Any auto accident can be overwhelming and complicated, but especially those involving rideshare vehicles like Uber or Lyft. These types of collisions can be more complex than standard car crashes, so understanding your legal rights and options is crucial. If you’re wondering whether you can recover compensation after being involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, continue reading and contact a knowledgeable Bergen County injury lawyer today.
How Can I Recover Compensation After an Accident With a Rideshare Driver in NJ?
In New Jersey, compensation for an auto accident generally comes from either Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and/or liability insurance from the driver or rideshare company. New Jersey is a no-fault accident state, meaning that individuals who were injured in an auto accident must first file a claim with their own PIP coverage for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other injury-related losses. This should be your first course of action.
Although NJ is a no-fault state, additional compensation may be available through a claim or lawsuit if certain legal requirements are met. If your damages exceed your PIP coverage or you suffered severe injuries that meet the state’s serious injury threshold, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the driver or rideshare company. Qualifying injuries include permanent injuries, significant disfigurement, fractures, and a loss of bodily function.
How Does Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Work?
Both Uber and Lyft provide varying levels of insurance coverage based on the driver’s status at the time that they are involved in the accident. When the app is off and the driver is not working, the driver’s own personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company does not protect them when they are offline.
When the driver is online and available for a trip but does not have a passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft maintain third-party liability insurance for accidents in amounts of:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
When the driver is en route or on a trip, they have the highest coverage. Both Uber and Lyft provide comprehensive coverage of at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties, as well as the costs to repair the rideshare driver’s vehicle, a deductible, and more.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
Whether you pursue compensation through PIP, an insurance claim, or a liability lawsuit, it’s important to understand the different damages that may be available to you. This includes both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future medical care
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
For more information and to secure the help of an experienced legal professional, contact Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC today.
