Rideshare accidents in Monmouth County are more than just fender benders. When you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft crash while traveling through Freehold, Long Branch, or along the Garden State Parkway, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies often downplay claims. Rideshare companies distance themselves from liability. And you’re left wondering who pays for your medical bills.
At Grossman Law – The Rideshare Attorneys, we have 25+ years of experience winning for injured New Jersey residents. Attorney Scott D. Grossman has recovered tens of millions in verdicts and settlements. We understand the unique challenges of Monmouth County rideshare accidents, and we know how to get results.
You don’t pay us anything until we win for you. Your initial consultation is also free and requires no commitment. Call us today at (732) 625-9494 for your free consultation.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different in Monmouth County
Monmouth County sits at the heart of New Jersey’s transit network, home to more than 647,000 residents across vibrant communities like Middletown Township, Marlboro, Howell, and Manalapan. With major roadways like Route 18, Route 9, Interstate 195, and the Garden State Parkway, rideshare vehicles are ubiquitous in the county.
Research out of the University of Chicago shows ridesharing correlates with a 3 percent annual rise in vehicular deaths. That’s approximately 987 additional roadway fatalities each year nationwide. In New Jersey alone, the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety reports 684 traffic fatalities in 2024, with Monmouth County seeing 52 of these deaths along its busy corridors.
When you add rideshare vehicles to an already congested area, the risks multiply. A CDC study found that each additional 100 rideshare trips in a given area increases the odds of an injury crash by 4.6 percent.
Common Accident Locations in Monmouth County
Rideshare accidents happen anywhere riders get picked up or dropped off. In Monmouth County, we see crashes at:
- Shopping and entertainment districts in Eatontown and Freehold Township
- Jersey Shore destinations along Long Branch and Asbury Park
- Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport during events
- Major intersections on Route 18 and Route 9
- Highway on-ramps and off-ramps for I-195 and the Garden State Parkway
- Red Bank and downtown areas with heavy pedestrian traffic
- Residential neighborhoods throughout Marlboro, Manalapan, and Howell.
Understanding New Jersey’s Rideshare Insurance Laws
New Jersey passed the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act (New Jersey Statutes 39:5H) in 2017. This law established specific insurance requirements that affect your claim.
Insurance Coverage Periods
Rideshare insurance works in stages based on what the driver was doing when the accident happened:
- Period 0: Driver’s app offline. The driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage. Most personal policies exclude coverage for commercial activity, leaving you with limited options.
- Period 1: Driver app on, waiting for ride request. The driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride yet. Under NJSA 39:5H-10, Uber and Lyft must each provide contingent liability coverage that kicks in if the driver’s personal auto policy doesn’t apply. The minimum liability coverage required by law for this rideshare period is 50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Periods 2 and 3: Driver en route to passenger, or passenger already in vehicle. The driver accepted your ride request and is heading to pick you up, or you’re in the car, and the ride is in progress. The rideshare company must provide $1.5 million in liability coverage and $1.5 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
New Jersey’s No-Fault Insurance System
Here’s something that surprises many rideshare accident victims: New Jersey operates under a no-fault auto insurance system. Even if you weren’t driving and weren’t at fault, your own auto insurance typically pays your initial medical bills up to your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage limits.
Note that standard auto insurance policies in NJ may limit your right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party unless your injury meets the strict criteria of being “severe.” This means if you need more compensation than your PIP can provide, you may be short on options.
Thankfully, the “limitation on lawsuit” generally does not apply in rideshare accident cases in New Jersey. If you’ve been injured as an Uber passenger or after getting hit by an Uber, you may be able to sue them without needing to prove your injury is severe.
The challenge here is navigating the complex maze of insurance coverages. Will your PIP cover your specific rideshare crash? Which rideshare insurance period applies in your case? Do you claim against Uber, the Uber driver, or both?
Attorney Scott Grossman understands these complexities. In a free consultation with us at Grossman Law, we can evaluate your potential claim and guide you on your most viable legal remedies.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Rideshare drivers face unique pressures that lead to accidents. We’ve seen crashes caused by:
- Distracted driving while checking the app for new ride requests
- Unfamiliar routes when drivers rely too heavily on GPS
- Driver fatigue from working long hours to maximize earnings
- Speeding to complete more rides and increase income
- Failure to yield at busy Monmouth County intersections
- Unsafe lane changes on highways like Route 18
- Poor vehicle maintenance since drivers are independent contractors
- Drunk or impaired driving despite background check requirements
- Inadequate driver training with minimal company oversight.
According to Uber’s own safety report, the company’s vehicles were involved in 153 fatalities between 2021 and 2022. The “risky behaviors” they cited were speeding (39%), alcohol impairment (33%), and wrong-way driving (13%).
Injuries We See in Monmouth County Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents cause the same types of injuries as other motor vehicle crashes, often with life-changing consequences:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries like whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Wrongful death.
Many injuries require extensive medical treatment. Bills pile up quickly. You may miss work for weeks or months. Some injuries never fully heal, affecting your ability to earn a living for years to come.
Who Pays for Your Monmouth County Rideshare Accident?
