Sussex County Uber Accident Lawyers

Sussex County, the northernmost county in New Jersey, has a population of 146,084 people distributed among 55,401 households. Families, children, and workers use various modes of transportation to attend school, commute to work, explore the local area, spend time with loved ones, and engage in recreational activities.

Cars are the most popular type of transportation among Sussex County residents. According to U.S. census data, around 69,215 people commute to work by car, while 836 use bus systems and 629 choose to walk. For many people, cars provide the easiest means of travel on county roads. Rideshare services like Uber are convenient for those who do not wish to drive.

Just like any other type of motor vehicle, Uber cars can potentially be involved in accidents. They can result in painful injuries and other significant consequences for those affected. While specific data about nonfatal Uber accidents is not available, the company’s latest U.S. Safety Report found that 101 fatalities occurred across 91 deadly Uber-related collisions nationwide from 2019 to 2020.

If you have been injured in an Uber accident, you have the right to pursue compensation. Sussex County Uber accident claims can be complex due to the many parties involved — drivers, passengers, and Uber itself.

Because determining who is responsible for a collision is not always a straightforward matter, having experienced legal representation in your corner is vital. The Sussex County Uber accident lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Common Areas to Catch an Uber in Sussex County

Uber ride requests are more frequent in certain areas of Sussex County. Popular destinations for rideshare transportation include shopping complexes like the Westfield Garden State Plaza and The Shoppes at Lafayette.

People may also require rideshare services when visiting Hillside Park, Swartswood State Park, and other recreational areas in the county. Sussex County is part of the Skylands Region, which is known for its scenic landscapes and abundant nature. Places like High Point State Park and Wawayanda State Park allow residents and visitors alike to enjoy the great outdoors.

Passengers often hail Ubers when attending events at Skylands Stadium or the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Skylands Stadium has a busy calendar of baseball games, festivals, concerts, and seasonal shows throughout the year. Students or teachers at Sussex County Community College may also use the rideshare app to get around.

Uber accidents can occur while commuting to and from work as well. In 2021, Sussex County employees had an average commute time of nearly 37 minutes, which is about 10 minutes longer than the typical commute time for U.S. workers overall.

Rush hour and congested areas with restaurants, shops, and other attractions pose a greater risk of Uber accidents. The high concentration of motor vehicles and pedestrians means that crashes can occur at any point during a rideshare journey. The exact circumstances in which a Sussex County Uber accident occurs are important when pursuing compensation.

Uber Accident Injuries and Treatments

Like any other crash, Sussex County Uber accidents can result in many different injuries. Certain injuries heal after proper medical treatment, while others can leave an injured individual with limited mobility, scarring, chronic health issues, or lifelong pain. Types of injuries that can occur due to an Uber accident include:

Cuts and Bruises: Passengers may suffer cuts and bruises from the impact of the Uber accident or contact with the vehicle’s interior components.

Whiplash: Whiplash is common in car accidents, including those that involve Uber vehicles. The head is rapidly jerked forward and backward, straining the neck muscles and soft tissues.

Head Injuries: Head injuries can span from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries. Even with seat belts, passengers may still hit their heads on the vehicle’s interior during a collision.

Back Injuries: The impact of a car accident can lead to various back injuries, such as herniated discs, fractures, or sprains. Back injuries can result in chronic pain and long-term complications.

Spinal Cord Injuries: In more severe cases, Uber accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation and function in certain parts of the body. The patient may require extensive rehabilitation and ongoing assistance with daily activities.

Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are common in Uber accidents. The force of the collision can cause passengers to sustain fractures in various parts of the body. Surgery may be required to fix broken bones, followed by extensive physical therapy. The surgeon may use screws, rods, or plates to ensure the bones remain in place during the healing process.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissues — including muscles, ligaments, and tendons — can be damaged in an Uber accident. Soft tissue injuries may result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Internal Injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent, highlighting the importance of seeking prompt medical attention after an Uber accident.

Along with painful physical injuries, Uber accidents can have a lasting emotional impact. Crash victims may suffer psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression.

The severity of Sussex County Uber accident injuries can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the collision. Regardless of the type of injury, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Be sure to keep all your medical bills and paperwork organized. The documentation serves as key evidence when building a personal injury case for compensation after an Uber accident.

If you have been injured in an Uber accident, consult the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to determine the possibility of filing a personal injury claim. An experienced Sussex County Uber accident attorney can guide you on your next steps.

Uber Accident Scenarios in Sussex County

An Uber accident can occur at various stages of the rideshare process, such as:

• When the Uber driver has accepted a ride request and is on their way to pick up a customer
• During the Uber ride while transporting a passenger
• While dropping the passenger off at their destination

Different types of insurance coverage apply depending on the circumstances of the Uber accident. New Jersey has certain insurance requirements for rideshare companies. 

Once an Uber driver accepts a ride request, they must have a commercial car insurance policy with at least $1.5 million in liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage. They are also required to provide at least $1.5 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which applies to all vehicle occupants if another driver causes a crash and does not have insurance or lacks adequate coverage.

The insurance coverage is different when the Uber driver is logged into the Uber app but does not have a passenger yet. In this scenario, the rideshare company has the following coverage requirements: $50,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

If you are struck by an Uber driver while they are not logged into the Uber app, then the crash is treated like any other motor vehicle accident. Your insurance coverage and the Uber driver’s personal car insurance coverage apply. Uber’s insurance policy is not utilized for the crash.

Process for Filing a Sussex County Uber Accident Claim

New Jersey has strict time limits for recovering compensation for losses that arise from a motor vehicle accident. If you have been injured in a Sussex County Uber accident, it is important to act quickly. 

An injured individual typically has two years from the date of a crash injury in which to file a claim, with limited exceptions. Once this deadline expires, you lose the right to obtain damages and suffer a disadvantage when negotiating with insurance companies. Insurers often have their own time limits for filing claims, too.

As a result, one of the first steps in the process of filing a Sussex County Uber accident claim is to contact an experienced lawyer. When you reach out to the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, a knowledgeable Uber accident attorney will help you understand which deadlines apply to your case.

Another key step in an Uber accident claim is determining who is at fault for the crash. Your lawyer will investigate your case and identify the parties who are responsible for causing your injuries. You deserve full compensation for all your Uber accident-related losses, which can include:

• Medical expenses
• Damaged vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Lost earnings for workdays missed due to injuries
• Pain and suffering endured because of the accident

Uber Accident FAQs

Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Rideshare Car Accident Lawyers for Immediate Assistance!

If you suffered a serious injury in a New Jersey Lyft or Uber accident, or sadly, lost a loved one in an Uber or Lyft accident, the dedicated Rideshare Accident Injury Lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm are here to help. For more than 30 years, we have been helping clients who have been seriously injured in all types of accidents. We are a five-star rated law firm, recovering a total of more than $100 million on behalf of our clients. We will do our best to hold the negligent driver fully accountable for their actions and get you the justice you deserve. We recognize the challenges you face as a result of a serious motor vehicle crash and are uniquely positioned to protect your rights and help you through the recovery process. 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 never a fee unless we win your case. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.