Monmouth County Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Uber and Lyft have transformed the way people travel through on-demand, convenient, and affordable alternatives to traditional taxi services. Rideshare services have gained widespread popularity for their flexibility, efficiency, and the user’s ability to easily arrange transportation, track driver arrivals, and cash-free pay options all through convenient cell phone apps. However, Uber and Lyft services are not without potential risks, including accidents, insurance, and liability concerns.

Accidents involving rideshares, such as Uber and Lyft, are complex and require a skilled and experienced legal team to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries. At Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A., our Monmouth County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have decades of experience handling accident claims and recovering millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

What Are Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Uber and Lyft accidents can occur for many reasons but typically involve four different scenarios when involving passengers:

• The driver caused or contributed to the accident.
• Another driver strikes an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
• The driver hits a pedestrian or cyclist.
• The passenger is injured entering or exiting the vehicle.

What Are Common Types of Injuries in Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Injuries from Uber and Lyft accidents vary, depending on the severity of the accident, and include whiplash, cuts and lacerations, neck and spinal injuries, organ or nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, and broken bones.

Does New Jersey Have Rideshare Laws?

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft must adhere to the New Jersey Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act (TNCSRA), which details the following requirements:

• Insurance: Drivers must carry at least the minimum required auto insurance.
• Criminal History: Companies must conduct complete background checks for all drivers, including criminal history, driving history, and crosschecks with the National Sex Offender Registry. Drivers with convictions for sex offenses, DUI, fraud, or other violent acts within the previous seven years cannot be employed as rideshare drivers.
• Inspections: Rideshare drivers’ vehicles must be inspected for safety compliance every two years.
• Identification: Drivers must have prominently displayed Uber and Lyft company identification markers or signs.
• Consumer Protection: Uber and Lyft must provide customers with transparent pricing and electronic receipts and follow all state and federal anti-discrimination and civil rights laws.

New Jersey’s rideshare laws prioritize safety and ensure that companies’ operations meet state standards to minimize liability and disputes following accidents.

How Does Insurance Work in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

New Jersey laws required Uber and Lyft to carry active insurance coverage of at least $1.5 million for bodily injury, property damage, and death, though coverage is based on four different periods of the driver’s status at the time of the accident, as follows:

• Period 0: The driver’s rideshare app is off, and the vehicle operates for personal use.
• Period 1: The app is on and active with no accepted rides.
• Period 2: The driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up the customer.
• Period 3: The driver has picked up the customer and is en route to their destination.

New Jersey requires all vehicle owners to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance with their auto insurance policies, which must be used first for medical treatment regardless of fault. Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry $1.5 million PIP coverage through their own policy, the company’s, or both, and cover passengers if the driver is responsible for the accident. If another driver is responsible, injury claims would be made against that driver’s insurance company. Additionally, coverage differs in rideshare accidents, depending on whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, as follows:

• Driver: Drivers are generally covered unless your policy contains a “commercial use” exclusion, which makes claims ineligible if the insurer determines that the vehicle was being used for commercial purposes at the time of the accident.
• Passenger: Passengers who are injured and do not have PIP insurance can seek coverage through the driver or rideshare company’s insurance policies or by filing a separate injury claim seeking damages.
• Pedestrian: The company’s liability insurance may cover those whose medical expenses exceed coverage limits.

What if My Uber or Lyft Driver Flees the Scene?

While most hit-and-run drivers are nearly impossible to identify, rideshare drivers are not. Uber and Lyft track drivers in active service and provide records of each driver’s location and trips to law enforcement when a driver flees the scene of an accident.

What Compensation Can I Seek for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

In New Jersey, compensation for injuries suffered in an Uber or Lyft accident is based on a combination of economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, medications, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. Per the statute of limitations, you must file an injury claim for rideshare accidents two years from the accident date.

What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Monmouth County?

The actions you take following an accident can significantly benefit your claim later. If you are unhurt and physically able, you should:

• Report the accident and injuries to police.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the rideshare or other drivers.
• Minimize conversation to prevent statements from being used against you later.
• Photograph the scene, including vehicle damage and anything that contributed to the accident.
• Gather contact information and statements from witnesses.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine whether you suffered any life-threatening internal injuries and obtain a medical report of your injuries.
• Maintain all records related to the accident.
• Hire a skilled lawyer with experience handling Uber and Lyft accident claims and negotiating with insurance companies.

How Can Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Help Me After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

An experienced lawyer can provide crucial assistance following an Uber or Lyft accident and help you navigate the complex legal and insurance issues pertaining to rideshares. At Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A., our experienced Monmouth County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers provide the following when handling a rideshare claim:

• Investigate the accident scene.
• Review police reports.
• Interview witnesses.
• Determine liability.
• Calculate your damages.
• Hire experts, if appropriate.
• Negotiate maximum settlement with insurance companies.
• Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.

The Monmouth County Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Fight for Clients’ Rights and Compensation

Rideshare accidents can be challenging, but the experienced Monmouth County Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. are prepared to fight for the justice you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, call 732-906-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Brick, Freehold, Point Pleasant, and Edison, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout New Jersey.