South Orange Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft transport people all over South Orange and the surrounding areas, usually with no issues. Yet, accidents do happen with these vehicles, and seeking compensation can be tricky. Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies and specific regulations, which may add additional steps to obtaining fair compensation.

The South Orange Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP are familiar with the nuances of rideshare insurance policies, the responsibilities of both drivers and companies and how to present a strong case for compensation.

What Are the Main Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Accidents involving rideshare services may be caused by the same reasons we see with other types of motor vehicle accidents:

• Driver Distraction: This includes checking for ride requests or using a navigation app, as well as texting, taking phone calls, and eating behind the wheel. Passengers who may engage with the driver during the ride or make last-minute requests for changes in routes can further distract rideshare drivers.
• Speeding: Rideshare drivers might face pressure to reach destinations quickly to increase their earnings, which may sometimes lead to speeding or unsafe driving practices.
• Fatigue: Tired drivers contribute to accident risks, especially since many Uber and Lyft drivers work long hours or split their time between multiple jobs.
• Inexperience: New rideshare drivers need time to learn the process and become familiar with city, town, and county streets.

Weather and road conditions can also play a role, as can the behavior of other drivers on the road. Determining the cause of an accident is essential to establishing liability, and our South Orange Uber and Lyft accident lawyers use evidence to build strong cases for clients seeking compensation.

Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining liability in an Uber or Lyft accident can be more challenging than in typical car accident cases due to the different parties involved. Rideshare drivers cause accidents, but other drivers do as well. A pedestrian or cyclist could also be responsible if their actions caused the crash.

In addition, depending on the circumstances, the rideshare company might be held responsible for damages. Other possibilities include the vehicle manufacturer or a third vehicle, which might even be a bus or truck. Our South Orange Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can determine who caused your crash and which party might be held liable.

How Do Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Policies Work?

Uber and Lyft maintain specific insurance policies to cover accidents involving their drivers, but the coverage levels vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

• When a driver is not using the rideshare app, only their personal insurance coverage is applicable.
• If they are logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide a limited policy that covers third-party liability.
• Once the driver has accepted a ride request or is actively transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft offer a higher level of coverage, which may include liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive coverage. This policy is designed to cover both the driver and passengers in the event of an accident.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Rideshare Accident Case?

In a rideshare accident case, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages depending on the specifics of the incident. Economic damages cover medical expenses, property damage, and lost income due to an inability to work; in some cases, future medical costs may also be included if the injuries sustained are severe and require ongoing treatment. Additionally, non-economic damages may be available, such as compensation for pain and suffering or emotional distress.

The amount of compensation awarded depends on the severity of injuries, the extent of financial losses, and the impact the accident has had on the individual’s daily life. Our South Orange Uber and Lyft accident lawyers present compelling cases that consider the accident’s immediate and long-term consequences to help clients obtain fair compensation.

Can Passengers Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident File a Claim?

Passengers injured in an Uber or Lyft accident may have the right to file a claim for compensation. Unlike drivers, passengers are generally not liable for accidents, making pursuing a claim against the responsible party easier. If the rideshare driver is at fault, passengers can typically seek compensation through Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies, which provide coverage during active rides. However, if another driver is responsible, the passenger may need to file a claim with that driver’s insurance.

In situations where multiple parties are at fault, passengers may have claims with more than one insurer. As you can imagine, that can get quite complicated and hard to deal with, especially if you are recovering from injuries.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident Claim?

While it is possible to file a rideshare accident claim without legal assistance, the process can be challenging due to the involvement of multiple insurance policies, potential liability disputes, and the need to calculate damages accurately. Rideshare companies have legal teams that work to minimize their liability, and handling a claim alone can result in lower compensation or a prolonged process.

Our South Orange Uber and Lyft accident lawyers provide free initial consultations and legal guidance. We also gather necessary documentation and evidence for client cases and negotiate with insurance providers to achieve outcomes that align with the damages sustained.

In addition, legal representation can be beneficial if liability is disputed or if the rideshare company denies coverage. By working with our team, you can have a stronger case supported by evidence and legal knowledge that advocates fair compensation.

The Skilled South Orange Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP Offer Free Consultations

The experienced South Orange Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP are committed to helping individuals handle complicated rideshare accident cases. We are a small local firm that offers personalized attention, unlike what you would receive at larger offices. Call us at 973-675-8277 or submit our online form today to schedule a free consultation. Located in East Orange, New Jersey, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.