverage for bodily harm or loss of life per accident, and
- $25,000 in policy coverage for property damage
- The rideshare application is turned off. When the rideshare driver’s application turned off and this made the driver appear to not be actively in search of the driver, the aforementioned insurance coverage requirements are not applicable. In this case, the rideshare driver’s own personal policy will take effect and cover any damages caused by an accident.
The rules mentioned will essentially exempt rideshare drivers from the state’s no-fault insurance laws, which usually require auto accident victims to seek compensation through their own policies even when they were not responsible for the traffic accident.
The new coverage requirements are not the factor that makes rideshare auto accidents different from regular traffic accidents. In these situations, victims can find it difficult to determine who is to blame for their damages, which is the reason behind the new coverage requirements.
Injured Victims Face Major Life Changes Following an Uber or Lyft Accident
When a person is involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it is very important to immediately contact local authorities and seek medical treatment for the injuries. This is true even if the injuries are not immediately apparent. Depending on the severity of the injuries, the symptoms may sometimes take several days or weeks to manifest. Still, seeking medical treatment is important after being involved in any type of accident.
Although the severity of the injuries sustained will depend on the specifics of the collision, common catastrophic injuries can include the following:
- Loss of limbs and extremities
Loss of body parts can happen in a catastrophic Uber or Lyft accident. Body parts can be ripped off the body as a result of the impact or they could also be amputated in a medical setting when the limb cannot be saved. These types of injuries can severely impact the victim’s quality of life and they can hamper routine activities, such as driving or walking.
- Traumatic head injuries
A traumatic brain injury can be easily caused by a sudden force that resulted from a collision. This type of injury can result in brain dysfunction and it can also have cognitive effects. Serious traumatic brain injuries can lead to tissue damage, physical impairment, permanent disorders, and more.
- Spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, or whiplash
Neck and spinal cord injuries are usually severe and could require extensive surgery, extended recovery time, and ongoing therapy. Depending on the extent of the injury, these injuries can also require long-term medical treatment.
Understand Your Rights After an Accident – Speak to an Attorney Today
When injured in a rideshare accident, many victims often face serious, life-changing injuries. As a result of recent law changes, obtaining compensation for the injuries sustained can be difficult. Fortunately, injured victims can seek the support of a well-established personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling rideshare accident cases. If you or a person you love was recently hurt in a rideshare accident, seek an immediate medical evaluation and hire the qualified support of a knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney. A skilled attorney will ensure your rights are protected and maximum compensation is secured.
Over the years, the dedicated attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC have successfully championed on behalf of those who have been injured at the hands of another party’s negligence. When involved in an Uber or Lyft auto accident, the attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC will aggressively fight for your right to full compensation. Consider contacting the law firm today to schedule a no-cost case evaluation.
