Uber driver turnover affects riders in many significant and dangerous ways. The high Uber driver turnover rate—fewer than 5% of drivers stay with the company for more than a year—isn’t just Uber’s problem. Uber passengers in NJ are the ones who ultimately pay the price in safety and service quality.
Uber has no trouble replacing drivers with flashy signing bonuses. But victims who suffer serious injuries or assaults due to driver inexperience cannot replace their lives or health.
Brain Injuries and PTSD
Many Uber passengers in NJ suffer traumatic brain injuries during rideshare incidents. A blunt force impact can cause the brain to slam against the skull, resulting in permanent damage. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is another common injury, especially in cases of assault. Stress chemicals permanently alter brain function, leading to flashbacks, anxiety, and depression.
A skilled Middlesex County personal injury lawyer helps Uber passengers in NJ pursue compensation for these life-altering injuries and holds Uber accountable.
Distracted and Inexperienced Drivers
Because of high Uber driver turnover, many drivers lack local knowledge. A Perth Amboy Uber driver may rely entirely on GPS and have no idea how to get to The Armory or other local landmarks without digital help. This heavy reliance on navigation tools increases distraction.
Uber’s policy prohibits hand-held phone use, but enforcement is weak. Distracted drivers experience:
- Visual distraction: Eyes off the road
- Manual distraction: Hands off the wheel
- Cognitive distraction: Mind off driving
Even hands-free devices pose dangers. Studies show a 27-second mental lag after voice commands, making these tools more dangerous than they appear. Unfortunately, Uber passengers in NJ may not realize they are being driven by someone who is dangerously distracted—until it’s too late.
In an injury claim, if a driver used a hand-held device, the negligence per se doctrine applies. This means the driver may be automatically liable for breaking safety laws. For hands-free distractions, an Uber crash attorney must prove ordinary negligence. Because Uber is considered a common carrier, their drivers must meet a much higher safety standard.
Passenger Safety Risks
High Uber driver turnover also increases the likelihood of passenger-related violence. Inexperienced drivers may fail to de-escalate disputes or prevent physical assaults. Assaults between passengers or from drivers themselves can lead to legal claims.
Even when no physical contact occurs, victims may file claims under:
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A driver who refuses to stop during a passenger dispute or locks the doors can be held liable—even if no injuries are visible. Mental trauma is real and compensable.
Why Experience Matters for Uber Passengers in NJ
Experienced drivers know when to step in, what to say, and how to call for help. In contrast, new drivers—especially those unfamiliar with their routes, safety obligations, or company policies—often hesitate or make matters worse.
The law requires commercial drivers to maintain a safe and secure environment. If they fail to act and harm occurs, liability falls on Uber.
Take Action: Protect Your Rights
Uber passengers in NJ must be aware of how driver turnover puts them at risk—from distracted navigation to assault and PTSD. These are not isolated incidents—they’re systemic issues tied to Uber’s constant churn of new, undertrained drivers.
If you were injured or traumatized during an Uber ride, contact a New Jersey personal injury lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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.
