New Jersey Uber Accident Lawyer
Reputable Injury Lawyer Represents Uber Accident Victims in Middlesex County, Mercer County, Union County, Ocean County and Burlington County, NJ
Uber is now a household name in transportation for New Jersey residents. What happens when you are involved in an accident? Using Uber is simple. Knowing who might be responsible financially for an Uber accident, on the other hand, may be difficult.
At the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, I stand up to Uber insurance carriers who will fight to deny, delay or minimize your right to compensation. I know what to look for and the right questions to ask to effectively pursue your claim for fair compensation. When an insurance company knows that you have a respected, experienced accident lawyer by your side, they are much more likely to treat you fairly.
I give every case my full attention and will build a personalized strategy aimed at winning the maximum available compensation for you. To learn more about protecting your legal rights after an Uber accident, schedule a free case review today. You can call my office or fill out my online contact form.
Main Causes of Uber Accidents
Because Uber has become so popular, many drivers spend a significant amount of time driving for Uber. Others use Uber to supplement income from other jobs. The bottom line? Uber drivers tend to spend more time on the roads than others and may be more likely to get into a car accident.
Some of the main causes of Uber accidents are:
- Cell phone use while driving
- Using a GPS system
- Unfamiliarity with the roads in the area
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving and speeding
- General driver distraction
Uber drivers rely on their phones and GPS to locate passengers. Even while driving one passenger, many Uber drivers are often searching for their next ride—and might speed or drive more aggressively to maximize their daily profit.
Key steps to protecting your right to fair compensation after an Uber accident include:
- Call 911 to file a formal accident report and call for medical help
- Get the name and contact information of the Uber driver and other drivers involved in the crash (if you were a passenger
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene
- Take a screenshot of the ride information in the Uber app if you can
- Get the contact information of any accident witnesses
- Call an experienced Uber accident lawyer when you are sufficiently recovered
Unique Insurance Aspects of a NJ Uber Accident Claim
An Uber accident is, in some respects, just like any other car accident claim. That is, the causes and effects of the accident itself are similar. The similarities often end when it comes time to recover financial compensation for the accident victim.
Despite being one of the largest companies out there, Uber does not actually employ its drivers. Instead, Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors. Among other benefits, this classification relieves Uber of liability for driver negligence—a common cause of car accidents. In the early days of Uber, many accident victims found their options for compensation limited because:
- Uber denied responsibility for its drivers’ actions
- Car insurance companies argued that the personal car insurance maintained by Uber drivers did not apply when the driver was driving for commercial (profit-motivated) purposes and
- At-fault Uber drivers usually did not have the financial ability to provide compensation themselves
Fortunately, New Jersey lawmakers recognized the challenges that Uber accident victims faced and changed the state insurance laws that apply to ridesharing companies. These insurance laws provide victims with options for recovering fair compensation—but create challenges of their own.
Basics of the New Jersey Uber Insurance Laws Under NJSA 39:5H-10
New Jersey law now requires Uber to purchase its own commercial insurance policy. Accident victims can access that insurance for compensation if the insurance coverage has kicked in.
Whether Uber’s insurance will apply depends upon the Uber driver’s status at the time of the accident, as follows:
- In-ride status. If the driver was on the way to pick up a passenger or carrying a passenger, a $1.5 million commercial insurance policy is available. The policy covers bodily injury, death, and property damage.
- App is turned off. The at-fault driver’s regular insurance policy applies if the driver did not have the Uber app turned on—in other words, the Uber accident is treated like any other car accident.
Uber drivers can also get hurt when someone else causes an accident. As an injured Uber driver, you may also be entitled to compensation under the $1.5 million Uber policy if the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage.
Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation with an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer Today
At the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC, I know that you are likely going through a difficult time if you or a loved one were hurt in an Uber accident. I have helped clients in similar situations for more than a decade. Getting you the most possible compensation is my top priority.
You can schedule your free, no-obligation case review by calling my office or filling out this online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About NJ Uber Accidents
A limitation on lawsuits provision is common in New Jersey insurance policies. The provision basically says you cannot sue for certain types of compensation if you are hurt in an accident (pain and suffering, for example). Car insurance companies charge lower premiums if you select this option. If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber, the limitation will not apply. In other words, the usual no-fault New Jersey insurance laws do not apply and you can pursue full compensation from the Uber policy.
Even if you do not want to pursue legal action in court, an experienced lawyer can fight to protect your rights. Most personal injury cases settle out of court.
Negotiating with the insurance company can also be very difficult if you have no prior experience. Uber policy limits are much higher than typical insurance policies. That means the insurance company is likely to fight much harder to avoid liability. Calling an experienced Uber accident lawyer actually decreases the likelihood that you will end up in court because I am often able to negotiate a fair settlement before trial becomes necessary.
