A ride-sharing service such as Uber is one of the most convenient ways to go from one place to another. However, despite its promising convenience, these Uber cars are not immune from being involved in accidents. Generally speaking, dealing with accidents involving Uber cars can be very complex due to the potentiality of third-party ride-share companies possibly sharing liability with the driver.
If you have been in an accident involving an Uber, it is critical to consult with a New Jersey Uber Accident Lawyer to have your case evaluated and be informed of your legal rights. At the Law Office of Greg Prosmushkin, we strive to seek accountability and compensation for your loss and suffering.
How Can A New Jersey Uber Accident Lawyer Help You?
Involvement in an accident can result in both physical and financial damages. Calculating damages can be a difficult legal process. As such, it is advisable to let a legal professional do the work, so that you can focus on your recovery. The Jersey City Uber Accident Lawyers of our firm helps you in the following:
- Case assessment. Having handled significant numbers of personal injury cases, including Uber accidents, our firm is capable of making an assessment of your claim. They can also estimate your claim.
- Evidence gathering. Our lawyers also assist in gathering relevant evidence for insurance requirements as evidence is the foundation of your claim, without which, your claim may be significantly weakened. This includes police reports, medical reports, photographs, and affidavits of witnesses.
- Legal Representation. Claims are always subject to negotiations, and attempts by insurance adjusters to reduce your claim. Our competent lawyers can represent you during negotiations with the insurance company provider and even before the court should the need to file suit arise.
Common Uber Accident Injuries in New Jersey
In an Uber accident, not only the driver, but also passengers and pedestrians can be injured. Injuries arising from an Uber accident can also vary in gravity. This includes:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Collisions of vehicles who are at speed can increase the likelihood of traumatic brain injuries due to force.
- Whiplash: Due to sudden collisions, neck strains are incurred, and soft tissues are impaired.
- Broken Bones: This includes fractures to the legs and arms.
- Contusions And Bruises: While minor in nature and not life-altering, these still cause unnecessary suffering.
Causes of Uber Accidents in New Jersey
Just like any other car on the road, Uber cars are operated by people, and, as such, may make mistakes while driving that lead to car accidents. Some common causes of Uber accidents in New Jersey are as follows:
- Failure to follow traffic rules. Traffic rules are intended to regulate both foot and vehicle traffic. Therefore, a small deviation is in itself a hazard.
- Distracted driving. Doing other activities while driving reduces the attention to the road, which, in turn results in an increased risk of car accidents.
- Intoxication. Consumption of intoxicating substances reduces alertness and diminishes cognition. When this happens, the attention and awareness of the driver of the road is impaired.
- Poor vehicle maintenance. Since Uber vehicles are frequently used, these are consequently more likely to incur wear and tear, which should be subject to proper inspection and maintenance.
Who is Responsible When Someone is Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
The law requires rideshare drivers to obtain Personal Injury Protection Insurance and medical payment coverage. Rideshare companies are also required to have a Commercial Insurance Coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This also applies where their rideshare drivers are uninsured or underinsured.
New Jersey is a “choice no-fault” state. This means that whether you make a claim with your own insurance or with the third-party insurance carrier of the negligent party, will depend on your election of a limited tort of full tort car insurance policy. If you elect a limit tort policy, a New Jersey personal injury lawyer may file a claim with your own insurance company to recover economic damages. You may only recover noneconomic damages with a limited tort policy subject to certain exceptions, such as where the injury of the party is deemed legally serious.
If you have a full tort policy, you may file a claim against the third-party’s insurance company for economic and non-economic damages, regardless of the severity of the injuries.
Moreover, in certain situations you may be able to file a claim with the insurance policy of the ridesharing company, such as where the ridesharing company continues to allow a driver to drive despite numerous complaints and bad reviews.
Due to the intricacy of dealing with rideshare accidents attributable to the existence of additional parties and different insurance types and coverages, it is highly suggested to consult with a New Jersey Uber Accident Attorney, who will assist you in processing your compensation.
What should I do immediately after an Uber accident in New Jersey?
Knowledge of what to do when you get involved in an accident is vital as this may contribute to the success of your subsequent claim. Therefore, when you get involved, you must:
- Ensure your safety. On top of anything, prioritize your safety. Check yourself for any injury.
- Call 911. Call the emergency number who will provide both medical and police personnel. Have the medical intervention you need. Additionally, when asked about the incident, keep your answers short, and avoid any admission of fault in any form.
- Document the incident. If you are capable and your safety won’t be compromised, take photographs of the incident, and exchange necessary details with the other involved parties. If willing witnesses are available, obtain their statement as well as their needed information.
- Have a lawyer notify your insurance company provider. Generally, insurance company providers require notice of the accident within thirty days from its occurrence.
- Consult an Attorney. Due to the complexity of processing claims in an Uber accident, in addition to the difficulty of proving your claims and insurance adjusters, it is vital to be guided by legal professionals in the field.
How long do I have to file a claim for an Uber accident in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. Therefore, when you get involved in an Uber accident, you generally have two years from the date of occurrence to file a claim. Failure to comply with the statute of limitations may preclude you from bringing a personal injury claim. Hence, to ensure the timely filing of your claim, you should consult the assistance of a New Jersey Uber accident attorney as soon as practicable.
What compensation can I receive for an Uber accident injury?
When you get involved in an Uber Accident and you suffer an injury as a result, you may be compensated through award of damages which may either be economic and non-economic. Economic damages are awarded to compensate for losses which are capable of pecuniary estimation, such as medical expenses, loss of earnings, and the like. Non-economic damages on the other hand, are awarded to compensate for intangible losses including loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment in life, pain, and mental anguish.
Contact A New Jersey Uber Accident Attorney Today!
Choosing the right New Jersey Uber Accident Lawyer could make a difference in your case. With years of experience in helping victims of Uber accidents in New Jersey, our lawyers have a deep passion for providing legal support with competence. At the Law Office of Greg Prosmushkin, we always aim to provide the legal assistance you deserve. Talk to our attorneys today at 609-656-0909.