New Jersey Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become integral to New Jersey's transportation landscape, offering convenience to millions of residents and visitors. As of 2024, Uber boasts approximately 7.8 million drivers globally, with a significant presence in New Jersey. Lyft, similarly, has over 1.4 million drivers across the U.S. and Canada.

While these services provide flexibility, they also introduce new challenges. The increase in rideshare vehicles on New Jersey roads has correlated with a rise in rideshare-related accidents, necessitating a deeper understanding of the associated risks and legal implications. From our offices in Freehold and Point Pleasant, our experienced team of rideshare accident attorneys is here to help when you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare drivers, whether working for Uber, Lyft, or other platforms, face unique challenges on the road that set them apart from traditional motorists. Unlike commercial drivers who often operate along fixed routes, rideshare drivers must constantly adapt to shifting locations, passenger requests, and navigation prompts, all of which can introduce significant risks.

Here are some of the most common causes of rideshare-related accidents in New Jersey:

• Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers frequently use navigation apps, ride requests, and real-time passenger messaging while behind the wheel. Switching between these apps and trying to keep track of directions can take their attention off the road, even momentarily, which is often all it takes to cause an accident.
• Driver Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long or irregular hours to meet their financial goals. Driving late at night or after a long shift can lead to fatigue, slowed reaction times, and decreased alertness, especially dangerous in dense urban or highway traffic.
• Navigational Challenges: Unlike professional drivers with set routes, rideshare drivers must navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods throughout Freehold, Howell, and all of Monmouth County while making quick decisions about pickups and drop-offs. Sudden stops, missed turns, or sharp lane changes can result in rear-end collisions or sideswipes.
• Traffic Law Violations: In a rush to stay on schedule or maintain a high customer rating, some rideshare drivers may speed, run red lights, or ignore local traffic laws. These choices not only endanger passengers but also pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
• High-Volume Urban Areas: Many rideshare trips occur in high-traffic zones, such as downtown districts, airports, or entertainment venues. These congested areas increase the likelihood of accidents due to limited visibility, unpredictable pedestrian movements, and chaotic intersections.

Related: Can ride-sharing services lead to an increase in collisions?

Rideshare drivers must constantly balance navigation, passenger service, and traffic awareness, which can heighten the risk of driver error and vehicle collisions.

Common Injuries in a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare accidents can cause the same types of injuries as any motor vehicle crash, but the risks may be heightened for passengers who are not always buckled in, seated in the back without airbags, or aware of an impending impact. Injuries can range from mild to catastrophic and life-threatening, often requiring extensive treatment and recovery time.

Some of the most common injuries victims may experience in a rideshare accident include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Common in rear-end collisions, these injuries result from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head and neck during impact. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion, sometimes persisting for months.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A sudden blow to the head, whether from striking a window, dashboard, or seat, can cause concussions or more severe TBIs. These injuries can lead to memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, dizziness, and long-term neurological problems.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis. These injuries are especially devastating and often require surgeries, rehabilitation, and lifetime care.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a crash can easily break ribs, arms, legs, hips, or facial bones. Depending on the severity, these injuries may necessitate surgery, casting, physical therapy, or extended time off work.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscle strains, ligament tears, and joint injuries are frequently sustained in crashes, often impacting the back, shoulders, or knees. These injuries can cause long-term discomfort and reduce mobility.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can lead to internal bleeding or organ damage, conditions that may not be immediately noticeable but can quickly become life-threatening if untreated.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many victims suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident. This is particularly common among passengers, who may feel a loss of control or recurring fear of future rides.

Because rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties and insurance policies (personal and corporate), it’s vital that victims seek both medical attention and legal guidance immediately. Proper documentation of injuries is essential not only for health and recovery but also for maximizing your legal compensation.

Regardless of the type of injury that you have suffered, our team is here to help. Whether you’re experiencing physical pain and discomfort from a crash in Freehold or mental and psychological distress after an accident in Point Pleasant, the team at Mallon and Tranger is prepared to help you every step of the way, ensuring you receive your rightful compensation. 

Determining Liability in an Uber or Lyft Accident

Establishing who is legally responsible in a rideshare accident can be more complicated than in a typical car crash. Because rideshare drivers operate as independent contractors and not employees, and because multiple insurance policies may be involved, determining liability requires a careful analysis of the driver’s activity at the time of the accident.

The level of insurance coverage and legal responsibility varies based on what stage the driver was in when the crash occurred. These stages are often referred to as “periods”:

Period 0: The Driver Is Offline

If the rideshare driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the accident, they are considered to be off-duty. In this situation, the driver’s personal auto insurance is solely responsible for covering any damages. Neither Uber nor Lyft provides coverage when a driver is offline.

Period 1: The Driver Is Logged In But Has Not Accepted a Ride

When the driver is actively online and waiting for a passenger request but has not yet accepted one, limited liability coverage from the rideshare company may apply. This coverage typically helps pay for injuries or property damage to others if the driver causes an accident, but it is secondary to the driver’s personal insurance. If the personal policy denies coverage, the rideshare company’s coverage may then apply.

