Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Edison, NJ

an Uber passenger with whiplash getting out of the car after a car traffic accident

When you call an UBER or LYFT, you have an expectation of an experienced and professional driver showing up in a safe and clean car to drive you safely to your intended destination. That relationship, according to the laws of the State of New Jersey, makes a company such as UBER and LYFT a common carrier.  As a common carrier, they must exercise the highest standard of care towards their passengers.  In other words, they have to be extra careful to avoid being negligent.

If a driver of an UBER or LYFT is involved in a collision we know the following:

  1. You did not cause or contribute to the accident
  2. Either the UBER driver was negligent
  3. Or, another vehicle’s driver was, or both were negligent
  4. UBER and LYFT are insured in New Jersey for up to $1,500,000
  5. UBER and LYFT offer up to $1,500,000 in Underinsurance coverage.
  6. New Jersey’s Limitation on Lawsuit Threshold does not apply.
  7. You do not have to prove permanent injuries.
  8. You are entitled to monetary damages for even emotional injuries.

For the most part, the drivers of UBER and LYFT are polite, professional, and competent.  However, occasionally, they cause accidents.  More often another non-rideshare vehicle crashes with an UBER or LYFT and it is their fault.  The good news is that you automatically are insured for $1,500,000 for any of your accident-related injuries you suffered.

If you’re looking for help after a Lyft or Uber accident in Edison, NJ, you came to the right place because we have experience suing UBER or LYFT and TAXI cabs.  All our cases with UBER and LYFT have settled out of court, avoiding a jury trial, and are subject to confidentiality agreements

The Edison rideshares accident attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. know how to win these kinds of cases. Our team of over 25 qualified legal professionals has helped secure over $1 billion for our clients, and we are ready to put our skills to work for you, too. Contact our offices today for a free consultation to learn more about how our team can help you.

Why Choose Our Firm?

Our personal injury law firm refuses to back down. We’ve developed a reputation for aggressively fighting for our clients’ best interests. If we can’t agree on a settlement, our 12 Certified Civil Trial Attorneys are ready to take your case to trial.  We cover all of the Counties in New Jersey and most of New York as well and will not get paid a legal fee unless we win money for you.

We get results. We’ve helped more than 35,000 families recover from serious injuries and accidents.

We make things easy for you. Is English not your preferred language? We have Spanish speakers in our firm, and we can provide translation for a variety of languages, including Russian, Police, Portuguese, and more. Don’t want to travel? We are happy to consult with you over Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype, in addition to in-person meetings at our various New Jersey offices.

We offer free consultations, and we don’t charge anything until we get results for you.

Don’t take your chances on attorneys who don’t have courtroom experience. Go with the team that has taken them ‘for a ride.”

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Edison, NJ

After being in a rideshare accident, most people feel shocked, confused, and vulnerable. You may have difficulty knowing what to do next when you are in such a state. Taking the following steps can vastly improve your chances of recovery. They can also optimize your ability to receive the money you deserve.

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Care – Your number one priority after a Lyft or Uber accident is to seek the attention of a qualified medical professional. Even if your injury seems minor or you do not believe you are hurt, a thorough medical examination can detect injuries hidden in the adrenaline rush of a traffic crash. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin healing. Furthermore, insurance companies are more likely to accept your claim if you see a doctor soon after an accident. If you wait until your symptoms appear days or weeks later, the insurer may argue that your injuries happened due to an unrelated incident.
  2. Document the Crash – If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene. This documentation can give investigators visual evidence of what happened in the crash. You should also collect the contact information of the rideshare driver, other motorists involved, and any eyewitnesses to the collision.
  3. Be Careful What You Say and DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING – Avoid making statements about the accident to news reporters or on social media. The insurance company will look for any reason they can find to deny or undervalue your claim, and they will try to twist your words into an admission that you do not deserve to receive money. For this reason, it is also best to wait to talk to insurance adjusters until you have someone like us – experienced rideshare lawyers on your side protecting your interests.
  4. Contact an Experienced Lyft and Uber Accident Attorney – At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., our Edison Lyft and Uber accident lawyers can offer you the legal protection you need while advocating for the money you deserve. When so much is at stake, you cannot afford to fight this fight alone, especially when a major corporation is trying to protect its image and its bottom line.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Edison, New Jersey

Rideshare accidents in Edison, NJ, happen for many reasons. In most cases, these collisions are due to the negligence of one or more parties. Common causes of Uber and Lyft crashes include:

