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 am delighted to provide this testimonial for Mr. DiGirolamo. His representation of me during my case was unflagging over its four-year duration. He kept me informed, and prepared for every eventuality as the case progressed.
He understood my fears and pain, and saw to it that Workmans Comp provided support for me until my civil case was settled. He prepared me substantially whenever necessary. I was very grateful for his understanding of the disastrous effect my accident had on every aspect of my life.
He was always supportive and kind personally, and totally professional. He reminded me to be realistic about the eventual outcome, and advised me as to the importance of my demeanor and attitude.
Everyone I came in contact with at the office was polite and helpful, in particular Marisol Suarez, Mr. DiGirolamo’s paralegal assistant. I will always be grateful for the way my case was handled.
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.
The Office of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi have been so helpful in my case that I just wanted to stress to anyone needing an attorney who has been in an accident that this office is the best. From the beginning of my case I was treated as number one. Mr. Maggiano and staff always kept me informed of the entire process of my case. I even had a driver, Juan, from their office, take me to my medical appointments because I no longer have an automobile. It just made me feel so much more relaxed. This is a law firm makes you feel right at home as soon as you come in. There were many times that I had questions and I would speak to Mariel, Mr. Maggianos’s paralegal and she would always be there to help
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
$240,000 - Slip & Fall
To a 66 year old individual “visiting” the college to attend a course on job interviewing skills and resume building, who was injured when he was caused to trip and fall on an exterior walkway outside the school building where he was attending the “meet and greet” session.
$3,350,000 - Failure to Diagnose
Following an automobile accident, patient’s brain injury was undiagnosed by the emergency room physician. Subsequent emergency surgery failed to prevent significant brain damage which required prolonged rehabilitation and cognitive therapy. Patient now has long-term effect and requires the assistance of a walker.
$950,000 - Machine Guarding
Against a wood chipper manufacturer for a defective safety mechanism resulting in loss of a foot to landscape employee in 1994 who used his foot to kick in branches into the mouth of the chipping blades.
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.
