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.
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
Choosing Michael Maggiano and his firm was the best decision my husband and I made at a most horrific time in our lives. Multiple doctors, with whom we had trusting relationships, were confidently telling me that nothing was wrong when, in fact, that was not the case; allowing a cancer to grow over several years to an advanced stage.
Michael Maggiano and his incredible colleagues took our case, even though extremely complex. They patiently answered our endless questions, diligently pursued every aspect of our case, handled our anxieties; especially during trial preparation and settlement discussions. Due to their experience and skill, the final outcome was a sizable settlement.
We hope that this message helps you make the right decision during what is probably a difficult and trying time by speaking with Mike Maggiano.
We hired Chris DiGirolamo as our attorney after Mike suffered a life changing injury at work. From the time we met Chris we felt we can trust him to work in the best interest for Mike’s needs. Chris is very down to earth and we felt comfortable whenever we met with him. He spoke to us so we always understood what was going on. He never threw around legal jargon that we would not be able to understand. He was always willing to ensure we knew exactly how our case was proceeding. Chris showed humanity in dealing with Mike’s Injuries and understanding of Mike’s unwillingness to accept some of the changes in his life.
Chris’s high level of energy and desire to bring a case to the best possible results were evident from day one. Our case was settled but of court with the help of a mediator and Chris was by our side explaining what was going on every step of the way. His preparation throughout the case was evident as he spoke before the mediator. It was a pleasure to watch. Chris at work and know he was working for us. He is tough and stubborn when necessary. We were also impressed by the respect shown to Chris by the retired judge we worked with as well as other lawyers. Chris was only happy with this case when he knew we had a settlement that we were very impressed with.
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
$6,200,000 - Traumatic Brain Injury
A commercial truck driver disabled after a crash which resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
$1,500,000 - Blood Loss During Surgery
Settlement secured for an 85 year old widower for the loss of his 65 year old wife due to severe injury of the popliteal artery and vein of the leg during left total knee replacement surgery, causing massive loss of blood resulting in shock, liver, and acute renal failure with resultant metabolic acidosis.
$1,700,000 - Rear-Ending Accident
A 50-year old housewife was injured when her car was rear-ended while stopped a traffic light.
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.
