Years ago, the idea of getting a ride from a complete stranger sounded crazy. Today, thanks to major ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, this is commonplace. People across New Jersey rely heavily on these companies to get them safely from place to place whenever they need to. An on-demand ridesharing service can be of great convenience for people, but this also comes with a great deal of risk. Accidents happen all the time in Ubers and Lyfts, just as they do with any other vehicle on the roads of New Jersey. If you have been seriously injured in a Monmouth County ridesharing accident, it is important that you retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through your legal options and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. The Wilton Law Firm has the skill and experience necessary to handle your case. For a free initial consultation with a legal team you can trust, contact The Wilton Law Firm today.
Types of Accidents Involving Ridesharing Services
There are many different types of ridesharing accidents that an individual can be involved in. Some of the various types of ridesharing accidents that you can be involved in include the following:
An accident where you are a passenger in an Uber/Lyft that gets into a collision with another vehicle
An accident where you are in a personal vehicle that is hit by an Uber or Lyft
An accident where you are a pedestrian that has been hit by an Uber or Lyft
Understanding Ridesharing Liability
It can be challenging to determine how to proceed with an injury case when an Uber or Lyft is involved because you are required to determine liability. Uber and Lyft drivers are generally considered independent contractors instead of traditional employees, so this may complicate matters. The liability coverage system for ridesharing companies is as follows:
- Period 0: This is when the driver is not logged into the rideshare app. If an accident occurs at this time, Uber/Lyft will not provide liability coverage.
- Period 1: This is when the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride. If he or she causes an accident, Uber/Lyft will provide liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident, $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability.
- Period 2: When a driver has accepted a trip and is en route to the rider and causes an accident, the liability coverage will increase to $1 million.
- Period 3: This is when an accident occurs when the rider is in the Uber/Lyft vehicle at the time of the accident. In this scenario, Uber/Lyft provides coverage of up to $1 million, as well as limited coverage for damage to the driver’s car and uninsured motorists’ coverage.
Contact a Monmouth County Ridesharing Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident that involves a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft, it is important that you take your legal options into consideration. The attorneys at The Wilton Law Firm have decades of experience proudly representing clients across Monmouth County when they have suffered physical, emotional, and financial burdens associated with their accident. For quality legal representation when it matters most, contact The Wilton Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.
