Passengers are the one party in a rideshare crash who almost never caused it. That doesn’t make the claim simple. Depending on who was at fault, a passenger hurt in an Uber or Lyft in New Jersey may deal with their own insurer, the rideshare company’s insurer, and another driver’s carrier. These seven questions sort out who pays and what to do next. After them is a list of local law offices, beginning with The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone.
What should a rideshare passenger ask after a crash in New Jersey?
1. Which insurance covers me while I’m riding?
During a trip, New Jersey law requires at least $1.5 million in primary liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage under N.J.S.A. 39:5H-10. It pays first. The statute also bars it from waiting for the driver’s personal insurer to deny the claim before responding.
2. Who pays my medical bills right away?
Usually your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP), the no-fault medical coverage in New Jersey auto policies, or PIP from a relative you live with. Passengers without any auto coverage in the household may be able to claim PIP through the vehicle they were riding in. One detail surprises people: the $10,000 medical payments coverage the statute requires during rides covers only the driver, not you.
3. What if another driver caused the crash?
You can pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance. If that driver has no insurance or too little, the rideshare trip’s uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) applies. New Jersey requires at least $1.5 million of it during a ride.
4. Can my own policy limit what I recover for pain and suffering?
It can. Most New Jersey drivers carry the limitation on lawsuit option, known as the verbal threshold, and it can follow you as a passenger. Under N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8(a), that option allows pain and suffering damages only for death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement or scarring, a displaced fracture, loss of a fetus, or a permanent injury. Check your declarations page to see which option you chose.
5. Does coverage apply if I was hurt getting out of the car?
Generally yes. New Jersey defines a prearranged ride as starting when the driver accepts your request and ending when the last passenger leaves the vehicle. A door struck by a passing car during drop-off should therefore fall within the higher coverage period. A fall on the sidewalk after you’ve walked away is a different claim, often against a property owner.
6. What records should I save?
Screenshot the trip receipt, which shows the driver’s name, the vehicle, the route, and the time. Report the crash in the app and keep the confirmation. Ask the driver for insurance details, since rideshare drivers must carry proof of coverage and share it with people involved in a crash on request.
7. How long do I have to act?
Most injury lawsuits in New Jersey must be filed within two years of the crash under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. If a government vehicle was involved, such as an NJ Transit bus, a written notice of claim is generally due within 90 days under N.J.S.A. 59:8-8.
Which law offices serve injured rideshare passengers in Hudson County?
- The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone
- Law Office of Michael Pastacaldi
- Patrick G. Patel
- Christopher Patella
- Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC
The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone
The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, P.C. is a Jersey City firm where attorney Anthony Carbone has practiced for 35 years. The firm handles Uber and Lyft accident claims for passengers. It also defends criminal and DUI charges. Consultations are free and available in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.
Law Office of Michael Pastacaldi
A Journal Square office that handles criminal defense and post-conviction matters.
Patrick G. Patel
A law office located near the Hudson County courthouse in Jersey City.
Christopher Patella
A Bayonne attorney who handles traffic and municipal court matters.
Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC
A Kearny office that handles traffic violations and DUI defense.
What’s the takeaway for injured passengers?
As a passenger, you start in a strong position, but several insurers may be involved and each follows its own rules. Save the trip records, get medical care promptly, and watch the deadlines. If you were hurt as a rideshare passenger in Hudson County, The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone can explain your options in a free consultation.
Attorney advertising. This article is general information and not legal advice.
