Passaic County Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Many people in New Jersey rely on Uber and Lyft services to get them safely from place to place. Unfortunately, Uber/Lyft accidents are not uncommon, and if you were injured as a passenger in one, you may be wondering how you can receive compensation to recover your damages. For this, continue reading and reach out to a skilled Passaic County Uber & Lyft accident lawyer from the Law Offices of August R. Soltis for a free initial consultation.

Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents

Uber/Lyft accidents are not particularly different from any other auto accident, in that, besides the occasional road hazard or poor weather condition, they are usually the result of driver negligence. With that being said, below are the most common negligent causes of Uber/Lyft accidents in the state of New Jersey:

• Failure to observe traffic lights and signs
• Driving at excessive speeds
• Unsafe lane changes
• Texting while driving
• Looking at a GPS while driving
• Driving while drowsy or fatigued
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving (eating, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, etc.)
• Tailgating (following too closely behind other vehicles)
• Sudden or improper braking
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Aggressive driving or road rage
• Inexperience or inadequate training of the rideshare driver

Uber & Lyft’s Liability Coverage

Uber/Lyft has a liability coverage system in place to help injured passengers in a ridesharing accident receive the financial compensation they require to recover their damages. This coverage system is divided into “periods,” and as such, the amount of compensation you will receive depends on which period you fall under. The periods are as follows:

• Period 0: This is when an Uber/Lyft driver gets into an accident when they are not yet logged into the rideshare app. Unfortunately, the company will not provide liability coverage in this case–only the at-fault driver’s insurance.
• Period 1: This is when an Uber/Lyft driver gets into an accident when they are logged into the rideshare app but have not yet accepted a ride. The company will provide liability coverage at $50,000 per person injured in the accident, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability.
• Period 2: This is when an Uber/Lyft driver gets into an accident when they have accepted a ride and are en route to pick up the passenger. The company will provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
• Period 3: This is when an Uber/Lyft driver gets into an accident when the passenger is in the car. The company will provide the injured passenger with up to $1 million in liability coverage, and the driver with limited coverage for damages to their car and uninsured motorists’ coverage.

Proving Your Uber or Lyft Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, securing the compensation you deserve hinges on your ability to prove liability. Since rideshare companies operate under unique legal structures, gathering strong evidence is critical to building a successful claim.

To start, documenting the accident scene is essential. If you’re able, take photos and videos of the crash, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Obtain the contact information of all involved parties, including the rideshare driver, other drivers, and any witnesses who can support your account of what happened.

Next, request a copy of the official police report. Law enforcement documentation can serve as a crucial piece of evidence in establishing fault. Additionally, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Not only is this vital for your well-being, but it also creates a medical record linking your injuries directly to the accident.

Since Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, these companies often attempt to distance themselves from liability. However, rideshare accident claims operate under a tiered insurance system, and depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash, multiple parties—including the driver, the rideshare company, or even a third-party driver—may be held accountable. A skilled Passaic County personal injury attorney can determine the appropriate insurance coverage to pursue for your damages.

Contact an Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Don’t follow a claim against an Uber or Lyft driver without a skilled auto accident lawyer in your corner. The Law Offices of August R. Soltis is here to help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact an Uber & Lyft accident lawyer for a free initial consultation today.