In today’s hi-tech world, ride share apps like Uber and Lyft have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation. The convenience of having your own, personal driver, who can be hailed via cell phone within minutes, is upending many transportation industry norms. Hailing a taxi cab has become a way of the past and seems completely foreign to most millennials and generation x.
Most Lyft and Uber trips end with the passenger safely reaching his or her destination. However, not all passengers are so fortunate. When serious accidents do occur, you should always contact an experienced New Jersey Uber accident lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm to protect your legal rights and make sure you are justly compensated for any medical bills or accident related injury.
Payment of Medical Bills through Uber PIP Insurance
One of the most pressing concerns victims often have is how they will pay their medical bills. To most passengers’ surprise, the state of New Jersey does not require Lyft or Uber to provide personal injury protection benefits for payment of medical bills incurred by an Uber passenger on a paid trip. This is because Uber or Lyft are not the owner of a passenger vehicle, as defined in NJSA 39:6A-2(a), and therefore, are not required to provide personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.
Further, the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act, only requires payment of medical benefits to the Uber driver. Section C.39:5H10(c) provides:
Whenever a transportation network company driver is providing a prearranged ride, the transportation network company driver, transportation network company, or any combination of the two shall maintain the following insurance coverage:
(2) primary automobile insurance for medical payments benefits in an amount of at least $10,000 per person per incident, which shall only apply to and provide coverage for the benefit of the transportation network company driver…
So How Will I Pay my Medical Bills?
If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. You should consult an Uber or Lyft accident attorney who can examine the insurance coverages involved and find the insurance company responsible for paying your medical bills.
If the Lyft or Uber ride was for a personal trip, it is possible that the ride share company or your personal auto insurance policy may provide some coverage for your medical bills. However, New Jersey PIP insurance, which is provided through your personal automobile insurance policy (and typically covers medical bills if you are in an auto accident) may not apply to Uber and Lyft rides. Therefore, if you are injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, you may need to look for another source of insurance for quick payment for medical bills.
If the incident occurred on a work trip, the first place to look is your employer’s Workers Compensation policy. Workers Compensation will pay your medical bills if you have taken Lyft or Uber in the course of your employment.
The next place to turn is your private health insurance coverage. Using this option, you will be responsible for any deductibles and co-payments the same as if you had become sick and needed medical treatment.
If you do not have health insurance, your option is to hire a Lyft / Uber accident lawyer in NJ to sue the negligent driver(s) for medical bills which you incurred as a result of the accident. You may also medical bills may also be paid through UM/ UIM insurance.
To speak with an experienced NJ personal injury lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm about your specific circumstances contact us at 215-666-7777. The consultation is free and there is no obligation for further services.
Disclaimer: This articles if for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It may be out of date or contain errors.
