New Jersey Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in an Uber or Lyft accident, there are legal options to exercise your rights and seek compensation. The experienced New Jersey rideshare accident attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC can review the facts of your case in a free consultation session to help you determine whether you have a claim and the best way forward. We are committed to helping injury victims pursue justice with as little stress as possible.
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers . This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers . This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
- Last Modified:
- September 28, 2024
Although it can be said that Uber and Lyft have made our commutes more convenient, their drivers are prone to accidents like any other driver on the road. If you or your loved one has suffered injuries from an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you can file a claim against the rideshare company, driver, or another at-fault party.
At Cordisco & Saile LLC, we are passionate about helping our clients get their lives back on track, no matter how much effort it takes. Our New Jersey Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can evaluate your case, explain the insurance laws affecting your claim, and explore all avenues for obtaining the compensation you deserve. We are a nationally recognized team of personal injury lawyers who never stop fighting for people injured by the wrongdoing of others. Schedule a free consultation today to get started.
- Why Hire Our New Jersey Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys
- What Clients Say About Our Attorneys
- Understanding Uber’s Rideshare Insurance Coverage
- Insurance Company Tactics
- Damages Available After Getting Involved in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident
- Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accidents in New Jersey
- Contact Our New Jersey Rideshare Attorneys for Help With Your Claim
Why Hire Our New Jersey Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys
Uber and Lyft car accident claims vary from cases involving personal vehicles because of the difference in insurance laws and the involvement of an additional party, the rideshare company. It’s critical not only to have a lawyer but also to hire one with experience litigating and winning similar cases.
The skilled team of attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC has been fighting for the rights of injury victims in New Jersey for more than 30 years. Our motto is “People Come First.” Thus, we treat clients as people first and accident victims second. Our team’s hard work and resilience have won us national honors and awards, such as the National Association of Distinguished Counsel Top One Percent, The National Trial Lawyers, and Super Lawyers.
Insurance companies know our clients mean business when they choose our Uber accident lawyers to fight for them, and we don’t take that lightly. Our goal is to satisfy our clients’ needs, as evidenced by the 400-plus 5-star Google reviews they have shared.
What Clients Say About Our Attorneys
The period after a car accident can be confusing and overwhelming for you and your family. You only get one shot to bring your claim, so working with an Uber accident law firm that prioritizes your needs, treats you like family, and has a record of positive accolades from past clients is important.
Here’s what our clients say about the team at Cordisco & Saile LLC:
Understanding Uber's Rideshare Insurance Coverage
When you file an Uber accident claim, you’re likely to run into several issues that are common in such cases. First, Uber and Lyft have designated their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees to distance themselves from liability for accidents caused by rideshare drivers. However, despite that tactic, rideshare companies may still be held financially responsible for accidents involving their drivers.
Second, many accidents involve third parties, such as other drivers. Determining who is at fault for the accident, which insurance policies provide coverage, and how to divvy up the available coverage can be a complex process.
Finally, New Jersey has specific insurance laws requiring so-called transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft to maintain certain coverage. These laws determine who’s financially responsible for injuries in an accident, depending on the driver’s activity on the mobile app when the accident occurred.
These laws recognize three driver statuses: when the driver has not logged into the rideshare app, when the driver has logged into the app but is not providing a ride, and when the driver is providing a ride.
The Rideshare App Is Switched Off
If the Uber or Lyft driver was offline during the crash, the rideshare company is not liable for your injuries. The accident is treated like any other, and victims seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance.
“In general, the driver's policy applies when they are not working, and the Uber policy kicks in when they're in operation and or working under the capacity of Uber, also known as picking up a driver, transporting a driver, or awaiting a pickup of the driver.”
The Driver Is Logged Into the App but Is Not Providing a Ride
If the accident happened when the driver was on the app but not transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft must provide the following coverage under New Jersey law:
- $50,000 per person for injuries or death
- $100,000 per accident for injuries or death
- $25,000 for property damage
The coverage required by New Jersey law matches the standard coverage that Uber and Lyft provide nationwide.
