Union County Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Filing a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft for Negligence

If the driver or another third party is at fault, your personal injury case is likely to follow a path similar to that of any other car accident. What happens, however, if Uber or Lyft is the party deemed most at fault? 

To sue Uber or Lyft for negligence, the injured plaintiff will need to demonstrate that the company had a duty of care, failed in that duty, and that failure directly caused harm. 

For example, if Uber or Lyft allowed a driver with a history of DUIs or unsafe behavior to operate on their platform, this could constitute negligent hiring. Similarly, if the rideshare app’s features contributed to distracted driving, this might lead to claims of negligent design.

For a successful claim, plaintiffs must present clear evidence linking Uber or Lyft’s actions (or inactions) to the accident. This could include documents showing the company failed to conduct proper background checks, ignored driver complaints, or permitted unsafe practices to persist. Compiling such evidence often requires subpoenas to access company records or logs. 

Both Uber and Lyft have deep resources to defend against lawsuits. They often argue that their status as technology platforms, rather than transportation companies, shields them from liability. Victims must counter this argument by proving the company’s policies or negligence significantly factored into the accident.

This makes working with a conscientious and determined lawyer even more important. Attorney Michael Chelland, with deep roots in New Jersey, is motivated by a strong sense of personal compassion for clients and the struggles they face. That compassion drives him through the meticulous work it takes to identify the at-fault party, hold them accountable, and help make injured plaintiffs whole again.