When Your Rideshare Driver Is Drunk or High: Know Your Rights in New Jersey
Posted December 8th, 2025 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Attorney Anthony Carbone, Auto Accidents, Lyft Accident, Personal Injury.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around New Jersey easier than ever. Most rides go smoothly. But when a rideshare driver gets behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol, the situation becomes dangerous and complicated. Understanding your rights and what to do next can make all the difference in protecting yourself and your family.
At The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we help victims of impaired rideshare driver accidents understand their legal options and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Why Impaired Driving Is So Dangerous
When a driver uses drugs or alcohol, their ability to drive safely drops dramatically. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced awareness of their surroundings. They struggle to control the vehicle, stay in their lane, and respond to hazards on the road.
As a rideshare passenger, you trust the driver to get you safely to your destination. When that driver chooses to operate a vehicle while impaired, they put your life at risk along with other people on the road.
Signs that a rideshare driver may be impaired include weaving between lanes, driving too fast or too slow, running red lights, missing turns, or acting strangely. If an accident happens and police suspect the driver was under the influence, they will conduct sobriety tests and possibly test for drugs or alcohol. This evidence becomes important in determining who is responsible for your injuries.
Who Is Responsible When an Impaired Rideshare Driver Causes a Crash?
Figuring out who pays for your injuries after a rideshare accident can be complicated. Several parties may share responsibility.
The Driver
Driving under the influence is illegal in New Jersey. If a rideshare driver causes an accident while impaired, they can face criminal charges and be held liable for injuries. Their personal insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance may cover damages depending on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred.
The Rideshare Company
Uber and Lyft carry insurance policies that change based on whether the driver was actively working. If the driver had a passenger in the car or was heading to pick one up, higher insurance coverage usually applies. However, rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This allows them to argue they are not responsible for what drivers do. Even so, their insurance policies may still provide coverage in many situations.
Other Drivers
Sometimes another driver on the road causes or contributes to the accident. If another motorist was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly, they may share fault even if the rideshare driver was also impaired. Multiple insurance companies may be involved in these cases.
Because of these overlapping responsibilities, having an experienced attorney review your case is critical.
Why These Cases Are More Complicated
Rideshare accidents involving impaired drivers present unique challenges that go beyond typical car accident claims.
Multiple insurance policies may apply, and companies often argue about which policy should pay. Rideshare companies may dispute whether the driver was working at the time of the crash. Drivers may deny being impaired or challenge test results. Important evidence like ride logs and app data can disappear quickly if not preserved. These accidents often cause serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
All these factors make it harder for victims to handle claims on their own. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to pay as little as possible.
What to Do After an Accident With an Impaired Rideshare Driver
If you have been injured by an impaired rideshare driver, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
Call the Police
Always get law enforcement to the scene. An official police report documents what happened. Officers can conduct sobriety tests and record their observations about the driver’s condition.
Get Medical Care Right Away
See a doctor even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can hide pain, and conditions like concussions or internal injuries may not be obvious at first. Medical records also link your injuries to the accident.
Document the Scene
Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident location, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
Save Your Ride Information
Take screenshots of your ride details from the app. This includes the driver’s name, vehicle information, route, and timing. This information proves you were a passenger and helps establish the facts.
Do Not Talk to Insurance Companies Without Help
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly and ask for recorded statements or request you sign forms. These tactics often work against your best interests. Do not provide statements or sign anything before speaking with an attorney.
Contact a Lawyer
These cases require understanding of both personal injury law and rideshare regulations. The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone can guide you through the process and protect your rights from the beginning.
How Legal Help Makes a Difference
Rideshare accident cases involving impaired drivers need thorough investigation and strong advocacy. An experienced attorney will examine police reports, gather evidence, review app data, and handle all communication with insurance companies. The goal is to make sure you receive full compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects of your injuries.
You should not have to fight large corporations and their insurance companies alone. A dedicated legal team works to hold all responsible parties accountable and get you the justice you deserve.
Time Matters in These Cases
Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Witness memories fade, digital records get deleted, and physical evidence from the scene may be lost. New Jersey law also sets time limits on how long you have to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can hurt your ability to recover compensation.
Your Safety Was Their Responsibility
When a rideshare driver operates a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol, they create serious dangers for everyone on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident, you have rights under New Jersey law. Taking quick action to document the accident, get medical care, and consult with an experienced attorney protects your future.
With the right legal support, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the complex legal battles. You trusted your rideshare driver to act responsibly. When that trust is broken, skilled legal representation can help you get the compensation and accountability you deserve.
