It’s no secret that ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have become the go-to form of transportation for many people in New Jersey. Instead of calling a cab or hopping on a bus, all you need to do is whip out your cell phone and request a ride via an app. Once the ride is over, there’s no need to worry about cab fare; your ride is charged to your account. No wonder ridesharing programs have taken off!
However, taking a ride in a ridesharing vehicle comes with a risk. What happens if you get into an accident while you’re a passenger? Who will be paying your bills? Are your injuries covered by the ridesharing company? And what if you’re the driver — can you claim workers’ compensation if injured in an accident? These are important questions you should ask before taking an Uber or Lyft car. What you need is legal advice.
For more than 35 years, New Jersey Uber accident lawyer Anthony Carbone has been helping car accident victims throughout New Jersey with their claims. He understands the problems facing anyone injured in a ridesharing vehicle and is ready to assist you with your case. With his aggressive and relentless legal representation, you know that you will get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
How Likely Will You Get into an Accident in a Ridesharing Vehicle?
Ridesharing companies have said that their programs help decrease drunk driving in New Jersey but that simply is not the case. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that despite the ridesharing industry claims, there has been “no association with the number of subsequent traffic fatalities.” With traffic fatalities continuing to rise each year, it’s possible an accident can occur.
Unlike a taxi cab or a car service, drivers do not need any special licenses in order to drive for a ridesharing company — just insurance, a vehicle, and a regular driver’s license. This means the possibility of you getting into an accident in an Uber or Lyft vehicle is just great as you get into an accident in your own vehicle.
Insurance Issues After Ridesharing Accidents
When you take a taxi or a bus, there is a specific insurance that these vehicles and their drivers have that protect you in an auto accident. However, a ridesharing driver doesn’t need to have a separate insurance policy. This means you may not be covered by the driver’s insurance if you get into an accident. Instead, your insurance will be used to pay for your injuries, just like it would if you were the driver in a car accident. But insurance companies can be stingy and you may not get the full compensation that you deserve. This is when an experienced attorney can help you with your case.
Although both Uber and Lyft do provide some insurance coverage to passengers, what about the driver? In New Jersey, ridesharing drivers may have issues with their own insurance company when submitting a claim. Some insurance policies have a loophole where if you are using your personal vehicle for commercial purposes, your insurance carrier can deny your claim. And the policies that Uber and Lyft provide do not extend to drivers injured.
Since ridesharing drivers are considered independent contractors instead of employees for these companies, there is also a problem if you try to apply for workers’ compensation. That’s why it’s essential to look over your policy before driving for a ridesharing program. Learn more about the hidden dangers of driving for a ridesharing company here.
Our New Jersey Uber Accident Lawyer is Ready to Help
New Jersey personal injury lawyer Anthony Carbone has helped all types of car accident victims recover compensation for
- medical bills,
- rehabilitation expenses,
- lost wages, and
- vehicle damage.
He understands the needs an injury victim faces. And if something should happen to you in the accident, he can help families pursue wrongful death claims against at-fault drivers to recover money for their losses.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident while riding in a ridesharing vehicle, our experienced New Jersey Uber accident lawyer is ready to fight for your rights. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone now for a free consultation.