In the bustling city of Hackensack, rideshare services have become an integral part of the daily commute or a night out for countless individuals. Apps like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient means of transportation, revolutionizing how we travel.
However, the widespread use of ridesharing apps has brought about an unfortunate increase in accidents involving rideshare drivers. After a rideshare accident in Hackensack, turn to an experienced Hackensack rideshare accident lawyer to help you navigate the daunting complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings.
As the popularity of ridesharing continues to soar, the likelihood of being involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle increases. Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, or another motorist, understanding your rights and seeking appropriate legal guidance is crucial.
The dedicated team of Hackensack rideshare accident lawyers at The Rothenberg Law Firm is here to assist you in these challenging times. Successfully bringing a rideshare accident claim demands a skilled approach, considering the unique circumstances you’ll face. Contact our Hackensack personal injury team to learn more.
- Why Choose a Hackensack Rideshare Accident Lawyer at The Rothenberg Law Firm?
- How are Hackensack Rideshare Accidents Different Than Regular Car Accidents?
- Why You Need an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney to Help You Resolve Your Uber or Lyft Crash Claim
- What Are the Most Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Hackensack?
- Common Accident Injuries Our Hackensack Rideshare Accident Attorneys Handle
- Which Legal Damages Can a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Hackensack Request For You?
- What are the Accident Insurance Requirements for Uber and Lyft Drivers in New Jersey?
- Reach Out to the Hackensack Rideshare Accident Lawyers at The Rothenberg Law Firm Today
When faced with the aftermath of a rideshare accident, it’s essential to have a legal advocate who understands the intricacies of these cases. A skilled rideshare accident attorney can be your ally in seeking compensation for your injuries, property damage, and emotional distress.
When you partner with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, we can guide you through the often complex process of filing an injury claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, pursuing legal action by filing a civil lawsuit against the responsible parties.
After more than 50 years in business, our law firm has recovered billions of dollars for injury victims in Hackensack and the surrounding areas.
Whether you need an Uber accident lawyer or a Lyft accident lawyer, our team is committed to safeguarding your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Rideshare accident cases involve unique challenges, such as determining liability and understanding the specific insurance policies of each rideshare company.
Don’t face these challenges alone – reach out to our Hackensack rideshare accident lawyers today and take the first step towards securing the compensation you need to move forward. Your journey to recovery starts with the right legal representation, and since we offer free consultations, you have nothing to lose by reaching out today.
Our New Jersey car accident lawyers understand how rideshare accidents introduce a layer of complexity that sets them apart from typical car crashes.
When a rideshare vehicle is involved in your accident, you might hold multiple parties responsible for the crash and for paying your personal injury losses, including:
- The rideshare company
- The rideshare driver
- Other rideshare passengers, and
- Other motorists
After a Hackensack rideshare accident attorney determines who the responsible parties are, they must understand the more complicated insurance issues involved in rideshare collisions.
Insurance Complexities
Rideshare companies typically provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the policies and coverage amounts vary based on which phase of the rideshare was happening when the crash occurred.
For example, potential coverage will depend on whether the driver:
- Had the rideshare app open or closed
- Was waiting to be connected for a ride
- Was on the way to pick up a passenger or
- Was carrying a passenger
Determining which insurance policy limit applies at a given moment can be tricky, making it crucial to have a legal representation who is well-versed in the specific insurance dynamics of rideshare accidents.
Determining Liability
Identifying the responsible party in a rideshare accident can be more challenging than in traditional car accidents. Factors such as driver negligence, technical malfunctions, or even third-party negligence may contribute to the accident.
Experienced New Jersey rideshare accident lawyers possess the experience and skills to investigate and determine liability, ensuring that all relevant parties are held accountable for their actions.
Navigating a rideshare accident claim requires a thorough understanding of the unique challenges presented by these cases. Here’s how an experienced ridesharing crash lawyer can be instrumental in securing a favorable outcome:
Preparing Solid Insurance Claims
The Hackensack rideshare accident attorneys at the Rothenberg Law Firm are well-versed in the intricacies of insurance claims involving companies like Uber and Lyft. We can help you navigate the claims process efficiently, ensuring that you have access to the full scope of available coverage for medical expenses, property damage, and other crash-related losses.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Our skilled lawyers have the resources and tenacity to comprehensively investigate the circumstances surrounding your ridesharing accident. This includes collecting evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and any available electronic data from the rideshare app or vehicles involved.
Our Hackensack rideshare accident attorneys are also adept at negotiating with stingy insurance companies and anticipating their tactics.
We fight for the maximum possible compensation for our clients, whether it involves settlements or going to court. When you have an aggressive legal professional advocating for your rights, we can significantly increase your chances for a positive outcome.
