A ride-hailing service trip can change everything in an instant. One moment you’re using app-based transportation to head to work, meet friends, or go home to your family, the next, you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, multiple insurance companies, and an uncertain future. At Sadaka Law, we understand that behind every rideshare accident case is a person whose life has been disrupted, often through no fault of their own.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident anywhere in New Jersey, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Let Sadaka Law help.
Why Choose Sadaka Law
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a serious rideshare accident, the attorney you choose can make the difference between just getting by and truly rebuilding your life. Here’s why Sadaka Law stands apart from other New Jersey rideshare accident lawyers:
Led by Nationally Recognized Attorney Mark Sadaka
Mark T. Sadaka isn’t just another personal injury lawyer. He’s a nationally recognized attorney known for handling complex and high-profile cases that other attorneys won’t touch. With his Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) from Tulane University and specialization in toxicology, he brings a unique medical-legal perspective to every rideshare accident case.
“We are a science and law hybrid that understands the context of these medically and scientifically complicated cases.” – Mark T. Sadaka
Experience Beyond Traditional Accident Cases
Our experience handling cases involving pharmaceutical companies, defective products, and corporate negligence gives us unique insights into complex rideshare accident cases involving:
- Corporate accountability and safety violations
- Technology-related accident causation involving gig economy drivers
- Complex product liability issues involving defective vehicle systems
- Multi-jurisdictional insurance coverage disputes across rideshare platforms
You’re Family, Not a Case Number
When you work with Sadaka Law, you’re not just another file on a desk. Mark Sadaka personally reviews every case, and our legal team treats you like family. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, regular updates on your case, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing experienced advocates are fighting for you.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
What you do immediately after a rideshare accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Follow these critical steps to protect yourself and preserve your legal rights:
1. Call 911 and Ensure a Police Report is Filed
Even if the accident seems minor, always call the police. A police report provides official documentation of the accident and can be crucial evidence in your case. The responding officer will also ensure the scene is safe and coordinate emergency medical care if needed.
2. Seek Medical Care, Even for Minor Symptoms
This is critical: Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain for hours or even days. Conditions like traumatic brain injury and whiplash from rideshare accidents often have delayed onset symptoms. See a doctor as soon as possible and request emergency medical treatment evaluation, even if you feel fine. This protects your health and creates important medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
Important Note: Unlike regular car accidents, rideshare accidents often involve delayed injury recognition due to the unexpected nature of being a passenger. Our medical background helps us understand these complex injury patterns that other lawyers miss.
3. Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re able to do so safely:
- Take photos of all vehicles involved, including damage
- Screenshot the rideshare app showing your trip details and driver information
- Photograph the accident scene, traffic signals, and road conditions
- Take pictures of any visible injuries
- Get photos of license plates and street signs
4. Collect Critical Information
From the rideshare driver and all other drivers involved:
- Full names and contact information
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
- Vehicle make, model, year, and VIN numbers
- Rideshare company (Uber/Lyft) and driver rating
From witnesses:
- Names and contact information
- Brief description of what they saw
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider and the Rideshare Company
Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as you can, especially since New Jersey operates under a no-fault insurance system. You’ll need to understand how your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage applies. Also report the incident through the Uber or Lyft app. Share only the basic facts like time, location, and vehicles involved. Do not provide detailed statements until you have spoken with an attorney.
6. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
Don’t give recorded statements or detailed descriptions to insurance adjusters before consulting with an attorney. This includes adjusters from the rideshare company, the driver’s insurance, or even your own insurance company. Stick to basic facts and let your attorney handle all communications.
7. Contact an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney
The insurance companies start working to minimize your claim immediately. You should have experienced legal representation just as quickly. Contact Sadaka Law for a free legal evaluation that will help you make the right first move and protect your rights from day one.
