Millions of Americans rely on rideshares to get to their destinations. While taking an Uber may be a safe choice in most cases, car accidents are always a possibility. It’s important that you know what to do if you’re involved in an accident while driving or riding in a rideshare when in New Jersey.
Rideshare Requirements In New Jersey
New Jersey requires all rideshare companies to carry liability insurance. This insurance is meant to protect drivers or passengers if they’re in an accident. New Jersey has taken approaches to protect the passenger by requiring a higher than average policy than when compared to other states.
Rideshare drivers in New Jersey are required to carry a minimum policy that covers up to $1.5 million. This policy covers damages like:
- Bodily injury
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
Drivers are also required to carry a $1.5 million policy that covers underinsured or uninsured motorists. This covers damages or injuries that are caused by a driver who isn’t carrying insurance.
If a passenger is injured while riding in a rideshare, and it’s not the driver’s fault, the passenger can seek compensation from the provider’s insurance.
Important Steps To Take Following A Rideshare Accident
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in which you’re the passenger, follow these steps:
Seek Medical Care
It’s always a good idea to seek medical care following an accident, regardless of the details of the accident. Many injuries don’t show up right away and receiving a medical evaluation can protect you. Additionally, if you do experience severe injuries and need to file a claim later, the medical records will be helpful to your case.
File a Police Report
It’s also a good idea to file a police report. This creates more documentation of the accident which may be important to your case. Be sure to notify the police that a rideshare driver is involved.
Collect Information
If possible, begin collecting information as soon as possible. This includes information about your rideshare driver, including their name, contact information, and insurance information. Take a screenshot of the rideshare app, including your ride number.
If anyone else witnessed the accident, be sure to collect their contact information too. If you were a passenger in another vehicle in which an Uber driver was driving, it can still be helpful to collect this information, if possible. Take photographs or video evidence from the scene of the accident. As a general rule, you can never have too much evidence. You hope that you won’t have to pursue legal action, but if you do, you’ll be glad that you collected the information when it was available.
File an Accident Report
You can file an official report with Uber on their website. If you were in an accident with a different rideshare company, check their website for directions on reporting it.
Talk With An Uber Accident Lawyer
The rideshare business is still relatively new, which means the laws and processes aren’t always clear. Talk with an Uber accident lawyer today to find out what steps to take after an accident.
Contact A Little Falls Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Car Accident Case In New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a rideshare accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Camili Law represent clients injured because of a car accident in Little Falls, Bergen County, Essex County, Morris County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 834-8457 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1 Lower Notch Road, Little Falls, New Jersey 07424.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
