A ride in an Uber or Lyft should get you home safely, not leave you sitting in a Hackensack emergency room wondering what happens next. If you were hurt in a rideshare crash anywhere in Bergen County, the team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. is ready to help.
As a Hackensack rideshare accident lawyer with decades of trial experience, we know how confusing these claims can feel, with multiple insurance policies, app-based companies, and out-of-state drivers all in the mix. You deserve honest answers and a clear path forward, and that is what we provide from day one.
We have built our practice around people who never expected to be hurt by someone else’s careless choices. Whether your trip started on Main Street, ended near Hackensack University Medical Center, or took place anywhere along Route 4 or Route 17, we listen first, then build a strategy around your life and your losses.
Call us at 201-585-9111 for a free, no-pressure conversation about your rideshare crash.
Why Choose Our Hackensack Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Choosing the right law firm after a serious crash matters more than most people realize. Uber and Lyft are billion-dollar companies with seasoned legal teams, and their insurance carriers move quickly to limit payouts. We level that playing field with experience, preparation, and a willingness to take a case to trial when needed.
Here is what sets our team apart for rideshare clients in Hackensack and across Bergen County:
- More than 100 years of combined legal experience handling motor vehicle and catastrophic injury claims in New Jersey and New York
- A 30-person team that treats every client like a neighbor, not a case number
- Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in trucking, car, and rideshare-related crashes
- Recognition from Best Lawyers in America and Martindale-Hubbell for skill and ethics
- Contingency fee representation, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case
- Deep familiarity with Hackensack courts, local roads, and the medical providers our clients rely on
You should not have to fight a rideshare giant alone while you are trying to heal. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Hackensack handle the calls, the paperwork, and the pressure so you can focus on recovery. Reach out today at 201-585-9111 to talk with a real attorney about your options.
I have been a practicing personal injury lawyer in New Jersey for over twenty years. I knew Michael Maggiano by reputation and when I was involved in an automobile myself I went to him to handle my case. I learned that the reputation was well founded and he has an outstanding law firm, very efficient and professional. He and his staff were always available and helpful during every step of the process and the resultant settlement was excellent. I could not recommend Mr. Maggiano and his firm more highly. Thank you to all at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi .
Mr. Michael Maggiano is an outstanding attorney who uses his many years of experience and wisdom to put forth a solid representation of his client. In my particular case, Mr. Maggiano showed compassion, caring, and commitment in order to bring about a successful resolution involving a local municipality. My case seemed to be unique in that it’s not often that there is a successful pursuit of justice when a municipality is involved. I was lucky to find Mr. Maggiano through the recommendation of other outstanding attorneys, and he certainly measured up to every expectation. Mr. Maggiano’s thoroughness and drive to seek a justifiable agreement in my favor cannot be under-stated; he met with me and my husband day or night, weekend or weekday; he always gladly returned calls and emails promptly. The devotion Mr. Maggiano and his staff displayed to us made us feel that we were his sole priority; simply stated he makes you feel special. While being reassuring and kind, Mr. Maggiano leaves no stone unturned in his research, preparation, and presentation. His vast knowledge works to his client’s advantage, and he is revered by fellow attorneys and judges in New Jersey and New York.
In addition, the staff at Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi always represented the highest caliber of professionalism. Office staff, legal assistants, and the firm’s attorneys were always diligent while being respectful, polite, and caring. It is without hesitation that I give Mr. Maggiano my highest praise and recommendation.
I cannot express how grateful and pleased I am to have had Christopher DiGirolamo and his paralegal Christine Carrino represent me in connection with my personal injury action.
What had happened to me was an event that was about to completely change my life.
Initially I was unable to go to the offices of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi because of my injuries. I had been hit by a motor vehicle while walking in a crosswalk. Christopher came to me. He offered not only expert legal advice but helped significantly with other things like obtaining police reports, how to handle telephone calls, photographing the scene and even advice about warding off “adjusters” who came knocking on my door. Most importantly, Christopher listened. His compassion, knowledge and understanding cannot be overstated.
I, as a lawyer with medical knowledge who needed a lawyer, would consider myself to be somewhat of a challenging client. Christopher took all this in stride and was fearless in offering guidance and advice when I was having difficulty looking at things objectively. Christopher allayed my anxieties and made me feel better each and every time we spoke. He put things in perspective for me while at the same time, not sugar coating the difficult days ahead that were in store for me, both physically and throughout the legal proceedings. Christopher asked me about my preferences and my choices. He was always interested in my ideas and my point of view. Christopher balanced my convictions with his undeniable objectivity and expertise.
