A rideshare accident can leave you facing serious injuries, lost income, medical bills, and confusing insurance issues. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers is ready to protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation. Let us guide you through each step toward financial recovery. Call (973) 364-8300 today for a free consultation with a skilled New Brunswick rideshare accident lawyer.

Why Rideshare Accidents in New Brunswick Are Complex

Uber and Lyft make getting around New Brunswick convenient, whether you’re heading to Rutgers, exploring downtown, commuting via NJ Transit, or seeing a show at the State Theatre. Rideshare services are part of daily life for many residents. Yet, crashes involving these services often become far more complex than typical car accidents, leaving injured victims unsure of where to turn for help.

Unlike traditional vehicle collisions, rideshare crashes involve unique legal and insurance challenges, such as:

• Driver Status – Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees, which can create hurdles when determining who’s financially responsible for damages.
• Insurance Coverage Layers – Insurance coverage for rideshare accidents varies based on whether the rideshare app was on or off, whether the driver had accepted a ride request, or whether passengers were actively in the vehicle.
• Complex Claims Process – Navigating overlapping insurance policies and rideshare company procedures can quickly overwhelm injured victims.

Managing these complex claims often requires the assistance of a skilled car accident attorney dedicated to protecting your rights and securing fair compensation. Middlesex County sees high traffic accident rates yearly. With the rise of ridesharing use, the number of crashes in the area is likely to increase.

Liability in New Brunswick Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare crashes can result from distracted driving, speeding, poor road conditions, or vehicle defects. Unlike regular accidents, they raise complex legal questions about who’s financially responsible for victims’ losses, often making claims far more challenging for injured passengers or drivers.

Under New Jersey’s laws governing injury claims for rideshare accidents, several legal theories of liability might apply, depending on how the crash occurred:

• Negligence – A rideshare driver could be liable for a collision if they were speeding, texting behind the wheel, ignoring traffic signals, driving under the influence, or engaging in other careless behavior.
• Strict Liability – Some claims may involve strict liability rather than fault-based negligence. For instance, if a defective vehicle part causes a collision involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in New Brunswick, the manufacturer of that part could be strictly liable for resulting injuries.
• Vicarious Liability – Although rideshare companies often argue that drivers are independent contractors, New Jersey law can impose liability on companies if they exert significant control over drivers’ activities or fail to screen and supervise them properly.

Navigating these rideshare liability laws in New Jersey requires knowledge and experience in legal matters. Working with a personal injury lawyer in New Brunswick, NJ, from Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers helps protect your rights and clarifies who may owe you compensation. 

Insurance Issues in New Brunswick Rideshare Crashes

Insurance plays a key role in rideshare accident claims, but often confuses those involved. New Jersey’s no-fault system means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical bills and certain costs, no matter who caused the crash. However, if your injuries are severe or expenses exceed PIP limits, you may need to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver or others who could share responsibility for the accident.

Adding another layer of complexity, New Jersey law requires rideshare drivers to carry additional insurance coverage that varies depending on their app status at the time of the crash:

• App Off – The driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies.
• App On, No Ride Accepted – Rideshare companies provide contingent coverage, typically up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
• Ride Accepted or Passenger in Car – Rideshare companies must carry at least $1.5 million in liability coverage.

Filing Uber or Lyft accident claims means dealing with complex policies, deadlines, and insurer conflicts. A skilled attorney can safeguard your rights and help you avoid mistakes that might reduce your financial compensation.

Unique Risks for Rideshare Passengers in New Brunswick

Many people believe riding in the back seat is the safest choice, but rear-seat passengers can still suffer serious injuries during a crash. Front seats can collapse backward in high-speed impacts, and side collisions often expose passengers to vulnerable areas near the doors. Unbelted riders risk being ejected or hitting hard interior surfaces.

If you’ve been injured as a rideshare passenger in New Brunswick, you may have claims against the driver, another motorist, or the rideshare company itself. Speaking with a New Brunswick personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options.

Injuries and Losses from Rideshare Accidents

Even a seemingly minor traffic accident involving a rideshare in New Brunswick can cause significant harm. Victims might suffer injuries such as:

• Neck and back trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries

These injuries often lead to substantial losses, including:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

The financial and emotional toll from a rideshare accident can overwhelm victims and their families. Pursuing compensation can help cover medical costs and provide economic stability during your recovery. 

Pursuing Rideshare Accident Compensation in NJ

People injured in a rideshare accident in New Brunswick can seek compensation through insurance claims or a lawsuit to recover costs related to medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Protecting your rights after a crash is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve.

Key steps to take after a rideshare accident include:

• Documenting the Scene – Take clear photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers and witnesses.
• Seeking Medical Care – Even if you feel okay, it’s best to see a doctor promptly. Some injuries, like concussions or soft-tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away.
• Reporting the Accident – Notify both the rideshare company and your own insurance provider promptly to avoid delays in processing your claim.
• Consulting an Attorney – A knowledgeable New Brunswick rideshare accident lawyer understands how to investigate crashes, handle complex negotiations, and advocate for your best interests.

Missing important legal deadlines could prevent you from recovering compensation. Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers promptly to protect your rights and explore your options after a rideshare accident. 

Common Questions About Rideshare Accidents in New Brunswick

If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare crash, you probably have many questions about what comes next. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns we hear from clients in New Brunswick:

What should I do if I’m injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in New Brunswick? 

After handling the immediate aftermath, keep records of medical care, follow your doctor’s advice, and save receipts for expenses. Avoid posting about the accident online, and keep copies of all communication with insurers or the rideshare company. Tracking symptoms in a journal can also help your claim.

What happens if the rideshare driver was at fault but not cited by New Brunswick police? 

Even if the driver wasn’t ticketed, you may still have a valid claim for damages. A traffic citation is helpful evidence, but it is not required to prove liability. Your attorney can gather other crucial evidence, like witness statements, rideshare app data, and accident reconstructionists’ input, to build your case and pursue compensation. 

Are there specific time limits for filing Uber accident lawsuits in New Brunswick?

Yes. Under New Jersey law, you generally have two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. It’s wise to speak with a lawyer promptly to avoid losing your rights.

If you have more questions about a rideshare accident in New Brunswick, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for personalized guidance. 

Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Rideshare Case

Choosing the right lawyer is essential after an accident involving a rideshare driver in New Brunswick. Rideshare companies deploy significant legal resources to minimize payouts, and insurers often try to settle claims for far less than victims deserve.

Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers brings the following to every rideshare accident claim:

• Decades of experience handling rideshare and auto accident claims
• Aggressive investigation of liability and insurance coverage
• Skilled negotiation with insurers and rideshare companies
• Clear communication every step of the way

Our attorneys are familiar with the Middlesex County court system and the busy local roads where rideshare accidents frequently occur, including Route 18, George Street, Livingston Avenue, and the corridors around Route 27 and the New Brunswick train station. We fight for clients’ rights to fair compensation in Uber or Lyft accident lawsuits in New Brunswick.

Get Legal Help from Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Today

Being injured in a rideshare crash can disrupt every part of your life, leaving you with physical pain, medical bills, and financial uncertainty. A skilled New Brunswick rideshare accident lawyer at Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers understands the complex laws and insurance hurdles involved in these cases and is prepared to protect your rights.

Don’t wait to get help. Contact us now at (973) 364-8300 to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.