A Lyft ride is supposed to be the easy choice. You tap a button, climb in, and trust someone else to get you safely from a Hackensack restaurant on Main Street to your home a few miles away. When that ride ends in a crash, everything changes in a moment.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our Hackensack Lyft accident lawyer is here to listen, to learn what happened to you, and to fight for the full recovery you deserve under New Jersey law.
We know how confusing the days after a rideshare crash can feel. You may not know whose insurance pays, who is responsible, or how to handle the medical bills already arriving in the mail. We see you, and we are ready to help.
Call us today at 201-585-9111 for a free, no-pressure conversation about your case.
Why Choose Us for Your Hackensack Lyft Accident Claim
Our firm has spent decades standing up for injured people across Bergen County and beyond. We are a team of more than 30 dedicated professionals, and when you hire us, you are not just getting one attorney. You are getting our entire firm focused on your case.
Here is what sets our work apart for Lyft accident victims in Hackensack:
- More than 100 years of combined trial experience handling motor vehicle and rideshare collision cases
- A track record of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians
- Deep familiarity with New Jersey’s rideshare insurance rules and the corporate insurance carriers that cover Lyft drivers
- Contingency fee representation, meaning you owe nothing unless we win your case
- Personalized attention from intake through resolution, treating every client like a neighbor and not a file number
We believe that people who have been hurt by someone else’s careless driving deserve a fair shot at full recovery. If you or a loved one was injured in a Lyft crash near Riverside Square Mall, on Route 4, or anywhere in the Hackensack area, contact our Hackensack rideshare accident attorneys today.
I cannot thank Mr. Michael Maggiano and his staff enough for their handling of my case. My incident happened before the pandemic, but that did not hinder the performance of Michael, his Paralegal, Ms. Linda Reid, and his support staff. Ms. Reid remained in constant communication with me around the clock and she did her due diligence with gathering all evidence for my case. She left no stone unturned by recording every detail of the incident and my medical history. Every detail is important no matter how minuscule it may seem. Linda has the capacity to make you feel comfortable in one of the most uncomfortable moments of your life. Her explanation and assistance with the court proceedings put me at ease. Michael Maggiano and his Paralegal, Linda Reid will fight to win your case and get their clients what they are owed. Highly recommended!
My experience with Maggiano office is incredible. I have been working with Michael’s firm for almost two years now and I always felt that they really cared for their individual client. Personally I loved that Michael would spend the time to get to know me as a person and care about my feelings and well being so he can truly protect me. Him and his firm is super kind and always willing to work with my demanding work schedule. They are very responsive and keep me in the loop of everything. I am very meticulous when it comes to follow up and getting tasks done in timely fashion.. and this firm definitely impressed me (and it is not easy to impress me).
If there is a family member or a friend looking for a law firm, I would recommend this firm in a heart beat.
Thank you very much to Michael and his team (especially Linda and Bernadette).
Michael Maggiano is one of the hardest working, ethical attorneys that you can have represent you. When I was going through my injury, emotional pain and suffering, the last thing I wanted to think about was who would be the right lawyer who is caring and understanding of my situation. Well Michael was there every step of the way. Through his guidance, support and legal advice, somehow he got me through this ordeal. If I have to rate Michael between 0 to 10, he is definitely a 12! Believe it or not, if you call Michael on his telephone, he will call you back the same day or night to try to help you with your concerns and questions. Why? BECAUSE HE CARES
Understanding Lyft Accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey
Hackensack is a busy hub for rideshare activity. With Hackensack University Medical Center drawing visitors from across the region, courthouses bringing in daily commuters, and a steady stream of shoppers, students, and diners moving through downtown, Lyft drivers are constantly on the road.
Heavy traffic on River Street, Essex Street, and Route 17 means crashes happen, and rideshare vehicles are often involved.
A Lyft accident is not just a regular car crash. The rules about insurance coverage, who can be sued, and how a claim is paid depend on what the Lyft driver was doing at the moment of the collision. That is why having a Lyft accident lawyer in Hackensack who understands rideshare law matters so much.
Common causes of Lyft crashes in our area include:
- Distracted driving while the driver checks the app for new ride requests or directions
- Fatigue from long shifts, especially among drivers working multiple gig jobs
- Speeding to complete more rides during peak hours
- Unfamiliarity with local Hackensack streets, leading to sudden stops or unsafe turns
- Failure to yield, run red lights, or follow proper merging rules on highways like I-80 and the Garden State Parkway
These factors can leave passengers, other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians with serious injuries. No matter how the crash happened, our team is here to help you understand your options.
How Does New Jersey Law Treat Lyft Accidents?
New Jersey has specific rules for rideshare companies under the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act. This law requires companies like Lyft to carry significant insurance coverage, but the amount available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
There are generally three phases that affect coverage:
- App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and Lyft’s coverage usually does not.
- App on, waiting for a ride request: Lyft provides limited liability coverage if the driver’s personal policy does not respond.
- App on, with a passenger or en route to pick one up: Lyft’s $1 million liability policy is in effect, along with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Knowing which phase applied at the moment of your crash is one of the first things we investigate. Insurance companies sometimes try to point fingers at each other to delay or reduce payouts. Our job is to cut through that confusion and pursue every source of coverage available to you.
What Are Common Injuries After a Lyft Crash?
The injuries from a rideshare collision can range from temporary soreness to permanent disability. Because Lyft passengers often sit in the back seat without a clear view of the road, they have no chance to brace before impact. That can make injuries worse.