Throughout the protracted course of discovery and pre-trial conferences, Christopher went out of his way to communicate with me and keep me informed. When Christopher was in court we engaged in many real time texting sessions. He respected my decisions about strategy and was constant in upholding his integrity. With Christopher’s tenacity and wit, the case was ultimately resolved without trial.
Christopher and the law firm of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. made every effort to accommodate me in whatever way they could. I offer my thanks and gratitude.
How Rideshare Accidents Happen in Hackensack
Hackensack sits at the crossroads of some of the busiest roadways in northern New Jersey, and rideshare drivers are everywhere.
Heavy traffic on Route 4, lane changes near the Hackensack River bridges, and pickups outside venues along Main Street create constant opportunities for collisions. Many drivers are working long hours across multiple apps, which only adds to the risk.
In our experience, rideshare crashes in this area often involve:
- Distracted driving caused by texting or checking the app for the next ride or destination
- Speeding to complete more trips and earn surge pricing
- Drowsy driving during late-night or early-morning shifts
- Sudden stops or unsafe pickups in active traffic lanes
- Drivers unfamiliar with local streets making last-second turns
- Failure to yield at intersections near Bergen County Courthouse or the Shops at Riverside
Any one of these factors can turn a routine trip into a life-changing event. If a careless rideshare driver or another motorist caused your crash, we are ready to investigate what happened and hold the right parties accountable.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Rideshare Crash
One of the most confusing parts of a rideshare claim is figuring out who pays for your injuries. Unlike a typical car accident, an Uber or Lyft crash can involve several insurance policies stacked on top of each other. The answer often depends on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the collision.
In New Jersey, rideshare companies are required to carry significant insurance coverage under the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act. The law sets minimum coverage levels that change based on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash.
Possible responsible parties include:
- The rideshare driver, if their negligence caused the wreck
- The rideshare company’s insurance carrier, depending on whether the app was on and a ride was accepted
- Another driver who hit your rideshare vehicle
- A commercial trucking company whose driver caused the collision
- A government entity responsible for a dangerous road condition
- The vehicle owner, if the rideshare driver was using someone else’s car
Sorting through these layers takes time and experience. We work through every possible source of recovery so nothing is left on the table.
New Jersey Insurance Rules for Uber and Lyft Crashes
Rideshare insurance in New Jersey works in tiers, and understanding those tiers can be the difference between a denied claim and a full recovery. The available coverage depends entirely on what the driver was doing in the app when the crash happened.
Here is a plain-language breakdown of how the coverage usually works:
- App off: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies, which means standard New Jersey policy limits
- App on, waiting for a ride request: The rideshare company provides limited contingent liability coverage
- En route to pick up a passenger or during a trip: A $1.5 million liability policy from the rideshare company typically applies
This third tier is what gives injured passengers and other drivers a real chance at meaningful compensation. Hertz, Uber, Lyft, and similar companies all maintain large policies to comply with state law, but they do not pay willingly. They require proof of liability, proof of injuries, and proof of damages, all of which we build through careful investigation.
If you are unsure which tier applied at the time of your crash, do not worry. We pull app records, GPS data, and trip logs to confirm the driver’s status the second the collision occurred.
Injuries We See in Rideshare Cases
The injuries from rideshare crashes range from soft tissue strains to permanent disability. Because passengers in the back seat often do not see the impact coming, they cannot brace themselves the way a driver might. That can lead to surprising and serious harm even at lower speeds.
Common injuries our Hackensack clients deal with include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord damage, herniated discs, and chronic back pain
- Fractured bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis
- Internal organ injuries from seat belt forces or airbag deployment
- Neck and shoulder injuries, including whiplash
- Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions that develop after trauma
- Emotional injuries such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress
Our rideshare accident lawyers have represented clients whose lives were changed by every one of these conditions. Whatever your injury, we connect with your medical providers and document the full picture of what you are going through.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
A rideshare crash can drain your savings fast. Between emergency care, follow-up treatment, missed paychecks, and household help, the costs add up long before any insurance check arrives. New Jersey law allows injured people to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic harm.
