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What Happens After an Uber or Lyft Accident in New Jersey

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how we get around Gloucester County, from trips to the Deptford Mall to safe rides home after a night out in Woodbury. However, as the number of rideshare vehicles on our roads increases, so does the number of accidents. If you find yourself injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or as a driver struck by one, contact our rideshare accident lawyers at Puff, Sierzega & MacFeeters Law Offices right away.

The Challenges of Rideshare Insurance Coverage

The biggest challenge in a rideshare accident is determining which insurance policy is active at the time of the collision. New Jersey law mandates a “tiered” insurance system for companies like Uber and Lyft.

The amount of coverage available depends on the driver’s status in the app:

  • The App is Off: The driver’s personal insurance is the only coverage available.
  • The App is On (Wait Mode): The rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage at $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
  • Active Fare or Trip: This is when the highest level of coverage, typically up to $1.5 million, is in effect for passengers and third parties.

Our attorneys review the rideshare company’s digital logs to determine exactly which “phase” the driver was in, ensuring we target the policy with the highest limits to cover your recovery.

The Insurance Company’s Strategy

In a rideshare accident, you aren’t just dealing with one insurance company; you are often dealing with the driver’s personal insurer, the rideshare company’s corporate insurer (like Progressive or Allstate), and potentially the insurers of other drivers involved.

These companies are notorious for trying to shift the blame to one another to avoid paying out a claim. This “blame game” is a deliberate tactic to delay your payment and force you into a minimum settlement.

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident

There are things you can do following an accident that help you set the stage for a successful claim, including:

  • Report the Accident in the App: Both Uber and Lyft have “safety” or “report an accident” features. Use them immediately.
  • Screenshot Your Ride: Ensure you have proof of the driver’s name, the vehicle, and your route.
  • Get Immediate Medical Attention: Having a prompt diagnosis of your injuries helps to prove the extent of your accident-related harm to insurance companies.
  • Get a Police Report: Always call the local police department (such as Woodbury or Deptford) to have an official record made.
  • Don’t Settle Early: The insurance company may call you within days offering a check. This is almost always a “minimum” offer that won’t cover long-term costs.
  • Seek Legal Representation: Insurance companies know that unrepresented claimants are vulnerable in these complicated claims. Having the right attorney can give you leverage from the start.

Advocating for Your Recovery with Our Local Personal Injury Attorneys

If you have been injured in a rideshare crash, you deserve a legal team that isn’t afraid to go to court to fight for you. At Puff Sierzega & MacFeeters, we will handle the aggressive insurance adjusters while you focus on healing. To discuss your case with a local attorney who cares, call us today at (856) 845-0011 or contact us online.