New Jersey Lyft Accidents Involving an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.
New Jersey Lyft Accidents Involving an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.

New Jersey Lyft Accidents Involving an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a New Jersey car accident, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Lyft accidents are no exception. However, almost all car accidents involve at least one insurance company, and insurance laws can be quite complex. For those who have been injured in a New Jersey Lyft accident, it is important they understand how the state’s insurance laws apply and what options they have to pursue a claim for compensation.

To begin, it is important to differentiate between accidents that are caused by a Lyft driver’s negligence and those that are caused by another motorist. Each type of accident involves different insurance considerations.

New Jersey law requires that Lyft maintains a certain amount of insurance on behalf of its drivers. This way, in the event of a Lyft car accident, the injured person is not left without any means of compensation. Under state law, Lyft must obtain coverage in the amount of $1.5 million for death, bodily injury or property damage for accidents occurring during a Lyft ride. The official beginning of a Lyft ride is when the Lyft app matches a driver up with a passenger. The ride extends up through when the driver drops off the passenger at their destination. During this period, Lyft must also carry $1.5 million in underinsured/uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection. Understanding how each type of insurance works is crucial for both Lyft drivers and Lyft passengers.

It is also important to review any applicable household insurance policies for additional coverages.

Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage for Lyft Passengers

It is important for Lyft riders to understand how the company’s insurance policy works and when each type of coverage kicks in:

  • $1.5 million in third-party liability UM coverage: This coverage applies to accidents that are caused as a result of another driver’s negligence who does not have car insurance. It is available to cover the injuries of the Lyft driver and passengers in the vehicle.
  • $1.5 million in UIM coverage: This coverage applies to accidents that are caused by parties other than the Lyft driver where their vehicle does not have enough liability coverage to cover all the damages. For example, if another motorist runs a red light and crashes into a Lyft that is carrying a passenger and does not have adequate coverage the passengers can look to the Lyft coverage for additional compensation.

Based on the required coverage, regardless of whether the Lyft driver is at fault, or if a third-party is at fault, Lyft’s insurance policy will provide up to a total of $1.5 million in coverage. This coverage will be available either through an UM/UIM motorist protection claim or through a third-party liability claim, depending on which party was at fault.

While this seems fairly straightforward, issues often arise when a Lyft accident claimant files a UIM claim against Lyft’s insurance company. When the Lyft driver is at fault for causing an accident, the primary source of insurance is Lyft’s third-party liability insurance. However, complications can arise when another party is at fault. In these situations, the at-fault party’s insurance policy is the primary source of coverage and Lyft’s UIM coverage is second in position. Because New Jersey only requires motorists to maintain liability coverage in the amount of $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident, many times anyone who is seriously injured in an accident will exhaust that coverage. Once the at-fault motorist’s coverage is exhausted, Lyft’s insurance policy will provide UIM benefits. You will also need to review your own household insurance policies.

Lyft Drivers Involved in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist

For Lyft drivers, determining the extent of insurance coverage that applies is crucial. Of course, when a driver is not using the Lyft app, or they are using their car for personal reasons, the company’s insurance policy will not provide coverage, regardless of who was at fault. In these cases, a Lyft driver will file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or with their own insurance company.

On the other hand, when a Lyft driver is transporting a passenger, Lyft provides the following coverage:

  • $1,500,000 in third-party liability
  • $1,500,000 in uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM)motorist protection

So, if a Lyft driver is transporting a passenger and is involved in an accident that was caused by another party, they will be covered under the at-fault party’s insurance policy. If coverage is denied or exhausted, then Lyft’s UIM policy kicks in. This also applies to New Jersey hit-and-run accidents.

However, if an accident occurs while the Lyft driver is waiting to be paired up with a passenger, Lyft only provides coverage up to $50,000 per person or a total of $100,000 per accident. Because this is contingent coverage, it is second in line after the driver’s own insurance policy, and will be available only if the driver’s insurance company either denies the claim or in situations where the driver does not have auto insurance.

Dealing With an Insurance Company After a Lyft Accident Involving an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver

While Lyft carries UIM coverage, the ultimate decision on whether to pay out on a claim rests with the insurance company. Insurance companies are for-profit corporations that are primarily concerned with the company’s bottom line. The well-being of those injured in Lyft accidents and making sure that they are fairly compensated are not among an insurance company’s priorities. In fact, insurance companies will look for reasons to deny even seemingly valid claims, often by citing some legal loophole or technicality. Thus, those who have been injured in a Lyft accident should contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney for immediate assistance to evaluate any all potential claims including UIM and UM motorist benefits including your own household insurance coverages.

Contact an Experienced New Jersey Lyft Accident Lawyer for Immediate Assistance

If you have recently been injured in a New Jersey rideshare accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated New Jersey personal injury attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm are here to help you discuss your options. Our attorneys provide sound advice and compassionate, zealous advocacy to those seriously injured in Lyft accidents across New Jersey. 

Our New Jersey injury attorneys have over 35 years of experience aggressively representing our clients injured in accidents and their families in all types of claims, including New Jersey rideshare accident cases. Throughout this period, we have successfully served thousands of clients, recovering over $100 million on their behalf. The firm’s founder, attorney Todd Leonard, has devoted his entire legal career to helping his clients recover the compensation they need and deserve from the parties responsible for their injuries. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a free and confidential consultation. There is no risk in calling, because we never charge a fee unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. We have offices conveniently located in Denville and Morristown.

Todd and his staff were courteous and caring about my personal well-being.

They were knowledgeable and settled my case in an expedited manner. I really felt they were on my side the whole way. Thank you Todd and staff for excellent treatment!

- B.H.
The Leonard Law Firm is truly amazing.

They go above and beyond to make sure you get what you deserve.

- Gina V.
He was relentless

until the case was fully settled and all was in our favor. Thank you so much. We highly recommend his office to anyone.

- E. and M.
Todd Leonard and his staff made me feel like family.

Trust me, he will take you into his hands and take care of all your personal injury legal matters. They are friendly, professional, and go out all the way for you. Thank you Todd Leonard and staff.

- Frank O.
I highly recommend using this law firm.

My lawyer Paul Paravati was always available there for me and gave me first rate service.

- Richard B.
Mr. Leonard’s law firm constantly kept in touch

and on top of my problems. They were quick to respond to my legal needs and were very attentive and showed real concern to my issues. I highly recommend them to anyone needing legal representation.

- Leslie W.
You are the most amazing person

and I am indebted to you forever!

- P.S.

A proven track record of success

$29.5Million
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Slip & Fall Accident
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Car Accident Road Defect
$2.5Million
Workplace Construction Accident
$2.25Million
Fall Down Accident
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.5Million
Fatal Apartment Fire
$1.36Million
Auto Accident
$1.2Million
Auto Accident
$1.0Million
Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit
$1.0Million
Slip & Fall Accident
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Fall Down Accident
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Product Liability & Auto Accident
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Drunk Driving Accident
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Slip and Fall: Workers’ Compensation & Premises Liability Accident
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Car Accident Road Defect
$2.5Million
Workplace Construction Accident
$2.25Million
Fall Down Accident
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.5Million
Fatal Fire Apartment
$1.36Million
Auto Accident
$1.2Million
Auto Accident
$1.1Million
Slip & Fall Accident

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Being injured or having a family member injured can have serious and lifelong consequences. We can try to ease the burden. Contact us today to learn more about how our team of experienced New Jersey accident attorneys can support you through these challenging times.