Rideshare Services and the Uninsured Driver
It seems like the price of everything is going up and many people are looking for ways to cut corners. Auto insurance is required by law and the cost puts a squeeze on many people. This is one area where it’s best not to cut any corners. Don’t drive an uninsured vehicle. Don’t even be a passenger in an uninsured vehicle. Under New Jersey law, N.J.S.A. 39:6A-4.5a, if you are a vehicle owner required to maintain PIP coverage (which is most people) but you fail to do so, you are barred from bringing a lawsuit if you’re injured while “operating” the uninsured vehicle. The term “operating” in this context has been interpreted very broadly and includes an uninsured owner who is a passenger. So, if you’re a passenger in your uninsured car and somebody runs a red light and hits you broadside, you can’t sue – because you were uninsured. You might have to be pulled from your car by the “jaws of life” and spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair but you won’t be able to sue the person who ran that red light for their negligence.
Taking Uber or Lyft Can Be The Difference
In this regard, at least, you’re better off taking Uber or Lyft. An uninsured driver injured in someone else’s insured car is better off than if he or she were injured while driving or riding as a passenger in his or her own, uninsured car. All Uber and Lyft vehicles in New Jersey are required to be insured. If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and get broadsided by that driver running the red light, you can sue. Not only that, but Uber and Lyft drivers in New Jersey are required by law to have $1.5 million in Uninsured (UM) coverage and the same amount of Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
Did You or a Loved One Sustain Serious Injuries Due to a Car Accident in New Jersey? If So, Contact CourtLaw Today
Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of car accidents and other personal injury accidents in Rahway, Bayonne, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, Kearny, Irvington, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St., Perth Amboy, New Jersey 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, and Trenton.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
