Warren County Uber Accident Lawyers

Cars are the most common form of transportation in Warren County, New Jersey. US census data shows that while over 60,000 Warren County residents commute by car, only about 1,600 walk to their destinations, and about 573 regularly use bus systems. 

Warren County’s transportation infrastructure is designed to support making cars the easiest way for local families and workers to travel. With nearly 55,000 households in the area, Warren County is full of workers, families, and children who need to go to work and school, run errands, visit loved ones, and explore area attractions. 

To travel, many individuals use a rideshare service like Uber. Uber also gives drivers who sign up for the service an opportunity to make money by traveling familiar streets and giving rides. The relationship between the driver, passenger, Uber, and others on the road can make accident claims complicated. 

When an Uber is in a crash, who is responsible? How can injured people get compensation for their losses? If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident as a passenger or driver, talk to the experienced Warren County Uber accident lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm today. 

Top Places Where You Can Catch An Uber in Warren County

Uber drivers cover Warren County’s 26 cities and townships yet experienced drivers know that ride requests don’t pop up evenly across the entire county. Rather, passengers request rides more frequently to and from certain points.

Uber’s US Safety Report indicates that Uber drivers and passengers experience lower rates of serious accidents than the general driver population. Yet, when and where an accident occurs can have significant consequences for drivers and passengers. 

Popular destinations in Warren County include: 

• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
• Delaware State Forest
• Hillcrest Mall
• Jenny Jump State Forest
• Phillipsburg Mall
• Shoppes @ Greenwich
• Wagner Farm Arboretum
• Warren County Community College

Uber drivers and passengers are more likely to explore areas with many shops, restaurants, and other attractions. These busy areas tend to have more traffic, increasing the risk of a collision. 

Enhancing Uber Passenger Safety and Driver Criteria

Becoming an Uber driver requires meeting specific prerequisites: applicants must be at least 21 years old, possess a minimum of three years of driving experience, and have their vehicle insured under their name in their operational state. Uber employs stringent background checks to assess potential drivers, looking for incidents involving drunk driving, accidents, or criminal charges linked to reckless driving or vehicle misuse.

Moreover, the enactment of Sami’s Law in New Jersey on June 20, 2019, amplifies the commitment to passenger safety in the rideshare sector. This legislation mandates rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to implement robust safety measures, including the provision of clear identification materials such as markers and machine-readable codes. These facilitate passenger confirmation of vehicle identity through scanning. Drivers are also obligated to display comprehensive credential placards showcasing their name, photo, and license plate number on rear windows, with particular emphasis on visibility during nighttime hours.

While Uber’s stringent standards primarily emphasize driver accountability, it’s crucial to recognize that road accidents and risks can arise from various sources. Hence, adopting comprehensive safety protocols becomes indispensable to safeguard both Uber drivers and passengers.

Types of Injuries Suffered in Warren County Uber Accidents

Uber accidents, like other car accidents, can cause a wide range of injuries. Some of these injuries require extensive medical treatment. Some can leave the injured person with lifelong pain, stiffness, scarring, limits on mobility, and other issues. 

Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Brain and spinal cord injuries are among the most serious and difficult to treat. They also tend to be the most expensive to treat, especially if the injured person requires lifelong care. Surgery, extensive rehabilitation periods, and ongoing assistance with various life tasks may be required.

Broken Bones

Broken bones can occur in nearly any part of the body under the stress and forces of a car crash. Broken bones may require surgery to correct. During surgery, pins, screws, rods, or plates may be used to keep the bones in place as they heal. 

After surgery, some of the hardware installed may be permanent. Other hardware can be removed, but additional surgery is often required. Extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy may be needed. Changes in pain levels, sensation, and mobility are all common. Some of these changes are permanent. 

Crush Injuries and Amputations

Crush injuries are extremely difficult to treat because of the massive, widespread damage to the crushed part of the body. In some cases, a crushed limb must be amputated to protect the health of the rest of the body.

Amputation can also occur during the crash itself if the collision forces are sufficient not only to crush a limb but to tear it from the body. These injuries are permanent, and injured people face lifelong costs of mobility aids and the need to adapt to many physical activities. 

Scarring and Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur if a vehicle catches fire during a crash, if electrical parts are exposed, or if caustic chemicals leak from one or both vehicles. Scarring can result from burns, cuts caused by flying glass, and from other sources. 

These injuries can be extremely painful and difficult to treat. They often leave the injured person with permanent reminders of the accident. 

Steps to Take After an Uber Accident Occurs

Responding After an Uber Accident

When an Uber accident occurs, your actions in the immediate aftermath are critical. Prioritize safety by dialing 911 promptly and refraining from moving severely injured individuals, as this could worsen their condition. Employ hazard lights, flares, or other tools to enhance visibility at the accident site, ensuring the safety of all involved.

Gathering Essential Information

Collecting pertinent information is crucial. Obtain contact details from the driver and any witnesses present. Capture the scene using your smartphone, camera, or pen and paper. This might involve taking photos or creating diagrams that accurately represent the situation.

Effective Communication and Legal Guidance

Stay present at the accident site to facilitate communication with law enforcement and first responders as needed. Swiftly notify Uber about the incident and seek legal counsel from the experienced Warren County Uber Accident Attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm. They can guide you through your rights and potential actions should you decide to pursue a claim.

Prioritizing Medical Attention and Documentation

Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it’s essential to consult a medical professional after an accident. Chemical reactions in your body can mask injuries initially, making them noticeable only later. Timely medical evaluation ensures prompt diagnosis and proper care. Additionally, organize your paperwork, gather medical bills and receipts, and maintain a detailed record of missed work. By keeping a log of conversations related to the crash, you substantiate your claims and build a comprehensive case.

What to Expect in Your Warren County Uber Accident Case

The first thing to do in an Uber accident case is to act promptly.

New Jersey law limits the amount of time an injured person has to seek compensation for their losses. Generally, an injury claim must be filed within two years of the date of injury. If you miss this deadline, the court will refuse to hear your case and you lose a significant bargaining chip in insurance negotiations. 

Insurance companies also set their own deadlines for filing claims. Because each insurer chooses its own deadlines, these dates can all differ from one another. They can also differ from the two-year limit for filing a lawsuit in court. Speak to a lawyer as soon as you can so you know when these deadlines happen in your case.

Most car accident claims in New Jersey are examples of “personal injury” claims. In these lawsuits, the injured person seeks compensation for the losses they suffered as a result of the accident. 

Common types of compensation in Warren County Uber accident claims include the following: 

• Payment or repayment for medical bills, mileage to appointments, and similar expenses.
• Repair or replacement costs for damaged vehicles. 
• Lost wages if you have to miss work due to an injury. 
• Compensation for the pain and suffering you endured in the crash and during recovery. 

Other losses may also be compensable. Insurance policies contain specific lists of losses they will and will not pay, as well as limits on the total payments the insurer will make. 

It is not unusual for insurance companies to stall, nitpick, and use other means to minimize the amount they pay for your injuries and losses. That’s why working with an experienced lawyer is essential. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf while you focus on healing from your injuries.

Warren County Uber Accidents FAQs:

Choosing an Experienced Warren County Uber Accident Lawyer

Whether you drive for Uber or use the service as a passenger, an Uber accident can seriously disrupt your daily life. If you’ve been injured in a crash, seek medical attention immediately. Keep copies of all your medical paperwork. 

Once you’re on the road to medical recovery, reach out to an experienced Warren County Uber accident attorney. The team at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm is here to answer your questions. Call us today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.