Uber drivers causing accidents in NJ is a growing concern for rideshare passengers. One or more types of driver impairment—distraction, fatigue, drugs, alcohol, or illness—cause more than half of these crashes. Because Uber drivers are considered commercial operators in New Jersey, they have a duty of utmost care. That means even slight impairment may be a legal breach, and victims may be entitled to compensation.
If you’ve been injured by Uber drivers causing accidents in NJ, the rideshare company may be financially responsible. But prevention is just as important. This article explains how to spot the five most common types of Uber driver impairment and how to respond if your safety is at risk.
1. Distracted Driving
Uber encourages hands-free devices—but hands-free doesn’t mean risk-free. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021. Uber drivers who regularly tap screens or adjust GPS settings while driving may be dangerously disengaged. If you see your driver looking at a device more than twice a minute, that’s a red flag. Distracted Uber drivers causing accidents in NJ are more common during rush hours, pickups in dense urban areas, and high-volume ride windows.
2. Fatigue Behind the Wheel
Many Uber drivers have other full-time jobs. By the time they log in to drive, they’re already exhausted. Fatigue impairs judgment and slows reaction time—making it one of the top causes of Uber drivers causing accidents in NJ. Warning signs include drifting between lanes, yawning, or weaving. Avoid rides during peak fatigue hours: early mornings and late nights.
3. Alcohol and Drug Impairment
Drunk and high drivers often appear alert, but they are not safe. Uber doesn’t test drivers before shifts, and there’s no way for a rider to know if the driver recently drank or used marijuana. Physical signs include the smell of alcohol or weed, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and unsteady hands. If you suspect impairment, cancel the ride and report the driver. Uber drivers causing accidents in NJ due to intoxication are a public danger—and they’re legally liable for any harm they cause.
4. Driving While Sick
Illnesses like the flu reduce alertness by over 50%, according to a UK study by Lloyds Pharmacy. A driver who’s sneezing, coughing, has watery eyes, or nasal discharge may be too distracted or medicated to drive safely. In many cases, they also take over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness. Uber drivers causing accidents in NJ while sick or medicated are breaching their duty of care and should not be operating.
5. Drug Misuse and Stimulant Crashes
Some drivers use amphetamines to stay alert, especially on long shifts. These may work briefly but increase the risk of crashing when the drug wears off. Erratic behavior, sweating, tremors, and fidgeting are warning signs. Uber drivers causing accidents in NJ due to stimulant crashes often do so in late shifts when fatigue sets in.
Know Your Rights After a Crash, Reach Out to a Dedicated NJ Injury Lawyer
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.
Injured victims in Uber accidents are entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Jersey, contact CourtLaw. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.
Our law firm proudly serves Trenton, NJ.
