It is difficult to understand how complicated a rideshare accident can be unless you have been in one. Determining fault, navigating the company’s insurance policy, and negotiating with their extensive legal team—all while worrying about how to make ends meet with mounting medical bills—will result in far more stress than any injured person should have to handle.
You may be asking yourself, Do I need to hire a lawyer for a rideshare accident? The answer is generally yes. Hiring an Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident attorney is likely to result in less stress and a substantially larger settlement.
Rideshare App Statistics
Rideshare apps have grown in global popularity, and lawmakers have had to adjust quickly to ensure that passengers are safe.
- 36% of Americans have now used a ridesharing app, which is more than double the percentage of those who had used them in 2015.
- Uber and Lyft are jointly responsible for about 14% of vehicle miles traveled in the U.S. each year.
- There are over 1.7 million rideshare drivers in the U.S., the majority of which are Uber and Lyft drivers.
With so many rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents are inevitable. Rideshare accidents have become a specific area of personal injury law, and you will be best served by an experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident?
Yes. If you want to avoid needless stress and questionable settlement offers, you should hire an attorney. If you are still unsure whether one is needed or if they can help you, the team at O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, LLC offers a no-obligation free consultation. We can review the details of your claim to determine the strengths of your case and discuss how we can help get you the compensation you need.
Rideshare accidents are not the same as most car collisions. These accidents are similar to commercial vehicle crashes and involve multiple parties, such as the driver, the rideshare company, and any other drivers who were a part of the collision. Though, as a passenger, there should be no debate as to whether you were at fault, you will need to make sure you are bringing your claim against the correct party or parties.
Why Are Claims for Rideshare Accidents Complicated?
Filing an insurance claim is never fun, and, like many people, you are probably always wondering if you are saying and doing the right thing. New Jersey is a no-fault state which means that your insurance will help pay a portion of the accident expenses regardless of who caused the accident. The state requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection insurance (PIP), but sometimes it is not enough to cover the cost of your injuries.
Because of the prevalence of Uber and Lyft users across New Jersey, a law was passed in 2017. Once, rideshare drivers only needed minimal insurance. But under the new law, rideshare drivers must now carry $1.5 million of liability coverage and 1.5 million uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The driver must have applied for a Ride Sharing Endorsement as part of their insurance policy. Even if the driver does not have auto insurance or the Ride Sharing Endorsement policy, the rideshare company has insurance.
It is important to determine who was responsible for the accident. This will help ensure that you are not stuck paying for medical bills and lost wages out of your own pocket. Remember that, though you were in the rideshare vehicle when the accident occurred, the rideshare driver may not be the fault. A Lyft accident attorney can make sure you are not left footing the bill.
How Can a Rideshare Attorney Help?
You deserve to be compensated for your injuries, and that is why you do need to hire a lawyer for a rideshare accident. The team at O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, PLLC, is here to make sure you do not settle for less than what you are entitled to. Here are some of the things that we can do in the relentless pursuit of meaningful recovery:
- Evaluate the facts of your case to determine if you have a claim,
- Conduct an independent investigation into the accident,
- Determine the value of your claim according to your unique circumstances,
- Gather evidence to prove liability,
- Craft a legal strategy that fits your situation,
- Negotiate on your behalf, and
- Pursue litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
We have recovered millions for clients who were injured in vehicle accidents. Though each case is unique, we will work to ensure you get the compensation you need. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.