Some of the most common injuries we see in Lyft crash cases include:
- Whiplash and other neck and back strains
- Herniated discs requiring surgery or long-term physical therapy
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and post-concussion syndrome
- Broken bones, especially in the arms, ribs, and legs
- Internal injuries that may not show symptoms for hours or days
- Soft tissue damage that triggers chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
The right medical treatment now protects both your health and your case later. We always encourage clients to follow up with their physicians and keep careful records of every appointment.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Lyft Accident?
One of the hardest questions after a rideshare crash is figuring out who should pay. Several parties may share responsibility, and our Hackensack Lyft accident attorneys investigate each one. Possible at-fault parties include:
- The Lyft driver, if their driving caused or contributed to the crash
- Another motorist who hit the Lyft vehicle
- Lyft itself, in some cases involving driver screening or app malfunctions
- A vehicle manufacturer if a defective part contributed to the crash
- A government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions
We work with crash reconstruction professionals, medical providers, and economic analysts to build a complete picture of what happened and what your future will look like. Identifying every responsible party often increases the total compensation available to you.
Damages You May Recover
New Jersey law allows injured victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. After a Lyft crash, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries keep you from working
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from doing things you love
- Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings inside the Lyft
- In tragic cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your recovery timeline, and how the crash affects your future. We sit down with each client, learn about their life, and make sure no loss is forgotten.
Our Results in Motor Vehicle and Rideshare Cases
Our firm’s history of strong results gives clients confidence that we know how to win. While past outcomes never guarantee future ones, our motor vehicle case record speaks to our commitment.
Some of the verdicts and settlements we have obtained in motor vehicle and related cases include:
- $10,000,000 for a worker thrown from a vehicle in a serious crash
- $7,000,000 for a young man left with lifelong impairment after being struck on a highway
- $2,500,000 for a passenger of a drunk driver who suffered serious injuries
- $742,000 for a bicyclist hit by a driver failing to yield
These results reflect years of preparation, careful work with medical professionals, and a willingness to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement. Our team brings that same dedication to every Lyft case we accept.
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.
$11,500,000 - Hospital Negligence
A North Carolina hospital has paid $11.5 million to the two surviving minor children of a man who murdered his wife, stepdaughter and baby daughter then forced his two surviving kids to live in an apartment with the corpses before he finally killed himself.
$6,200,000 - Traumatic Brain Injury
A commercial truck driver disabled after a crash which resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
What Makes Rideshare Claims Different from Regular Car Accidents?
Lyft cases come with layers that ordinary car crash claims do not. The driver is technically an independent contractor, not a Lyft employee. The corporate insurance policy only kicks in under certain conditions. And Lyft’s lawyers and adjusters often push back hard against passenger claims to protect their bottom line.
A few of the unique challenges we handle in Lyft cases include:
- Determining the driver’s status in the app at the exact moment of the crash
- Preserving electronic ride data before it is overwritten or lost
- Coordinating between the driver’s personal insurance and Lyft’s corporate policy
- Handling out-of-state insurers when the driver lives in New York or Connecticut
- Responding to denials based on alleged passenger conduct or seatbelt use
Because these claims are complex, the smartest move you can make after a Lyft crash in Hackensack is to call an attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster. Anything you say in those early conversations can be used to reduce or deny your claim later.
How We Build Your Hackensack Lyft Accident Case
When you choose our firm, we get to work right away. Building a strong rideshare case takes investigation, documentation, and persistence. Our process generally includes:
- A free consultation where we listen to your story and answer your questions
- A full investigation of the crash, including police reports, witness statements, and app records
- A medical timeline showing every injury, treatment, and projected future cost
- Negotiation with insurance carriers to seek the highest possible settlement
- Trial preparation if the insurance company will not pay what your case is worth
We keep clients informed every step of the way, in plain English. There is no legal jargon, no surprises, and no pressure. Just steady advocacy from a team that has done this work for decades.
FAQs Answered by Our Hackensack Lyft Accident Lawyers
Below are answers to questions our clients often ask after a Lyft crash in Hackensack.
How long do I have to file a Lyft accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to recover anything at all. Some claims involving government vehicles or public entities have much shorter deadlines, so it is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What if the Lyft driver says the crash was not their fault?
The driver’s opinion does not control your claim. What matters is the evidence, including the police report, witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and any data from the Lyft app. We gather all of this and build a case based on facts, not on what the driver or insurance company chooses to say.
What if I’m partly at fault for the accident?
New Jersey also follows a modified comparative negligence rule under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1, which means you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault. Even partial fault should not stop you from speaking to an attorney about your case.
What if I was a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a Lyft driver?
You still have the right to pursue compensation. New Jersey law protects pedestrians and bicyclists injured by negligent drivers, including rideshare drivers. The same rideshare insurance policies that cover passengers also extend to people hit by Lyft vehicles in many situations.
Will my own auto insurance pay if I was a passenger in a Lyft?
Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage under New Jersey’s no-fault system may pay for some initial medical bills, even if you were riding in a Lyft. We can help you sort out which policies apply and in what order, so you do not miss out on any benefits you are entitled to receive.
How much does it cost to hire a Hackensack Lyft accident lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you, and if we do not win your case, you owe us no attorney fees. This way, every injured person can afford strong legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
What if my injuries did not show up until days after the crash?
Many serious injuries, including soft tissue damage, concussions, and fibromyalgia, may take days or even weeks to fully appear. See a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms and keep all records of your treatment. Delayed symptoms are common after a rideshare crash and do not prevent you from filing a claim.
Talk to a Hackensack Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt in a Lyft crash anywhere in Hackensack or the surrounding Bergen County area, you do not have to figure this out alone. The team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. is ready to stand by your side, answer your questions, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation. There is no obligation, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Call our Hackensack office at 201-585-9111 or contact us online to get started. Let our family of attorneys help your family find a path forward.
