East Rutherford Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney
If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle, you might be confused about your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your accident-related losses. These cases are often complicated, but the knowledgeable East Rutherford Uber/Lyft accident attorneys with Brady Reily & Cardoso, LLC can help. Call us today for your free consultation.
What Makes Rideshare Accident Cases Different?
Rideshare services are relatively new, but they transformed the transportation industry after they came onto the scene. While Uber and Lyft ultimately enable transportation for those who request it, they are positioned as tech companies. They do not have the same legal requirements or responsibilities of taxi companies. They hire independent contractors to insulate themselves from liability if their drivers cause a wreck.
As a result, laws have been established around these services. Higher minimum liability insurance amounts must be provided. However, because of the way they are set up, there may be overlapping insurance policies, which can make it confusing when someone wants to make a claim. Additionally, insurance companies and big businesses will fight hard to minimize the compensation they provide to claimants.
Due to these complexities, it is important you have an experienced Uber/Lyft accident attorney in your corner. The lawyers with Brady Reily & Cardoso, LLC stay up to date with the latest developments in this evolving field and have extensive experience representing accident victims.
How Insurance Works with Rideshare Companies
While you might’ve heard of Uber and Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy, this policy may not always be in place. The insurance policy that applies depends on when during the transaction the wreck occurred:
While the Driver Is Offline
If the driver is offline (not connected to the app), they are treated like any other driver. If they are involved in a wreck, their personal liability policy applies.
While the Driver Is Waiting for a Ride Request
If the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, they have limited insurance through Uber or Lyft. This coverage applies when the rideshare driver is at fault for the accident and covers the following for Uber accidents:
- $50,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $100,000 for bodily injury to more than one person
- $25,000 for property damage
Lyft provides similar coverage during this phase of the transaction. Therefore, if you’re hit while leaving a NY Giants game at MetLife Stadium by a rideshare driver who doesn’t have a passenger, you may only be able to make a claim under these policy limits, not the $1 million policy you might have been expecting.
While the Driver Is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Completing a Trip
This is the phase in the journey when the $1 million liability policy applies.
In many situations, rideshare insurance is considered secondary or supplemental. The driver may have to first file a claim with their own insurance provider before the rideshare insurance claim can be submitted.
Contact Our East Rutherford Uber/Lyft Accident Attorneys
If you are injured in an accident involving a rideshare service, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you suffered because of the accident, just like if you were injured in any other type of motor vehicle accident. However, laws around transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft are constantly evolving, and the companies are backed by big insurance companies and lawyers who aggressively try to minimize the value of claims. Level the playing field by hiring your own fierce advocate. Contact Brady Reily & Cardoso, LLC today for your free case review.
Brady Reily & Cardoso, LLC doesn’t just specialize in rideshare accidents. For those impacted by other vehicular mishaps, our team also boasts a highly skilled Lyndhurst Car Accident Lawyer, a dedicated Lyndhurst Truck Accident Lawyer, and a proficient North Arlington NJ Car Accident Attorney. Regardless of the specifics of your accident, we ensure that you receive the specialized legal representation and guidance that your case demands. Connect with us and let our diverse team of attorneys stand by your side.