Parsippany Uber Accident Lawyers

Pasippany’s convenient location in Morris County, New Jersey, offers a peaceful lifestyle but, at the same time, provides residents with a short commute to all that New York City has to offer. Not surprisingly, many visitors to the area rely on ridesharing services like Uber for transportation. Parsippany residents may also use Uber to travel to school, work, and wherever else they need to go. 

Uber Technologies, Inc., or “Uber,” is a transportation network company (“TNC”) that connects drivers with people seeking rides. Uber drivers use their personal vehicles to transport riders. In any Uber ride, several parties are involved: The rider (passenger), the driver of the car, and Uber itself. 

If you are seriously injured in an accident involving an Uber vehicle, determining who is responsible for your injuries can be very challenging. For example, there are several different insurance policies, and there may also be various theories of fault that come into play. If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, don’t wait. Talk to the experienced Parsippany Uber Accident Lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm today. You can schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys by calling us at 973-920-7900. 

What Are the Requirements for Uber Drivers in New Jersey? 

Drivers interested in transporting passengers for Uber must meet certain minimum standards. For example, Uber requires a driver to be at least 21 years old and have at least three years of driving experience. Additionally, the driver’s vehicle must be insured under their name and in the state where they will be driving. 

Uber also performs background checks on prospective drivers, looking for information such as a history of drunk driving, accidents, or criminal charges related to reckless driving or intentional vehicle misuse. However, minor traffic citations will not usually form the basis for a driver to be excluded from the platform. 

In New Jersey, it is mandatory for all rideshare companies to adhere to Sami’s Law. Sami’s Law is legislation enacted by the NJ Governor on June 20, 2019, which aims to increase the safety of all rideshare passengers. 

This recent statute “requires rideshare companies to issue additional identification materials to drivers to help passengers correctly identify their vehicle. First, rideshare companies must issue two identifying markers to each driver to be displayed on the front windshield and rear window. Second, rideshare companies must create and provide every driver with two copies of a two-dimensional barcode or other machine-readable code that passengers can scan to confirm the identity of the vehicle. Third, rideshare companies shall produce and issue two credential placards to be displayed on the driver and passenger side rear windows that include the driver’s name, photo, and license plate number.” Additionally, If the signage can be illuminated, it is required to be turned while it is dark outside so it is visible to passengers. 

Uber’s standards are supposed to minimize the risk drivers pose to their passengers, for example, as a result of a sexual assault. However, these laws do little to protect passengers from negligent Uber drivers. Further, an Uber driver is not the only potential cause of a crash or serious injury on the road. Uber drivers and riders can face risks from other sources as well.

Uber Accident Injuries in Parsippany

An Uber accident is essentially a more complicated car accident. The types of injuries in an Uber accident are the same as those in other types of motor vehicle collisions, which may include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) constitute a significant medical concern. A TBI injury entails sudden, unexpected damage to the brain, which is typically initiated by a substantial blow or jolt to the head. These injuries are frequently observed in motor vehicle crashes, often resulting in devastating consequences. Even a mild traumatic brain injury has the potential to cause persistent challenges affecting memory, thought processes, mood, and attention. Moreover, individuals may experience distressing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In extreme cases, severe brain injuries can lead to lasting disabilities and alter the course of a person’s life significantly.

Neck, Back, and Spinal Cord Injuries

Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries present a considerable threat to individuals involved in accidents. Spinal cord injuries, in particular, can induce permanent impairment or even complete paralysis, severely restricting the individual’s mobility. Concurrently, injuries sustained in the neck and back region can cause enduring issues, manifesting in chronic pain and limited movement. These types of injuries can drastically modify the manner in which you approach your daily life, interfering with your ability to engage in activities that once brought joy and fulfillment.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are a common consequence of vehicular accidents. The immense forces generated during a crash have the capacity to break bones, ranging from minor hairline cracks or fractures to completely shattering the bone in extreme cases. Unfortunately, many individuals with broken bone injuries will necessitate surgical intervention. This may involve the insertion of screws, rods, and other forms of hardware to stabilize the bones during the healing process. It is important to note that some of this hardware becomes a permanent part of the individual’s body structure; however, other pieces may necessitate subsequent surgeries for removal.

