If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, a Toms River rideshare accident lawyer​ from Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers can help you. Rideshare apps are popular for getting around town, but accidents still happen. You may have incurred injuries, medical bills, or issues with your insurance, but you don’t have to deal with this alone. Call (732) 716-7148 for a complimentary meeting to explore how we can assist you. 

Why Rideshare Accidents Are on the Rise in Toms River

Toms River is one of the largest communities in Ocean County, drawing both locals and tourists year-round. Popular attractions and busy roads, such as Route 37, Hooper Avenue, and Route 166, create constant traffic congestion. Rideshare vehicles are a frequent presence, but increased rideshare traffic also brings a higher risk of collisions.

Rideshare accidents in Toms River can happen on busy roads such as Route 9, near residential areas in Silverton, or around shopping hubs, including the Ocean County Mall. Many factors contribute to these crashes, including drivers distracted by apps while navigating streets such as Fischer Boulevard or Mule Road, excessive speed, fatigue from long shifts, running red lights, failing to yield, impaired driving, and poor vehicle maintenance, such as defective brakes or worn tires.

Even if a rideshare driver didn’t directly cause a crash, they could still be held liable. For example, suddenly stopping in a traffic lane to pick up a passenger might cause another car to swerve and crash.

Whether you’re riding in an Uber or Lyft, driving your own car, or walking nearby, rideshare accidents can lead to serious injuries. It’s important to understand the risks involved and know what legal choices you have if you want to receive fair compensation.

Understanding the Complications of Rideshare Accidents in Toms River

Rideshare accidents differ from typical car crashes, presenting unique legal and logistical challenges, especially given Toms River’s local conditions.

Unlike regular accidents, these cases often involve multiple layers of insurance coverage. Uber and Lyft provide substantial coverage, but drivers also have personal policies, and determining which applies depends on whether the driver was logged into the app or carrying a passenger at the time of the incident. Drivers are classified as independent contractors, making it harder to hold rideshare companies directly liable. Proving fault often requires evidence such as app logs and GPS data, and multiple parties may share liability.

Toms River itself introduces unique challenges, such as:

• Tourism Traffic – Attractions such as the Jersey Shore beaches, Island Beach State Park, and the Toms River waterfront attract heavy seasonal crowds and drivers unfamiliar with local roads, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Coastal Roads – Roadways like Route 35 and barrier island connections can become heavily congested, with sudden lane changes and high crash rates.
• Out-of-State Drivers – Many Uber and Lyft drivers travel from outside Toms River or even outside New Jersey, creating jurisdictional complexities if legal action is required.
• Commercial Traffic – Trucks and commercial vehicles frequently use routes like Route 37 and the Garden State Parkway, which can sometimes exacerbate rideshare collisions.

It’s crucial for rideshare accident victims in Toms River to work with a local attorney who is familiar with the area’s roads, courts, and legal system. A skilled lawyer can investigate the crash, safeguard your rights, and fight for fair compensation.

How Liability Works in Toms River Rideshare Accidents

Negligence is often the primary cause behind rideshare crashes. A driver running a red light or staring at their phone instead of the road could be held responsible. However, negligence isn’t the only way someone might be held accountable.

Strict liability can also apply, for instance:

• Product Defects – If a rideshare vehicle’s brakes fail due to a manufacturing defect, the automaker could be strictly liable for injuries, even if no one acted negligently.
• Hazardous Road Conditions – In rare cases, government entities may face strict liability if a crash happens due to dangerous road conditions they failed to correct.

Strict liability cases often rely on technical evidence and expert testimony to establish liability. A Toms River rideshare accident lawyer can carefully investigate to see if strict liability applies in addition to any negligence. 

How Insurance Handles Rideshare Accidents in NJ

New Jersey’s rideshare laws impose strict insurance requirements on companies like Uber and Lyft. Which insurance applies depends on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the crash:

• App Off – The driver’s personal auto insurance covers the collision.
• App On, No Ride Accepted – The rideshare company must provide at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle – Uber and Lyft must carry at least $1.5 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

These rules govern the process for obtaining compensation after a rideshare accident in New Jersey. Filing insurance claims for Uber or Lyft crashes can lead to disputes about who was at fault, the amount of compensation, and which coverage applies. Insurance companies might try to pay less than you deserve, so having an experienced lawyer is essential.

Types of Losses You May Recover in a Rideshare Accident Case

A traffic accident involving a rideshare vehicle in Toms River can leave victims facing significant physical, financial, and emotional hardships. Depending on your situation, you may recover compensation for:

• Emergency medical care, surgery, and hospitalization
• Ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy
• Future medical costs for permanent injuries
• Lost income if you’re unable to work
• Reduced earning capacity for long-term impairments
• Pain and suffering from rideshare accident injuries
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD
• Property losses, including damage to personal items

Every rideshare accident is different. A local lawyer will review your case, collect evidence, and fight for fair compensation.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Toms River Rideshare Crash

If you’re involved in a collision with a rideshare driver in Toms River, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

• Call 911 – Seek immediate medical attention and report the accident.
• Collect Evidence – Photograph damage to vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
• Get Information – Note the rideshare driver’s name, contact details, driver’s license, vehicle plate number, and app details.
• Look for Witnesses – Obtain the names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash.
• Seek Medical Care – Even if you feel fine, it’s best to visit a doctor promptly. Injuries like concussions or whiplash might not appear right away.
• Speak to a Lawyer – Contact a Toms River rideshare accident attorney at Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers before speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting any settlement offers.

These steps help preserve evidence and protect your right to pursue compensation under New Jersey’s rideshare liability laws.

Assistance Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Offers to Rideshare Crash Victims in Toms River

We’ve built a reputation for protecting injured victims across New Jersey. We bring extensive experience in rideshare accident cases and provide:

• Comprehensive investigations to identify all liable parties
• Coordination with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists
• Strategic negotiations with insurance companies
• Strong trial preparation if settlement negotiations fail

We’re prepared to help you pursue compensation after a crash involving a rideshare vehicle. Whether you suffered injuries as a rideshare passenger, a pedestrian, or the driver of another vehicle, our legal team will fight to protect your rights.

Rideshare Accident FAQs for Toms River Residents

Being in a rideshare accident in Toms River can leave you uncertain about what to do or where to turn. The information below offers helpful guidance and answers to common questions. 

Where can I find a crash report for an Uber or Lyft accident in Toms River?

Crash reports for accidents in Toms River are usually available through the Toms River Police Department Records Bureau. You can request a copy in person, by mail, or online through the New Jersey State Police crash report portal, depending on where the report was filed. 

What nearby medical centers document crash injuries for claims in Toms River?

Several local hospitals and urgent care centers can treat and document crash injuries, including Community Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health facilities, and Hackensack Meridian Urgent Care locations. Proper medical documentation is essential for insurance and legal claims.

How long do Toms River rideshare cases usually take to settle?

The timeline for settling a rideshare accident case in Toms River varies but often ranges from several months to over a year. Factors such as injury severity, insurance negotiations, and whether a lawsuit is filed can all impact the duration of your case.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash, seeking medical care and legal advice promptly can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

Schedule a Consultation with a Toms River Rideshare Lawyer

Dealing with a crash involving a rideshare driver can feel overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance paperwork, and time away from work, you deserve strong legal support. A Toms River rideshare accident lawyer at Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers will stand by your side, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us at (732) 716-7148 for a free consultation. We’re here to help you protect your future and take the next steps after your Toms River accident.