Rideshare Accidents in NJ: Who’s Liable When Uber or Lyft Drivers Crash?
You’re heading home after dinner in Red Bank. It’s late, you’re tired, and calling an Uber just makes sense. But then it happens — your rideshare driver misses a red light, and another vehicle crashes into your side of the car. You’re shaken, maybe even hurt. Now what?
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are supposed to make getting around easier. But when accidents happen, figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always straightforward.
If you were injured in a rideshare crash in New Jersey, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, the big question becomes: who pays?
Let’s break it down.
Common Rideshare Accident Scenarios
Rideshare accidents can involve more than just a driver and a passenger. These crashes often include multiple vehicles, distracted driving, or even pedestrians.
Here are a few examples we see in real cases:
- You’re a passenger in a Lyft when your driver rear-ends another car on Route 35.
- An Uber driver cuts across traffic and hits a cyclist near the boardwalk.
- You’re driving your car when a distracted Uber driver sideswipes you while pulling out of a parking lot.
Each of these situations raises different legal questions, especially when insurance companies get involved. Who was at fault? Was the rideshare driver on duty? Did they have a passenger? These details matter.
The Role of Insurance in NJ Rideshare Accidents
New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state. That means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy usually pays for medical bills, no matter who caused the crash. But in rideshare accidents, there’s often additional coverage available — if you know where to look.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide tiered insurance coverage based on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident:
- App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
App on, no ride accepted yet: Uber/Lyft offer limited liability coverage (usually up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident). - Ride accepted or passenger in car: Up to $1 million in liability coverage may apply.
The amount of coverage available depends on whether the driver was actively working. That’s why confirming details from the app is so important after an accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in a rideshare crash depends on how the accident happened and who was involved. In some cases, the rideshare driver may be at fault. In others, another driver or even a poorly maintained road might be to blame.
Here are the most common liable parties:
- Rideshare driver – if they were distracted, speeding, or ran a light
- Another motorist – if they caused the crash by reckless driving
- Uber or Lyft’s insurer – depending on the driver’s status in the app
- Multiple parties – in complex, multi-vehicle collisions
Uber and Lyft often argue that their drivers are independent contractors, not employees, to avoid direct legal responsibility. However, their insurance coverage typically still applies if the app was active during the crash.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, here are steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed
- Get medical care, even if you feel okay at first
- Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Confirm details in the app (driver’s name, ride time, etc.)
- Collect witness info if anyone saw the crash
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies until you’ve spoken with a lawyer
Injuries aren’t always apparent right away, and insurance companies may try to limit what they pay. Having solid documentation and legal support from the beginning can make a big difference.
Talk to a New Jersey Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accidents involve overlapping insurance policies, questions about employment status, and tricky negotiations. They’re not always easy to figure out on your own, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, or time off work.
If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, talk to Noonan & McGowan. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case. The sooner you contact us, the better your chances of recovering just compensation.