In recent years, Uber and Lyft have become prevalent throughout Marlton, New Jersey, and the surrounding area. While taxis are still operating, especially at airports and other places of travel, people more commonly use Uber and Lyft.
This increase is partially due to Uber and Lyft being highly accessible on a person’s smartphone. People can order a ride in advance and track their route throughout the commute. While these rideshares may be easy to use, they become more complicated when they are involved in a collision.
Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, or were struck by a rideshare vehicle, a well-practiced injury attorney could help you file a civil claim for damages. A Marlton Uber accident lawyer could help you understand the complexities of these claims and provide helpful guidance throughout the litigation process.
Difference Between a Passenger Vehicle and Uber/Lyft
New Jersey law recognizes Ubers and Lyfts as commercial vehicles. In other words, while someone is transporting a passenger and/or waiting for a passenger to transport while operating under Uber or Lyft, the company provides insurance coverages through the corporate entity. This means their personal insurance policies are not applicable if they wreck while working.
However, this can quickly become complicated. As soon as an Uber or Lyft driver logs out of the app, they are operating under their own insurance coverage again. Therefore, their own insurance must cover any damage they cause in an auto crash. A seasoned attorney from the area could review a car accident case to determine if the claimant can seek compensation through the Uber/Lyft insurance or the driver’s personal insurance.
Who is Responsible for Paying Damages in Collisions with Uber/Lyft Vehicles?
As with any accident, the responsible party for the crash will then be responsible for compensating for pain and suffering, property damage, medical bills, and all other losses related to the collision. This means, an injured claimant can potentially seek recourse through three different insurance policies: the Uber/Lyft company insurance, the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, or a third party’s insurance.
Uber and Lyft policies are generally more significant in value than personal policies as they can provide a substantial amount of coverage. Passengers of these rideshares who are injured in a wreck, or people who are struck by an Uber or Lyft driver can look to those insurances to try and recover. Additionally, if a driver with Uber or Lyft is struck by a negligent driver, they too are entitled to the benefits of the company insurance policies.
In some cases, the injured party can seek compensation from multiple parties involved in the wreck. These cases can quickly get confusing in terms of where the coverages are coming from, what the appropriate coverages are, and the levels of coverages. Due to the complex nature of these claims, plaintiffs in Marlton often need a lawyer who is familiar with Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accidents to represent them.
Contact a Marlton Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney
These cases are extremely complicated and require the experience of a well-practiced local attorney. A Marlton Uber accident lawyer could review your case and advise you on how to proceed.
Call our office today to schedule your initial case consultation for free. We look forward to hearing from you.
