Uber crashes are not ordinary car accidents. Multiple insurance policies, app data, driver classifications, and corporate lawyers all come into play before you have even finished your first round of physical therapy.
A Hackensack Uber accident lawyer from Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. can cut through that complexity and put the focus back where it belongs, which is on your recovery.
Our firm has helped people hurt on Hackensack streets, on Interstate 80, and on roads throughout New Jersey and New York for more than a century of combined attorney experience.
Reach us at 201-585-9111 for a free, no-pressure case review.
Why Choose Us for Your Hackensack Uber Accident Case
Choosing a law firm after a rideshare crash is a personal decision, and we want you to feel confident in that choice. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, we treat every client the way we would want our own family treated. We listen first, ask questions, and explain every step in plain language.
Here is what sets our Hackensack Uber accident lawyer team apart:
- More than 100 years of combined experience handling motor vehicle and personal injury cases across New Jersey and New York.
- Multi-million-dollar results for clients injured in car, truck, and rideshare collisions, including a $5,000,000 recovery for a family struck by a tractor-trailer.
- A team of 30 dedicated professionals, not just one attorney working your file alone.
- Contingency fee representation, which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
- Local knowledge of Hackensack roads, Bergen County courts, and the insurance carriers that handle Uber claims in New Jersey.
When you call us, you reach people who understand both the law and the human side of what you are going through. We want to be the firm you trust to stand in your shoes and fight for the recovery you deserve. Reach out today at 201-585-9111 to speak with a Hackensack Uber accident lawyer who is ready to listen.
I am writing this review on behalf of my mother, Darlene LaVella, who does not have a Facebook. ‘Chris DiGiralamo was an excellent advocate in my negligence case. His confidence, professionalism and kindness made this difficult process easier for my husband and myself. The same for his support team. Marisol Suarez was always there via phone, email or text helping me to navigate the difficulties of Workers Comp in addition to the negligence case and Karen Sanchez, who recommended the firm to me, was invaluable in helping with video & pictures. I thank you all here, publicly, and recommend this firm highly for any legal needs.’
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!
It was a pleasure having Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi take on my case. After a car accident left me jobless for several months, they helped get me back on my feet. They went above and beyond the call of duty!
How Are Uber Accidents Different from Regular Car Crashes?
A rideshare crash looks like any other collision at first glance, but the legal picture is very different. Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees, which changes how insurance applies. The amount of coverage available also depends on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash.
Here is a quick look at how Uber’s insurance generally works in New Jersey:
- App is off: Only the driver’s personal auto policy applies.
- App is on, waiting for a ride request: Limited liability coverage applies through Uber, usually for bodily injury and property damage.
- Driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the car: Up to $1.5 million in third-party liability coverage applies, along with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
These coverage rules come straight from New Jersey’s Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act. Figuring out which policy applies is often the first major fight in any rideshare case, and it can change the value of your claim significantly.
Who Can File a Hackensack Uber Accident Claim?
Many people assume only passengers can sue after an Uber crash, but that is not the case. Rideshare accidents affect many different people on the road. If a negligent Uber driver or another driver caused your injuries, you may have the right to recover damages.
We help people in the following situations:
- Uber passengers injured during a ride.
- Drivers of other vehicles struck by an Uber driver.
- Pedestrians hit by a rideshare vehicle near downtown Hackensack or along busy corridors like Hudson Street.
- Bicyclists struck by an Uber driver who failed to yield or check mirrors.
- Uber drivers injured by another negligent driver while logged into the app.
- Family members of those who lost a loved one in a fatal rideshare collision.
No matter which of these groups you fall into, you deserve a careful look at your options. Our Hackensack Uber accident attorney will walk you through what your case may look like during a free consultation.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Hackensack
Hackensack sits at the crossroads of several busy highways and local streets. Traffic flows through Route 17, Route 4, Interstate 80, and the Garden State Parkway, and rideshare drivers often work long shifts crossing all of them. Many crashes follow patterns we see over and over again.
Frequent causes of Uber accidents include:
- Distracted driving while checking the Uber app, GPS, or messages from passengers.
- Fatigue from long shifts, especially among drivers who use Uber as a second job.
- Speeding to complete more rides during peak hours near Hackensack University Medical Center or the Shops at Riverside.
- Sudden stops or unsafe pickups in traffic lanes rather than safe pull-off areas.
- Failure to yield at busy intersections like the area around Main Street and Anderson Street.
- Inexperience with local roads, since many rideshare drivers come from outside Bergen County.
- Driving under the influence, which remains a serious problem on weekend nights.
Each of these causes can be investigated and proven with the right evidence. We work with accident reconstruction professionals, medical providers, and witnesses to build a clear story of what happened.
Compensation Available in a Hackensack Uber Accident Case
Money cannot undo what happened, but it can help cover the costs of recovery and the impact on your daily life. New Jersey law allows injured people to seek several types of damages after a rideshare crash. The categories below are common in most personal injury cases, including those against Uber and other rideshare companies.
You may be entitled to recover for:
- Medical bills, both past and future, including surgery, therapy, and medication
- Lost wages for time missed from work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent a return to your previous job
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental health treatment
- Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
- Loss of consortium for spouses and family members
- Wrongful death damages if a family member did not survive the crash
The full value of a claim depends on the severity of injuries, available insurance coverage, and many other factors. We sit down with each client to map out what a fair recovery looks like before we make any demands on the insurance company.
