Springfield, New Jersey Uber Accident Attorneys

An Uber accident can leave you facing doctor visits, missed work, and unexpected expenses. If this happens to you in Springfield, you have the right to seek compensation. These cases can be complicated because more than one party may be involved, from the driver to Uber’s insurance provider. The Todd J. Leonard Law Firm works with injured rideshare passengers and drivers to investigate what happened and fight for the recovery you need.

Springfield is a Union County community of about 15,000 people. The town combines quiet residential streets with quick access to Newark, New York City, and major routes such as 22 and 78. As of September 2024, traffic fatalities in New Jersey have surged by 13.8 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2023. Many residents book Uber rides to reach the train, run errands, or head into the city for work or entertainment. With traffic flowing through local roads and highways every day, the chance of a rideshare accident is always present.

Where Uber Rides Are Most Common in Springfield

Uber is a regular part of life in Springfield, and certain destinations see more requests than others. Riders frequently book trips to:

• The Mall at Short Hills, one of the region’s most visited shopping centers;
• Route 22’s commercial strip, with its large stores, restaurants, and entertainment spots; and
• Springfield Free Public Library and community parks, where events and gatherings take place. 

Moreover, Springfield’s sports fields and recreation areas tend to fill up on weekends, and with the added crowds comes more traffic and a steady stream of Uber rides. Commuters also use Uber to reach nearby NJ Transit stations before heading into Newark or New York. Many of these trips do not stay on local streets. Instead, they spill onto busy highways like Route 22 and Interstate 78. Longer rides on fast-moving roads bring a greater chance of serious crashes, which is why both drivers and passengers need to stay alert.

Why Uber Accidents Occur in Springfield

Over the a recent 5 year span, New Jersey recorded 279,622 collisions at intersections, a reminder of how dangerous rides through downtown areas or busy junctions can be. Rideshare accidents in Springfield can happen at any point during a trip, whether the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger, in the middle of the ride, or dropping someone off. Several factors contribute to this risk. Congestion along Route 22 and nearby highways creates constant stop-and-go conditions. Drivers may also be distracted as they glance at their phones to manage the Uber app. Rush-hour traffic adds another layer of difficulty, with heavy traffic volumes competing for space on the road. Pickup and drop-off areas around schools, shopping centers, and restaurants can also become chaotic, with pedestrians and cars moving in close quarters.

These conditions make crashes more likely. Recognizing how and where they happen can help identify when negligence is involved and who may be held responsible.

Common Injuries From Uber Accidents in Springfield

According to most recent available data,  New Jersey recorded 574 fatal crashes that resulted in 606 deaths and 371 injuries, a sobering reminder of the risks faced by drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on both highways and local roads. An Uber accident can leave you with anything from temporary discomfort to injuries that change your daily life. Victims often report a wide range of medical issues, many of which require ongoing care. 

Some of the injuries that frequently occur include:

• Cuts and bruises. The force of a collision can throw passengers against doors, windows, or seats, leaving painful scrapes and bruises.
• Whiplash. Sudden stops or rear-end crashes often cause the neck to snap forward and back, leading to stiffness and strain.
• Head injuries. These range from mild concussions to serious traumatic brain injuries that can disrupt memory, balance, and concentration.
• Back and neck problems. Herniated discs, sprains, or fractures are common after even moderate-impact accidents.
• Spinal cord trauma. Severe crashes can damage the spinal cord, sometimes resulting in long-term loss of movement or sensation.
• Broken bones. Fractures are common in high-impact collisions and may require surgery followed by rehabilitation.
• Soft tissue injuries. Torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause lasting pain and limit your ability to move freely.
• Internal damage. Bleeding or organ injuries may not appear right away, but can be life-threatening without prompt medical care.

Physical wounds are only part of the story. Many people also struggle with the emotional aftermath of a crash, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Recognizing these effects and seeking both medical and legal support can help protect your health and strengthen your claim.

Protecting Your Rights After a Springfield Uber Accident

What you do in the hours and days after an Uber accident can have a significant impact on your claim. In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury case. Missing that deadline can bar you from recovering compensation, which is why taking prompt action is so important.

The priority should always be your health. Get checked by a doctor right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some conditions take time to appear, and early treatment creates a medical record that supports your case. You should also make sure the crash is documented by filing a police report and notifying Uber through the app.

Gather as much information from the scene as possible. Names and phone numbers of witnesses, photographs of the vehicles, and notes about road conditions can all strengthen your claim. Finally, reach out to an attorney quickly so an investigation can begin before evidence is lost.

A successful claim may allow you to recover the cost of medical care, lost wages, property damage, and the pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Every case is different, but taking the right steps early improves your chances of obtaining full compensation.

Insurance Coverage and Uber Drivers

If the Uber driver has a passenger in the car, the law requires at least $1.5 million in liability coverage, along with the same amount for uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, the required coverage drops to $50,000 in bodily injury protection per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. If the driver is not signed into the Uber app at all, the trip is treated like any other accident, and only the driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accidents

Contact Our Springfield Uber Accident Attorneys Today

If you were injured in a Springfield Uber accident, the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm is ready to help. With more than three decades of experience and over $100 million recovered for clients, we know what it takes to build strong cases and secure results.

Call us at 973-920-7900 or reach out through our online form to schedule a free consultation. You pay no fees unless we win your case. With offices in Denville and Morristown, our firm is ready to serve clients throughout Union County and beyond.