All insurance companies want to protect their profit margin by reducing or denying accident injury claims. Rideshare apps are no different. In fact, Uber has tried to avoid legal responsibility in the past by claiming its drivers were independent contractors.
We know how to build a strong case against ridesharing app companies and their insurance carriers to help injured rideshare accident victims receive the compensation they deserve.
By enlisting the support of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in our Hackensack offices, you’ll work with a dedicated advocate who understands the unique challenges posed by these incidents and the injuries you sustained.
Whether we are deciphering complex insurance policies or establishing liability, we will be your guide through every phase of the claims process.
Many factors can cause rideshare accidents. Like other car collisions, they are often the result of negligent driver behavior. Understanding what causes rideshare accidents helps us better understand the complexities of these incidents. Here are some of the most common reasons behind rideshare accidents:
Distracted Driving
In New Jersey, distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents in the rideshare world. With so many people relying on smartphones, drivers may be tempted to check messages, navigate apps, or engage in other distractions while operating their vehicles. Having divided attention significantly increases the risk of collisions.
In rideshare collisions, the distracted driver could be the driver for hire or another motorist who causes a crash with the rideshare vehicle. Again, available insurance coverage will vary based on who is at fault or contributed to your accident.
Intoxication
Incidents involving rideshare drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have severe consequences.
Despite tough laws, some drivers ignore their duty to drive sober. Intoxication impairs judgment, reaction times, and overall driving abilities, posing a significant danger to rideshare passengers and others on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is a common factor in many types of accidents, including those involving rideshare vehicles. Drivers may exceed speed limits to meet tight schedules or due to personal habits, putting everyone on the road at risk. High speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, contributing to the likelihood and severity of accidents.
Disobeying Traffic Laws
Failure to follow traffic laws is a common factor in rideshare accidents. This may include running red lights, making illegal turns, or failing to yield the right of way. Drivers who disregard traffic regulations endanger themselves and jeopardize the safety of passengers and other motorists.
Road Rage
Although road rage is less common than speeding, this negligent behavior can escalate quickly and result in serious accidents. Rideshare drivers, faced with the pressures of navigating traffic and meeting customer expectations, may succumb to aggressive behaviors on the road.
Other motorists may also engage in aggressive driving, such as tailgating or dangerous maneuvers, significantly increasing the risk of rideshare accidents.
Understanding these common causes of rideshare accidents is crucial for both passengers and other road users. After an accident with a rideshare vehicle in Hackensack, we can review the contributing factors and help build a strong legal case.
Rideshare accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The seriousness of these injuries can be influenced by the force of the crash impact, the speed involved, and the positions of the vehicles and people at the time of the collision. Here are some of the most common rideshare accident injuries we see:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs occur when a forceful impact on the head causes damage to the brain. Concussions, contusions, and more severe forms of brain injuries can result from rideshare accidents, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other serious neurological challenges.
Head Injuries
Beyond TBIs, rideshare accidents can cause various head injuries, including lacerations, bruises, and fractures. Head injuries may range from mild to severe, and even seemingly minor trauma can have lasting effects.
Neck and Back Injuries, Including Whiplash, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Herniated Discs
Whiplash, a common neck injury, occurs when the head is forcefully jerked forward and backward, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. Rideshare accidents can also lead to more severe spinal cord injuries or herniated discs, affecting mobility and causing chronic pain.
Broken Bones
The impact of a rideshare accident can result in fractures and broken bones. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Fractures may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries and rehabilitation.
Internal Bleeding
The force exerted during an accident can cause internal organs to collide with each other or the body’s bony structures, leading to internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is a critical condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Organ Damage
Accidents can cause trauma to internal organs, leading to injuries such as liver or kidney damage. Organ damage may not always be immediately apparent, which is why you should always have a thorough medical examination after any form of accident.
Lacerations
Broken glass, sharp objects, or the impact itself can result in cuts and lacerations. These injuries may require stitches and can leave lasting scars.
Burns from Gasoline or Fire
In a rideshare crash, there can be a risk of burns from gasoline leakage or fire. Burns can range from mild to severe and may require extensive medical treatment, usually involving extreme pain.
Loss of Hearing or Vision
Sudden loud noises or the impact of the accident can cause hearing loss. Additionally, head injuries may result in vision impairment, ranging from temporary blurriness to more permanent damage.
Amputation
Severe accidents may lead to traumatic injuries leading to limb loss. The physical and emotional impact of an amputation is profound and could require extensive rehabilitation.
Paralysis
Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Paralysis severely impacts an individual’s quality of life, requiring long-term medical care and support.
Wrongful Death
In the most serious rideshare collision cases, someone could lose their life as a result of the injuries they sustain. When someone dies in a severe crash in New Jersey, the victim’s family or estate may be able to bring a wrongful death claim to recover related losses. Our New Jersey wrongful death lawyers can explain the process and what you might expect if you lost a loved one in a rideshare crash.
