By CourtLaw Injury Lawyers
We recently secured a $1.35 million rideshare accident settlement for a 30-year-old rideshare driver and father of four who was hurt in a crash in Newark. The at-fault vehicle carried no bodily injury insurance, the defense called the collision a minor impact, and the insurance company refused to pay fair value at a judicial mediation and again after non-binding arbitration. We kept pushing, and the case settled for substantially more than the arbitration award.
Originally from Jamaica, our client came to the United States in 2020 and lives in East Orange, where he is raising his family. His case is a reminder that a minor-impact accident does not necessarily mean minor injuries or a minor settlement.
If you were injured while driving for a rideshare company, struck by an uninsured motorist, or offered an unfair settlement, our experienced New Jersey personal injury attorneys can evaluate your case. Call CourtLaw Injury Lawyers at 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation by phone or email.
Newark Rideshare Accident: How Did the Crash on Broad Street Happen?
In November 2024, our client was carrying a passenger in the middle lane of Broad Street in Newark when a vehicle in the right lane came over and struck the passenger side of his car. The airbags did not deploy.
He drove home that day, iced his neck and back, and took Tylenol. He assumed the pain would pass. It did not.
Rideshare Driver Injuries: How Did "Just a Sprain" Become a Life-Changing Injury?
Within two weeks, he began chiropractic care three times a week, with little relief. A board-certified neurosurgeon found a herniated disc in his neck pressing on the spinal cord, a herniated disc in his lower back, and nerve root damage in his arms and legs. Injections brought only a week or two of relief each.
After extensive treatment, his back has not fully recovered. He can no longer play his Sunday soccer games or bend down to lift his young children, and he could not work the hours he once did.
Minor Impact Defense: What Tactics Did the Insurance Company Use to Minimize This Claim?
The insurance defense tried to shrink both the injuries and the value of the claim. The tactics were familiar ones that injured drivers across New Jersey run into every day.
"It Was a Minor Accident"
The defense pointed out that there were no airbags, no ambulance, and only modest property damage. But the size of the dent does not measure the injury to the person inside.
"The Injuries Weren't Related"
The insurer hired an orthopedist and a neurologist to say our client had only a healed sprain or was exaggerating. We showed that the defense's own orthopedist documented objective findings and conceded the injuries were permanent. We also showed that the neurologist's report got basic facts about his treatment wrong.
"The Bills Are Too High"
The insurer challenged the cost of our client's care. Even the insurer's own billing auditor confirmed that hundreds of thousands of dollars in treatment was reasonable.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Can You Recover Compensation When an Uninsured Driver Hits You?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may provide compensation even when the responsible driver has no insurance.
That was the coverage hurdle in this case. The at-fault vehicle's owner carried no bodily injury insurance, so recovery depended on the rideshare company's underinsured motorist coverage. The settlement was ultimately paid through that rideshare insurance coverage.
Rideshare accident claims can involve additional insurance protections that ordinary car accident claims do not. Your personal auto policy may not cover you while you are on the app, so identifying every available source of coverage is critical.
Non-Binding Arbitration in New Jersey: Why Did We Reject the Arbitration Award?
Mediation before a judge did not produce a fair offer. The case then went to automobile arbitration in Essex County, where the arbitrator valued the claim substantially below what it was worth.
Because auto arbitration in New Jersey is non-binding, we were not stuck with that number. We rejected the arbitration award and kept preparing for trial. That decision paid off: the case settled for $1,350,000, well above the award.
Injured Rideshare Drivers: What Should You Know After a Crash in New Jersey?
This case highlights several lessons for anyone hurt behind the wheel, whether on Broad Street in Newark or on the Garden State Parkway.
- Skipping the ER does not mean you weren't hurt: Spine injuries often worsen over days and weeks after a crash.
- Insurers hire doctors to minimize your injuries: Your treating physicians' findings matter more.
- Rideshare drivers face unique coverage issues: The rideshare company's policy may be the key to recovery.
- An arbitration award is not a ceiling: In non-binding arbitration, you can reject an inadequate award and keep fighting.
If you are hurt, get evaluated and follow through with treatment. Your medical records and your treating doctors' findings often become the strongest evidence in your claim.
Rideshare Accident Settlement FAQ: Common Questions From Injured Drivers in Essex County
Can I recover compensation if an uninsured driver hits me while I am driving for a rideshare company?
Yes, depending on the circumstances. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, including coverage carried by the rideshare company, may compensate you even when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
Does a minor-impact accident mean my rideshare accident settlement will be small?
No. A minor-impact accident does not necessarily mean minor injuries or a minor settlement. In this case, a crash with no airbag deployment led to herniated discs and a $1.35 million settlement.
What happens if I reject a non-binding arbitration award in New Jersey?
You can reject the award by filing a timely request for a trial, and your case continues forward. Court rules set a strict deadline for this, so it is important to talk with your attorney right away.
Do I need to go to the emergency room for my injury claim to count?
No, but getting checked out promptly creates a record that ties your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies often use gaps in treatment to argue you weren’t hurt
Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Essex County: Hurt in a Crash? Let Us Fight for You
If you were injured as a driver, passenger, or rideshare operator, don't let the insurance company decide what your case is worth. Our zealous and compassionate team handles injury cases throughout New Jersey, from East Orange and Newark to Jersey City and Perth Amboy, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Call CourtLaw Injury Lawyers today at 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation by phone or email. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can protect your rights.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.