In spite of the fact that there were already so many types of car transportation available in New Jersey — lease cars, rental cars, taxis, and limousines — a new mode of auto transportation came on the scene about a decade ago: rideshare services.
First came Uber, and a few years later Lyft appeared. These services provide rides on very short notice by tapping available drivers in the immediate vicinity. Unfortunately, even though Uber and Lyft offer many conveniences over taxis and limos, they have also created a new category of personal injury accidents.
If you have been seriously injured in an Uber accident or any other type of rideshare accident for which someone else was to blame, it is essential that you consult with a car accident attorney who has specialized knowledge of, and experience with, Uber and Lyft vehicles. Levin & Malkin, is a well-known and very highly rated personal injury firm located in Hackensack, with skilled attorneys having in-depth knowledge of Uber and Lyft personal injury law for accidents which occur in New Jersey and in New York.
Serious Injuries Suffered in an Uber Accident, Lyft or Taxi Accidents in Bergen County
Even the most careful and cautious Uber and Lyft and taxi drivers may be involved in accidents, whether their fault or the fault of other drivers. Their vehicles are required to be insured to protect their passengers and others who sustain injuries involving their vehicles.
If you have been involved in a major Uber or Lyft or taxi accident, in which the rideshare driver or taxi or limo driver was at fault you may have suffered severe, or even catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries or other head injuries
- Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated Discs
In worst case scenarios, your injuries may result in paralysis, amputation, cognitive impairment, and/ or loss of vision or hearing. The medical costs in such cases, sometimes including long-term or permanent healthcare and homecare, in the face of lost income, can be staggering, threatening your financial stability. This is why you need an experienced Uber and Lyft attorney from Levin & Malkin. We are sympathetic to the terrible time you and your loved ones are going through. While you spend your time recovering and facing the new challenges forced upon you, our team will fight aggressively for your rights to get every bit of compensation you deserve.
We Know How To Determine Liability in Uber and Lyft and Taxi Personal Injury Cases
Although both Lyft and Uber require their drivers to be well-insured privately, each company also carries $1 million worth of insurance for injuries. It is important to be aware, however, that these companies typically seek to avoid liability through technical loopholes. One of the issues that complicates liability is that Uber and Lyft drivers are legally considered “independent contractors,” rather than employees. This means that these companies may try to avoid responsibility for the actions of their drivers. In spite of this loophole, our experienced attorneys at Levin & Malkin know how to create strategies to win your case against these companies.
New Jersey’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
While some car accidents can be blamed on one person, it is not uncommon for there to be “shared fault.” Different states handle this situation in different ways. For example, in New Jersey, has a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that, if we take your case to court, the court will determine what percentage of fault each party bears for the accident.
Whatever percentage of blame the court assigns to each driver will be apportioned among the dollars awarded to you for your injury. For example, if you’re awarded $1,000,000 and Driver #1 is found to be 90 percent at fault and Driver #2 is found to be 10 percent at fault, you will receive $900,000 from Driver #1 and $100,000 from Driver #2.
Levin & Malkin Will Get You the Highest Compensation
Our attorneys work for you with no up-front fees to be paid. We work on a contingency basis so you will not be charged a fee until we win your case. We will always work hard to see that you receive all you are entitled to. We sympathize strongly with your situation and are dedicated to protecting your future and the future of your loved ones.
We have the experience and determination to fight successfully for damages to cover your:
- Medical and Rehabilitation costs
- Lost Income (past, present and future)
- Property Damage – car, motorcycle, and other property
- Long-term healthcare needs
- Physical Pain and Emotional Anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of Spouse or Partner’s Companionship (Consortium)
If the defendant was extremely reckless, demonstrating what the law calls “a willful and wanton” disregard for your safety, we will also fight to award you punitive damages. Punitive damages are additional money – over and above the compensation you are already entitled to and are designed to punish the defendant and act as a deterrent to others who may attempt equally egregious misconduct.
Contact Our Hackensack Uber Accident Attorney
Our practice has a 40-year history of winning multi-million dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. If you have suffered a serious injury in an accident involving Lyft or Uber or a taxi or a limousine, call Levin & Malkin now. You can reach us anytime, day or night either by phone or by filling out the contact form on our website.