New Jersey Lawyers Who Represent Rideshare Drivers
Like any other kind of car accident, it is very possible for an Uber driver to be involved in a collision that was caused by another driver. However, this reality can be complicated by the fact that ridesharing makes it very easy for a contentious blame game to ensue. Injured passengers or other victims may think that an otherwise innocent Uber or Lift driver was legally at-fault for the collision, but the facts and a full investigation at the site of the collision may tell a very different story entirely.
Actually, not only may the rideshare driver not be liable for the accident, but the driver may also sustain injuries and could be entitled to legal compensation if, in fact, another party is liable for the collision and the resulting injuries. Because of this, rideshare drivers who are being blamed for a collision and the injuries it caused should consult with an experienced Uber/Lyft crash attorney in New Jersey who has experience representing Uber drivers who have been wrongfully accused of causing a collision.
These collisions are not uncommon, especially as the market for ridesharing has increased significantly in recent years. Statistics and recent reports show that for-hire vehicle accidents have nearly tripled in the span of a three-year period from 2014 to 2016. If you have been involved in a collision as a rideshare driver, there are some key pieces of information that you should understand if you are considering pursuing a case.
Make Sure All Passengers & Injured Victims, Yourself Included, Receive Proper Medical Attention
Legal liability is an extremely crucial issue that should never be ignored after an accident. With that being said, the medical needs of those injured in the accident should always be your first priority. If you need to, you should contact 911 and make sure that any bodily injuries suffered by passengers, yourself, or other victims are properly treated. This could mean that emergency services are required.
Obtain Evidence & Identifying Information That Can Help Your Case
If you can, take some photos of the scene of the crash, including property damage to the vehicles involved and even the surrounding scene of the crash. Also, try to take down information from witnesses and contact information from the drivers involved like license plate details.
This information can be very useful to you when you are contacting a New Jersey Uber/Lyft crash attorney to discuss your case. These details can be used to create a stronger legal defense and make sure your legal rights are secured.
You Need to Make Some Important Phone Calls
At this stage of the process, you will need to call Uber’s emergency hotline and your insurance provider, but be sure that you do not admit liability for the crash, even if you think that this is the case right after the collision.
A thorough investigation can help reveal that you are innocent, which is entirely possible if a defective part or some other aspect of the case shows that you did nothing wrong. Admitting guilt before an investigation has been completed can be potentially used as evidence against you and can undermine your claim.
You need to know that the insurance company you contact will depend on if you were offline at the time of the crash. If you were not online and available for a ride, then your personal insurance company will handle the crash. However, if you were online, Uber will provide secondary coverage. Uber should be contacted first if you had a passenger in your vehicle at the time of the collision. Once these calls have been made, your next step to contact a lawyer with experience representing drivers like yourself.
Uber & Lyft Car Crashes in New Jersey
The rideshare industry came around and changed the way we all get around. The industry itself is extremely new and continuously changing. The rideshare industry will keep evolving over time, and these companies will present new legal concerns as this occurs.
The majority of people think that ridesharing offers a beneficial service to the public at large. However, there are some notable downsides that go along the industry. While it is true that the industry’s biggest players — namely Uber and Lyft — do whatever possible to keep their services safe, these companies can only do so much. All drivers on the roads of New Jersey are at risk of causing catastrophic accidents, including those who are tasked with transporting passengers from place to place.
That have been recent studies establishing a link between the creation of Uber and an increase in roadway fatalities in the United States. Across the country, traffic fatalities have increased, with some sources claiming a 2 to 3 percent rise. This means an additional 1,100 people are dying annually. Why this is the case isn’t exactly clear at this time. However, more Uber drivers mean that there are more cars on the road and more miles being driven. Also, many drivers for Uber and Lyft aren’t provided the necessary training to make sure that they will not put their passengers in danger. Any potential injuries associated with the rideshare industry are compounded by the fact that these large companies will attempt to avoid liability by claiming their drivers are just contractors and not direct employees.
Those who are injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle should consult with an Uber/Lyft crash lawyer in New Jersey immediately in order to better understand their legal options. The legal team at Brady Reilly & Cardoso, LLC is here to help you make sure that your case is treated fairly and that the liable driver is held accountable for his or her actions. We will fight to make sure that you recover the compensation you deserve so that your life can get back on track. Contact our personal injury law offices today at (201) 997- 0030 if you or a loved one has been unfairly injured in a crash involving a rideshare driver.