Vernon Township Lyft Accident Lawyers

Dedicated New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers Committed to Securing Maximum Compensation on Behalf of Rideshare Accident Victims

In an era where ridesharing services like Lyft are increasingly prevalent, accidents involving these platforms are unfortunately on the rise. Our seasoned Vernon Township Lyft accident attorneys are experts in navigating the complex legal landscape of rideshare accidents, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and losses. Whether you are a passenger, driver, or even a pedestrian injured as a result of a Lyft accident, the dedicated lawyers at the Todd. J. Leonard Law Firm is committed to providing you with the aggressive and effective representation you need.

Facing off against a big corporation like Lyft can be daunting, but our experienced team is well-equipped to challenge them, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way. With a proven track record in achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, you can trust us to prioritize your best interests. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get on the path to recovery.

The Prevalence of Ridesharing

According to a 2019 Pew Research Center survey, about 36% of U.S. adults said they have used a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft. However, usage varied significantly by age, income, and location, with younger, higher-income, and urban-based individuals more likely to use these services. For example, 51 percent of Americans ages 18 to 29 say they have used a ridesharing service, compared with 24 percent of those over 50. And those with an annual household income of $75,000 or more are about twice as likely as those earning less than $30,000 to have used ridesharing services like Lyft. 

However, as more and more people rely on Lyft and other ridesharing services, it places an increased demand on these companies to accommodate the growing number of users. Some suggest that this creates a situation where lower-quality rideshare drivers are permitted to operate on the platform simply due to the increasing needs.

Causes of Lyft Accidents in Vernon Township

Lyft has become a ubiquitous means of transportation for many people in New Jersey and across the country. While the platform offers a convenient way to get around, it also presents its own set of risks, which can result in car accidents involving Lyft drivers, passengers, and other motorists. Here are some common causes of Lyft accidents that could be informative for potential clients.

Distracted Driving: One of the most common causes of accidents, distracted driving can be even more prevalent among Lyft drivers. They often have to juggle between driving and managing the app, accepting new rides, or inputting destinations into the GPS. This divided attention can lead to accidents.

Speeding: Given the pressure to complete as many rides as possible to increase earnings, some Lyft drivers might exceed speed limits. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves, extends the distance required to stop a vehicle, and increases the severity of an accident.

Fatigue: Many Lyft drivers work long hours or drive after completing a different full-time job. Fatigue can affect a driver’s reaction time and decision-making skills, potentially leading to serious accidents.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Ride-sharing drivers are responsible for their own vehicle maintenance. Failure to keep brakes, lights, and other essential systems in top condition can be a recipe for disaster.

Impaired Driving: While Lyft has strict policies against driving under the influence, there have been cases where drivers still operated vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs, leading to catastrophic consequences.

Inadequate Training: Unlike professional taxi or bus drivers, Lyft drivers aren’t required to undergo extensive training. Lack of training in defensive driving, passenger safety, and crisis management can be a contributing factor in accidents.

Poor Road Conditions: While not directly the fault of the Lyft driver, New Jersey’s roads can be particularly hazardous due to weather conditions like snow or rain, as well as due to potholes or inadequate signage. Drivers who are unfamiliar with local roads may be at a greater risk of being involved in an accident.

Other Drivers: Sometimes, the Lyft driver may not be at fault at all. Reckless or negligent actions by other drivers on the road can easily result in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle.

If you’ve been involved in a Vernon Township Lyft accident, it is imperative to consult an experienced accident lawyer at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to better understand your options. We can help you effectively pursue a claim for your injuries, ensuring your interests are protected at every stage in the process. 

How Does Car Insurance Work After a Lyft Accident?

The intersection of insurance coverage and rideshare services like Lyft is a complex landscape rife with variables and conditional stipulations. When an accident occurs involving a rideshare vehicle, the first question that typically arises is: who is liable? The answer often depends on the specific circumstances of the accident, including the phase of the ride during which the accident took place.

Rideshare companies break down a driver’s time into different “periods.” Period 1 is when the app is on, but the driver has not yet accepted a ride. During Period 2, the driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up the passenger. Period 3 begins when the passenger is in the car and ends when they are dropped off. The rideshare company’s insurance coverage varies by these periods.

Period 1: Rideshare companies often offer limited liability coverage during this period, and it’s usually secondary to the driver’s own insurance. If an accident occurs, the driver’s personal auto insurance is the first line of defense. However, personal auto policies often exclude commercial activities like ridesharing, leading to potential gaps in coverage.

Periods 2 and 3: Once a ride has been accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, the rideshare company’s insurance policy is generally more robust, offering both liability and collision coverage. This is often up to $1 million in liability insurance, depending on the jurisdiction and the company’s policy. In New Jersey, Lyft is required to provide additional coverage in the amount of $1.5 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage in the event of a Lyft accident.

For passengers involved in an accident during a rideshare trip, the process is usually more straightforward. The rideshare company’s insurance policy should cover their medical expenses and any other damages. However, if another driver is at fault and either uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play.

For third parties—such as pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers of other vehicles—the rideshare company’s liability insurance should cover injuries or damages caused by the rideshare driver during Periods 2 and 3. During Period 1, however, the third party may need to rely on the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, which can be complicated.

Given the complexities, it is imperative for anyone involved in a Vernon Township rideshare accident to consult with an experienced Lyft accident lawyer.

What Compensation is Available for Lyft Accident Victims?

If you’re involved in a Lyft accident in Vernon Township, the type and amount of compensation you may be eligible for could vary depending on a range of factors, such as the severity of the injuries sustained, liability, and insurance coverage. Here are some common forms of compensation that accident victims might be able to claim:

Medical Expenses: Costs associated with emergency care, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical bills related to the accident.

Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work due to injuries sustained in the accident. You may also be able to recover for your decreased ability to earn an income in the future if your injuries prevent you from engaging in the same type of work you did before the accident. 

Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional distress that you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.

Property Damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle or other property.

Emotional Distress: Victims may be compensated for psychological impact, like anxiety or depression, resulting from the accident.

Insurance Considerations

It is important to keep in mind that New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, which means that regardless of who is at fault in the accident, your own insurance company is primarily responsible for covering your medical expenses up to the limit of your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, there are several exceptions where this is not the case. For example, you can sue an at-fault driver if you suffered any of the following:

• Death; 
• Dismemberment; 
• Displaced fractures; 
• Loss of a fetus; 
• Permanent injury; or
• Significant disfigurement or scarring.

PIP coverage will not limit anyone from suing an at-fault driver if the victim was not required to purchase a PIP policy. This includes Lyft accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and some passengers. 

Contact Our Experienced Vernon Township 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.