New Jersey Rideshare Accident Lawyers — Uber and Lyft Injury Claims

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how people get around New Jersey. But when a rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident, the question of who pays for your injuries becomes complicated. Multiple insurance policies overlap. Corporate structures create distance between the company and the driver. And the amount of coverage available depends on exactly what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash.

Papa Alpha & Alpha Law in Springfield, NJ represents rideshare accident victims and cuts through this complexity to get you the compensation you deserve.

How Rideshare Insurance Works in New Jersey

Rideshare companies classify their drivers' activity into three periods. The insurance coverage available to you changes depending on which period the driver was in at the time of the accident.

Period 1: App On, No Ride Request Accepted

The driver has the Uber or Lyft app turned on and is waiting for a ride request. During this period, the driver's personal auto insurance is primary. Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage

This coverage applies only if the driver's personal policy does not cover the accident.

Period 2: Ride Request Accepted, En Route to Pickup

The driver has accepted a ride request and is driving to pick up the passenger. Both Uber and Lyft provide at least $1 million in liability coverage during this period. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage also applies.

Period 3: Passenger in the Vehicle

The passenger is in the car and the trip is active. This is when the highest coverage applies:

• $1 million in third-party liability coverage
• $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for the vehicle

These coverage tiers apply nationwide, including in New Jersey.

Who Can You Sue After a Rideshare Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, you may have claims against:

The rideshare driver. If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident through negligence, they are personally liable. Their personal auto insurance and the rideshare company's insurance may both be in play.

The rideshare company. Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees, to avoid direct liability. However, the companies provide insurance coverage, and in some cases, you can pursue claims against the company directly.

Another driver. If a third-party driver caused the accident, you can file a claim against that driver's insurance. The rideshare company's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provides a backup if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage.

Vehicle or parts manufacturers. If a defective vehicle component contributed to the accident, product liability claims may apply.

If You Were a Rideshare Passenger

As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft during Period 3, you have access to the strongest coverage. You were not driving. You bear no fault for the collision. The $1 million liability policy covers your injuries regardless of whether the rideshare driver or another driver caused the crash.

Your claim may be filed against:

• The rideshare driver's personal insurance
• Uber or Lyft's commercial insurance
• The other driver's insurance (if another vehicle was involved)

We identify every available policy and pursue the maximum recovery.

If You Were Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle

If you were driving your own car, riding a bicycle, or walking when a rideshare vehicle struck you, the coverage available depends on the driver's period of activity. We obtain records from the rideshare company to determine the driver's status at the time of the accident, which dictates the available insurance coverage.

Common Rideshare Accident Injuries

Rideshare accidents produce the same types of injuries as any motor vehicle collision:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Herniated discs and spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations and contusions
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Challenges in Rideshare Accident Claims

These cases present unique obstacles:

Insurance company finger-pointing. The driver's personal insurer, the rideshare company's insurer, and any other involved insurer will each argue that someone else should pay. This delay tactic is designed to frustrate you into accepting less.

Determining the driver's period. The rideshare company controls the data that determines which insurance tier applies. Obtaining this data requires legal action in many cases.

Independent contractor classification. Uber and Lyft use the independent contractor model to limit their corporate liability. Breaking through this shield requires skilled legal arguments.

Multiple policies, multiple adjusters. Each insurance carrier has its own adjuster with its own agenda. Coordinating claims across multiple policies is complex and time-consuming.

We handle all of this so you can focus on recovery.

New Jersey's Comparative Negligence

Under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. If you were a passenger, you likely bear zero fault. If you were another driver, comparative negligence may apply. You cannot recover if you are more than 50 percent responsible.

Filing Deadline

You have two years from the date of the rideshare accident to file a lawsuit in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. Insurance claims should be filed as soon as possible to preserve your rights under each applicable policy.

Call Papa Alpha & Alpha Law Today

Rideshare accident claims are not straightforward. You need an attorney who understands the insurance structure and knows how to navigate claims involving Uber, Lyft, and multiple carriers.

Call Papa Alpha & Alpha Law at (201) 555-0100 for your free consultation. We serve rideshare accident victims in Springfield, Union County, and throughout New Jersey.