Uber and Lyft provide a valuable service to the general population – providing people with rides home. Often, these ridesharing companies get people home safely when otherwise they would be tempted to drive intoxicated. But Uber and Lyft must be held accountable for their negligence – even if they also provide positive services to us. But how exactly do you hold a major tech company like Uber or Lyft accountable if you find yourself suffering from an injury after a crash?
There is no denying it: Pursuing justice and compensation after a rideshare accident can be much more complicated than a “normal” auto accident claim. But that does not mean the situation is untenable. You can still pursue positive results by working alongside a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney who has ample experience with these kinds of cases. These lawyers have dealt with the various hurdles associated with rideshare accidents many times in the past, and they developed a range of effective strategies as a result.
Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC is a prime example of this. Over the years, the firm has assisted numerous injured victims – including those whose lives were irrevocably altered by rideshare accidents. Contacting this law firm is a positive first step for anyone who has experienced a rideshare crash in New Jersey. The sooner you book your consultation, the better.
Why are Rideshare Accidents Different?
Rideshare accidents are different because the insurance laws surrounding these incidents are more complex. For starters, you have two potential defendants for a personal injury lawsuit. One option is to sue the driver, while the other option is to sue the rideshare company itself. Of course, there may be situations in which you can hold both parties accountable.
When you sue either a rideshare company or an individual driver, you will almost certainly deal with an insurance company that represents these parties. All drivers have at least some form of insurance when they work for a company like Uber or Lyft. This includes not only their own personal insurance, but also policies offered by their rideshare companies. Technically speaking, rideshare drivers are supposed to obtain special commercial car insurance instead of continuing to rely on their personal car insurance. Unfortunately, many drivers do not realize that their personal insurance does not cover commercial activities – and working for rideshare companies certainly qualifies as a commercial activity.
But this is only one layer of the complexity associated with rideshare accidents. We also need to consider the rideshare company’s insurance policy and exactly when this policy provides coverage to their drivers. Although the details can get a little fuzzy, it all depends on what type of activity the driver was engaged in at the time of the crash. Was the driver on their way to pick up passengers? Did they have a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash? Were they even logged in to the app, or were they engaged in personal errands unrelated to their duties as an Uber/Lyft driver? These are all questions that you will need to ask when determining whether the rideshare company’s insurance policy “kicks in.” Different levels of coverage may apply in each of these situations.
What Kind of Issues Do Rideshare Victims Face?
Victims of rideshare accidents may face a wide range of issues. Most problems stem from the injuries themselves. Crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Brain injury
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Shattered kneecaps
- Facial disfiguration
- Broken bones
This list is anything but exhaustive, and there is a range of other injuries that are associated with car crashes.
Victims may also suffer in other, less direct ways. For example, they may struggle to live normal lives during the healing process. They may never fully recover from their injuries. This obviously leads to serious issues for victims who can no longer work and provide for themselves (or their families). Taking time off work is simply not an option for most Americans, especially when their medical bills are continuously piling up.
In addition, victims may suffer from a range of psychological issues as a result of their injuries. Certain injuries may be more traumatic and life-altering than others. For example, facial disfigurement can destroy one’s self-esteem. The loss of a limb, paralysis, or the loss of bodily function can cause equally serious psychological issues.
Finally, family members of deceased victims can be equally affected by these crashes. They may incur funeral costs and unpaid medical expenses in addition to the obvious toll of grief.
What Kinds of Damages Can You Claim?
Fortunately, you can claim all of these damages when you file a lawsuit for your injury. These include economic and non-economic damages. To determine what damages might be relevant to your specific situation, it’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney. For example, you might not have the opportunity to claim non-economic damages if your injury was relatively minor – as you may be required to navigate the no-fault system instead of suing directly.
Where Can I Find a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Piscataway?
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced rideshare accident attorney in Piscataway, look no further than the Smith & Williams, LLC. We know that it’s often difficult to consider your legal options while you arere simultaneously struggling with injuries, missed work, psychological distress, and much more. A lawsuit might seem like a layer of complexity that you really do not need in your life right now. But you may be missing out on critical compensation – compensation that you are fully entitled to pursue.
Book a consultation with us today, and you can explore your legal options in detail. During your consultation, we will assess your unique situation and recommend the best course of action. This type of personalized guidance simply isn’t possible through internet research alone. For real results, reach out to us today and get started with an effective action plan. Remember, it is best to file your lawsuit as soon as possible to avoid issues with the statute of limitations.
