The rideshare industry has changed the way New Jersey residents and visitors consider transportation. Fewer bus and train passengers have increased the number of individual cars on the road directly resulting from the boom in rideshare vehicle availability and the convenience of rideshares like Uber and Lyft. Studies show a related increase in traffic accidents, with a 4.6% increase in the chances of auto and pedestrian accidents in the study area for every 100 additional rideshare rides.
Liability in an NJ Lyft Accident
Lyft and other large rideshare companies distance themselves from direct liability for accidents by using independent contractors instead of hired employees and maintaining status as app-sale companies responsible only for creating and marketing rideshare apps connecting drivers with passengers. Instead, liability in rideshare accidents typically falls on the driver, the driver of another vehicle, the manufacturer of a defective part, or a negligent road maintenance agency. Fortunately, Lyft and other rideshare companies require drivers to carry a special type of rideshare insurance to cover damages to injury victims.
Lyft Accident Insurance Structure
In addition to their private car insurance, Lyft drivers hold insurance policies for liability in New Jersey rideshare traffic accidents. The following structure determines the compensation available to accident victims:
- During a Lyft driver’s use of their vehicle for private purposes, the driver’s standard auto insurance covers damages
- When a working Lyft driver turns on the Lyft app and waits for a booking, the lower tier of coverage is in effect, providing up to $25,000 in property damage, $50,000 of personal injury coverage per person, or up to $100,000 total coverage per accident
- Once a Lyft driver books a passenger, drives to the pick-up location, and then during the ride to the passenger’s destination, the top-level of rideshare coverage is in place with up to $1 million in coverage per accident
Because multiple policies cover a Lyft driver’s vehicle, insurance companies commonly dispute claims or point the finger at other policies. An injury victim harmed in an accident involving Lyft needs experienced legal representation to defend their interests.
When Can a Lyft Accident Occur?
Lyft drivers may be at an increased risk of accidents due to many aspects of the job. Many Lyft accidents occur when the rideshare driver is distracted by their rideshare or GPS app or when they exceed the speed limit or take reckless chances to increase the total number of rides they complete per shift. Lyft drivers may also experience increased fatigue, particularly those who drive as a second job after a full day at work in their daytime careers.
Lyft accidents most commonly occur during high-traffic times and late-night hours when drivers are tired and distracted.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident as a Lyft rider or as a motorist in a collision with a Lyft vehicle, you need experienced Cherry Hill car accident legal representation for this unique type of claim. Call the New Jersey Lyft accident lawyers at Cuneo & Leonetti. Our years of experience in rideshare accident claims make us a strong voice for obtaining the maximum compensation available to you.