Verdicts and Settlements
$7,000,000 - Lifelong Impairment
A 23 year old, alleged to have been running across a four lane highway in the middle of a block and against a green light, was struck by an oncoming motorist. She suffered brain injury resulting in severe cognitive and motor impairment including a speech defect, leaving her totally disabled and dependent on caregivers for life.
$2,000,000 - Motorcycle Struck by Truck
A 45 year old motorcyclist was struck by a rented box truck making a left turn against traffic. Client sustained multiple leg fractures and ruptured Aorta and had multiple leg surgeries.
$800,000 - Workplace Safety
To an electrician who suffered flash burns when he plugged in a meter to read the electric usage of a shopping mall tenant.
How New Jersey’s No-Fault System Affects Uber Cases
New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own auto insurance usually pays your initial medical bills through Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, regardless of who caused the crash.
This system, explained in detail in New Jersey Statute 39:6A-4, can get confusing in rideshare cases because passengers may not have their own auto policy, or the policy may have specific exclusions for rideshare activity.
You can also step outside of no-fault and sue for pain and suffering if your injuries meet New Jersey’s verbal threshold, which generally requires a permanent injury, significant scarring, or other serious harm.
We help clients understand which lawsuit limitation option they selected, what their PIP coverage looks like, and how Uber’s $1.5 million policy fits into the picture. These details make a real difference in the final outcome of your claim.
Our Results in Motor Vehicle and Rideshare Cases
Past results never guarantee a future outcome, but they do show what is possible when serious injury cases are handled well. Our motor vehicle practice has produced significant recoveries for clients across Bergen County and beyond. Each case below involved a unique set of facts, and we approached each one with the same care we bring to every client.
Selected motor vehicle and rideshare-related results include:
- $10,000,000 for a worker thrown from a vehicle in a serious crash
- $7,000,000 recovery for a young man who suffered lifelong impairment after a roadway collision
- $5,000,000 for a family struck by a tractor-trailer making an improper turn
- $3,350,000 settlement for a young woman severely burned in a post-collision fire
- $2,500,000 for a rear-seat passenger of a drunk driver
Behind every one of these numbers is a person whose life was changed in an instant. We are proud of the work our team does, and we are ready to put that same effort into your case.
Steps We Take When You Hire Us
When you bring your case to our office, we take immediate action to protect your rights. Time matters because evidence can disappear, witnesses move, and insurance companies start building their defense from day one. Our goal is to get ahead of all of that.
Here is what working with our Hackensack Uber accident lawyer team usually looks like:
- We meet with you, in person or by phone, and listen to your story.
- We send preservation letters so that Uber and other parties cannot delete app data, GPS records, or driver logs.
- We obtain the police report, witness statements, and any available video footage from nearby businesses.
- We coordinate with your medical providers so your treatment is documented properly.
- We handle all communication with insurance adjusters so they cannot pressure you into a low settlement.
- We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, even if most settle before that point.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and answer your questions in plain English. You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case.
What Are the Time Limits for Filing an Uber Accident Claim in New Jersey?
New Jersey gives most injured people two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. If you miss that deadline, you usually lose the right to recover anything, no matter how strong your case might have been.
Claims involving government vehicles or government-owned roads can have much shorter notice deadlines, sometimes as little as 90 days. Even if you think you have plenty of time, the sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better.
Your Questions Answered by Our Hackensack Uber Accident Lawyers
Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from people who have been hurt in rideshare crashes in Hackensack and the surrounding area.
Do I have to deal with Uber's insurance company on my own?
No. You are not required to give a recorded statement or accept any offer from Uber’s insurance carrier. We recommend speaking with a lawyer before any conversation with an adjuster. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim later.
What if the Uber driver did not have the app on at the time of the crash?
If the app was off, only the driver’s personal auto policy will apply. Many personal policies exclude commercial driving, which can lead to coverage disputes. We dig into the driver’s app status at the moment of impact to figure out which insurance applies to your case.
Can I sue Uber directly after a crash?
Suing Uber as a company is difficult because their drivers are classified as independent contractors. However, Uber’s commercial insurance policy of up to $1.5 million often provides coverage for passengers and third parties. We pursue every available source of recovery on your behalf.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. We work hard to make sure blame is placed where it actually belongs.
How much does it cost to hire a Hackensack Uber accident attorney?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. The first consultation is always free. There is no risk in calling to learn about your options.
What if my injuries did not show up until days after the crash?
Delayed symptoms are very common, especially with soft-tissue and brain injuries. You should still seek medical care and document your symptoms as soon as they appear. A delay in treatment does not automatically end your claim, but it does need to be explained carefully.
Can family members file a claim if a loved one died in an Uber crash?
Yes. New Jersey’s Wrongful Death Act allows certain family members to recover damages when a loved one is killed by another party’s negligence. We handle these cases with care and respect for the family.
Talk to a Hackensack Uber Accident Lawyer Today
You do not have to face the insurance companies, hospital bills, and missed paychecks on your own. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our Hackensack Uber accident lawyer team is ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what to do next. We have stood up for injured people across Bergen County for years, and we would be honored to stand with you.
Call us today at 201-585-9111 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case, and there is never any pressure to sign on the spot. Reach out now and let us start working for you.
