Key Takeaways
- Morello Law Firm, home to Ocean County Uber and Lyft lawyers, brings more than 20 years of experience, and attorney Rob Morello holds certification as a New Jersey Civil Trial Attorney.
- Morello Law Firm handles injury cases on a contingency basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless the firm recovers money for you, and consultations are free.
- Ocean County led New Jersey with 63 traffic deaths in 2025, up from 46 in 2024, according to preliminary State Police data.
- New Jersey law requires at least $1.5 million in liability coverage during a ride. Your payout depends on your injuries and proof of fault.
Rideshare Insurance Periods 1 to 3 Explained
New Jersey ties coverage to what the driver is doing, and a Lyft passenger accident follows the same rules as an Uber crash. Here are the guidelines for Uber and Lyft accidents:
- App off: Only the driver’s personal auto policy applies.
- Period 1, app on with no ride accepted: Coverage reaches at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.
- Periods 2 and 3, ride accepted through drop-off: Coverage rises to at least $1.5 million. You ride during Period 3.
What Does the $1.5 Million Coverage Pay While You Ride?
Passengers rarely share blame for a driver’s mistake. If your driver caused the car accident, you claim against the commercial policy, which carries at least $1.5 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage combined. If the driver’s coverage falls short, the rideshare company must cover the claim from the first dollar and defend it. New Jersey law also blocks the company and driver from raising the limitation-on-lawsuit option against you in a prearranged ride claim.
New Jersey’s no-fault system may also make your own personal injury protection pay your first medical bills, so review your policy.
What If Another Driver Caused the Crash?
You pursue the at-fault driver’s insurer. If that coverage falls short, the rideshare company’s uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of at least $1.5 million may fill the gap. Other drivers, rideshare companies, and government entities responsible for road defects can all bear responsibility.
What If Another Driver Caused the Crash?
You pursue the at-fault driver’s insurer. If that coverage falls short, the rideshare company’s uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage of at least $1.5 million may fill the gap. Other drivers, rideshare companies, and government entities responsible for road defects can all bear responsibility.
What Steps Should You Take as an Injured Passenger?
- Seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine.
- Screenshot your ride receipt and driver details in the app.
- Photograph the scene and collect witness contacts.
- Report the crash through the Uber or Lyft app.
- Save every message from the rideshare company and insurers.
- Speak with a lawyer before you give a recorded statement.
New Jersey generally gives you two years from the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Read more on the Morello Law Firm Uber and Lyft Accidents page and the Personal Injury page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uber or Lyft insurance cover passengers?
Yes. During a prearranged ride, the commercial policy carries at least $1.5 million in liability coverage.
What if the driver’s own insurance falls short?
The rideshare company must provide the required coverage from the first dollar and defend the claim.
How long do I have to sue?
Generally, two years from the date of the crash.
Do I pay upfront to hire a lawyer?
No. Morello Law Firm charges no upfront costs and collects fees only if you recover compensation.
Ocean County Uber and Lyft Lawyers at Morello Law Firm Can Provide Answers About Compensation
Insurance companies move fast after a rideshare accident, so protect your claim now. The Ocean County Uber and Lyft lawyers at Morello Law Firm will investigate your accident and fight for appropriate compensation. Call us at 609-365-0331 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Manahawkin and Toms River, NJ, we serve clients across the state.
