Getting into a car accident with an Uber driver can be more complex than a typical vehicle crash. On one hand, Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing services are required by New Jersey law to carry significant insurance policies on their drivers, in the event they cause an injury accident. But the laws around how much liability coverage is available depends on the circumstances -- whether or not the driver was working and to what extent. Learn more about ridesharing accidents in New Jersey and what to do if the Uber driver says he wasn’t working.

Uber Accident Compensation in New Jersey

Insurance requirements and laws for ridesharing services vary by state. In New Jersey, Uber. Lyft or other rideshare companies are required to carry the following coverage for their drivers:

• $1.5 million in liability coverage designed to compensate for bodily injury, property damage, and wrongful death
• $1.5 million in underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
  

Typically, these limits supersede the no-fault insurance limits that otherwise apply in New Jersey. However, this coverage only applies if the Uber driver is actively driving a passenger or is en route to pick up a passenger. If the Uber driver is idling or is not working, different -- typically much lower -- limits apply.

Rideshare accidents that occur when drivers are on but idle are tricky situations to understand what liability coverage applies.Uber and Lyft both have their own commercial coverage that applies in these situations but it only kicks in after the driver’s own coverage. When the app is on but the driver has not yet accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft’s coverage for this scenario includes $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. 

If the Uber Driver Wasn’t Working

If you've been involved in an accident with an Uber driver who is not working, the typical car insurance and liability laws apply. In other words, if an Uber driver isn’t working, they are using their vehicle for their own purposes and thus the typical -- usually much lower -- limits apply for claims. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consult with a car accident lawyer about your case, especially if you were injured and believe that the other driver was negligent or was working at the time.

How to Prove an Uber Driver Was Working at the Time of the Accident

One of the best ways to prove an Uber driver was working at the time of the accident is through the app itself. If you were a passenger, take a screenshot of the app showing the ride and driver details. If you were hit by an Uber driver, collect contact information for passengers inside of the car. They may be able to provide evidence or testimony about the ride.

In order to start an accident claim process with Uber, you need to file an accident report. Especially if you’ve been injured, it’s in your best interest to contact an Uber accident lawyer before filing a claim with Uber. An attorney will help you understand your options and what compensation you may be entitled to, based on the circumstances of the accident. 

Once you file a claim with Uber, their insurance representatives or legal team may contact you to ask for a recorded statement or deny your claim based on the driver’s working status at the time. Ridesharing accident lawyers understand how to build a case and present evidence to prove your case.

Talk to an Uber Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in exceptional client care, empathy, and results. That’s what makes us one of the top rated Uber accident lawyers in New Jersey. We have decades of experience championing for our clients and succeeding, even when other attorneys say there is no case and insurance adjusters deny or devalue your claim. With our long track record of success, you can count on us to work tirelessly for your quality of life. 

Don't go it alone. We have offices throughout New Jersey, from Bergen County to Toms River to Trenton. If you can’t make it to us, our Uber accident lawyers will come to you anywhere in New Jersey. Contact us today for a free consultation.