Many New Jersey residents regularly or at least occasionally rely on drivers working for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to get them where they’re going. We depend on them to drive safely.
Unfortunately, even though they’re screened to determine that they don’t have a poor driving record, some can be distracted or reckless drivers (or even drive while under the influence). This can lead to crashes.
Not all rideshare accidents are the fault of the Uber or Lyft driver, of course. In many cases, another driver is at fault.
If you’re a passenger
If you suffer injuries in a crash that occurs while you’re in a rideshare vehicle, the fault is crucial in determining who is responsible for compensating you for your medical bills and other expenses and damages.
The good news is that both of the major rideshare companies have $1 million insurance coverage for injuries and property damage suffered by riders in crashes in which their drivers are at fault. Their insurance also covers accidents in which another driver is at fault but is uninsured or underinsured (or if the at-fault driver can’t be located or identified).
What if another driver is at fault, at least in part, for the crash and does have sufficient insurance? That driver’s insurance is responsible for covering those harmed or injured in the rideshare vehicle, at least to the extent that they’re determined to be at fault under New Jersey’s compensation laws.
If you’re in another vehicle
If you’re in another vehicle (or a pedestrian or cyclist) and are hit by a rideshare driver, insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time. For example, if they’re on their way to pick up a rider or transporting a rider, the rideshare policy will cover it if it was their driver’s fault.
If the driver was logged into the app and available to accept ride requests but was just driving, their own insurance and the rideshare insurance may both be responsible for compensation.
What’s important to remember is that these rideshare companies have the resources to fight claims if there isn’t solid evidence that they have liability. That’s why it’s critical for anyone who is involved in a crash involving a rideshare driver – regardless of the circumstances – to know their rights and advocate for them. This is where having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.