South Jersey Uber Accident Lawyer 

Experienced South Jersey Uber Accident Lawyer Will Fight to Get You the Compensation You Deserve

Ridesharing companies drastically changed public transportation in the United States. Many people in New Jersey benefit from this convenient way of getting around. In fact, some studies even suggest that these companies reduced drunk driving rates leading to safer roads. However, ridesharing is a reasonably new concept, and in some ways, the law is still catching up. If you suffer injuries in a collision involving an Uber driver, you might face particularly complicated challenges when you attempt to recover damages. Fortunately, an experienced South Jersey Uber accident lawyer can help ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process. 

If you suffered injuries in a crash with an Uber, contact Gelman Law, LLC to speak to a compassionate personal injury lawyer who is ready to advocate on your behalf. 

Ubers are Not Taxis

In some ways, Ubers are very similar to taxis. You might use an Uber in circumstances where you would have used a taxi just a few years ago. However, taxi drivers tend to be employees of corporations. Uber drivers are independent contractors. This distinction is very important when it comes to collecting damages. 

There is a legal doctrine called respondeat superior, which refers to an employer’s responsibility to cover damage that their employees caused during the course of their work. A taxi driver who causes a crash will lead to liability on the part of their employer. Similarly, a delivery driver for UPS who causes a collision will lead to liability on the part of UPS. 

Uber can somewhat insulate itself in crashes caused by its drivers by having them work as independent contractors rather than employees. Typically, companies are not responsible for the actions of their independent contractors. However, there are exceptions. In New Jersey, there are laws that protect individuals when they are involved in a collision with an Uber. 

Uber Could Be Directly Liable in Specific Cases

There are rare cases where Uber might be directly liable for injuries caused by one of their drivers. For instance, if they negligently hired, failed to train, or neglected to provide adequate supervision of a driver, the company might face liability. For instance, if Uber hired an independent contractor to drive even though that person had a history of reckless or drunk driving, Uber might face liability for failing to screen that person before allowing them to accept fares under their name. 

Insurance Complications and Uber Accidents in New Jersey

Insurance requirements are the primary way New Jersey protects individuals in the event of a crash involving an Uber. The state requires that these drivers carry a minimum of $1.5 million in insurance coverage when the driver is carrying or picking up a passenger.

In most cases, a $1.5 million insurance policy will cover the damages. There may be rare instances where a driver causes severe injuries to multiple individuals, and the policy does not cover the extent of the damage. However, injuries may exceed an insurance policy in any crash, even if it does not involve an Uber driver. 

The $1.5 million policy exceeds the average policy drivers in New Jersey often carry. In fact, the minimum insurance policy for drivers in New Jersey is just $15,000 of coverage for personal injuries per individual and $30,000 per accident. Many drivers purchase policies covering up to $100,000 in personal injury coverage, but even these drivers have far less coverage than the minimum policy for an Uber driver. 

When Does the Uber Policy Apply?

Uber drivers use their own personal vehicles to carry passengers. The insurance policy that Uber provides for its drivers only applies when the Uber driver has a passenger in their car or is on their way to pick up a passenger.

Uber also must provide a minimum of $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per injured person and $100,000 and bodily injury coverage per accident for when the driver is logged into the app but did not yet accept a passenger. 

If the Uber driver does not have the app on and is driving for their own purposes, the Uber driver’s own personal car insurance policy will apply. This policy might be for a lower amount than either of the Uber insurance policies. 

Negligence in New Jersey Uber Accidents

When a person suffers injuries in a car crash, the injured individual might be able to recover damages from another person whose negligence led to the accident. If the driver who caused the crash is an Uber driver, Uber’s policy will apply. However, a passenger in an Uber may suffer injuries because of another driver’s negligence. In those cases, the lawsuit may involve the other driver and now the Uber driver who may also be a victim in that crash. 

Sometimes, the collision might involve a negligent Uber driver and another negligent driver. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need to speak with a qualified South Jersey Uber accident lawyer about filing a claim against both drivers. 

Compensation Injured Victims Can Recover in an Uber Accident

Types of compensation that car crash victims can recover will be the same whether the driver is an Uber driver or another motorist. 

Personal injury victims can recover damages for their medical bills and time missed from their jobs, as well as for their pain and suffering. The damages will depend in part on the severity of the person’s injuries. 

In some cases, a victim might be able to collect punitive damages, which punish defendants who behave in particularly wrongful manners. 

Call an Experienced South Jersey Uber Accident Lawyer at Gelman Law, LLC for a Free Consultation Today

When a crash involves an Uber driver, certain legal complications will impact your legal claim. If you suffered injuries in a collision involving an Uber driver, contact an experienced and dedicated South Jersey Uber accident lawyer at Gelman Law, LLC for a free case evaluation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accident Claims in New Jersey

Getting into an accident in an Uber can be complicated. If you have questions about your case, contact a lawyer.