Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are convenient—but when a NJ rideshare driver road rage incident causes an accident, passengers may be left confused, injured, and unsure about what to do next. The good news: under New Jersey law, you may be entitled to compensation. But securing that compensation starts with knowing your rights.
What Is Road Rage in Rideshare Accidents?
Road rage refers to aggressive or violent behavior by a driver while behind the wheel. Common examples include:
- Tailgating
- Speeding excessively
- Yelling or cursing at other drivers
- Obscene gestures
- Cutting off vehicles
- Blocking other cars intentionally
- Physically assaulting another driver
When a NJ rideshare driver road rage incident leads to a crash, the safety of everyone—including passengers—is compromised. If you were injured in such a scenario, you may have the right to file a lawsuit.
Can Passengers Sue a Rideshare Driver for Road Rage?
Yes. Passengers can sue a rideshare driver in New Jersey if their injuries were caused by the driver’s reckless or aggressive behavior. These cases typically fall under negligence or gross negligence, especially when the driver clearly violated their duty of care.
To file a successful claim, you’ll need to prove:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver’s road rage behavior violated that duty
- This behavior directly caused your injuries
- You suffered losses—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
Is the Rideshare Company Also Liable?
Potentially. While Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, they may still be held liable under certain conditions—especially if the NJ rideshare driver road rage incident happened while the driver was on duty.
Under New Jersey law, Uber and Lyft must carry liability insurance coverage during active ride periods:
Period 1: App On, No Ride Accepted
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Period 2: En Route to Pick Up a Passenger
- $1.5 million liability coverage
- $1.5 million uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Period 3: Passenger in the Vehicle
- Same $1.5 million coverages apply
These protections may apply to passengers injured due to a NJ rideshare driver road rage event, particularly during Periods 2 and 3.
What to Do If You’re Injured by Rideshare Road Rage
If you’re the victim of a NJ rideshare driver road rage accident, take the following steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay, get examined by a doctor. Some injuries (like concussions or internal trauma) appear later.
2. Report the Incident
- File a police report
- Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app or support channels
3. Document Everything
- Take photos of injuries, vehicles, and the scene
- Collect contact info from witnesses and involved parties
- Save your rideshare trip data (driver name, vehicle info, trip route)
4. Track Expenses and Losses
- Keep all medical bills and receipts
- Document lost wages or missed work
- Save all communication with Uber, Lyft, and their insurance reps
5. Consult an NJ Rideshare Accident Attorney
Legal guidance is critical. An experienced personal injury lawyer can determine liability, build a strong claim, and negotiate with insurers for maximum compensation.
Why Road Rage Cases Are Complex
Unlike typical fender-benders, NJ rideshare driver road rage cases involve multiple layers:
- Independent contractor status of the driver
- Multiple insurance policies (driver’s and rideshare company’s)
- Potential criminal liability in extreme cases
This complexity makes it even more important to work with a legal team familiar with New Jersey rideshare law.
Take Action With CourtLaw Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been hurt in a NJ rideshare driver road rage accident, don’t wait. You may be entitled to significant compensation—but you need to act quickly to preserve evidence, file timely claims, and ensure your rights are protected.
At CourtLaw Injury Lawyers, we’ve handled rideshare injury cases across New Jersey and know how to hold both drivers and companies accountable. Let us review your case and advise on your next steps.
Call 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Offices in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, and East Orange.
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.
