Toms River Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the travel industry for both residents and tourists in Toms River, offering transportation convenience, value, and accessibility at the touch of a button. Unfortunately, riding in someone else’s car does not eliminate the risk of accidents. In fact, if you get into an Uber or Lyft accident and need to claim compensation to cover your damages, the process can feel overwhelmingly complicated. Let a Toms River Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Ellis Law guide you through the steps to protect your rights and seek justice for your accident.

What Should You Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Immediately after your rideshare accident, ensure your safety and that of others by getting out of the flow of traffic and calling 911 to request medical attention. Even if you do not feel hurt, certain internal injuries could have delayed symptoms and could get worse if left untreated.

While on the phone with 911, report the accident to the police. Not only does New Jersey law mandate reporting a collision that involves injury, death, or at least $500 in property damage, but you can also use the generated police report to prove your side of the story in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Then, use your rideshare app to report the incident. Doing so promptly will tell the companies and the insurance providers that you acted in good faith; delaying a report could imply ulterior motives.

Finally, document the scene by taking photos of the accident and of any injuries, gathering witness information, exchanging contact details with the at-fault rideshare driver, and recording your experiences on a notepad or voice memo.

Who Is Responsible for a Rideshare Accident?

In our experience, rideshare drivers often cause many Uber or Lyft accidents in Toms River. Rideshare companies provide liability insurance to cover accidents, which includes at least $1,500,000 in personal liability coverage if you are on an active ride.

In other instances, a third-party driver’s negligence or a government agency’s failure to maintain safe road conditions could have caused the crash. For example, if someone else collided with your rideshare vehicle because they failed to respect a red light or if a significant number of potholes caused your driver to lose control, you and a seasoned personal injury lawyer can look into holding other parties accountable.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?

Unfortunately, New Jersey law makes it hard for victims to sue the rideshare companies directly. For one, these companies employ drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees, which limits the rideshare company’s liability for their actions.

Additionally, New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means that every victim needs to file a claim with their own insurance companies, regardless of who caused the accident. This further limits your ability to sue another party to claim compensation. However, you may have legal options depending on your insurance policy.

New Jersey law requires all drivers to purchase one or two forms of car insurance before driving: a “basic” or “standard” policy. A “basic” insurance policy provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP), liability insurance, uninsured motorist insurance, and a “limited right to sue.” This limited right means that you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages from your collision, but only if you suffered catastrophic injuries.

In contrast, if you opt to buy a “standard” insurance policy, you will enjoy all the benefits of the basic policy, plus an “unlimited” right to sue. This unlimited right allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation, regardless of the extent of your injuries.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?

If you file a successful personal injury lawsuit after your rideshare accident, New Jersey courts often award two types of compensation: the first, “economic” damages, helps cover tangible losses like medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages due to an inability to work, and property damage.

The second, “non-economic” damages, helps to address injuries without a specific dollar amount. These damages include pain, suffering, and a degraded quality of life. In certain rare cases, a court might award you with “punitive” damages to punish the at-fault party and dissuade similar behavior in the future.

If you choose to simply file an insurance claim to cover your costs, be warned: insurance companies have a variety of tools available to minimize the amount of money they pay you. For instance, they can downplay the severity of your injuries, pressure you into accepting an insufficient settlement offer, or shift legal liability onto you.

Why Is Legal Representation Crucial in Rideshare Accident Cases?

A skilled personal injury lawyer in Toms River, however, will know all of these insurance tactics and how to counter them. A good lawyer will have years of experience dealing with rideshare companies and their insurers, protecting the rights of their car accident clients, and advocating for their best interests.

Additionally, if you hire an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer, they can advocate for you in court if you opt to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. They can help you gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with opposing counsel, build your strongest case, and let you focus on your own recovery. The peace of mind that comes with having a competent car accident lawyer on your side is second to none.

Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Toms River Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer at Ellis Law Today

If you need to cover the costs of a rideshare accident, consult with a Toms River Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Ellis Law. We have extensive experience handling rideshare accident cases and protecting collision clients – and we will give you the personalized attention and aggressive representation that you deserve. Call us at 732-308-0200 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our Freehold, New Jersey, office location proudly serves clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.