What Compensation Can You Get
Rideshare accidents can cause devastating financial and personal losses that extend far beyond your immediate medical bills. At Sadaka Law, we fight to recover every dollar you’re entitled to, including:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity
- Pain, Suffering, and Life Impact
- Property and Other Losses
- Long-Term Medical Monitoring
What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different
The Science Behind App-Related Accidents
Our unique medical background allows us to understand the complex factors that contribute to rideshare accidents. Recent studies show that rideshare services have led to a 2-3% increase in traffic fatalities across the United States, often due to:
- Driver distraction from app notifications and GPS routing
- Pressure to accept rides quickly, leading to rushed driving decisions
- Fatigue from long driving shifts to maximize earnings
- Unfamiliarity with pickup and drop-off locations
Corporate vs. Individual Responsibility
Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare accidents involve powerful corporations with nearly unlimited resources. Uber’s own safety reports show that between 2017 and 2018, Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal accidents, resulting in 107 deaths. Yet these companies often try to shift liability to individual drivers who are classified as independent contractors.
Multiple Insurance Layers Complexity
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, creating a complex web that insurance companies use to delay and deny claims. This corporate maze is designed to protect their profits, not your rights.
Who Is Liable in New Jersey Rideshare Accidents
Determining liability in New Jersey rideshare accidents depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident, as mandated by New Jersey’s Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act.
Three-Phase Insurance System
- Phase 0: App Off: Driver not logged into rideshare app
- Phase 1: App On, No Active Ride: Driver logged in and waiting for ride requests
- Phase 2: En Route: Driver en route to pickup
- Phase 3: Active Ride: Passenger in vehicle and ride in progress
When Rideshare Companies Are Directly Liable
Beyond insurance coverage, rideshare companies can be held directly liable for:
- Inadequate background checks and driver screening failures
- Negligent hiring and retention of dangerous drivers
- Defective app technology that contributes to accidents
- Corporate policies that prioritize profits over passenger safety
- Failure to properly maintain driver qualification standards
- Insufficient commercial auto insurance coverage for high-risk situations
Uber vs. Lyft Insurance Policies in New Jersey
Uber Coverage Breakdown by Phase
Uber’s insurance coverage in New Jersey follows the three-phase system required by state law:
Phase 0 (App Off):
- Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies
Phase 1 (No Active Ride):
- Limited liability coverage that bridges the gap between personal insurance and full commercial coverage
- Often insufficient for serious injuries
- May include exclusions that leave victims without coverage
Phase 2 & 3 (En Route & Active Ride):
- Full $1.5 million liability coverage plus uninsured/underinsured motorist protection
- Comprehensive coverage for serious accidents
- Includes coverage for passengers and third parties
Policy Exclusions:
- Coverage may not apply if the driver lacks proper endorsements
- Violations of company policies can void coverage
- Criminal acts by drivers may exclude company liability
Lyft Coverage Comparison
Lyft provides comparable coverage to Uber but with subtle differences in claims handling and policy interpretation.
Phase 0 (App Off):
- Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies
Phase 1 (No Active Ride):
- At least $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage
- $25,000 for property damage
- Limited third-party liability coverage that may leave coverage gaps
Phase 2 & 3 (En Route & Active Ride):
- At least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability coverage in most markets
- $1.5 million liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as required by New Jersey law
- First-party coverages including uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist, PIP, and occupational accident coverage
Coverage Limitations:
- Personal auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage during rideshare activities, meaning drivers often purchase rideshare insurance
- Coverage gaps exist for drivers without proper rideshare endorsements
- Lyft’s coverage does not apply to NYC TLC-licensed drivers, even when operating in New Jersey
Contact Sadaka Law Today
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident anywhere in New Jersey, don’t face the powerful corporations and their insurance companies alone. The decisions you make in the days following your accident can impact the rest of your life.
Why Act Now?
- Evidence disappears quickly. App data gets deleted, witnesses move away, surveillance footage gets overwritten.
- Insurance companies work fast to minimize claims and build their defense.
- Medical documentation is crucial. Delays in treatment can hurt both your health and your case.
- Legal deadlines are strict. Waiting too long can permanently bar your claim.
Contact Sadaka Law today for your free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and your future.
