Can Passengers File a Lawsuit for Accidents Caused by a Rideshare Driver’s Road Rage?
Ridesharing vehicle use is common nowadays. But when the ridesharing drivers choose road rage, they endanger themselves and the passengers. The other drivers are also not safe because of this act.
When you travel in Uber, Lyft, or any other ridesharing vehicles and face road rage accidents, you may have queries. Injured people ask: Can passengers file a lawsuit for accidents caused by a rideshare driver’s road rage? Yes, it’s possible, but after understanding your legal rights and different conditions.
Understanding What Is Road Rage
Can passengers file a lawsuit for accidents caused by a rideshare driver’s road rage? Road rage is the aggressive behaviour of the driver while driving. It can be because of personal and work issues, leading to anger and pent-up stress. Common forms of road rage include:
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Excessive speeding
- Yelling or honking aggressively
- Making rude or obscene gestures
- Cutting off other vehicles
- Deliberately blocking other vehicles
- Physically assaulting another driver
A ridesharing driver can increase the risks of accidents while endangering passengers and other people because of road rage. You have to face serious consequences of road rage in New Jersey.
Is Sueing a Rideshare Driver for Road Rage Possible? Understanding Your Legal Grounds
Passengers can sue a ridesharing driver in New Jersey because of the road rage’s damage and injuries. Such drivers showcase negligence and recklessness in these cases.
Irresponsibility And Headlessness
The following are the key elements of road rage cases:
- The ridesharing drivers are legally bound to protect the passengers and others on the road while driving.
- When the driver starts road raging. He violates his duty and protection requirements for his passengers and others on the road.
- However, the injured party must provide all evidence. To prove the road rage accident was the cause of the accident and his injuries.
- We will note the victims’ injuries, such as medical costs, work loss, physical pain, etc.
Involve Ridesharing Companies For Liability
Mostly, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft avoid such issues and prefer their drivers as independent contractors. But you can hold them liable for their driver’s actions under specific conditions. Ridesharing companies are legally bound to offer insurance coverage in New Jersey. If the accidents happen while the drivers are on duty.
Insurance Coverage Factors Considerations
The driver’s involvement affects the coverage, but Uber and Lyft both provide insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers.
Period 1: Driver Is Online And Is Not Accepting The Offer:
- Bodily Injury: $50,000 per person
- Bodily Injury: $100,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
- Contingent Comprehensive and Collision: Up to the car’s actual cash value, with a $2,500 deductible.
Period 2: Driver Is On His Way To Pick Up a Passenger After Request Acceptance
- Liability Coverage: $1.5 million
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $1.5 million
- Contingent Comprehensive and Collision: $2,500 deductible
Period 3: Passenger Is in the Vehicle
- Liability Coverage: $1.5 million
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $1.5 million
- Contingent Comprehensive and Collision: $2,500 deductible
Period 3 and Period 2 accident case scenarios ensure at least $1.5 million in liability coverage. It is normally applied to reimburse the injured passengers or third parties.
Rideshare Regulatory Act
Can passengers file a lawsuit for accidents caused by a rideshare driver’s road rage? It ensures that drivers must meet specific insurance requirements in New Jersey. Uber, Lyft, or other similar companies must offer suitable insurance coverage to their drivers during driving periods. This is a great strategy to protect injured passengers from driver road rage.
Rights Safety After The Rideshare Accident
The following steps can help you protect your rights. If you’re injured as a passenger in a ridesharing accident from the driver’s road rage. It helps ensure maximum compensation.
Get Professional Medical Attention
- A Quick Check-Up: You must go to the doctor or to the emergency room quickly, even if you’re feeling pain. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately but leave a drastic impact later.
- After Care: Follow your doctor’s advice and regularly take all appointments and treatments.
Report the Incident Promptly
- Report to The Ridesharing Company: Provide comprehensive details about the accident and directly report it to the specific ridesharing company. Use their app or customer service for this purpose.
- File a Police Report: Immediately report an official police report to show the case as legal evidence.
Collect Evidence From The Accident Scene
- Photos and Videos: You can make videos and pictures of the accident scene, damaged vehicles, and specific visible injuries.
- Witness Information: You must have all the information about the involved parties and witnesses to ensure the strength of your case.
- Driver Information: Make sure you have the ridesharing driver’s name, insurance, and vehicle details.
Expenses Records
- Medical Bills and Reports: You must have copies of your medical treatments, reports, bills, and prescriptions.
- Repair Estimates: If your property is damaged, you must keep its repair receipts and expenses.
- Communication with Rideshare Company: Save all correspondence with Uber or Lyft customer support.
- Lost Wages Documentation: Record any missed workdays and calculate lost wages accurately.
Use The Services Of A Professional Rideshare Accident Attorney
- Legal Consultation: Consult with a professional NJ ridesharing accident attorney at CourtLaw Injury Lawyers to examine your case.
- Legal Guidance: They can provide you with complete guidance on the legal procedure and protect your rights to maximize your compensation.
You can build a strong case to secure fair compensation with these steps.
Contact CourtLaw Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
Can passengers file a lawsuit for accidents caused by a rideshare driver’s road rage? We at CourtLaw Injury Lawyers, New Jersey, offer professional assistance to victims who need fair compensation. After a rideshare accident caused by road rage. We know the policies of ridesharing companies and the rules of New Jersey laws. We can offer you legal guidance and represent your case in court, too. Reach out today for a free consultation to understand your legal options. We can help you ensure the responsible parties get what they deserve and that you can heal from your injuries.ecific to your case.