rideshare accident while in another state

Now that ridesharing services are available throughout the country, rideshare accidents while traveling in another state are not uncommon. If you have been seriously injured in a ridesharing accident while visiting New Jersey, you may be uncertain about how you can obtain compensation, particularly because determining liability in rideshare accidents can be a complicated process. 

The accomplished rideshare attorneys at Nagel Rice LLP are well-prepared to provide you with first-rate legal representation and fight forcefully for the compensation you deserve.  Our lawyers are experienced and highly skilled. More than that, we have an impressive record of successful outcomes. Contact us in Roseland or Manhattan for a free, initial consultation.

How Insurance Works in New Jersey Rideshare Accidents

New Jersey is a no-fault state in which drivers are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to cover medical costs, lost income, and death benefits no matter who is to blame for the accident. PIP, however, does not provide coverage for the pain and suffering and other intangibles that accompany a severe injury. This is why you will have to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to get full compensation for a serious injury.

In 2017, concerned that rideshare drivers would purchase only the state’s minimum coverage — $15,000 per person — New Jersey State legislators passed a law requiring rideshare companies to carry liability coverage of $1.5 million per occurrence, whether from the driver’s policy, the company’s policy or both. This means that as a visiting rideshare passenger, you may be able to file a claim against the rideshare company (e.g. Uber or Lyft), a party with considerably deeper pockets than the typical New Jersey driver. 

Much depends on the specific circumstances of your accident. For instance, the rideshare driver must have been “on the app,” actively engaged in looking for a customer or en route to pick up or drop off a customer, in order for the rideshare company to be held liable. 

Also, if the rideshare driver was not responsible for the collision, you would have to file a claim against the at-fault driver of the other vehicle. Similarly, if the cause of the accident was a faulty traffic signal, a dangerous pothole, or a mechanical defect in the car, you would have to target the responsible government agency or manufacturer. 

Why You Need Our Experienced NJ State Attorneys 

Insurance companies are for-profit enterprises and therefore always try to offer the lowest settlement possible. Obtaining fair compensation can be especially complicated for out-of-state accident victims, especially when they are battling large rideshare corporations. This makes having the services of our talented New Jersey rideshare attorneys invaluable. While you recover from your physical, emotional and often financial trauma, we will work tirelessly to:

  • Handle all negotiations with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters
  • Investigate the site of your accident and check any surveillance videos
  • Look for any evidence of previous negligence on the part of the defendant
  • Examine police records and medical reports
  • Interview witnesses 
  • Determine liability
  • Consult with experts who may bolster your case

Once we have a comprehensive understanding of all the details of your accident, we will prepare a customized litigation strategy. In many cases, our strategy may be powerful enough to win appropriate compensation through negotiations alone. If not, we are always ready for a vigorous courtroom battle.

Comparative Negligence and What It Means for You

Comparative negligence laws are designed to deal with situations in which both drivers bear some responsibility for the accident, which is frequently the case. If both your rideshare driver and the driver of the other vehicle are partially responsible for your injury, we will have to sue multiple parties to obtain full compensation.

Although this process sounds complicated, for our experienced rideshare attorneys it is routine. We know precisely how to proceed in order to obtain maximum damages for you and your family. 

Damages You May Be Entitled to After Your New Jersey State Rideshare Accident

Though we may be working with you remotely through texts or phone calls while you recover from your home state, you will feel connected to our rideshare accident attorneys who are as compassionate as they are capable. We will work diligently to provide you with the funds you and your loved ones need moving forward, including both economic and non-economic compensatory damages.

Economic damages cover medical expenses, lost income (present and future), long-term nursing care, replacement services, and all out-of-pocket costs related to your injury.

Non-economic damages cover intangibles, such as pain and suffering, permanent disability and/or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In some cases, if the behavior of the responsible party was egregious, e.g. driving while impaired, Nagel Rice may also be able to obtain punitive damages. 

Contact Our Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today

It’s bad enough to be injured in a car accident, but to be away from your home when it occurs is especially disorienting. Whatever type of injury you have suffered, we will help you get through this ordeal. If you are required to travel back to New Jersey for a deposition and/or a medical exam by physicians of the opposing side, we will make all the necessary arrangements. Although you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim, the wheels of justice turn slowly; the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get started working to secure your future.