One moment, you’re riding in an Uber or Lyft, expecting a safe trip to your destination in Bayonne. The next, you’re in a crash—injured, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Rideshare accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and endless questions about who will pay for their damages. Will Uber or Lyft cover your medical expenses? Can you sue the driver? How do you get the compensation you deserve?
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we know how overwhelming a rideshare accident can be. Our accident attorneys fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable. If you suffered an injury in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t face this battle alone. Contact us now for a free consultation with an experienced Bayonne Uber accident attorney.
New Jersey law requires rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft and their drivers to maintain specific insurance coverage based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. These laws protect rideshare passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists in the event of a crash. Below, we break down how rideshare insurance applies in different scenarios.
Uber or Lyft Driver Is Offline
If an Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the rideshare app at the time of the accident, the company does not provide any coverage. In this situation, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is responsible for covering any damages. If the driver lacks sufficient insurance, victims may need to pursue uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from their own policy or take legal action against the driver personally.
Uber or Lyft Driver Is Logged in but Has Not Accepted a Ride
When a rideshare driver is actively logged into the Uber or Lyft app but has not yet accepted a ride request, the law requires the driver, rideshare company, or both to provide insurance coverage. This coverage includes up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury or death, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury or death, and $25,000 for property damage. Uber and Lyft must also provide personal injury protection (PIP) benefits and coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists.
Rideshare companies, their drivers, and their insurers often dispute claims. They may argue that specific injuries were pre-existing, downplay the accident’s severity, or shift blame onto another party. Therefore, having a knowledgeable Bayonne rideshare accident attorney advocating for your rights is crucial.
Uber or Lyft Driver Was Transporting a Passenger
Once a rideshare driver accepts a ride request and is actively transporting a passenger, the highest insurance coverage applies. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies must provide $1.5 million in liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage. In addition, rideshare companies must cover uninsured and underinsured motorists of at least $1.5 million.
While this level of coverage may seem sufficient, Uber and Lyft’s insurers often look for ways to reduce or deny claims. Having an experienced Bayonne Uber accident lawyer on your side can help ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
If an Uber or Lyft driver fails to maintain the required insurance coverage or their policy lapses, New Jersey law states that the rideshare company must step in and provide complete coverage from the first dollar of a claim. Uber or Lyft cannot require a private auto insurance policy to deny a claim before their coverage applies.
What If I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Many Uber and Lyft accident victims worry that they won’t be able to recover compensation if they are partially responsible for the crash. However, New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence law. You can still recover compensation if you were no more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your total award is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering damages from the other party.
Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Bayonne
After a rideshare accident, taking the proper steps can help protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim.
- Call 911. Report the accident to law enforcement and receive the appropriate emergency services.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, ensure a medical professional sees you. Some injuries may not appear immediately.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the accident, your injuries, and vehicle damage.
- Get contact information. Collect the driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information.
- Report the accident to Uber or Lyft. Notify the rideshare company through their app or website.
- Consult a rideshare accident attorney. Contact a Bayonne Lyft accident lawyer to protect your rights and explore your legal options.
Under New Jersey law, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years from the accident date. Missing this deadline can cause you to lose your right to seek compensation. Given the complexity of rideshare accident claims, contacting an experienced lawyer as soon as possible is crucial to protecting your rights.
After an Uber or Lyft accident, choosing the right law firm can make all the difference. At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we are more than just personal injury attorneys—we are dedicated advocates for rideshare accident victims in Bayonne and throughout New Jersey. Our qualities set us apart from other law firms:
- Proven track record of success. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients in personal injury and rideshare accident cases.
- Aggressive litigation strategy. We are ready to prepare your case for trial if needed.
- Personalized representation. You work directly with an experienced Bayonne Lyft accident attorney, not a case manager or junior associate.
- 24/7 availability. Accidents don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. Call us anytime for immediate legal guidance.
- No upfront fees. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact us today and speak with a seasoned Bayonne Uber accident attorney.