  • Driver distractions – Distracted driving is among the most common causes of rideshare accidents. Whether the Uber or Lyft driver was engaging with their app while driving or another motorist was texting behind the wheel, driver distractions can cause accidents that lead to severe injuries.
  • Negligence of Other Drivers—Often drivers of other cars. Trucks, busses or even motorcycles have been known to crash into an UBER or LYFT managed vehicle.
  • Drowsy driving – Lyft and Uber drivers often work long hours. Tired drivers may fall asleep behind the wheel or react too slowly to hazards, endangering the lives of their passengers and other road users.
  • Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a motorist’s judgment, significantly increasing the likelihood of a catastrophic collision.
  • Mechanical failure – Some rideshare accidents happen due to design or manufacturing flaws of vehicle parts. Others occur when a driver has failed to maintain their cars properly.
  • Adverse conditions – Inclement weather and poor road conditions can lead to accidents when drivers fail to take the necessary precautions. 

Common Injuries in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare accidents can lead to many injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic, life-altering trauma. Some of the most common injuries suffered in Lyft and Uber crashes include:

  • Whiplash – The sudden back-and-forth movement of a collision can cause damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and back. It might seem like a minor injury, but whiplash can cause lasting pain and discomfort if left unaddressed.
  • Broken bones – The impact forces involved in car crashes can easily break bones throughout the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and more.
  • Traumatic brain injuries – Head trauma from hitting interior vehicle surfaces or from the brain slamming against the inside of the skull can cause concussions, bleeding, and other moderate to severe brain injuries.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Forces on the spinal column can crush or sever this delicate structure. Spinal cord damage can lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia.
  • Internal organ damage – Being jolted violently in a collision can rupture or lacerate organs like the spleen, kidneys, liver, and bowels.
  • Burns – Friction from scraping pavement or hot liquids splashing in the passenger compartment can cause severe burns.
  • Lacerations – Shattering glass and sharp metal scraps can lacerate skin and tissue throughout the body. Scars may remain even after these wounds heal.
  • PTSD–Many rideshare passengers avoid driving because of inexperience or fear. Being involved in an accident with an UBER or LYFT undoubtedly has a psychological effect and can result in exacerbating and compounding prior fears. 

Uber and Lyft Insurance Policy for Drivers and Passengers

Does Uber and Lyft offer insurance for accidents, and when does insurance kick in?

Uber and Lyft provide different insurance coverage during each phase of a rideshare trip. Key points of their policies include:

  • App on, no passenger – Also called Period 1, this is when a driver has logged into the app but has yet to accept a ride request. Liability coverage from Uber is up to $50,000 in bodily injury insurance per person (up to $100,000 per accident) and up to $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
  • En route to pick up a passenger until the ride ends – Once a driver accepts a request, Period 2 starts. When the driver picks up a passenger, Period 3 begins. Uber and Lyft provide $1.5 million liability and full collision/comprehensive coverage during these periods.
  • After the driver drops off their last passenger and logs out of the app – When the rider is logged out of the app, rideshare companies do not provide insurance. Drivers are required to take out their own insurance policies for this period. 

Money Damages Available for Lyft and Uber Accident Victims

An Uber or Lyft accident can cause severe physical pain, emotional anguish, and financial upheaval. Our Edison car accident attorneys can fight to recover money for losses such as:

  • Medical expenses, including ambulance rides, emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and medications
  • Lost income for missed time at work due to your injuries
  • Reduced earning capacity if you have a disability after the accident
  • Physical and psychological pain and suffering
  • Property damage

While every case is unique, an experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Edison can help you understand how much money you may be eligible to claim.

Statute of Limitations to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in New Jersey

The statute of limitations governing timelines for filing personal injury lawsuits in New Jersey stipulates that an injured person has two years to file a lawsuit for an Uber or Lyft accident. The clock generally starts on the accident date, although some circumstances may change the timeline.  Children have until the age of Twenty to file a lawsuit.  Speak to a knowledgeable Lyft and Uber accident lawyer to ensure you understand and meet all necessary deadlines for your claim.

How Can an Edison Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Help

An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can make a world of difference when filing a claim for your losses. They can:

  • Investigate the accident to determine what occurred
  • Identify all liable parties
  • Work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to build evidence for your case
  • Negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement
  • Take the at-fault party to court if the insurer is unwilling to offer you the money you deserve

Working with an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of maximizing your money damages. Let us focus on the legal heavy lifting while you focus on your recovery.

Contact Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., to Learn More

If you have suffered injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident in Edison, NJ, your choice of attorney may be the most consequential decision you make. The New Jersey rideshare attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., have over 40 years of experience helping individuals and families across the state. Contact our offices today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can fight for the money you deserve.