Top-Rated Rideshare Accident Lawyers Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Injured in an Uber, Lyft, or food delivery accident? The insurance rules are complex, and companies often deny legitimate claims. At The Grossman Law Firm, we’ve helped New Jersey accident victims recover millions in compensation over the past 20 years. Attorney Scott Grossman knows exactly which insurance coverage applies and how to get you paid.
Contact us at (732) 625-9494 to schedule your complimentary consultation. No fee unless we win.
The Growing Rideshare Accident Problem in New Jersey
Rideshare services have transformed transportation in New Jersey, but they’ve also created new dangers on our roads.
National Rideshare Accident Statistics
- Research by the US National Bureau of Economic Research finds ridesharing correlates with a 3 percent annual rise in vehicular deaths, or about 987 additional roadway fatalities each year.
- A US Safety Report shows Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal crashes between 2017 and 2018, resulting in 107 deaths. Riders and drivers each accounted for 21 percent of fatalities, with third parties making up the remaining 58 percent.
- A study published by the Journal of Safety Research finds one-third of rideshare drivers have been in a crash while working. Distractions, fatigue, and unfamiliar roads cited as key factors.
New Jersey Rideshare and Traffic Fatality Trends
- New Jersey State Police data show traffic fatalities rose by 13 percent in 2024 versus 2023. In 2024, the state had 685 crash fatalities – an outlier amid a slight national decline in traffic deaths.
- Another report from NJSP reveals the counties with the most fatal crashes in the first eight months of 2025 are Middlesex County, Ocean County, Essex County, Camden County, and Burlington County.
These figures underscore the state’s high baseline crash rates as rideshare services expand.
Overall, while ridesharing expands mobility, its rapid growth has been linked to higher collision rates and fatalities both nationally and in New Jersey. Understanding these statistics can guide policymakers, companies, and riders in balancing convenience with safety.
These aren’t just numbers – they represent real people suffering devastating injuries and families facing financial hardship. And when accidents happen, the insurance rules become incredibly complex.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different From Regular Car Crashes
Most people don’t realize that rideshare accidents involve three different insurance phases that determine your coverage:
Phase 1: Driver Available But Waiting
- Coverage: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- When it applies: When driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride
- Problem: Much lower coverage than most people expect.
Phase 2: Driver En Route to Pick You Up
- Coverage: $1 million liability policy
- When it applies: When driver has accepted your ride request
- Advantage: Full coverage even before you get in the car.
Phase 3: Active Ride in Progress
- Coverage: $1.5 million liability policy
- When it applies: From pickup through drop-off
- Note: This is when most people think coverage starts.
Food delivery accidents are treated completely differently under New Jersey law. The landmark Malzberg v. Josey case (2022) confirmed that New Jersey’s Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act only covers rides with human passengers, not food delivery.
When You Need a New Jersey Rideshare Attorney: Example Scenarios
These situations show exactly when the insurance rules become complex and you need experienced legal help:
Scenario 1: Passenger Injured During Active Ride
You’re riding in an Uber when another driver runs a red light and hits your vehicle. You suffer serious injuries requiring surgery and miss two months of work.
What happens: The $1.5 million policy is active, but you must use your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for initial medical bills. To get full compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering, you need to file a bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver AND an underinsured motorist claim against Uber. This involves lawsuits against both the negligent driver and the rideshare company.
Why you need a lawyer: Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim. You need someone who knows how to pursue both claims simultaneously.
Scenario 2: Uber/Lyft Driver Hurt While Working
You’re driving for Lyft with a passenger when a distracted driver hits your car. Both you and your passenger are injured.
What happens: You can file a Med Pay claim with Lyft for up to $10,000 in medical bills. But for full compensation, you need to pursue both a bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver AND an underinsured motorist claim against Lyft under their $1.5 million policy.
Why you need a lawyer: Rideshare companies often try to deny driver claims or delay payments. You need aggressive representation to get fair compensation.
Scenario 3: Driver Waiting for Rides Gets Hit
You’re logged into the Uber app waiting for a ride request when another car sideswipes you. You suffer back and neck injuries.
What happens: You only get $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident coverage, much less than during active rides. You can file a Med Pay claim for up to $10,000, but you’ll need to sue both the at-fault driver and Uber for full compensation.
