Short Hills Uber Accident Lawyer

Rideshare apps have made it easy to get around Short Hills, but the convenience comes with serious risks. Whether you are heading to The Mall at Short Hills, the Short Hills train station, or out for dinner along Chatham Road, Uber drivers are everywhere. That constant presence has led to an increase in accidents in and around the community. If you or someone you love was injured in a rideshare crash, the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm can help. Contact our office to discuss your rights and learn what your case may be worth.

How Short Hills Rideshare Accidents Can Affect the Community

Short Hills might be known for quiet residential streets and luxury shopping, but the traffic patterns are anything but peaceful. Uber drivers frequently travel through intersections like Hobart Gap Road, Millburn Avenue, and South Orange Avenue. These routes are bustling during rush hour and weekends, when rideshare demand spikes.

While the increase in Uber-related crashes is apparent in communities like Short Hills, national data tells a broader story. Most recent data indicates the following:

• More than 44,000 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes across the United States.
• There were over 2.6 million emergency department visits for crash-related injuries.
• Total costs related to these deaths exceeded $470 billion, including medical bills and lost lives.

These numbers reflect the devastating impact of traffic crashes and why securing fair compensation is crucial. Many Uber drivers are new to the area or juggling back-to-back rides. They rely heavily on GPS, which often leads to abrupt turns, last-minute lane changes, or stops in unsafe spots. Accidents can happen quickly, especially in high-traffic zones near schools, train stations, or medical facilities.

Inexperience and Distraction Behind the Wheel

A growing number of Uber drivers are young and have minimal driving experience. According to research published in the Annual Review of Public Health, this demographic shift is associated with an increased risk of crashes. 

Younger drivers are more likely to glance away from the road, respond slowly to hazards, or feel pressure to complete rides quickly. Long shifts and back-to-back pickups also increase the likelihood of fatigue.

Rideshare apps require drivers to interact with their phones while driving. From managing trip requests to rerouting mid-ride, drivers are often distracted at key moments. These distractions have real consequences for passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.

Common Short Hills Uber Accident Injuries 

If you were taking an Uber in Short Hills and the vehicle was struck by another driver on the road, you do have rights and should seek the compensation you deserve for your serious injuries. 

If you were a pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist and were struck by a driver who was completing an Uber trip, you also have legal rights in New Jersey. Each situation is different and should be handled with care. That’s why at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we fight for our local community and protect the rights of those severely injured. 

Common injuries that are sustained include:

• Neck/back injuries, such as herniated discs
• Fractures
• Crush injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee/ankle injuries
• Traumatic brain/head injuries
• Lacerations
• Serious burns
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Eye injuries
• Concussions
• Amputations
• Nerve injuries

Why You Need A Short Hills Uber Car Accident Injury Claim Attorney 

Crashes involving Uber vehicles are often more complicated to resolve than standard car accidents. One key reason is that coverage depends on whether the driver was using the app at the time of the collision. If the app is off, only the driver’s personal policy applies. If the app was on and a ride was in progress, Uber’s commercial insurance may provide up to $1.5 million in coverage. Disputes over this timing can delay the entire process.

It’s also common for multiple drivers to share fault in rideshare collisions. That creates more paperwork, more adjusters, and more opportunities for each insurer to deny responsibility. In many cases, Uber drivers claim they were not working or had just completed a ride, which can result in gaps in coverage.

Rideshare claims often require a different kind of documentation. Victims may need to collect app screenshots, trip receipts, statements from passengers or witnesses, and clear medical records that document the connection between the injuries and the crash. Without these records, it becomes easier for insurers to underpay or close a claim.

Understanding how rideshare coverage works and preparing the right evidence from the start helps avoid unnecessary delays or low settlement offers. This makes a strong case more likely to succeed.

Proving Fault in a Short Hills Uber Crash

If you were hurt in an accident involving an Uber vehicle, it is essential to gather detailed evidence as soon as possible. That includes the police report, ride history from the app, any medical records from local providers, and witness statements. Uber drivers sometimes deny they were on duty at the time of the crash, and their insurance companies may try to avoid covering the claim.

In New Jersey, rideshare insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status when the accident occurred. If the driver was transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, Uber provides up to $1.5 million in liability coverage. If the app was on but the driver had not accepted a ride, lower coverage limits apply. If the app was off, the driver’s personal auto policy is responsible.

A short visit to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center or another nearby facility can cost thousands of dollars. If you need imaging, physical therapy, or follow-up visits, your medical expenses will grow quickly. Many Uber crash victims also lose time at work, miss school, or need help at home while they recover.

If you accept a quick settlement without understanding the full impact of your injuries, you may give up the right to future compensation. Insurance companies know this, which is why they often move fast to make low offers before you have a complete picture of your recovery.

Contact Our Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Short Hills Injury Attorneys For Help After an Uber Accident

Uber accidents in Short Hills often involve complex coverage issues, unfamiliar road conditions, and injuries that may take weeks to fully understand. The Todd J. Leonard Law Firm has experience handling rideshare accident claims throughout New Jersey.

Our New Jersey personal injury attorneys have over 35 years of experience aggressively representing seriously injured clients in all types of accident claims, including those injured at work. We are a Five-Star rated law firm, recovering a total of more than $100 million on behalf of our clients. To learn more and to schedule a FREE consultation, give us a call today at 973-920-7900. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is no risk in calling because we never charge a fee unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.