Recovery in a rideshare case can include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including surgery, therapy, and medication
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your job
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket costs such as transportation to appointments and home modifications
- Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
- Loss of companionship for spouses and family members
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one did not survive the crash
We sit down with you, look at the full impact of the collision, and build a demand that reflects every loss you have suffered. No two clients are alike, so no two recoveries should look the same.
Our Track Record in Motor Vehicle and Rideshare Cases
Results matter, and our results speak for themselves. While past outcomes never guarantee future results, our history shows what is possible when a strong case meets a prepared legal team.
A few examples from our motor vehicle work include:
- $10,000,000 for a client thrown from a vehicle in a serious crash
- $5,000,000 for a family of six injured when a tractor-trailer made an improper turn
- $750,000 for a driver struck during a lane change near the George Washington Bridge
Behind every number is a person whose life looked different after their crash. We approach every rideshare case with that same commitment to detail, preparation, and full recovery.
How We Build a Strong Rideshare Claim
Building a rideshare case is different from a typical car accident claim. The evidence lives in apps, servers, and electronic records that disappear quickly without legal action. We move fast to lock down what matters most.
Our process generally includes:
- Sending preservation letters to Uber, Lyft, and other involved companies
- Pulling trip logs, GPS data, and driver status information
- Securing dashcam footage, traffic camera video, and witness statements
- Working with crash reconstruction experts when liability is disputed
- Coordinating with your medical team to understand the full scope of your injuries
- Identifying every available insurance policy across personal, commercial, and rideshare coverage
We treat investigation as the foundation of every case. The better the evidence, the stronger your position when it is time to negotiate or go to trial.
Verdicts and Settlements
$775,000 - Wrongful Death
For the wrongful death of car accident victim who died while being prepared for emergency surgery.
$600,000 - Oral Surgery Negligence
A middle aged single woman suffered dislodgement of dentures into throat during an oral medical procedure where medical and nursing staff failed to remove partial removable denture and didn’t release denture that was dislodged during the procedure.
$425,000 - Fall From Ladder
Settlement under the New York Labor Law for a fall from a ladder by worker who suffered severe back injury.
FAQs Answered by Our Hackensack Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Here are answers to questions we hear often from Hackensack rideshare crash clients.
Should I file a claim with my own insurance or with Uber or Lyft after a crash in Hackensack?
The answer depends on whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, and what the rideshare driver was doing in the app. In most cases involving an active ride, the rideshare company’s coverage is the primary source of recovery. We help you sort out the right order of claims so you do not accidentally waive rights or trigger delays.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
New Jersey generally gives injured people two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are exceptions that can shorten or extend that window, especially when a government vehicle or public entity is involved. Talking with us early protects your rights and your evidence.
What if the rideshare driver was using a personal vehicle without telling the company?
This happens more often than people think, and it raises questions about coverage and responsibility. Even when a driver violates rideshare company rules, you may still have a path to recovery through their personal policy, your own underinsured motorist coverage, or the rideshare insurance depending on the circumstances. We dig into the facts to find every option.
Can I still recover money if I was partly at fault for the rideshare crash?
Yes, in many cases. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so you can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault. Your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault, but partial responsibility does not automatically end your claim.
What if my injuries did not show up until days after the rideshare crash?
Delayed injuries are very common, especially soft tissue injuries, concussions, and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Adrenaline can mask symptoms for hours or days after a collision. See a doctor as soon as anything feels off, keep records of every visit, and let us know what is happening so we can document the connection to the crash.
Do I have to go to court for a rideshare accident case?
Most rideshare cases resolve through settlement, but some require a trial to get full and fair compensation. Our firm prepares every case as if it will be tried, which often encourages insurers to make stronger offers. If trial is the right path for your case, we are ready to take it on.
How much does it cost to hire a rideshare accident lawyer in Hackensack?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs. You do not pay attorney fees unless we win your case through settlement or verdict. The first consultation is free, so you can learn about your options with zero financial risk.
Talk With a Hackensack Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
You did not choose to be hurt, and you should not have to face the insurance companies alone. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we stand beside Hackensack rideshare crash clients from the first phone call through final resolution.
Whether your injuries are physical, emotional, or both, we are ready to listen, explain your options in plain English, and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Call us at 201-585-9111 for a free consultation, or reach out through our website to schedule a conversation at a time that works for you. There is no fee unless we win, and there is no pressure when we talk. Let us carry the legal weight so you can focus on healing.
