Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Here’s What New Jersey Law Says
Rideshare apps have transformed how we get around. Need a ride home from Newark Airport? A lift to dinner in Hoboken? An Uber or Lyft is just a tap away. But when something goes wrong—when your rideshare gets into an accident—things can get complicated fast.
Who pays for your injuries? The driver? Uber or Lyft? Another driver who caused the crash? If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident in New Jersey and are looking for an Uber accident lawyer in NJ, you need to understand how the law works—and how to protect yourself.
How Rideshare Insurance Works in New Jersey
New Jersey’s Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act of 2017 sets specific insurance requirements for rideshare companies. The amount of coverage available depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.
Uber/Lyft Insurance Coverage by Driver Status
Driver Status | Coverage Source | Coverage Amount |
App OFF | Driver’s personal insurance | Varies by policy |
App ON, waiting for ride | Uber/Lyft contingent | $50K/$100K liability |
En route or with passenger | Uber/Lyft primary | $1M liability + $1M UM/UIM |
Who Can I Sue After a Rideshare Accident?
The Rideshare Driver
If your Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash through negligent driving—speeding, distracted driving, running a red light—you can pursue a claim against them.
Another Driver
If someone else caused the accident, you would file a claim against that driver’s insurance—just like any other car accident case.
Uber or Lyft Directly
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors to shield the companies from liability. You generally can’t sue them directly for driver negligence. For more on accidents involving commercial vehicles, see our page on truck accidents.
What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident?
- Get medical attention. Your health comes first. Call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Call the police. A police report creates an official record.
- Save your ride details. Screenshot your trip information in the app.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Don’t give recorded statements. Talk to a lawyer first. For more guidance, see our article on when to hire a personal injury attorney.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident?
For serious injuries, having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference. A lawyer can investigate the accident, navigate complex insurance issues, and file a lawsuit if needed. At Weiner Mazzei LLC, we serve rideshare accident victims throughout Hudson County and across New Jersey.
Hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident? We’re here to fight for you.
At Weiner Mazzei LLC, we’ve helped New Jersey families navigate complex rideshare accident claims. We work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win.
Call (973) 471-2300 today for your free consultation. Hablamos español.