Why you need a lawyer: The lower coverage limits mean every dollar matters. You need someone who can maximize recovery from all available sources.
Scenario 4: Driver Off-Duty Accident
You’re driving your personal vehicle and not logged into any rideshare app when someone hits you and causes serious injuries.
What happens: No rideshare coverage applies. You must rely entirely on your personal auto insurance and sue the at-fault driver directly. You cannot bring the rideshare company into the lawsuit.
Why you need a lawyer: Without rideshare coverage, you need aggressive pursuit of the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
Scenario 5: DoorDash Driver Injured on Delivery
You’re delivering food for DoorDash when a drunk driver hits you. You suffer multiple fractures and need extensive medical treatment.
What happens: DoorDash’s insurance (Blue Star) can pay up to $1 million in medical coverage. However, you can only sue the drunk driver, not DoorDash directly, since food delivery doesn’t qualify for the same protections as passenger rides.
Why you need a lawyer: The Malzberg v. Josey case changed the rules for food delivery. You need someone who understands these distinctions.
Scenario 6: Hit by DoorDash Driver
You’re driving your personal car when a DoorDash driver who’s rushing to make a delivery runs a stop sign and hits you.
What happens: You use your own PIP coverage for medical bills. The DoorDash driver is personally liable, but DoorDash’s insurance won’t cover your damages. You can only sue the individual driver.
Why you need a lawyer: DoorDash drivers often have minimal personal insurance. You need someone who can find all available coverage sources.
Scenario 7: Uber Eats Driver Injured in Accident
You’re delivering food for Uber Eats when you’re involved in an accident and suffer injuries.
What happens: No special rideshare coverage applies. You must use your personal auto insurance for medical expenses and can only sue the at-fault driver. Uber Eats provides no additional protection.
Why you need a lawyer: Without corporate insurance backing, these cases require aggressive pursuit of personal injury claims.
Scenario 8: GrubHub Driver Injured in Crash
You’re making a GrubHub delivery when another driver causes an accident that injures you.
What happens: Like Uber Eats, no supplemental coverage exists. You rely on personal insurance and can only sue the at-fault driver. GrubHub provides no additional coverage or legal protections.
Why you need a lawyer: Food delivery companies offer minimal protection. You need experienced representation to recover fair compensation.
The bottom line: Each scenario involves different insurance rules, coverage amounts, and legal procedures. One mistake can cost you thousands in compensation. Don’t navigate these complex situations alone.
New Jersey Rideshare Laws: What You Need to Know
New Jersey has specific laws that protect rideshare accident victims, but only if you know how to navigate them. Let’s break down what these laws mean in simple terms:
Primary Legislation: Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act
In 2017, New Jersey enacted detailed rideshare laws known as the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act (NJSA 39:5H-1 to -27). This law requires rideshare companies to carry specific insurance coverage and follow safety rules.
Note that this law only covers “prearranged rides,” meaning rides with human passengers. Food delivery doesn’t qualify for the same protections.
How New Jersey Defines a “Prearranged Ride”
The law is very specific about what counts as a rideshare trip:
- Starts: When the driver accepts your ride request
- Continues: While the driver picks you up and transports you
- Ends: When you get out of the vehicle.
This timing matters because it determines which insurance coverage applies.
Mandatory Insurance Requirements
New Jersey law requires rideshare companies to carry levels of liability insurance, which should cover losses to third parties such as passengers and other motorists:
- When driver is logged in and waiting for ride requests: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage
- When driver is on an active prearranged ride: $1.5 million for injuries and property damage.
Rideshare companies must also cover $10,000 in medical payments for their drivers in all covered situations.
Important New Jersey Court Decisions
Several recent court cases have changed how rideshare law works in New Jersey:
Malzberg v. Josey (2022): Food Delivery is Different
What happened: A motorcycle delivery driver was injured and tried to claim rideshare insurance protections.
Court ruling: New Jersey’s rideshare law only covers rides with human passengers, not food delivery. You can’t sue food delivery companies the same way you can sue rideshare companies for passenger accidents.
What this means for you: If you’re hurt in a DoorDash, Uber Eats, or GrubHub accident, you don’t get the same $1.5 million coverage as rideshare passengers. Currently, DoorDash provides up to $1 million in medical coverage, but only for the driver and only after personal insurance denies coverage Uber Eats and GrubHub have no special coverage at all, which means you’re on your own with personal insurance.
