When you are injured in a rideshare accident in New Jersey, the situation can get complicated quickly. Between multiple insurance policies, app-based drivers, and confusing claim processes, you may be left wondering who is responsible and what to do next.
At Lipari & Deiter, we help injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians throughout South Jersey recover the compensation they deserve after Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare crashes. Below, we explain the key steps to take and what to expect from the process.
Focus on Safety and Call 911 Immediately
Your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, call emergency services and request medical evaluation at the scene. Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not appear right away.
When police arrive, make sure they file an official accident report. This report will serve as vital evidence later. Ask how to obtain a copy from the local police department in Atlantic County, Burlington County, or wherever the crash occurred.
Gather Every Detail You Can
Evidence is critical in rideshare cases. Before leaving the scene, if it is safe to do so:
- Photograph all vehicles, license plates, and the crash location.
- Capture any visible rideshare identifiers such as Uber or Lyft decals.
- Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance details for all drivers involved.
- Ask for the rideshare driver’s company ID or take a screenshot of their profile within the app.
- Collect witness contact information, since independent accounts can strengthen your claim.
If you are too injured to gather evidence, do not worry. Our team can help reconstruct the accident later using police reports, app data, and video footage.
Notify the Rideshare Company
Both Uber and Lyft require prompt reporting of crashes involving their drivers. You can usually do this directly through the app. The rideshare company will start its internal claim process and connect you to their insurer.
However, be cautious. Do not give recorded statements or accept any offers without first speaking to an attorney. Anything you say could be used to minimize your claim.
Understand Which Insurance Policy Applies
Rideshare accident coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- App Off / Not Logged In: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App On, No Passenger Yet: The rideshare company provides limited contingent coverage.
- Passenger in Vehicle / On Active Trip: The rideshare company’s commercial policy (up to $1 million in liability coverage) may apply.
Sorting out these policies and ensuring you access the maximum benefits available requires experience. Lipari & Deiter’s South Jersey rideshare accident lawyers know how to identify all possible coverage sources, including your own PIP (personal injury protection) benefits under New Jersey’s no-fault system.
Notify Your Own Insurance Company (But Carefully)
Even if the rideshare driver was clearly at fault, your insurer may require you to report the accident. Provide only the basic facts such as the time, date, and parties involved. Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements until you have spoken with legal counsel.
If you have medical coverage or PIP, it may help pay immediate medical expenses while your case is pending.
Keep Track of Every Expense and Symptom
Documenting your damages will strengthen your claim. Keep copies of:
- Medical bills and receipts
- Diagnostic imaging and prescriptions
- Missed workdays or lost wages
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Pain diary or notes on daily limitations
This information helps your lawyer calculate the full value of your claim and demonstrate how the accident has affected your life.
Contact a New Jersey Rideshare Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence. Rideshare companies often have access to trip data, GPS logs, and driver communications, and that evidence can disappear if it is not requested quickly.
At Lipari & Deiter, we immediately begin investigating the crash, preserving electronic records, and working with accident-reconstruction professionals to build your case. We prepare every claim as if it will go to trial, ensuring you are protected no matter how the insurance companies respond.
Why Choose Lipari & Deiter?
- Certified Civil Trial Attorney on staff, which is New Jersey’s highest level of trial certification.
- No fee unless we win, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Decades of combined experience representing injury victims throughout Atlantic City, Pleasantville, Galloway, and surrounding South Jersey communities.
- Local knowledge of South Jersey courts, insurance carriers, and defense strategies, giving you a strategic edge from day one.
Protecting Your Rights After a Rideshare Crash
Accidents involving rideshare drivers are not like ordinary car wrecks. They involve unique state laws, multiple insurance policies, and corporate liability questions. Trying to handle these claims on your own can lead to missed deadlines and undervalued settlements.
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash in South Jersey, do not navigate this process alone. The legal team at Lipari & Deiter is ready to review your case, explain your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
You deserve answers, and you deserve justice.
Contact Lipari & Deiter today at 609.905.4701 or fill out the online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
We serve clients across Atlantic County, Burlington County, Cape May County, and throughout South Jersey.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.