Washington Township Uber Accident Attorneys

With its picturesque settings and convenient access to Philadelphia and Atlantic City, Washington Township, New Jersey, is a popular place to live, work, and visit. Many travelers in and around the Township rely on ridesharing to help them navigate the area.

Uber currently holds the majority of the rideshare market in the United States. The service currently provides rides to many Washington Township travelers every day. 

Uber users appreciate Uber’s convenience. However, those who use Uber aren’t immune to the risks of traveling on New Jersey roads. If you’ve been in an Uber vehicle accident, speak to an experienced New Jersey Uber accident attorney today. 

What Are the Statistics For Uber Accidents?

Uber began offering rides on the Jersey Shore in 2013. Since then, the rideshare service has expanded throughout New Jersey, including Washington Township. 

As rideshare use expands, so do studies and statistics revealing its risks. Recent studies of Uber use in areas like Washington Township have revealed several important facts:

• As rideshare use increases, traffic congestion rises too. Areas with high rates of ridesharing use also have higher traffic rates. In these places, traffic rates are three percent higher on average than in places with low rideshare use. 
• More cars on the road mean more accidents. Increased traffic congestion increases the risk of collisions. Cars are more likely to hit one another, collide with pedestrians and bicyclists, or crash into guardrails and poles.
• Uber vehicles are on the road more than private vehicles. Drivers of private cars tend to get in, go to their destination, and stop. Uber drivers, however, must drive to the pickup point, take the passenger to their destination, and then drive to the next pickup point. This means more time on the road – and more exposure to potential accidents. On average, an Uber trip adds 2.6 miles of driving to a trip. 
• Areas with high rideshare use also see more traffic deaths. In 2017, approximately 1,107 additional US roadway deaths occurred due to rideshare traffic. 

These numbers demonstrate that Uber use comes with risks. Those injured in an Uber-related accident may need help from an experienced attorney. 

New Jersey’s Uber Driver Requirements and Insurance Coverage

Uber has certain minimum requirements for its drivers, including:

• Drivers must be at least 21 years old.
• Drivers must have at least three years of driving experience.
• Drivers must have a vehicle insured under their name in the state where they drive for Uber.
• Drivers must pass a background check performed by Uber.

Uber’s background checks look for information on driving history and past criminal convictions, including driving-related convictions. 

Uber also requires its drivers to comply with Sami’s Law, a 2019 New Jersey law passed to help rideshare passengers identify drivers. Under this law, Uber provides its drivers with identification to help riders find the right vehicle and driver.

In addition to requiring driver insurance, Uber also provides insurance coverage for rides. Uber’s insurance coverage types and amounts depend on the facts of the accident, however. For example, Uber’s insurance coverage for drivers with a rider in the vehicle is more generous than coverage for drivers who are logged into the app but merely waiting for a ride request. 

People buy insurance partly for the peace of mind it offers. Many people see multiple insurance policies and think they’re covered no matter what happens.

In practice, multiple insurance policies can make an Uber collision more complicated. Insurers may fight over which company must pay for an injured person’s losses. As they argue, you’re left with mounting medical bills and an uncertain future. 

Common Injuries in Washington Township Uber Accidents

Any car accident can cause serious injuries, including an Uber crash. Common injuries in Washington Township Uber accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI),
• Head, neck, and back injuries, like skull fractures, whiplash, herniated discs, or facial damage,
• Broken and fractured bones,
• Soft tissue damage, organ damage, or internal bleeding,
• Muscle and nerve damage,
• Crush injuries, amputation, scarring, or disfigurement,
• Psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress symptoms. 

Any injury suffered in an Uber-related accident deserves prompt medical attention. While some injuries may heal, others leave permanent problems with pain, mobility, scarring, and other issues. 

Compensation in Washington Township Uber Accidents

A personal injury claim seeks compensation for losses suffered due to someone else’s negligence. Common losses in Washington Township Uber accidents include:

• Current and future medical bills.
• Lost wages.
• Property damage.
• Pain and suffering.

Other losses can occur as well. Because New Jersey limits the time you have to file an injury claim, it’s important to reach out to a dedicated Washington Township Uber injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. 

Speak to an Experienced Washington Township Uber Accident Attorney 

If you’re injured in an Uber-related accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. Follow your doctor’s instructions for care and follow-up treatment.

Then, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney. The team at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm can help you fight for compensation after an injury. To learn more, contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.