McGinty v. Jia Wen Zheng (2024): Arbitration Versus Court
What happened: Uber passengers tried to sue in court after a serious accident.
Court ruling: Uber’s arbitration agreement was valid and prevented a jury trial.
What this means for you: You might be forced into arbitration instead of court, depending on when you agreed to the terms of service.
Odunsi v. Cooney (2021): PIP Coverage Required
What happened: An Uber driver’s claims were denied because he didn’t have proper PIP coverage.
Court ruling: Rideshare drivers must maintain New Jersey PIP coverage on their personal vehicles.
What this means for you: Drivers without proper PIP coverage can lose their right to compensation entirely.
Why These Laws Matter to Your Case
Understanding these laws helps explain:
- Why coverage amounts vary so dramatically
- When you can file lawsuits vs. when you’re stuck with arbitration
- Why food delivery accidents are much harder to win
- What insurance you can actually count on.
Bottom line: New Jersey’s rideshare laws provide strong protections in some situations and almost none in others. Knowing which situation you’re in makes the difference between recovering fair compensation and getting nothing.
The insurance companies know these laws inside and out. Shouldn’t you have a lawyer who does too?
Rideshare Claims: When You Can Sue Versus When You’re Limited
New Jersey law treats different rideshare situations differently when it comes to lawsuits:
Full Lawsuit Rights:
- Passengers in active rideshare trips
- Drivers injured during active rides
- Anyone hit by rideshare drivers during trips.
Limited Lawsuit Rights:
- Drivers injured while waiting for rides (lower coverage applies)
- Anyone involved in food delivery accidents.
No Special Rights:
- Accidents when driver isn’t logged into app
- Personal use of rideshare driver’s vehicle.
Rideshare Accident Legal Services in New Jersey
New Jersey Uber Accident Cases
Did you get hurt as an Uber rider, driver, or in a crash with an Uber car? At Grossman Law, we handle all types of Uber accidents across New Jersey. Our team investigates every detail to determine which insurance coverage applies and fights for maximum compensation.
What makes Uber cases complex:
- Arbitration clauses that may prevent lawsuits
- Multiple insurance policies that can conflict
- Driver status questions that affect coverage amounts
- Corporate legal teams defending against claims.
Recent legal development: In McGinty v. Jia Wen Zheng (2024), a New Jersey court forced Uber passengers into arbitration instead of allowing a jury trial. Attorney Scott Grossman stays current on these legal changes to protect your rights.
Lyft Accident Representation
Lyft accidents follow similar insurance rules to Uber, but each case presents unique challenges. We’ve successfully handled Lyft accident claims throughout New Jersey, securing fair compensation for injured passengers, drivers, and third parties.
Lyft accident scenario: Consider this situation: You’re a passenger in a Lyft when another driver runs a red light and hits your vehicle. You break your arm and miss six weeks of work. Under New Jersey law, you’d use your own PIP coverage for medical bills first, then pursue additional compensation through Lyft’s $1.5 million underinsured motorist coverage for lost wages and pain and suffering.
Food Delivery Accident Claims
DoorDash, Uber Eats, and GrubHub accidents are treated very differently under New Jersey law. Most people don’t know this, but food delivery doesn’t qualify for the same $1.5 million coverage as passenger rides.
Example case: A DoorDash driver is delivering food when a drunk driver hits them. DoorDash’s occupational accident insurance covers medical bills up to $1 million, but the driver can only sue the drunk driver, not DoorDash directly.
The True Cost of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can result in devastating injuries that affect your entire life:
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Cuts and lacerations.
Financial impact often includes:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability care.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. You deserve full compensation for all your losses.
What to Do After a New Jersey Rideshare Accident
Take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 and get medical attention.
- Take screenshots of your ride details in the app.
- Get driver information and contact details.
- Document the scene with photos and video.
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information.
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies.
- Call Grossman Law at (732) 625-9494 for legal help.
Important: Many rideshare accident injuries don’t appear until days later when the adrenaline wears off. Get medical care right away, even if you think you’re okay at first.
Why Choose Grossman Law as Your New Jersey Rideshare Accident Attorneys?
