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With their convenience and flexibility, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how we get around. But what if you are in an accident that involves one of these companies? Let our team of lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein help you understand your rights.
Why Is It Important to Know Your Rights as a Passenger?
Car accidents involving Uber or Lyft can be legally complex, even if you are just a passenger: Who is liable? How do you file for an insurance claim? Can you even pursue compensation for damages?
To secure the support you need following an accident in a rideshare vehicle, you will need to know your rights as a passenger—and an experienced personal injury lawyer in Essex County can help guide you each step of the way.
What Legal Protections Do Passengers Have?
New Jersey law protects rideshare passengers’ rights to safety and compensation in the event of an accident. By law, rideshare companies carry insurance policies to cover passengers—for instance, Uber and Lyft must maintain $1.5 million in commercial insurance coverage to cover passenger property damage, personal injury, or death in case of an accident.
How Do Insurance Coverages Differ Between Uber/Lyft and Personal Vehicles?
To maximize your chances of claiming maximum compensation after a rideshare accident, you need to understand the key points of comparison between Uber/Lyft insurance and your driver’s personal vehicle insurance:
- Coverage Periods: Uber/Lyft insurance coverage usually only applies in total while the app is open and during passenger pickup and transportation. So, if you are in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver and they’re not actively picking up or driving a passenger, the driver’s auto insurance policy will likely apply.
- Policy Requirements: While Uber and Lyft only provide insurance during ride-related periods, your driver must always carry personal vehicle insurance.
- Coverage Limits: Uber and Lyft offer higher liability limits during ride-related periods, while drivers’ personal policies typically have lower liability limits.
What Steps Should You Take Post-Accident?
First and foremost, if you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, seek medical attention. You need to prioritize your health and safety above all else—even if you feel okay, seek medical evaluation to detect unseen injuries and provide medical documentation.
Once you have gotten to a safe area and received medical attention, report the accident by contacting the rideshare company and 911.
To protect your rights and maximize your chances of claiming fair compensation for damages, document the scene by taking photographs from multiple angles (if safe), gathering the contact information of involved parties, and collecting witness statements.
To further help your case, contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury team will help guide you through the legal complexities of a rideshare accident case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and—if necessary—provide you with legal representation.
The Claims Process
Filing a claim after an Uber or Lyft accident can feel stressful and overwhelming; you need to determine the extent of the damages, which parties might be liable for damages, and which insurance policies apply. A clear understanding of this process will help you pursue your claim effectively, and an experienced Uber/Lyft car accident lawyer can answer every question you might have.
Why Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
A lawyer can help maximize your chances of claiming fair compensation for damages:
- Experience: Because of the number of parties involved, cases involving rideshare companies can be unusually complex: an experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate these complexities.
- Negotiation Skills: When insurance companies attempt to lowball your claim’s payout, a skilled personal injury lawyer can negotiate for the fair compensation you deserve.
- Peace of Mind: With medical costs, lost income, and property damage, victims often deal with several stressors after a rideshare incident. Lawyers can take on the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being.
Get on the Road to Recovery With the Essex County Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein
If you need to seek compensation for an accident involving Uber or Lyft, the last thing you want to do is deal with legal complications. Our experienced Essex County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein will advocate tirelessly for your interests every step of the way. Contact us online or call our office in East Orange, New Jersey at 973-675-8277 for a free consultation. We serve clients in the surrounding areas.