Amputations

Amputations are tragic yet relatively common outcomes in serious car accident cases. Occasionally, the impact and forces during a crash may cause an instant amputation. At other times, the trauma inflicted on a particular limb might be so extreme that surgical removal is required to protect the individual’s overall well-being. These occurrences drastically modify a person’s capacity to navigate and manage daily activities. While many individuals successfully adjust to their new circumstances through various methods, it cannot be ignored that the toll on the body is lasting and transforms their lives fundamentally.

As with any injury, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you’ve been injured in an Uber accident. If you haven’t already, you should visit an emergency room or schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. If you are already receiving medical treatment for your injuries, be sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions as best as you can. This includes attending all follow-up appointments. Finally, Ask questions if you’re unclear about what you should do to take care of yourself after an injury. By following these steps, you can ensure that you do everything possible to facilitate a quick recovery. 

What to Do After an Uber Accident

It’s common not to know what to do after a car accident. Indeed, these are traumatic events, and it’s entirely normal to be confused about what steps you should be taking to protect your health and your ability to pursue a Parsippany Uber accident lawsuit. Below is a list of a few things to remember if you’ve been injured in an Uber accident. 

Put Your Safety First

Immediately call 911 after a crash occurs. Do not move anyone who is severely injured; doing so could make their injuries worse. Always use vehicle hazard lights, flares, and other tools to make the accident site more visible to oncoming traffic. 

Collect Whatever Information You Can

If you can, get contact information from the driver of the other vehicle or vehicles as well as from anyone else who witnessed the accident. Use a smartphone, camera, or pen and paper to document the scene. This includes taking photos or drawing a diagram of the scene. It is important to do this as soon after the accident as possible while your memory is still fresh.  

Communicate What Happened to Law Enforcement and First Responders

After an Uber accident, police will eventually show up to the scene. Stay on the scene so that you can talk to police and first responders. Report the crash to Uber as soon as possible. Also, consult with an experienced New Jersey Uber Accident Attorney at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm at the first opportunity. Our attorneys will explain your legal rights and outline how your case may proceed should you wish to file a claim. 

See a Doctor – Even If You Don’t Think You Were Seriously Injured

In the first moments after a crash, your body produces adrenaline, which helps you focus, function, and stay alert–and alive. Yet these chemicals can also reduce your ability to notice pain or other injuries in those first few moments. 

As a result, you may not notice certain symptoms for hours or even days after the crash. For instance, you may feel fine in the first few hours after the accident, only to discover later that you’re experiencing pain, dizziness, numbness, or other issues. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible ensures that your injuries are diagnosed promptly and that you have the help you need to recover from the harm you’ve experienced. 

Track and Document What’s Happening

Collect all documents pertaining to the accident and your injuries in a single place. If you lack any documents from a hospital or doctor’s consultation, reach out to the respective facility to request a duplicate.

Ensure that you retain copies of all medical invoices and receipts for any expenses incurred as a result of the accident. In the event that an Uber driver crashes into your car and causes your injuries, preserve all medical invoices and receipts associated with towing and repair services. Moreover, if your injuries required you to take time off work, keep duplicates of documents demonstrating the extent of time missed or the portion of your usual income that was forfeited during your absence from work.

Furthermore, start a journal related to your accident. Document every interaction with healthcare providers, mechanics, or others discussing matters connected to the accident, noting the date, time, the person you conversed with, and a brief summary of the discussion. Store this journal alongside your other documents. Keeping accurate documentation of your medical treatments, health records, and physician appointments will assist in corroborating your legal claim.

Deadline for Filing a Parsippany Uber Accident Claim

Parsipanny personal injury lawsuits must be filed within a certain timeframe, known as the statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for Uber accident claims is two years from when the crash occurred. The personal injury attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm can help you file your claim before the deadline expires.

Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Rideshare Car Accident Lawyers for Immediate Assistance!

If you suffered a serious injury in a New Jersey Lyft or Uber accident, or sadly, lost a loved one in an Uber or Lyft accident, the dedicated Rideshare Accident Injury Lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm are here to help.  For more than 30 years, we have been helping clients who have been seriously injured in all types of accidents. We are a five-star rated law firm, recovering a total of more than $100 million on behalf of our clients. We will do our best to hold the negligent driver fully accountable for their actions and get you the justice you deserve. We recognize the challenges you face as a result of a serious motor vehicle crash and are uniquely positioned to protect your rights and help you through the recovery process. To learn more and to schedule a FREE consultation, give us a call today at 973-920-7900. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win your case. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.