Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys Serving New Jersey

A traffic accident involving Uber or Lyft transportation services will always be different than most accidents. This type of motor vehicle accident can leave a victim feeling uncertain about their future, and even angry in some cases, as another person was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. Unfortunately, these types of accidents are often challenging to pursue. If you or someone you love was recently hurt in a New Jersey traffic accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may have questions regarding the application of the state’s “no-fault” rule. With the support of a qualified auto accident attorney, however, you may be able to win your case.

New Jersey’s premier auto accident attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC are committed to providing exemplary legal representation to those who have been injured in accidents involving Uber or Lyft rideshare services. The proficient law firm is committed to developing resilient legal strategies that are tailored to each individual case, ensuring victims are fully compensated for their injuries. When you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident as a passenger of that vehicle or another, consider obtaining the support of the attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the firm by completing the online contact form here.

Rideshare Accidents are Unique, Here’s Why

On the surface, rideshare accidents such as those involving Uber or Lyft vehicles may appear very similar to all other auto accidents. Although they may be similar in many aspects, it is important to note that the State of New Jersey has established new legislation, which applies when a traffic accident involves rideshare vehicles.

Based on this new legislation, people who drive for rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft are subject to a set of auto insurance requirements, which impose a specific set of rules that will be set depending on whether the rideshare driver is transporting a passenger at the time of the accident. For the most part, the rules will require the following:

1. When the passenger is present in the rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident –

When carrying a passenger, people who drive for Uber or Lyft are required to obtain auto insurance that will offer up to $1.5 million in coverage for property damage, bodily harm, or death, including $10,000 in coverage for medical expenses.

2. When the rideshare driver is attempting to locate the passenger –

When the rideshare passenger is not transporting a passenger at the time of the accident but is operating under the rideshare app, the State of New Jersey will now require the driver to carry the following insurance coverages: $50,000 in auto insurance coverage for bodily harm or death per person, $100,000 in auto insurance coverage for bodily harm or death per traffic accident, and $25,000 in auto insurance coverage for property damage.

3. When the rideshare app has been turned off –

When the rideshare app has not been turned on by the driver and the driver is not actively attempting to locate a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance requirements will not apply. In this scenario, the driver of the vehicle must have his or her own insurance policy so that this may cover the damages in the event of an accident.

Uber & Lyft Drivers Make Some of the Most Distracted Drivers

In today’s modern world, nearly everything can cause a sudden distraction. While most distractions are innocent, these actions can, unfortunately, become fatal when committed on the road. Like all other drivers in the State of New Jersey, rideshare drivers must operate their vehicles in a reasonably responsible and careful manner. Regrettably, something as mundane as checking a smartphone to accept the next passenger through the rideshare app can lead to serious traffic accidents. Although these devices are often regarded as being “hands-free”, smartphones are required in all vehicles so that drivers can connect with their passengers. These devices, however, can cause many types of distractions that can lead to serious injuries, such as: Head trauma, Broken bones, Loss of limb, Spinal cord injury, Internal organ damage, Cuts and lacerations, or Death.

Following a rideshare accident, obtaining monetary compensation may be possible with the support of a qualified auto accident attorney.

After a Rideshare Accident, Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation

Since rideshare transportation services are fairly common, traffic accidents involving these vehicles have also become ordinary. With more of these accidents happening every day, there is rising concern and confusion as to who can be held financially responsible for an accident. Sadly, liability cases involving rideshare accidents can be complicated for many different reasons. Making matters worse, determining whether a rideshare driver is insured and what type of insurance can be applied may be difficult. If you or a family member was recently hurt in an accident involving a rideshare transportation company such as Uber or Lyft, obtain the support of a qualified auto accident attorney to ensure your legal rights and interests are protected.

At Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC, the law firm is dedicated to providing every client with proficient legal representation, ensuring their clients concerns are addressed and every question they may have has been answered. Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC understands that the moments after a rideshare accident can be traumatic and overwhelming. For this reason, the law firm is prepared to aid their clients in obtaining sufficient evidence and documentation in order to give their clients the best chance at obtaining maximum compensation.

After you have been injured in a rideshare accident, do not delay seeking legal representation. With many years of dedicated experience, the attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC will provide you with premier representation. They will guide you through the complex legal process and aggressively fight for the monetary compensation you truly deserve. After a rideshare accident, consider contacting the attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the firm today by completing the online contact form here.