Serious issues of safety and accountability have come up with ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber. Despite their popularity, their ease of use, and often a lower cost than a taxi for the same ride, passengers should understand the risks of using a rideshare like Lyft.
If you have sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident in New Jersey where you were a Lyft passenger, or were hit by a vehicle driven by a Lyft driver, you are qualified to claim damages under state law. The best way to find out if you are entitled to compensation is to consult a New Jersey Lyft accident lawyer who focuses in this area of the law. Our dedicated legal team at The Grossman Law Firm is well-versed and experienced in accidents involving Lyft and other rideshare services.
Call our office at (732) 625-9494 to schedule a free consultation.
The problem with Lyft
The number of Lyft riders is growing. Getting a ride after a party or for running errands is convenient and more affordable than hailing a cab. The problem with Lyft is what happens in case of a car accident.
The legal problems involved in a Lyft accident case are complicated and demanding. If you get hurt in an accident while riding a Lyft vehicle, you are likely to face a multi-million dollar rideshare company that is unwilling to accept liability for your injuries, or may not be fair in their personal injury compensation offer.
Limousine and taxicab companies charge more because of the many rules and regulations they must comply with. They must conduct a thorough background check and drug screening on their drivers before hiring. The taxi and limo service company own all of their vehicles. They regularly inspect and maintain these vehicles to avoid mechanical and other potential problems. Passengers are covered in the cab company’s insurance policy in case of an accident. Lyft and other rideshare companies don’t offer all of these safeguards.
When you are a Lyft passenger, you are inside a vehicle that’s owned, maintained, and insured by its driver. Upon hiring, Lyft may inspect a driver’s vehicle, but inspections after that might not happen. In the case of a mechanical problem causing an accident, it could be unclear whether Lyft or the driver is to blame.
Insurance companies will try to understate the extent of your injuries or assert that nobody is responsible. At least three insurance agencies are usually involved in Lyft accidents:
- Lyft’s insurance;
- The Lyft driver’s own insurance; and
- The insurance of other drivers involved.
The insurance and liability issues involved in Lyft accidents make it difficult to claim damages unless you have a competent attorney on your side.
Do I need a Lyft accident lawyer?
Accidents that involve rideshare companies are not easy to resolve. An accident victim can easily be overcome by the challenging paperwork required by Lyft’s complicated insurance policies. Insurance companies willfully delay or deny paying damages at a time when accident victims need them most. You may receive a deliberately low settlement that comes nowhere close to covering your medical costs, lost income, and other damages.
In a great number of cases, a lax or careless driver is at fault for Lyft vehicle accidents. Many of these are caused by a range of factors that include:
- Driving while intoxicated;
- Fatigue or drowsiness;
- Distracted driving;
- Speeding;
- Ignoring traffic signs;
- Not yielding the right of way;
- Tailgating;
- Road rage;
- Use of cellphone; or
- Incompetence or lack of driving experience.
If you have been injured in a Lyft accident caused by one of the above factors, an experienced attorney can help you pinpoint the party at fault and hold them accountable.
Lyft Insurance in New Jersey
In 2017, New Jersey put in place a law that requires specific insurance coverages from rideshare companies. This law is § 20-280.4 (Financial responsibility) within Article 10A (Transportation Network Companies) of the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act.
Rideshare company insurance should provide these minimums:
- If the car accident occurred while Lyft driver has a passenger:
- $1.5 million coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and/or death of third party (e.g. a passenger)
- $10,000 medical coverage for the rideshare driver
- $1.5 million uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- If a car accident happened while a rideshare driver is logged in to network but does not yet carry a passenger:
- $50,000 primary liability insurance per person or $100,000 per incident, plus $25,000 for property damage
- Primary personal injury protection normally required by NJ statutes
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage normally required by NJ statutes.
Lyft accidents are just as serious as other motor vehicle accidents. You have every right to claim compensation for:
- Your current and future medical expenses;
- Lost income and potential loss of future earnings;
- Rehabilitative treatment;
- Pain and suffering endured;
- Loss of consortium; and
- Funeral costs if the crash resulted in death.
If you or someone close has been injured in a New Jersey Lyft accident, an attorney can help you claim for compensation. Don’t be intimidated by the corporate size of the defendant. The Grossman Law Firm will help you stand up against the Lyft and make certain that you get the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
Contact a New Jersey Lyft accident lawyer today
Concerning accountability, the most important question would probably be, “When is Lyft or any rideshare company liable for an accident?” A competent New Jersey Lyft accident lawyer can help provide answer to that question.
Here at The Grossman Law Firm, we are committed to providing you personalized service as we put our tried and tested legal skills to work so you recover a maximum and just compensation package for your injuries. Contact our office today or fill out our online form to discuss your case with a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer.
Our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers at The Grossman Law Firm can help you recover the fair and reasonable compensation you deserve. You get first-class legal representation without taking money out of pocket unless we recover money through a jury award or a settlement. Call our office at (732) 625-9494 for a free consultation.