Understanding the potential injuries resulting from rideshare accidents underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after a ridesharing collision.
If you suffered any of these injuries or losses due to a rideshare accident, consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to pursue the compensation you need for your recovery and rehabilitation.
When you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, New Jersey law allows you to seek compensation for various damages and losses. Understanding the types of damages available is essential for building a comprehensive case.
Here are the potential legal damages that our experienced personal injury lawyers might request for you after a rideshare accident in Hackensack:
Medical and Rehabilitation Costs
One of the primary categories of damages includes compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident. This encompasses emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any necessary medical equipment.
Lost Income (Past, Present, and Future)
Victims of rideshare accidents may experience disruptions in their ability to work, resulting in lost income. Compensation can include current lost wages since the crash and potential lost future earnings related to ongoing medical treatment, recovery periods, or disability.
Property Damage
These damages cover the repair or replacement costs for the vehicle(s) involved in the accident, including your car or motorcycle and other personal property that may have been damaged or destroyed in the collision.
Long-term Healthcare Needs
For individuals facing long-term or permanent healthcare needs due to a rideshare accident, compensable damages may include the anticipated costs of ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and necessary accommodations to maintain a reasonable quality of life.
Physical Pain and Emotional Anguish
Compensation may be sought for the physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the accident. This includes both the immediate impact and any long-term emotional distress experienced as a consequence of the incident.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
If the rideshare accident results in permanent disability or disfigurement, victims may be entitled to compensation for the lasting impact on their physical well-being and appearance. This includes any necessary adaptations to daily life and ongoing medical care.
Loss of Spouse or Partner’s Companionship (Consortium)
A rideshare accident can also cause the loss of companionship, care, and support of a spouse or partner. In this case, legal damages are available for the emotional and practical impact on the relationship. This is often referred to as a loss of consortium claim.
Navigating the legal process to secure these damages requires the skills and resources of a seasoned New Jersey rideshare accident lawyer. At The Rothenberg Law Firm, our attorneys can assess your case’s unique circumstances, calculate the full extent of your losses, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a Hackensack rideshare accident, contact the legal professionals at The Rothenberg Law Firm and take the crucial first step toward rebuilding your life and securing the financial resources you need to recover.
What are the Accident Insurance Requirements for Uber and Lyft Drivers in New Jersey?
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies must have specific insurance coverage for their drivers in the event of an accident. Pursuant to New Jersey law, these requirements vary based on the driver’s activity on the rideshare app at the time of the crash.
Depending on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of your accident, you will have access to different insurance coverage to pay your financial losses.
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When the Driver is Not Using the App
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- During periods when a rideshare driver is not actively using the Uber or Lyft app, their personal auto insurance policy coverage typically applies. At this stage, the driver is not considered to be providing commercial transportation services.
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When the App is Open, and the Driver is Waiting for a Match
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- When the rideshare app is open, and the driver is waiting for a ride request, the rideshare companies provide contingent liability coverage. This coverage includes:
- $50,000 bodily injury per person
- $100,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
- When the rideshare app is open, and the driver is waiting for a ride request, the rideshare companies provide contingent liability coverage. This coverage includes:
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When the Driver is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or When the Driver Has a Passenger in the Vehicle
- Once a ride request is accepted, and the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger, or when the driver has a passenger in the car, the maximum coverage is in effect. The insurance coverage limits are:
- $1,500,000 third-party liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damages
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with the same limits
- Once a ride request is accepted, and the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger, or when the driver has a passenger in the car, the maximum coverage is in effect. The insurance coverage limits are:
The rideshare companies may have to provide the entire amount of coverage, especially if the responsible driver does not have enough personal coverage. Drivers typically must maintain their own personal insurance policies that meet the state’s minimum requirements.
In the unfortunate event of a rideshare accident in New Jersey, your potential compensation may depend on the amount of available insurance resources. After a New Jersey rideshare accident, if you have questions about insurance coverage, or need legal assistance, an experienced rideshare accident lawyer at The Rothenberg Law Firm can provide the guidance you need to successfully navigate your claim.
Allen L. Rothenberg, Esq., Hackensack Rideshare Accident Lawyer
After an accident, you need time to focus on receiving the medical care you need to recover. If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, our Hackensack personal injury lawyers experienced in rideshare accident cases can help protect your legal rights. When someone else’s negligence caused your injuries and financial losses, trust the team at The Rothenberg Law Firm to fight for you.
Don’t make any decisions before talking to us. Call us at (800) 624-8888 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Since we accept injury cases on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay anything until we successfully resolve your case. Learn more today.
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP – Hackensack Office
1 University Plaza Dr #505,
Hackensack, NJ 07601
