
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in New Jersey, you can get compensation for your accident, but there are a few more hoops you may need to jump through. New Jersey’s insurance laws and regulations regarding rideshare companies like Lyft can complicate the process.
Working with a Lyft accident lawyer in Newark can cut through the insurance hassles so you can get your compensation faster. Here’s what you should do if you’re injured in a Lyft accident in New Jersey.
No-Fault Insurance and Lyft Accident Injuries
New Jersey works on a no-fault insurance system, which means that each driver’s insurance covers their injuries up to their policy limit. This coverage also extends to passengers, but not always.
If your Lyft driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover rideshare accidents, then you may not be covered by their insurance company. Lyft has a backup policy that will cover you in this situation, but getting what you owe from them can be challenging without the help of a lawyer.
If your driver’s insurance doesn’t have enough money to cover your damages, you may also be able to file a claim with Lyft’s insurance to make up the rest.
Have You Been Injured In An Accident? Contact Morelli Law
877-751-9800What if Another Driver is At Fault?
Normally, New Jersey does not allow you to sue the other driver for damages under the no-fault system, but there is an exception. If your injuries meet a certain standard of seriousness, you can sue the other driver.
Serious injuries are permanent injuries or fatal ones. Survivors of someone who died in a Lyft accident can choose to sue. Other serious injuries include dismemberment, significant scarring, displayed fractures, or the loss of a fetus.
New Jersey also allows drivers to buy an “unlimited right to sue” option on their PIP coverage. If your driver has done that, you may sue without suffering a serious injury. This could get you more compensation since no-fault insurance doesn’t cover all damages.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage in New Jersey
Lyft provides insurance coverage for its drivers and passengers in New Jersey, but the coverage levels vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Only the driver’s auto insurance applies when the Lyft app is off.
If the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request, Lyft provides limited liability coverage to the driver, which is similar to standard auto insurance. During an active ride, from pickup to drop-off, Lyft’s $1.5 million liability policy is in effect in New Jersey, which is higher than the coverage in many other states.
This tiered system can complicate claims. Determining which insurance policy applies requires a thorough investigation of the accident circumstances. An experienced Newark rideshare accident lawyer can help you get the most from your accident.
Contact our personal injury lawyers today
877-751-9800Steps to Take After You Are Injured in a Lyft Accident in New Jersey
If you’re involved in a Lyft accident in New Jersey, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can improve your ability to recover compensation.
- If you can, call 911 to report the accident to the police and ask your driver to report the accident to Lyft.
- Gather as much information as possible, including the driver’s details, witness contacts, and photos of the accident scene.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
- Keep all medical records and receipts related to your injuries, and write down your experiences of how your accident has affected your life.
Then, consult with a Newark car accident lawyer for advice. Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice. Insurance adjusters may use your words to minimize your claim.
Potential Compensation in a New Jersey Lyft Accident Case
Your compensation after a Lyft accident in New Jersey depends on what you’ve suffered and the insurance policies involved. Potential damages may include:
- Medical expenses beyond PIP coverage
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering (depending on your insurance policy choice)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
If you have the unlimited right to sue under your insurance policy, or if your injuries meet the threshold for a limited right to sue, you may be able to pursue additional compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How a New Jersey Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
An experienced rideshare accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance to people injured in Lyft accidents by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly
- Determining all potential sources of compensation
- Handling communications with insurance companies
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if necessary
At Morelli Law Firm, we have a proven track record of successfully handling rideshare accident cases in New Jersey. We understand the nuances of New Jersey’s no-fault system and how it applies to Lyft accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in New Jersey, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Morelli Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you.
Call or text 877-751-9800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form