Scott Grossman’s Rideshare Accident Expertise
Attorney Scott Grossman has dedicated over 20 years to helping New Jersey accident victims. Unlike general personal injury lawyers, he understands the specific complexities of New Jersey’s Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act and how recent court decisions affect your case.
Recent case expertise includes:
- Successfully challenging arbitration clauses when possible
- Navigating complex multi-phase insurance coverage
- Handling food delivery accidents under different legal rules
- Fighting insurance company denials and delay tactics.
We Know New Jersey Rideshare Insurance Law Inside and Out
The insurance rules change based on exactly what the driver was doing when the accident happened. Most lawyers don’t understand these nuances. We do.
Proven Results for New Jersey Rideshare Accident Victims
Grossman Law is recognized as a top-rated rideshare accident law firm in New Jersey. We’ve recovered millions in compensation for our clients, including:
- Settlements for passengers injured in rideshare crashes
- Compensation for drivers hurt while working
- Recovery for pedestrians and cyclists hit by rideshare vehicles
- Claims against multiple insurance policies when coverage overlaps.
“Scott Grossman and his team fought tirelessly for my family after our Uber accident. They knew exactly which insurance company was responsible and got us the compensation we deserved.” – Former Client
Common Types of Rideshare Accidents We Handle
Rear-End Collisions
The most common type of rideshare accident. Drivers frequently stop and start in traffic, making them vulnerable to being hit from behind.
Side-Impact Crashes
Rideshare drivers often need to merge quickly or change lanes to reach passengers, increasing the risk of side-impact collisions.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries
Studies show pedestrian injuries increased in cities after Uber and Lyft began operating. Cyclists are also vulnerable to injuries due to their minimal bodily protection compared to car occupants.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
When rideshare vehicles are involved in complex accidents with multiple cars, determining liability and insurance coverage becomes extremely complicated.
Common Questions About Rideshare Accidents in New Jersey
Who covers my medical costs following a rideshare crash?
In New Jersey, if you’re a passenger during an active ride, you typically use your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage first. Then you can pursue additional compensation through the rideshare company’s $1.5 million policy for amounts beyond PIP limits.
Am I able to file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft in New Jersey?
It depends on your user agreement. Many rideshare companies require arbitration instead of court trials. We analyze your specific situation to determine if you can file a lawsuit or must go through arbitration.
What happens when the rideshare driver didn’t cause the accident?
You can still recover compensation. New Jersey’s rideshare law requires companies to carry underinsured motorist coverage. This protects you even when another driver causes the accident.
What’s the value of my rideshare accident claim?
Case values depend on factors like injury severity, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Cases with permanent injuries or significant medical treatment typically have higher values.
Should I hire an attorney for a rideshare crash?
Yes. The insurance rules are complex, and companies often deny legitimate claims. Without legal representation, you may miss important deadlines or accept inadequate settlements.
What are good sources of information about rideshare accident law?
While Reddit and other places have lots of people talking about rideshare accidents, our advice is to seek a free consultation from an actual law firm that has experience handling rideshare accident injury claims in New Jersey such as The Grossman Law Firm.
Our New Jersey Office Locations
We at The Grossman Law Firm serve rideshare accident victims throughout New Jersey from six convenient locations:
Freehold Office (Main)
495 Iron Bridge Road, Suite 4
Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: (732) 625-9494
Clifton Office
1000 Clifton Ave. #203
Clifton, NJ 07013
Phone: (973) 928-2557
Sayreville Office
190 Pulaski Ave Suite B
Sayreville, NJ 08872
Phone: (732) 401-3040
Manahawkin Office
1200 Route 72 W
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Phone: (609) 454-6550.
Contact New Jersey’s Top-Rated Rideshare Accident Attorneys
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears and insurance companies start building their defense immediately.
Grossman Law is recognized as one of New Jersey’s top-rated rideshare accident law firms. We’ve recovered millions for our clients and have the experience to handle even the most complex rideshare insurance disputes.
Phone (732) 625-9494 today for your no-cost consultation.
- No fee unless we win your case
- 20+ years of New Jersey personal injury experience
- Deep expertise in rideshare accident law
- Available 24/7 for accident victims
- Free case evaluation and legal advice.
Or fill out our contact form and we’ll call you within 24 hours.
Every day you wait, evidence disappears and deadlines pass. Get the legal help you deserve today.
