Hazlet Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

With the growing popularity of Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services, crashes involving these vehicles have also increased. A recent survey of 277 rideshare drivers revealed that nearly one-third had been in an accident while working. If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft crash, it’s essential to understand your rights, responsibilities, and the insurance structure that applies.

How Do Rideshare Accidents Happen?

There are several ways someone can be involved in an accident with a rideshare driver:

  • You are driving another vehicle that is hit by a rideshare driver.
  • You are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that causes a crash.
  • You are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle struck by another driver.

Each situation can impact who is liable for the crash and which insurance coverage applies.

Rideshare vs. Taxi Drivers: What’s the Difference?

Rideshare drivers differ from taxi drivers in key ways. Taxi drivers are typically employees of a company, undergo regular drug screenings, and drive vehicles maintained by their employer. They are covered by the company’s commercial insurance.

Uber and Lyft drivers, by contrast, are independent contractors. While their vehicles may be inspected during onboarding, ongoing maintenance is their own responsibility. These drivers are not regularly drug tested unless a complaint is filed. They are also expected to carry personal auto insurance and may need additional commercial coverage depending on their driving status.

What Insurance Coverage Do Uber and Lyft Provide?

Rideshare companies provide different levels of insurance depending on whether the driver is using the app and if a ride is in progress. The coverage breaks down into three phases:

  1. The driver is offline
    • Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
  2. The driver is online and waiting for a ride request
    • Limited liability coverage applies:
      • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
      • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
      • $25,000 for property damage
  3. The driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger
    • Full commercial coverage applies:
      • $1.5 million in liability coverage
      • $1.5 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
      • $10,000 in medical coverage per person

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare drivers often face unique distractions and pressures that can contribute to accidents, including:

  • Looking at GPS or navigating unfamiliar areas.
  • Rushing to maximize fares.
  • Engaging with passengers while driving.
  • Making unsafe stops for pickups or drop-offs.
  • Fatigue from long driving shifts.
  • Driving in poor weather or low-visibility conditions.
  • Operating a poorly maintained vehicle.
  • Driving under the influence.

What Types of Compensation Can Victims Seek?

If you’re injured in a rideshare crash, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Long-term medical care
  • Loss of earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Hazlet

If you’re in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, take these steps:

  • Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed.
  • Exchange information with all drivers, including names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
  • Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, injuries, and surroundings.
  • Identify witnesses and get their contact information.
  • Look for video cameras nearby that may have captured the crash.
  • Report the crash to the police, your insurance company, and the rideshare company.
  • Seek medical care, even if your injuries seem minor.

Why Hire a Hazlet Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles often involve more than one insurance company, multiple parties, and confusion over liability. An experienced lawyer can:

  • Determine whether Uber, Lyft, or the driver’s personal insurer is responsible.
  • Collect evidence such as app data, GPS records, and driver history.
  • Negotiate with insurers to protect your rights.
  • File a lawsuit if you’re being unfairly denied compensation.

Working with a knowledgeable lawyer ensures you’re not left navigating this complex process alone.

Let the Hazlet Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova, LLC Be an Ally

Being involved in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver adds an extra layer of complexity to an accident, but it is not impossible to recover money that you may be entitled to. Seek guidance from the Hazlet Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova, LLC. Call us today at 732-705-3363 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With office locations in Hazlet and Highland Park, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Ocean County, Sussex County, Neptune, Middlesex County, and Pennsylvania.