Linden, NJ Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Uber and Lyft provide crucial services to those who rely on their rideshare drivers to transport them around town. However, when accidents occur involving Uber and Lyft drivers, the path to compensation can be difficult to determine.
Both Uber and Lyft carry insurance policies to cover injuries caused by accidents involving their drivers. Injured rideshare passengers will typically seek monetary damages by filing a claim with Uber or Lyft’s insurer. However, third-party drivers injured because of such accidents may have to seek compensation through their own insurance companies. An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help explain the legal options available to you.
If you were injured because of an Uber or Lyft accident in Linden, NJ, get help recovering the financial compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced Linden Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Who to Sue for Uber and Lyft Accidents in Linden, NJ
The route to compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident may not be clear. Our Linden Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help assess the validity of your case against any of the following parties:
Uber and Lyft
In most cases, Uber and Lyft cannot be sued for accidents involving their drivers. Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, opposed to standard employees. Accordingly, Uber and Lyft usually cannot be held liable for their drivers’ actions. However, both companies carry insurance policies to cover damages caused by rideshare accidents. Our team can help injured parties pursue claims under Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies.
Rideshare Drivers
Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may bring lawsuits against rideshare drivers individually for accidents they cause. However, many drivers lack the resources to pay for the damages they cause. Most victims will primarily seek compensation through rideshare companies’ insurers.
Third-Party Drivers
Some rideshare passengers will be injured because of collisions caused by third-party drivers. For example, passengers may be seriously injured because their Uber or Lyft driver was struck by another motorist who committed an illegal lane change. In such cases, our Linden Uber and Lyft accident lawyers may help recover compensation from at-fault drivers.
Statute of Limitations for Uber and Lyft Accident Lawsuits in Linden, NJ
States’ statutes of limitations establish time limits for filing specific types of lawsuits. Generally, Under N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2, you will generally have two years from the date of your rideshare accident to file an Uber or Lyft accident lawsuit in Linden. Still, you should not wait to file your claim. There are numerous other requirements that must be satisfied when filing your case. For example, plaintiffs must put together a complete claim, file in the correct court, attach required supporting documents, pay any necessary court fees, and serve all named defendants. Those who do not comply with the aforementioned requirements may have to re-file their claims. By filing early, plaintiffs give themselves time to re-file their cases if necessary. Our Linden Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can provide guidance and support when filing your lawsuit.
There are exceptions to the statute of limitations. For instance, a parent may file a lawsuit on behalf of their injured child at any point until the child turns 18. Also, N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-21, establishes that an 18 year old will have two years upon reaching adulthood to file a lawsuit based on an Uber of Lyft accident that occurred while they were a minor.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Linden, NJ
There are many types of negligent conduct that lead to Uber and Lyft accidents. The proper course of action after your accident may depend on the cause of your crash. The following are common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Linden, NJ:
Speeding
Many Uber and Lyft accidents are caused by speeding motorists. Drivers travelling at high speeds will have difficulty reacting to traffic signals, other vehicles, and pedestrians in the roadway. Further, collisions that occur at high speeds have a higher propensity to cause severe harm.
Some rideshare drivers travel at excessive speeds because they are in a hurry to get to the next passenger or to complete the final ride of the day. Our Linden Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help injured parties recover compensation after rideshare accidents caused by speeding drivers.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is another common cause of Uber and Lyft accidents in Linden. Impaired driving is an inherently dangerous activity. Drunk drivers will have blurry vision, impaired motor skills, and poor decision-making abilities. Many rideshare crashes caused by drunk drivers occur at night, when unsuspecting Uber and Lyft passengers are struck by drunk third-party drivers. Victims of rideshare accidents caused by drunk drivers may be entitled to monetary damages.
Improper Lane Changes
Additionally, many Uber and Lyft accidents occur because a driver committed an improper lane change. An improper lane change may happen because a driver failed to use their turn signal or because they attempted a lane change in an illegal zone. Such accidents often occur on highways and on four-lane roads. Our Linden Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help hold drivers accountable for crashes they cause by committing improper lane changes.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another common cause of Uber and Lyft accidents in Linden. The following are examples of activities that frequently distract motorists:
- Texting
- Interacting with a rideshare app
- Utilizing a GPS
- Scrolling through social media
- Talking with passengers
- Eating or drinking
There are three forms of distraction that can occur. Drivers can be visually, manually, or cognitively distracted. Certain activities such as texting can involve all three forms of distraction. After collisions involving distracted drivers, our experienced Linden Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help victims build their cases.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Lastly, many Uber and Lyft accidents occur because motorists fail to obey traffic signals. When drivers run red lights or fail to yield the right-of-way before turning left, catastrophic collisions can occur. Fortunately, victims of such accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries.
If You Were Injured Because of an Uber or Lyft Accident in Linden, NJ, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured because of an Uber or Lyft accident, seek assistance from our experienced Linden Uber and Lyft accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.