What Should I Do If I Am a Passenger in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident in New Jersey? 

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If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft that was involved in an accident, you have legal options for recovering compensation for property damage and injuries that you suffered in the crash. Below you can find more information about what you need to do to protect your legal rights after being involved in an Uber or Lyft car accident in New Jersey as a passenger. 

Uber/Lyft Insurance

New Jersey law requires rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber to provide insurance coverage for their drivers when the drivers are active on the platform. Although the amount of coverage varies depending on whether a driver has an active ride request, the law requires Uber and Lyft to provide at least $1.5 million in combined bodily injury/property damage liability coverage for an accident caused by the Uber or Lyft driver. 

In addition, Uber and Lyft must also provide at least $1.5 million of uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage. Therefore, if your Uber or Lyft is hit by another negligent driver who doesn’t have insurance or whose insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate you, you can pursue financial recovery from the rideshare company. 

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Car Accident

You can protect your legal rights and options for financial recovery for injuries and losses by taking the following steps after a New Jersey Lyft or Uber accident:

• Take photos and videos of the accident scene with your cell phone, including damage suffered by the vehicles in the crash, skid marks on the road, traffic signals and controls at the scene, weather/lighting/traffic/road conditions, and visible injuries you sustained
• Report the crash to Uber or Lyft, which you can do through the trip screen on the mobile application
• Go to the hospital or your doctor as soon as possible to get examined for any injuries you suffered in the accident
• Follow your provider’s treatment plan and instructions
• Keep bills, invoices, and receipts of your expenses from the accident, as well as your income statements if you cannot work after the crash
• Start a journal to document the pain you experience from your injuries and medical treatment, as well as the difficulties with daily living or work that you experience

What Financial Recovery Might You Be Entitled to?

In a car accident claim, you may be entitled to seek compensation for expenses and losses you incurred from the crash. This financial recovery can include money for your:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, doctor’s appointments, and pain medication
• Costs of long-term care and support you need for permanent disabilities, such as home health service, housekeeping, and home improvement/maintenance services
• Lost wage/income after missing work due to the injuries you suffered in the Uber/Lyft accident
• Loss of future earning capacity due to permanent disabilities that prevent you from returning to the workforce
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced quality of life or life expectancy due to permanent disability or disfigurement

Contact a Rochelle Park 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 The Epstein Law Firm represent clients injured because of Uber and Lyft accidents in Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne, Hoboken, and throughout New Jersey. Call (201) 380-7687 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07762.

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.