When an accident happens during a rideshare trip, understanding your insurance coverage as an injured passenger is critical—especially if you live or were hurt in New Jersey. Each state has different insurance structures that impact your ability to receive compensation. In this article, we break down what an injured rideshare passenger in NJ, New York, and Pennsylvania need to know.
Were you an injured rideshare passenger in NJ? Seek legal advice quickly. Tell your local CourtLaw NJ Injury Lawyers what happened.
What Happens to an Injured Rideshare Passenger in NJ?
New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means injured passengers typically turn to their own insurance policies for initial medical benefits, regardless of who was at fault. However, when you are an injured rideshare passenger in NJ, coverage depends heavily on the driver’s app status:
- App Off: If the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged in, only their personal auto insurance applies.
- App On, No Ride Accepted: The rideshare company provides up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, plus $25,000 in property damage.
- Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: Full commercial coverage kicks in—usually $1.5 million in liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Even with no-fault protection, an injured rideshare passenger in NJ may pursue additional compensation (e.g. for pain and suffering) if their injuries meet New Jersey’s threshold for a “serious injury.”
Were you an injured rideshare passenger in NJ? Seek legal advice quickly. Tell your local CourtLaw NJ Injury Lawyers what happened.
Injured in a Rideshare Accident in New York? Here’s What to Know
New York’s no-fault system is similar but has some nuances:
- App Off: The driver’s personal insurance is the only coverage.
- App On, Waiting for Ride: Uber and Lyft provide $75,000 per person and $150,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 in property damage.
- Ride Accepted/Passenger Onboard: $1.25 million in liability coverage applies.
Importantly, while New York passengers get medical benefits under the no-fault system, to sue for additional damages, they must show a “serious injury” under state law. This can include disfigurement, loss of use of a body part, or significant limitations.
Were you an injured rideshare passenger in NJ? Seek legal advice quickly. Tell your local CourtLaw NJ Injury Lawyers what happened.
How Pennsylvania Handles Rideshare Passenger Injuries
Pennsylvania combines both fault and no-fault systems, which makes it more complex:
- App Off: Only the driver’s personal coverage applies.
- App On, Waiting for Request: Limited third-party liability coverage from the rideshare company applies, often around $50,000 per person.
- Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: $1 million in liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection covers the injured rideshare passenger.
In Pennsylvania, if you selected “limited tort” on your auto policy, you might have restrictions on suing unless you meet serious injury thresholds. If you selected “full tort,” you may seek full damages, including pain and suffering.
Why It’s Complicated for Injured Rideshare Passengers in NJ and Nearby States
Being an injured rideshare passenger in NJ, NY, or PA means facing different insurance laws and coverage tiers based on the status of the driver and the rideshare app. It’s easy to misunderstand your rights—or worse, miss out on compensation.
Each state sets its own rules for whether you need to prove fault, whether you can sue for damages beyond medical bills, and how much coverage is available from Uber or Lyft at various stages of the ride.
Were you an injured rideshare passenger in NJ? Seek legal advice quickly. Tell your local CourtLaw NJ Injury Lawyers what happened.
Injured Rideshare Passenger in NJ? Protect Yourself
If you’ve been hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft in New Jersey, take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Document Everything: Photos, app receipts, vehicle info, injuries, and police reports
- Don’t Rely on the App: File a personal accident report in addition to using the Uber/Lyft support tool
- Consult a Rideshare Injury Lawyer in NJ
Were you an injured rideshare passenger in NJ? Seek legal advice quickly. Tell your local CourtLaw NJ Injury Lawyers what happened.
Contact CourtLaw for a Free Rideshare Injury Consultation
Whether you’re an injured rideshare passenger in NJ, New York, or Pennsylvania, you need legal guidance from lawyers who know the complex rules of Uber and Lyft insurance policies. CourtLaw represents victims across the tri-state area and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us at 732-442-5900 or contact us online for a free consultation. We serve injured passengers in Jersey City, Perth Amboy, New Brunswick, East Orange, and beyond.
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing.
Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled injury attorneys at CourtLaw NJ Personal Injury Lawyers represent clients injured in accidents in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 as well as offices in Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, and East Orange.
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.