Since New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, other drivers injured in accidents with rideshare vehicles must first look to their own personal injury protection, or PIP, coverage for their injuries. If their damages exceed their PIP coverage, they may then be eligible to pursue a claim under the rideshare company’s policy.
The Driver Is Providing a Prearranged Ride
If a crash occurs when the driver is en route with a passenger, the rideshare company provides the following required coverage:
- At least $1.5 million for bodily injury, death, and property damage
- At least $1.5 million for uninsured and underinsured motorists
New Jersey law requires Uber and Lyft to carry greater coverage than their standard policies for drivers nationwide, which generally provide $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
"You took an Uber, and another driver caused the crash. Well, once you’ve exhausted that PIP coverage—that personal injury protection—on your medical care, you may be able to file a claim at the at-fault driver's insurance company if you suffered serious injuries. This typically gets the ball rolling for medical treatment, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of daily activities."
We’re ready to fight for you. Take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.
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Insurance Company Tactics
Unfortunately, insurance companies often employ various tactics to discredit your claim and reduce or deny your settlement altogether. One of the ways they do this is by shifting the blame by claiming the victim was partly responsible for the accident. Another way is arguing that the injuries were pre-existing and not caused by the accident, which can significantly reduce a settlement.
Insurers can also delay the litigation process, hoping the victim will grow desperate from the mounting bills and accept an insufficient compensation package. This is why it’s critical to consult an experienced and skilled Uber and Lyft accident lawyer. They have the experience and knowledge to counter such tactics with evidence and unrelenting advocacy.
"The majority of these insurance companies have about 10 to 15 to 30 individuals that are looking at a particular region's case. Those caseloads could get up to the hundreds, sometimes even more. They can't just look at these cases; they have to look at the documentation that we provide, the medical records, and they're not just handing over the money. They're fighting tooth and nail to make sure that they can slow the process and delay you getting paid."
Damages Available After Getting Involved in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident
The damages available after getting involved in an Uber or Lyft accident depend on the monetary and non-monetary impacts of the crash on your life. Such cases typically result in both economic and non-economic damages. In very rare cases, punitive damages may be available. These damages available are defined as follows:
- Economic damages: These compensate for the actual financial expenses you’ve incurred from the accident. These include medical bills, property repair or replacement costs, lost wages and earning capacity, rehabilitation bills, and costs of household services, among other expenses.
- Non-economic damages: These cover the subjective, non-monetary losses from the crash, including physical pain, suffering, mental trauma, loss of consortium, and the inability to enjoy life.
- Punitive damages: These aim to punish the defendant for gross misconduct or egregious negligence cases, such as drunk driving that causes a fatality. New Jersey caps punitive damages at five times the compensatory damages awarded or $350,000, whichever is greater.
Our Case Results
The New Jersey Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Cordisco & Saile LLC have a proven track record of recovering millions of dollars for our clients. Some highlights include the following:
- A $1,377,000 verdict for an accident victim rear-ended by a distracted driver
- An $865,000 settlement for a driver and passenger struck by a minivan whose driver failed to yield when attempting a left turn
Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accidents in New Jersey
The statute of limitations imposes a deadline within which you must initiate legal action after an injury or death caused by the negligence of another. In New Jersey, you have only two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a claim. A few exceptions exist, but you shouldn’t expect them to apply. If you miss the filing deadline, the court will likely dismiss your claims, and you will lose your right to recover damages.
With decades of experience practicing in New Jersey, our Uber accident lawyers can help you navigate the state’s statute of limitations and other deadlines to protect your right to recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our New Jersey Rideshare Attorneys for Help With Your Claim
If you’re looking for an award-winning law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to handle your rideshare accident claim, Cordisco & Saile LLC is the right choice. Our attorneys are ready to answer your questions and fight for your rightful compensation, whether with an insurance company or in a trial.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys by calling 215-642-2335 or filling out our online form.
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