The number of smartphone users in the United States was estimated to eclipse 260 million people in 2018. There are close top 3 million apps available on both Google Play and the Apple App store. It’s hardly news that rideshare apps are wildly popular throughout the country. By the end of 2018, Lyft had over 18 million riders, and Uber had over 91 million users. And now Uber also delivers food to your front door with Uber Eats. What happens if you are involved in an accident in New Jersey with Uber or Lyft?
What happens with Uber and Lyft Accidents in New Jersey?
In 2017, New Jersey enacted new laws in order to protect victims involved in accidents with Uber or Lyft vehicles in NJ. The amount of insurance available to compensate accident victims depends on the status of the rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident.
Uber/Lyft Rideshare app turned OFF
If a driver is not driving for Uber or Lyft and the rideshare app is offline or turned off at the time of the accident, the vehicle’s personal insurance policy limits will be applicable.- Uber/Lyft Rideshare driver AVAILABLE
If a driver’s rideshare app is activated, and the driver is waiting for a passenger or ride request at the time of the accident, there will be $50,000 bodily injury per person; $100,000 bodily injury per accident; and $25,000 property damage available insurance coverage. - Uber/Lyft Rideshare Driving ACTIVE
If a rideshare driver is actively driving for Lyft or Uber, enroute to pick up a passenger or driving with a passenger at the time of the accident, there will be $1.5 MILLION available in insurance coverage for accident victims.
What to do if you are involved in an accident with Uber or Lyft
Whether you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or riding in another car, if you are injured, seek immediate medical care.
- Report the accident to police/EMTs
- Stay on scene to speak with responding police and EMTs
- Seek medical attention at the scene and go to the hospital or urgent care
- Immediately notify the rideshare company that you were in an accident with one of their drivers
- Take photographs of your vehicle and/or the rideshare vehicle
- Keep copies of all your medical bills
Contact MyNJInjuryLawyer
If you or a loved one is involved in a NJ rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft, you should contact an attorney familiar with handling these claims. Please see my NJ Car Accident Checklist if you are in an accident. My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, Esq. offers free strategy sessions to address any issue or questions you may have about filing a claim for involving rideshare vehicle accidents.
Please contact NJ Injury Lawyer Howard Lesnik, Esq., immediately if you were involved in a NJ car accident involving Uber or Lyft. I personally handle NJ personal injury cases on a regular basis. Please contact me now by email, by phoning 908.264.7701, or by completing the form to the right to schedule your complimentary 30-minute strategy session.
