What Happens After an Uber or Lyft Accident in NJ?
Technological advancements have increased people’s ability to offer services themselves rather than becoming an employee of a company. As a result, companies who facilitate these transactions, like Uber and Lyft, have exploded. While the results of such efforts have been mainly positive, issues can arise when car accidents occur during an Uber or Lyft ride.
The Complexity of Uber and Lyft Accidents in New Jersey
What happens when you’re in an Uber or Lyft accident? Understand that different laws apply when you’re a passenger in a taxi versus when you’re using a ride-sharing service like Uber. Here’s an overview of what the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act, which is in effect in New Jersey:
- Rideshare companies must carry insurance policies with $1.5 million coverage limits
- When an accident occurs in a rideshare vehicle, this commercial insurance will cover the passenger’s injuries when the driver was at-fault
- When the Uber or Lyft driver isn’t at fault, then the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay
- When the other vehicle’s driver is uninsured or can’t cover the costs of the injured victim, then Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy will come into play
In essence, this law mandates ridesharing companies to carry insurance similar to uninsured motorist coverage and liability coverage. Under New Jersey’s no-fault system, usually, an injured victim wouldn’t be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver in the other vehicle. These restrictions do not apply to victims injured in a Lyft or Uber accident.
What Does this Law Mean for Passengers?
In the past, rideshare companies only offered basic injury coverage for drivers who were working for them. They didn’t offer any type of coverage for passengers who may get injured. If the driver’s insurance refused to pay for a victim’s injuries, then the injured victim was left out of luck.
Too many customers unknowingly used Uber or Lyft without realizing that they were bearing the financial risk of becoming injured due to their driver’s carelessness. Now, they can get the financial relief they’re entitled to. Here’s what you should do after a ridesharing accident:
- Document your driver’s name, contact information and insurance details
- Take the names and contact information of any other drivers and witnesses
- Save a screenshot of the receipt you get at the end of your ride
- Photograph the Uber vehicle and the accident scene
- Call the police to file a report
Finally, seek out medical treatment for your injuries. Don’t delay going to your doctor.
Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Uber or Lyft Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an Uber or Lyft accident in New Jersey? 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 Uber and Lyft in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, 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 Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 as well as offices in Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, and East Orange.
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.
