Why Rideshare Passenger Accidents Are Different from Normal Car Accidents in New Jersey
Posted November 5th, 2025 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Attorney Anthony Carbone, Auto Accidents, Lyft Accident, Personal Injury.
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident in New Jersey, you might think your case will be handled like any other car accident. The truth is, rideshare passenger cases are very different. At The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone P.C., we help injured rideshare passengers understand these important differences and protect their rights.
What Happens in a Normal Car Accident
In a typical car accident, the process is usually straightforward. You’re either driving your own car, riding with a friend or family member, or you get hit by another driver. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is supposed to pay for your injuries and damages.
The claims process follows a clear path. You file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, provide evidence of your injuries, and negotiate a settlement. While this can still be complicated, there are usually only one or two insurance companies involved.
Why Rideshare Passenger Cases Are More Complex
When you’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that gets into an accident, everything changes. Multiple insurance policies might be involved, and the rules are much more complicated.
Multiple Insurance Policies Are in Play
In a regular accident, you typically deal with one or two insurance policies. In a rideshare accident, several insurance policies could apply: the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, your own personal injury protection coverage, and your uninsured motorist coverage.
Dealing with multiple insurance companies means more paperwork and more chances for confusion. Each company will try to shift responsibility to the others, making it harder to get fair compensation.
The Driver’s App Status Determines Coverage
One of the biggest differences in rideshare cases is that insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing when the accident happened. The rideshare app has three main stages:
App Off: If the driver wasn’t logged into the rideshare app, only their personal insurance applies. This usually means lower coverage limits.
App On, Waiting: If the driver was logged in and waiting for a ride request but hadn’t accepted one yet, limited rideshare coverage might apply.
Ride Accepted or Passenger On Board: If the driver had accepted your ride or you were already in the car, the rideshare company’s full commercial policy applies. This is when the highest coverage is available.
Since you were a passenger who requested a ride, your accident most likely happened during the third stage. This means higher insurance limits should be available to cover your injuries.
Higher Insurance Limits Protect Passengers
When you’re a passenger in an active rideshare trip, New Jersey law requires Uber and Lyft to carry up to $1.5 million in liability coverage. This is much higher than the typical personal auto insurance policy, which might only cover $25,000 or $50,000 per person.
These higher limits mean you have access to more money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This is a major advantage compared to being injured in a regular car accident.
Special Protection for Rideshare Passengers
As a rideshare passenger, you have special legal protections. You’re considered a third party, which means you didn’t cause the accident and you have the right to make a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
Unlike being a passenger in a friend’s car where you might feel uncomfortable making a claim, rideshare companies expect passengers to file claims when accidents happen. You have every right to pursue full compensation.
Evidence Collection Is Critical
In rideshare accidents, certain types of evidence are crucial. You need to document your trip details, the exact time of the accident, proof that you were a passenger, and the driver’s app status at the time of the crash.
This information helps prove which insurance policy applies and ensures you get access to the full coverage available. Without this documentation, insurance companies might try to deny your claim or reduce your compensation.
What to Do After a Rideshare Passenger Accident
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, take these steps right away:
Get trip information. Write down or screenshot your trip number, driver’s name, and the time of the accident from your app.
Document everything. Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and your ride receipt showing you were a passenger.
Seek medical care immediately. See a doctor right away, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Some injuries don’t show symptoms until days later.
Don’t talk to insurance companies alone. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to give a recorded statement before you understand your rights. Be polite but tell them you need to speak with an attorney first.
Contact an experienced attorney. Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance rules that are different from regular car accidents.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve
Rideshare passenger accidents are not the same as typical car crashes. The insurance coverage is different, the policies are more complex, and you have special protections under New Jersey law. Don’t let insurance companies treat you like an ordinary accident victim when you deserve more.
At The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we have over 35 years of experience fighting for injured people in New Jersey. We understand how rideshare insurance works and how to hold these companies accountable. We’ll investigate your case, identify all available insurance coverage, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
If you’ve been hurt as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone P.C. today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you move forward with your claim. Don’t wait. New Jersey law limits how long you have to file a claim after an injury.
