Westfield Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Westfield
Uber and Lyft have reshaped how Westfield moves, but their growth brings new legal challenges when crashes happen. These incidents aren’t like typical car wrecks — they involve massive corporations, layered insurance policies, and corporate defense teams.
According to academic research from Rice University and the University of Chicago, Uber and Lyft usage correlates with a 2–3% jump in nationwide traffic deaths, adding up to about 1,000 lives lost per year.
Anyone hurt in a rideshare collision in Westfield needs to act quickly to protect their case and seek maximum compensation.
Liability in Westfield Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents are legally complex because responsibility changes depending on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred. Different insurance policies apply based on whether the driver had the app on, was en route, or actively transporting someone.
App Off:
The driver’s personal insurance applies.
App On (No Passenger):
Uber or Lyft provides limited third-party liability coverage (usually $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).
App On (With Passenger or En Route):
The full $1 million liability coverage kicks in.
Our legal team pulls rideshare data, trip records, and time logs to pinpoint liability and apply pressure to the right insurer. We won’t hesitate to challenge coverage denials or take legal action against rideshare companies that deflect responsibility.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Westfield
Uber and Lyft drivers are frequently navigating busy roads while managing ride requests, customer service, and app-based instructions. This environment can create unsafe driving conditions and result in preventable crashes.
- Distracted driving (e.g., checking the app, GPS, texting)
- Fatigue from long driving shifts
- Speeding or aggressive driving to meet ride quotas
- Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with Westfield roads
- Unsafe pick-up or drop-off locations
While rideshare companies do conduct driver screenings and monitor activity, they still depend on a vast network of independent contractors with varying driving records. We leave no stone unturned in tracing the cause of the accident and proving where negligence occurred.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Westfield
Getting injured in an Uber or Lyft crash means you need to take immediate action to preserve your legal options. That includes calling 911, seeking medical care, documenting the scene, and consulting an experienced attorney before speaking to insurers.
Call 911 and request medical assistance if needed.
Get the names, contact info, and insurance details of all parties involved.
Take screenshots of your Uber or Lyft trip, including timestamps.
Document the scene with photos or videos (vehicles, street signs, damage).
Do not accept early settlement offers or give recorded statements to insurance without legal guidance.
Rideshare companies may try to limit their financial exposure by shifting blame or delaying claim processes. Having a legal advocate from the start can protect you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Crashes
Rideshare crashes often occur in dense traffic or urban corridors, where even a low-speed collision can cause significant injury. We’ve represented Westfield clients who suffered from:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Though often dismissed as minor injuries sometimes result in serious complications over time. Don’t allow an insurance company downplay your pain — our attorneys fight to ensure every consequence of your injury is fully recorded and properly evaluated.
The Urgency Behind Taking Action Against Rideshare Companies in Westfield
Corporate policies, shifting insurance tiers, and skilled legal teams make it hard for victims to get fair compensation. Just one detail — like the driver’s phase in the trip — can mean the difference between full compensation and none at all.
If you try to go it alone, you may end up accepting a lowball offer — or worse, getting nothing. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we confront rideshare companies directly and pursue every legal strategy available to recover full damages.
Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Westfield
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, these steps are crucial to protect your legal and financial interests:
Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, documentation is essential.
Report the Accident to Authorities
Ensure police are called and a report is filed on the scene.
Document Everything
Photos, witness contact info, rideshare app screenshots, and vehicle damage.
Avoid Statements to Insurance Adjusters
Anything you say can be used to lower or deny your claim.
Contact an Attorney Quickly
Time-sensitive evidence and complex insurance policies require early legal intervention.
Even small mistakes — like not preserving app data or failing to identify the correct insurance tier — can cost you the compensation you deserve. Our team ensures every detail is covered from the very beginning.
Top Reasons Uber and Lyft Accidents Happen in Westfield
Common rideshare crashes stem from many of the same factors as typical collisions, but with added concerns due to smartphone reliance and unpredictable working hours. According to studies and traffic reports the top contributors include:
- Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers constantly check their apps for routes, messages, and updates.
- Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours or drive for multiple services, increasing the risk of exhaustion.
- Unfamiliar Routes – Unlike professional drivers, rideshare operators often rely entirely on GPS navigation.
- Rush to Accept Fares – Quick turnarounds between rides can cause reckless maneuvers or speeding.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Drivers are responsible for their own vehicle upkeep, and issues may go unreported.
A joint study by the University of Chicago and Rice University linked rideshare services to a significant uptick in traffic fatalities across major U.S. cities. This data confirms the real consequences of prioritizing rapid service over responsible driving practices.
Decoding Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies in Westfield, New Jersey
Making sense of insurance coverage after an Uber or Lyft crash in Westfield, New Jersey demands legal clarity. Both platforms provide third-party liability insurance, but the insurance limits hinges on what the driver was doing at the exact time of the accident. These activity periods matter — and in New Jersey, state-specific insurance thresholds make them even more critical.
Here’s a breakdown of the three distinct coverage periods:
Offline (App Off):
Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Available for Rides (App On, No Passenger):
Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
En Route or Transporting Passenger:
Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
Securing a valid claim is rarely straightforward. Rideshare companies commonly dispute driver status, argue about policy activation timing, or send victims in circles to personal insurers. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we don’t let those tricks slide and establish driver activity with clear proof to prove who’s responsible, what happened, and what you’re owed.
How We Strengthen Uber and Lyft Claims in Westfield
Our attorneys build your claim through a well-tested process designed to strengthen difficult rideshare cases. Knowing how fast these companies move to protect their interests, we get to work fast — securing witness statements, accessing internal company data, and building a rock-solid case.
- Immediate Investigation: We gather crash reports, app screenshots, black box data, and rideshare platform logs.
- Driver Background Checks: We examine whether the driver had any history of violations or prior accidents.
- Medical Record Coordination: We work closely with healthcare providers to document the true scope of your injury.
- Expert Testimony: When needed, we bring in accident reconstructionists and economists to strengthen your claim.
By controlling the narrative early, we stop the rideshare company from shifting blame and ensure your story is told clearly, accurately, and with the right legal framing.
Types of Damages You Can Claim After a Rideshare Crash in Westfield
Passengers, pedestrians, or drivers hurt in these accidents may be entitled to a wide range of compensation under New Jersey law. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we take aggressive action to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and PTSD
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability
We don’t let the insurance company lowball your claim — we partner with economic and medical experts to accurately value your losses and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Get Legal Help After a Rideshare Accident in Westfield, New Jersey
Being hit by an Uber or Lyft shouldn’t leave you battling massive insurance corporations alone. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we relieve you of legal stress so you can prioritize your health. Our Westfield, New Jersey attorneys specialize in rideshare injury claims and won’t back down from big companies like Uber and Lyft.
We offer:
Free consultations with zero upfront costs
Contingency-fee representation — you don’t pay unless we win
Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies
Compassionate support from day one through resolution
Delay can cost you dearly. Let Boyadzhyan Law Firm guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you’re owed.
Providing compassionate legal assistance for you and your family.