Key Takeaways
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Bergen County and New Jersey. Routes through Paramus, including Route 4, Route 17, and the Garden State Parkway, see heavy traffic daily. These roads mix commuters, shoppers at Paramus Park and Garden State Plaza, and delivery vehicles. When a crash occurs in this environment, determining responsibility and insurance coverage can be complex.
Our Paramus Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. help clients injured in these crashes pursue the compensation they deserve.
Insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
This layered system often makes rideshare claims more complicated than standard car accidents, as multiple policies and limits may be involved.
Paramus is one of New Jersey’s busiest retail and transit hubs, and certain areas see frequent rideshare crashes:
Heavy traffic, pedestrian activity, and delivery vehicles make collisions more likely in these locations.
Rideshare accidents in New Jersey can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which have long-term consequences. Passengers, drivers, and even pedestrians can suffer significant harm due to the high speeds, sudden stops, or multi-vehicle collisions often involved.
Common injuries include whiplash, concussions, broken bones, and soft tissue damage. Even minor accidents can lead to chronic pain or mobility issues that affect daily life and employment. More serious trauma can also incur, like:
Seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial not only for your health but also for documenting the injuries, which supports your claim for compensation. Understanding the potential severity of these injuries emphasizes why working with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer is essential to ensure full recovery and financial protection.
Rideshare liability has real-world legal consequences, as demonstrated in the case of Brandon Crawley. In Bergen County Superior Court, New Jersey, a jury awarded Crawley $19 million in a lawsuit against Uber Technologies, Inc. after he suffered career-ending injuries when his Uber driver swerved off the road and crashed into a utility pole on Christmas Day in 2018.
The case focused on whether Uber drivers should be classified as employees or independent contractors under New Jersey law. The jury ruled that the drivers met the criteria of employees. Crawley’s severe injuries and financial losses were key factors in the verdict.
Attorney Jeffrey W. Varcadipane, Esq., who represented Crawley, noted that the verdict underscores the responsibility rideshare companies have to their passengers. The case shows that injured passengers can hold both drivers and the platform accountable and pursue substantial compensation for long-term impacts.
Liability in rideshare accidents may extend beyond the driver to include other motorists, government entities responsible for road maintenance, or vehicle manufacturers if defects contributed to the crash. While Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, the companies can still face claims through negligent hiring or retention if unsafe drivers are allowed to operate on the platform.
If you are involved in a rideshare crash, follow these steps to protect yourself and preserve your claim:
Our Paramus attorneys who specialize in Uber and Lyft accidents help clients pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future care costs, and pain and suffering. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning partial fault does not automatically bar recovery, though it may reduce the amount. The strength of a claim depends on clear evidence of fault, documented injuries, and the applicable insurance coverage.
The Paramus Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. guide clients through the complex claims process, handling negotiations, insurance disputes, and litigation when necessary. Call 201-588-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout New York, New Jersey, and Florida, and have offices conveniently located in Manhattan, Paramus, and Jacksonville.
Does it matter whether I was a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver?
No. Anyone injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle may have a valid claim.
Can I recover compensation if the rideshare driver wasn’t at fault?
Yes. Another driver’s insurance—or Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured coverage—may provide compensation.
What if Uber or Lyft denies that the driver was on the app?
Trip data, GPS logs, and driver records can be requested through the legal process to verify the driver’s status.
How long do I have to file a claim in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations is generally two years from the accident date. Acting quickly preserves evidence and strengthens your case.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
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