If you’ve suffered injuries in a rideshare vehicle accident, a Newark rideshare accident lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation and protect your legal rights under New Jersey law. Newark’s streets see significant rideshare traffic, and crashes often leave victims dealing with physical pain, lost income, and financial strain. Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers at (973) 364-8300 to learn how we can help you through your next steps.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are Common in Newark

Newark serves as a transportation hub for commuters from Northern New Jersey and New York City, resulting in significant rideshare traffic. Roads such as McCarter Highway, Route 21, and Broad Street experience heavy traffic from Uber and Lyft, particularly near Penn Station, Newark Liberty International Airport, and the Ironbound District.

Rideshare drivers face challenges such as:

• Navigating unfamiliar streets
• Maneuvering through heavy construction zones
• Handling frequent one-way streets
• Facing rush-hour congestion and aggressive drivers

An Uber or Lyft collision in Newark can happen in an instant due to:

• Distracted driving while checking rideshare apps
• Speeding to complete more trips
• Fatigued driving during long shifts
• Failing to yield at busy intersections
• Aggressive lane changes in dense traffic

Rideshare drivers may drive cautiously, but Newark’s unique traffic patterns and busy streets contribute to accidents.

Injuries to Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Rideshare Passengers in Newark

Pedestrians and cyclists hit by rideshare vehicles may be able to recover compensation from the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial coverage, or other drivers involved. For instance, if a rideshare driver suddenly opens a car door and injures a cyclist, New Jersey laws could hold the driver strictly liable.

Passengers injured during rideshare trips also have strong legal rights. Whether they’re in the front seat or back seat or using shared rides like UberPool, passengers are rarely at fault for crashes. They can often pursue compensation from the rideshare driver, another driver who caused the accident, or the rideshare company’s insurance policy.

Anyone hurt in a Newark rideshare accident – whether walking, biking, or riding as a passenger – should act quickly to protect their rights and preserve evidence. Speaking with a lawyer can help clarify their options and identify the insurance coverage that might apply. 

Types of Losses and Insurance Coverage After a Newark Rideshare Accident

Victims of rideshare collisions in Newark often face overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Losses can include emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Many also experience lost wages while recovering, reduced earning capacity if injuries limit work, mental health treatment for anxiety, PTSD, or depression, pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and out-of-pocket costs for home modifications or medical equipment.

Recovering compensation for these losses can be complicated because rideshare accidents involve unique insurance rules. New Jersey requires rideshare drivers and companies like Uber and Lyft to carry different insurance coverages depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

• If the Rideshare App Is Off – Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies
• If the App Is on but There’s No Passenger – Drivers must carry at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage
• If the Driver Has a Passenger in the Vehicle – Up to $1.5 million in combined coverage is available for bodily injury, death, and property loss

This coverage can apply even if you’re outside the vehicle, such as a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a rideshare driver. However, handling insurance claims for rideshare accidents can be a confusing process. Companies often dispute liability or deny coverage, making legal guidance essential. Many victims underestimate future medical costs and income losses, so speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Newark, NJ, can help you understand your rights and pursue the full value of your claim.

Theories of Liability and Who Can Be Liable in Newark Rideshare Accidents

New Jersey personal injury law recognizes several legal theories that can be used to pursue compensation after a rideshare collision, and understanding who might be liable is crucial for building a strong case.

The most common theory is negligence. Drivers must operate vehicles safely, and actions such as running red lights, texting while driving, speeding in busy areas, or failing to exercise due care can make them responsible for damages.

However, strict liability may also apply in some rideshare accidents. Victims don’t have to prove that the rideshare driver acted carelessly if defective auto parts, faulty brakes, or tire failures caused the crash. Instead, manufacturers, suppliers, or repair shops may automatically be liable for injuries resulting from defective products. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether strict liability is relevant to your case.

Determining fault often requires investigating multiple potential parties, such as:

• The rideshare driver, if negligent driving played a role
• Another motorist, if they contributed to the crash
• The rideshare company, if negligent hiring practices or failing to remove unsafe drivers contributed to the crash
• A vehicle manufacturer, if a defect caused the accident
• Government entities, if hazardous road conditions contributed

For example, a rideshare crash in Newark might happen when a speeding driver hits a car that ran a red light, causing a pileup. Or a rideshare driver could lose control because of bad brakes. Figuring out who’s at fault can help victims access more insurance and recover more money.

How Evidence Shapes Rideshare Accident Cases

Winning a rideshare accident case requires solid evidence that proves fault and accurately documents losses. Useful evidence includes:

• Newark police crash reports
• Dashcam or security footage from nearby buildings
• Cell phone records revealing distracted driving
• GPS data from rideshare apps
• Driver logs showing time on the road
• Maintenance records for the vehicle
• Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Medical records linking injuries to the crash

An attorney handling auto accident legal support in Newark, NJ, will help gather this evidence quickly before records disappear or memories fade. Early action preserves crucial details for your claim.

Filing an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit in Newark

While many rideshare accident claims are settled through insurance negotiations, some cases require lawsuits to recover fair compensation. If insurers refuse a fair settlement, victims can file an Uber or Lyft accident lawsuit in Newark.

New Jersey law imposes a two-year statutory period for filing personal injury lawsuits. Waiting too long could forfeit your right to seek compensation. However, certain exceptions extend this period for minors or victims with delayed injury diagnoses.

A lawyer will:

• File court documents
• Handle discovery
• Collect expert testimony
• Prepare for trial if settlement negotiations fail

Litigating against large rideshare corporations requires extensive legal skill. A Newark rideshare accident lawyer provides critical guidance throughout the process.

Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers After a Newark Rideshare Crash

At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we bring decades of personal injury experience to rideshare accident cases. We know Newark’s streets, courts, and insurance companies. Our lawyers:

• Investigate every detail of your crash
• Identify all liable parties and insurance coverage
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Calculate your full financial losses
• Fight for fair settlements or take your case to trial if necessary

We’ve built a reputation for aggressive legal representation and successful outcomes for injury victims in Newark. Let us protect your rights while you focus on healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Newark Rideshare Accidents

Here are answers to some common questions about rideshare accidents in Newark.

Does Uber or Lyft provide coverage if I were injured as a pedestrian in Newark?

Yes. If you’re hit as a pedestrian, Uber or Lyft’s coverage might apply – but it’s not automatic. You’ll usually have to prove the rideshare driver was at fault and actively working in the app when the crash happened. Even then, the rideshare company or its insurer may investigate your actions as a pedestrian, like whether you were crossing legally. Gathering witness statements, camera footage, and a police report can strengthen your claim if you’re seeking compensation through rideshare coverage.

Can I sue both the driver and the rideshare company in Newark?

Liability depends on case-specific facts. You may consider suing the driver for negligent actions, such as speeding or distracted driving. You could also sue the rideshare company for negligent hiring or failing to remove dangerous drivers. However, suing rideshare companies requires dealing with complicated corporate structures and contract terms. 

Do Newark rideshare accidents involving tourists follow special claim procedures?

No. Tourists injured in Newark rideshare accidents are subject to the same laws in New Jersey as residents. However, out-of-state victims often face unique challenges, such as returning home before completing medical treatment or negotiating with insurance providers from another state.

If you have more questions about Newark rideshare accidents, speaking with a lawyer can help you get clear answers and protect your rights.

Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Help After a Newark Rideshare Accident

If a rideshare collision has disrupted your life, a Newark rideshare accident lawyer can help you manage insurance claims and legal deadlines. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to handling the legal details so you can focus on healing and moving forward. Contact us today at (973) 364-8300 and let our team protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.