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Being injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident can be confusing, especially when multiple drivers and insurance policies are involved. New Jersey rideshare passenger injuries raise specific legal and insurance questions that don’t always come up in standard car accidents.
In this article, we’ll unpack how responsibility is determined, which insurance coverage may apply, and the practical steps injured passengers should consider after a rideshare accident in New Jersey.
Whether you’re in a rideshare or not in a standard car accident, responsibility really depends on fault. If the rideshare driver caused the crash, then their insurance, meaning the rideshare insurance, will apply.
Depending on which state you’re in, whether New York or New Jersey, that insurance is going to potentially cover your medical bills, as well as your pain and suffering and economic losses. Essentially, the rideshare’s liability and bodily injury coverage would apply to you as a passenger.
If the other driver was at fault, that is, if you’re in a rideshare that gets rear-ended, for example, then you would be bringing a claim against the driver of the other vehicle that caused the crash.
People who bring lawsuits after accidents typically include both the driver and the rideshare company in their complaints, yes. It’s really the insurance that’s paying the claim, so in most cases, it’s the rideshare company’s insurance that ends up covering your settlement.
There are also situations where fault isn’t entirely clear. For example, if it’s a shared-responsibility accident, say 50/50 or 70/30, you would bring a claim against both drivers, including the rideshare company’s insurance, and work toward a comprehensive settlement that reflects that shared fault.
It’s best to avoid speaking directly with any bodily injury insurance adjuster. They may question you about the accident, and while you’d probably be fine, it’s always better to at least consult with an experienced attorney first. An attorney can walk you in the right direction and help make sure you don’t say anything that could potentially hurt your case down the road.
This might sound a bit controversial, but even if you’re feeling okay, I would at least go to urgent care to get checked out. A lot of accident-related injuries don’t show up right away, often because of adrenaline. Issues like concussions or internal injuries can surface later.
Prompt medical care helps document your condition and your injuries. Even if you don’t plan to pursue a personal injury claim, it’s still important to make sure you’re okay and that any injuries are properly documented. From both a health and legal standpoint, it’s always better to be examined.
Hiring a lawyer after any kind of accident, including a rideshare accident, provides real value. First, a lawyer can investigate the accident, especially when fault isn’t clear (which is often the case). Attorneys have resources that most people don’t even know exist, as well as experience dealing directly with insurance companies.
We know who to contact, how to open a claim, and how to negotiate effectively. It’s really a matter of knowing what you don’t know. An attorney has experience with thousands of similar cases and can draw on that knowledge to guide the process in the direction you want it to go.
Most importantly, this helps ensure you get appropriate medical care and, ultimately, the best possible settlement for your case. That’s really the value a personal injury lawyer adds.
For more information on New Jersey rideshare passenger injuries, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (848) 201-3667 today.