What to do if in an accident.
The convenience of using an App on your smartphone to call for a taxi ride with companies like Uber and Lyft has increased the number of individuals opting to use these ride-sharing car services. There is a difference between a traditional Taxi Company insurance policy and a Ridesharing insurance policy.
A traditional Taxi Company in most cases has liability insurance for its vehicles. These policies vary in the amount of insurance coverage provided. Some policies cover for injuries, medical expenses and other losses caused by an accident. These insurance limits vary however depending on the Taxi Company.
Earlier this year, the New Jersey Legislature passed a law entitled the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act which governs ridesharing car services like Uber and Lyft. In many ways but not all, you are provided better insurance in a ridesharing car service that is complying with the new ridesharing law.
If you are a passenger using a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft in New Jersey and you get into an accident, the ridesharing service’s liability insurance coverage policy, as required by law, will cover you if the Driver is negligent. It will also provide minimum coverages to you if you are injured as a result of the negligence of another vehicle’s driver with some limitations. You may also be entitled to insurance coverage under your own automobile insurance policy.
If you are involved in an accident while riding in a ridesharing car service like Uber or Lyft OR you are involved in an accident with a car that’s engaged in ridesharing car service, it is important to respond as you would in any other car accident. If you need medical attention, call 911 right away. New Jersey law requires that you remain at the scene of an accident to exchange information and wait for police officers to arrive to make a report. This is not always possible. Take photographs of the accident if possible and license plates and signage. Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police and paramedics have cleared you to leave. You should also promptly report the accident to your insurance company. It is important to look for indication that the vehicle may be utilized as a ridesharing service. The ridesharing law requires that signage indicate the name of the ridesharing service so look for example for Uber or Lyft signage which may be in the windshield, side windows or rear window of the vehicle. The signage size and placement varies.
We have put together a video that explains what you should do after an accident. It is available by clicking here.
Here is a list of Damages You Can Recover If Injured in an Automobile Accident in New Jersey:
– Lost wages, salary or income, and property damage
– Loss of future income due to any long-term disability
– Past and future physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and physical impairment
– Past and future medical, hospital, rehabilitation, disability and other health care related expenses
– Wrongful death award when the lawsuit is brought by the family of the loved one who died
If you need a consultation, please call us at 1-800-311-3020