New Jersey Uber Accident Attorney
Ridesharing has exploded in popularity in recent years, with Uber firmly at the top of the industry. Uber offers rides to millions of users worldwide through independent contractors that drive their own vehicles. Unfortunately, due to lax company protocols and dangerous drivers, Uber rides do not always end in passengers being safely delivered to their destinations.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident, contact the New Jersey Uber accident attorneys at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC for assistance. Our attorneys have years of experience handling ridesharing accident claims and going up against powerful adversaries. We are certified trial lawyers who work relentlessly in the pursuit of justice and fair financial compensation for injured accident victims.
Why Choose Us
- Since our law firm’s foundation in 1965, we have worked as trusted and reputable attorneys serving clients throughout the state. Our lawyers have been litigating Uber accident lawsuits since ridesharing came to New Jersey in 2013.
- We offer personalized legal representation and always put our clients first. You will receive one-on-one attention, open communication and frequent updates from your attorney throughout your case.
- We handle Uber accident cases in New Jersey on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will only pay attorney’s fees if we succeed in obtaining you financial compensation for your injuries. This is our no-win, no-fee guarantee.
How Can an Uber Accident Attorney Help You?
Rideshare accident lawsuits are unique compared to traditional car accident injury claims in New Jersey. The laws surrounding the ridesharing industry can make it more difficult to obtain fair financial compensation for your injuries and losses. An Uber accident lawyer in New Jersey will understand the complicated related laws in your state, as well as how to properly navigate them for maximum financial compensation.
Your lawyer can return to the scene of your Uber accident, investigate for signs of fault, gather evidence, hire experts to testify and take other steps to support your injury claim. You will have the ability to concentrate on healing from your injuries while an experienced and skilled attorney deals with insurance negotiations for you. Your lawyer will make sure you have everything you need to recover in the confusing aftermath of a rideshare collision.
Coverage for an Uber Accident in New Jersey
Uber classifies all of its drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This is different from the taxi and limousine industry. It enables Uber to avoid liability for most accidents caused by its drivers, as the rule of vicarious liability does not apply. It is much more common to seek financial recovery through Uber’s insurance policy, the driver’s individual coverage or the victim’s insurance company than to bring a lawsuit against Uber directly.
New Jersey is a choice no-fault insurance state. This rule means that if you are in an auto accident and you have chosen the basic “limited right to sue” insurance option for your car insurance coverage, you will file a claim with your own insurance provider, regardless of fault, unless you can prove that you have sustained a permanent injury. This rule does not apply, however, to accidents involving Uber drivers in New Jersey.
New Jersey Statutes Section 39:5H-10(j) states that the standard limitation on lawsuit option cannot be used by a transportation network company or one of its drivers in an action for compensation arising from a prearranged ride. In other words, if an Uber driver caused your accident – while you were a passenger in the Uber or the driver of another vehicle – you will retain the right to file a lawsuit without the need to have “unlimited right to sue” insurance or prove your serious injuries.
How Does Uber’s Insurance Policy Work?
If you can file a claim with Uber’s insurance company, it can be helpful to understand the amount of coverage that will apply based on the phase of the ride. If you were a passenger taking an Uber somewhere at the time of your accident, you will be eligible for the full $1.5 million policy to cover your medical bills and other losses. If an Uber driver struck you while you were driving another vehicle (or biking or walking in New Jersey), the applicable coverage may be lower based on the phase of the ride:
- Phase 1. The Uber driver has signed in and is available for rides but has not yet accepted a passenger. In this phase, Uber provides $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in injury insurance and $25,000 for property damage to others.
- Phase 2. The Uber driver has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up a rider. Uber provides maximum coverage in this phase, which is $1.5 million combined in liability insurance and $1.5 million in uninsured/underinsured driver insurance under New Jersey law.
- Phase 3. The Uber driver has picked up the passenger and is transporting him or her to the final destination. Uber also offers up to its policy limit of $1.5 million in Phase 3.
Determining your rights, coverage options and amount of insurance available can be difficult as an injured Uber accident victim in New Jersey. Your eligibility for coverage will depend on whether you were inside or outside of the Uber vehicle, the phase of the ride, and the cause of the crash. You may need an experienced Uber accident attorney to investigate your Uber accident and explain your coverage options.
Injured in an Uber Accident? Contact Us for Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident in Jersey City, Kearny, Belleville, Nutley, Bloomfield, Montclair or another city or township in New Jersey, the attorneys at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC can help. We understand how Uber accident claims work in New Jersey and are not afraid to go up against rideshare companies in pursuit of maximum financial damages for our clients.
Consult with our lawyers today for advice about your claim. We will listen to your story and let you know how we can help. Call (201) 997-0030 for a free consultation.