Period 2: The Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Is Transporting a Passenger

This period begins when the driver accepts a ride request and continues until the passenger is dropped off. During this time, full commercial liability insurance provided by Uber or Lyft is in effect. This coverage generally includes up to $1 million in liability insurance, as well as coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists and vehicle damage (if the driver has their own collision coverage).

Understanding these distinctions is essential when pursuing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident. Liability may fall on the driver, the rideshare company’s insurance provider, another motorist involved in the crash, or even a combination of parties. An experienced personal injury attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation and ensure your claim is filed against the appropriate parties.

How Can an Attorney Help After a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accident claims present a unique set of challenges compared to standard auto collisions. These cases often involve multiple parties, overlapping insurance policies, and questions about employment classification, all of which can complicate the process of seeking fair compensation. That’s where having an experienced personal injury attorney becomes critical.

At Mallon and Tranger, our rideshare accident attorneys take a comprehensive approach to your case, working to secure maximum compensation while protecting your legal rights every step of the way. Here's how we help:

• Thorough Investigation of the Accident: We begin by collecting crucial evidence, such as police reports, rideshare app data (to confirm the driver's status at the time of the crash), GPS logs, dashcam footage, and eyewitness statements. This evidence helps establish what happened, who was at fault, and which insurance policies are in play.
• Identifying Liable Parties: Liability isn’t always straightforward. Depending on the driver’s app status, responsibility could rest with the driver’s personal insurer, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, or even a third-party motorist. We analyze the facts to identify all possible sources of compensation.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurers representing large corporations like Uber and Lyft are often aggressive in trying to limit their payouts. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who push back against lowball settlement offers and know how to present evidence effectively to maximize the value of your claim.
• Pursuing Legal Action if Necessary: If the insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. We develop a litigation strategy designed to hold negligent parties accountable and achieve justice through trial if required.

What Compensation Is Available in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Every case is unique, but if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, another driver, or the rideshare driver yourself, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Includes emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and long-term rehabilitation costs. We also factor in future medical needs related to your injury.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your ability to earn in the future, you may be eligible for both past and future wage loss compensation.
• Pain and Suffering: This covers physical discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, trauma, and the overall reduction in quality of life following the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Spouses and close family members may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy due to the victim’s injuries.
• Punitive Damages: In rare but serious cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, such as driving under the influence or willful negligence, a court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.

At Mallon and Tranger, we take the time to fully assess the impact of your injuries physically, emotionally, and financially, to ensure that no aspect of your loss is overlooked. Our team has years of experience successfully helping injured victims throughout Monmouth County, Ocean County, and beyond recover compensation after an accident. We handle a wide range of personal injury claims, including: 

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Workers’ compensation
• And more

If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey rideshare accident, car accident, or any other type of accident, our team can also help you pursue damages in a wrongful death lawsuit, holding the negligent party accountable for their mistakes and ensuring that you claim the compensation you deserve.

Proudly Serving Clients Across Monmouth County, Ocean County and Throughout New Jersey

Whether you've been injured in a rideshare accident in Freehold, a pedestrian accident near Point Pleasant, or another form of personal injury, the impact can be overwhelming. From mounting medical bills to time away from work and lasting emotional trauma, the aftermath of a serious accident can disrupt every aspect of your life. While financial compensation can’t undo the harm, it can provide critical support as you recover and rebuild.

At Mallon and Tranger, we are proud to serve clients throughout Freehold, Middletown, Red Bank, and all of Monmouth County. Our dedicated legal team works tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue justice so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.

Contact Mallon and Tranger Today After an Uber or Lyft Accident in New Jersey

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a rideshare accident involving Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company, time is of the essence. These cases involve strict deadlines, complex insurance layers, and powerful corporations that are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than compensating injured passengers or drivers.

At Mallon and Tranger, we are committed to leveling the playing field. With offices conveniently located in Freehold and Point Pleasant, our attorneys are proud to serve clients throughout New Jersey. We bring decades of personal injury experience to every case and fight relentlessly to make sure our clients are heard, respected, and compensated fairly.

Call us today at (732) 780-0230 or connect with us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or lasting pain, let Mallon and Tranger help you get back on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information in New Jersey

• Key Definitions Under New Jersey’s Transportation Network Company Law (N.J. Stat. § 39:5H-2): Outlines the official definitions that govern rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. It explains critical terms like “applicant,” “driver,” “rider,” “personal vehicle,” and “prearranged ride,” which establish the legal framework for how transportation network companies operate in the state. These definitions are important in rideshare accident cases across Freehold, Point Pleasant, and all of New Jersey because they determine when insurance coverage applies and who may be held responsible after an accident.
• Ways to Get Home Safely After Choosing Not to Drive Impaired: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides practical guidance for anyone who has chosen not to drive drunk or high and needs a safe way home. This resource highlights options such as using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, relying on public transportation, or walking and biking with safety in mind. It also offers critical reminders including verifying your ride, choosing well-lit areas, wearing a seatbelt, and staying alert to your surroundings so you can get home safely after a night out.
• CDC – Transportation Safety: Provides comprehensive information on preventing motor vehicle crashes, including guidance for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The page covers national safety initiatives, crash data, and resources to reduce injuries and fatalities related to transportation accidents, making it a valuable resource for those affected by rideshare accidents in New Jersey.