Uber and Lyft accidents are not always easy to resolve. Multiple parties, no-fault insurance laws, and other factors can impact what the claim process looks like for you, and Clifton rideshare accident lawyers provide clear answers and trusted counsel. Let a New Jersey car accident lawyer from Seigel Law fight for you today.
Dedicated Support for Uber & Lyft Collisions
Clifton rideshare accident attorneys from Seigel Law provide dedicated support so you do not have to handle your rideshare claim alone. These cases can be confusing, and we handle the logistics and advocate for you so these large companies and insurance companies do not take advantage of you. We have been fighting for clients since 1976, and bring the trusted care and support we are known for to your case.
Navigating the Complexities of Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Periods
Uber and Lyft accidents are complex because the companies themselves are removed from liability in most cases, and driver liability depends on their driving status at the time of the accident. Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, and insurance coverage varies depending on whether they are offline, online and waiting for a request, or en route to pick up a passenger/actively transporting them.
These distinctions make it harder to determine who claims are filed against, understand the different policy limits, and navigate what steps you must take if you file a personal injury claim. Clifton rideshare accident lawyers are recommended for navigating these intricate cases.
Who Is Liable in a Clifton Rideshare Collision?
Determining liability is important in a Clifton rideshare collision. While you may not have to actively establish it to recover compensation under no-fault insurance laws, it can still make a difference in what you are allowed to recover, as well as who to file a claim against if you need to pursue further compensation. There are a few key parties who could be held at fault, and Clifton rideshare accident attorneys help you identify them.
Drivers
Uber drivers or other motorists could be at fault for driving negligently and not following safe driving practices. If an Uber driver causes an accident while their app is off, their own insurance could be responsible for paying for losses. If another motorist causes an accident, then a claim against them follows standard car accident claim procedures.
Third-Parties
If an Uber driver is online or on a trip, rideshare companies have third-party insurance that can pay a victim for damages. If you file an at-fault claim, it should be filed against this third-party coverage. Additionally, if the accident resulted from a defective part or other outside influence, a third party could be at fault.
Rideshare Companies
Claims against Uber or Lyft directly are not very common because of how these companies are structured. However, if they do not properly and thoroughly vet and train their drivers, they could be sued for contributing to an accident and your resulting injuries.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents Across Clifton Roadways
According to the data on traffic fatalities in Passaic County compiled by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety over the past decade, there are several factors that contribute to these accidents, as well as injury crashes. Some common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents across Clifton roadways include:
- Inattention/distraction
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Disregarding traffic signals and signs
- Driving the wrong way
- Passing other drivers, turning, or changing lanes improperly
- Reversing errors
- Tailgating
- Poor road conditions
- Alcohol and drug impairment
These behaviors and actions can cause serious harm to other road users and result in accidents that can vary in severity. Law enforcement and Clifton rideshare accident attorneys evaluate the factors involved in the crash to determine the cause, who was at fault, and how to proceed. For example, determining who was at fault for a rear-end collision may not be as clear as it seems on the surface, and both parties could share fault.
Essential Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Crash in Clifton
The moments after an Uber or Lyft accident can leave you in shock from the unexpected collision and the impact your body has suffered. It can also be difficult to know the scope of injuries at this stage, so it is important to first ensure the safety of everyone in the vehicle, to the extent you can, and call 911. From here, what you do next can make a difference in the overall outcome of your case. Take these essential steps to protect yourself after a crash:
- File a report with law enforcement
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved in the accident
- Take photos of the damage at the scene, as well as any physical injuries that are evident
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information
- Hire Clifton rideshare accident lawyers near you to help you navigate the claim process and talk to insurance companies
- Notify your insurance company that you have been in an accident and recover no-fault benefits
Reporting an accident, gathering evidence, and receiving medical care can make it harder for insurance companies to blame you or try to claim you do not have the evidence you need to support your claim. These steps can streamline your case and help you get better results.
Compensation You Can Pursue in a New Jersey Rideshare Injury Claim
When filing a rideshare injury claim in New Jersey, you must first file a claim with your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This generally allows you to recover compensation limited to medical expenses and lost wages. If the accident was serious enough that it resulted in serious bone fractures, disfigurement, permanent damage to part of the body, or a loss of limb, then additional compensation may be sought.
If you are able to file a claim against the rideshare driver or other at-fault party, what you can recover depends on your auto insurance policy. If you opted for a limited right to sue, then you may pursue damages for the value that exceeds your PIP coverage but cannot seek pain and suffering damages. If you have an unlimited right to sue, then you can recover the full scope of your losses.
How Seigel Law Navigates Multi-Party Claims Against Major Corporations
Seigel Law navigates multi-party claims against corporations like Uber and Lyft through in-depth investigations into driver status, insurance coverage, and the sequence of events involved in the accident. We find and meticulously review evidence that can identify who is at fault for an accident, which may include rideshare app data, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission inspection records, background checks, and more.
Contact Our Clifton Rideshare Injury Team for a Free Consultation
Seigel Law offers free consultations so you can talk to us about your situation and figure out how to proceed. This is a time to learn more about your case and what we can do for you. Our team is ready to talk with you and answer your questions when you contact our firm today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does insurance coverage change depending on the rideshare app’s status during the crash?
In most instances, your first avenue of recovery after an accident is your PIP insurance coverage. However, if you are eligible to file a claim against the driver, it is important to be aware that a driver’s own insurance covers damages if they are offline, and Uber and Lyft each provide third-party insurance coverage for when the driver is on the app and working. The amount of this coverage varies depending on whether a driver is waiting to accept a ride or is en route/on a trip.
What rights do I have if I was injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft in Clifton?
As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you have the right to pursue compensation for the full value of your losses and do not have to worry about no-fault laws. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million of insurance coverage for active trips. You may also still be able to recover compensation through your PIP policy. If you are unsure how to recover your losses after a rideshare accident, talk to Clifton rideshare accident lawyers near you right away.
What happens if an offline rideshare driver hits my vehicle in Clifton?
If an offline rideshare driver hits your vehicle, their personal auto insurance is responsible for paying for damages. However, since New Jersey is a no-fault state for vehicle accidents, you can sue another driver over injuries in a New Jersey car accident only if you exceed your PIP coverage, your policy gives you a right to sue, and you meet one or more of the serious injury threshold conditions. Navigating this process can be complex, so seek counsel from Clifton rideshare accident lawyers for clarity.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft accident in New Jersey?
Filing a lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft accident is limited to two years from the date of the accident, per New Jersey Statute § 2A:14-2. This is an important deadline so you can maintain your right to hold the driver responsible for their negligence and your damages. Consult Clifton rideshare accident lawyers near you to determine how much time you have left to act so you can take the next steps in your claim.