Jersey City Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare vehicles present efficiencies and conveniences for many, but they can come at the cost of your own safety. You may have been injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger. Alternatively, you may have been a driver in a crash with another motorist operating a rideshare vehicle. You may be entitled to financial compensation when someone else was to blame for your accident injuries. An Uber or Lyft accident attorney can help you fight for a settlement to pay for your injuries.

What Are Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Jersey City?

In addition to the standard risks of any type of motor vehicle accident, the Uber and Lyft rideshare system introduces its dangers on the roadways. Whether you are a passenger or another driver on the roadway, you are in additional danger because of the prevalence of Uber and Lyft vehicles on the road.

Common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Fatigued drivers on the road late at night after working a full shift at another job.
• Distracted drivers who either have their eyes on the app looking for additional rides or are trying to do other things behind the wheel.
• Speeding because the driver wants to earn more money and maximize their time during their shift.
• Motorists who are in unfamiliar areas late at night and who do not know where they are going.
• Inexperience because Uber and Lyft drivers can get behind the wheel and transport passengers only a few days after applying.
• Drivers making illegal turns because they are pulling over to pick up and drop off passengers with little warning.

It is up to your rideshare accident attorney to gather the evidence that shows that someone else should be held responsible for your Uber or Lyft accident.

Who Can I Sue for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Uber and Lyft have established a system where they are only a middleman, not the driver’s employer. Thus, you cannot generally sue Uber or Lyft for your accident injuries. The only times when you may be able to sue rideshare companies are when a driver has assaulted you or when they have put a motorist behind the wheel who they should have known was dangerous.

However, you are not without legal remedy when injured in a rideshare accident. You could take legal action against the following parties:

• Uber and Lyft have a commercial insurance policy in place, and you could sue the insurance company if they will not accept liability or pay you what you deserve
• Uber or Lyft drivers may be personally liable for the damage they cause in the lawsuit, although they may not have the assets necessary to pay your judgment. 
• If another driver involved was to blame for the accident, you may file a claim against their insurance policy or sue them.
• If you were an injured rideshare passenger, you could file a claim against both drivers if they each played a role in the accident. Liability may be apportioned between the drivers based on the percentage of blame that they each bear.

What Is the Process for Obtaining Financial Compensation for Rideshare Accident Injuries?

Even though you cannot sue Uber or Lyft, the rideshare accident legal process works much like any other type of car accident case.  You can file a claim against an insurance policy or a lawsuit against the driver in court. In most cases, your Uber or Lyft accident lawyer would advise you to begin by trying to settle your claim with the insurance company informally. Most often, the claims process would result in a settlement that would pay for your damages.

However, if your claim is denied or the insurance company will not pay you what you deserve, you always retain the right to file a lawsuit. If you sue the Uber or Lyft driver directly in court, the insurance company would show up because they have an obligation to defend the driver. Although rare, you could take your case to trial if you cannot reach a settlement agreement. The overwhelming majority of rideshare accident claims would end in a settlement agreement.

How Much Is My Uber or Lyft Accident Case Worth?

Your case’s exact value depends on your situation’s facts and circumstances. Remember that although insurance is available, this is the total amount of the policy, and multiple drivers and passengers may file claims against the same coverage. Your rideshare accident attorney may be jockeying with other potential claimants to maximize your compensation.

Generally, your Uber or Lyft accident compensation can include the following: 

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress

A rideshare accident attorney will review your case and estimate your damages before you file your claim. Then, they would work to maximize your financial compensation in light of your injuries. This would mean negotiating with the insurance company and filing a lawsuit on your behalf if necessary. 

Why Do I Need a Jersey City Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer?

You can expect a difficult road ahead of you anytime you are dealing with an insurance company. In an Uber or Lyft rideshare accident case, there may be as many as three insurance companies involved who may need to pay you.

The attorneys at Goldstein & Goldstein have over 50 years of combined experience helping accident victims get the compensation they legally deserve. We are a boutique law firm that focuses on client-centered representation and service. 

Contact the Jersey City Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein Today

If you have been injured in a rideshare crash, the Jersey City Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein are here to fight for your legal rights. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling us today at 973-675-8277 or by contacting us online. Our office is in East Orange, New Jersey, and we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.