Liability in rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties:
The Rideshare Driver
If the driver’s negligence caused the crash, they’re liable. Many carry minimal personal insurance that won’t cover serious injuries.
Uber or Lyft
The rideshare company’s $1.5 million insurance policy applies when the driver is on duty. But these companies defend aggressively. They’ll argue the driver was off duty. They’ll claim another driver caused the crash. They’ll minimize your injuries.
Other Drivers
If another motorist hits your rideshare vehicle, their insurance should pay. But what if they fled the scene or don’t have enough coverage? That’s when Uber and Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage becomes critical.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective auto parts or design flaws can contribute to accidents. If brake failure, tire defects, or other mechanical issues played a role, the manufacturer may share liability.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
New Jersey law allows you to pursue several types of damages after a rideshare accident:
Economic Damages
These have a specific dollar value:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket costs.
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate for intangible losses:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental or emotional distress
- Diminished enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (for spouses).
Wrongful Death Damages
If your loved one died in a rideshare accident, surviving family members may recover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills before death
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Pain and suffering the deceased endured before death.
The value of your claim depends on many factors. Insurance companies will lowball your claim. They’ll pressure you to settle quickly before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Don’t accept their first offer. Let us fight for what you truly deserve.
Steps to Take After a Monmouth County Rideshare Accident
Your actions immediately after a crash can impact your claim’s value. Here’s what to do:
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, call for medical help. Some injuries, like concussions and internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. Get checked by a doctor.
2. Report the Accident
Call local police. Whether the crash happened in Freehold, Middletown, or on the Garden State Parkway, you need an official police report. This documents the accident scene, road conditions, and the investigating officer’s observations.
3. Document Everything
Take photos of:
- All vehicles involved
- Your visible injuries
- Accident scene and road conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- License plates.
Get contact information from:
- The rideshare driver
- Other drivers involved
- Witnesses.
4. Save Your Rideshare App Information
Don’t close the app. Take screenshots showing:
- Your trip details
- Driver information
- Route taken
- Fare charged.
This information proves you were a paying passenger at the time of the crash.
5. Report to Uber or Lyft
Use the app’s emergency feature to report the accident. But keep your statement brief. The rideshare company may use anything you say to minimize your claim.
6. Contact Grossman Law Immediately
New Jersey’s statute of limitations allows you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Don’t wait to act, as evidence disappears fast. Witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case becomes.
Call (732) 625-9494 for your free consultation.
A Monmouth County Rideshare Accident Near You
General personal injury lawyers handle car accidents. But rideshare cases involve unique legal issues that require specialized knowledge:
- Understanding TNC insurance periods and when coverage applies
- Navigating multiple insurance policies from drivers and rideshare companies
- Challenging independent contractor classifications to reach company assets
- Countering arbitration clauses that limit your legal options
- Investigating app data and driver logs as evidence
- Dealing with sophisticated corporate defense teams.
Attorney Scott Grossman focuses specifically on rideshare accidents. He knows the tactics Uber and Lyft use. He’s familiar with their insurance carriers. He understands how to maximize compensation in these complex cases.
What Makes Grossman Law Different
When you work with Grossman Law – The Rideshare Attorneys, you get more than a lawyer. You get an advocate who’s been fighting for injured New Jerseyans for over 25 years.
Proven Track Record
Attorney Scott D. Grossman has recovered tens of millions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients. Recent results include:
- $992,470 verdict with pre-judgment interest totaling over $1 million in a rideshare injury case
- $900,000 settlement achieved before trial for a rideshare accident victim
- Tens of millions recovered across all personal injury practice areas.
Scott’s success has earned him recognition as a Super Lawyers honoree from 2022 to 2025 and selection to the Board of Governors of the New Jersey Association for Justice.
Deep Understanding of New Jersey Rideshare Law
Scott stays current on New Jersey’s evolving rideshare regulations. When the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act was passed in 2017, he immediately studied its implications for injured passengers.
Personalized Attention
Large firms treat you like a case number. At Grossman Law, Scott personally handles your case. He gets to know you and your family. He understands how your injuries have disrupted your life. This personal approach helps him maximize your recovery.
One client said, “He is a shark in this field. He is a very knowledgeable and professional lawyer with tons of experience.” Another noted, “He cared about me not just as a client but as an individual.”
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. This removes the financial barrier to getting experienced legal representation when you need it most.
Common Myths About Rideshare Accident Claims
Myth 1: “The rideshare company will take care of everything.”
False. Uber and Lyft are multi-billion-dollar corporations with profits to protect. Companies are known to use tactics to deny responsibility and minimize payouts to victims. You need your own lawyer.
Myth 2: “I can’t sue because I clicked ‘Agree’ on the App Terms.”
Rideshare companies bury arbitration clauses in their terms of service. Recent court decisions have forced some victims into arbitration. But an experienced attorney can challenge these clauses and fight to preserve your right to a jury trial.
Myth 3: “My Injuries Aren’t Bad Enough to Hire a Lawyer.”
Even “minor” injuries can have lasting effects. What seems like simple whiplash today could require months of physical therapy. Headaches could signal a concussion, for example. Always get evaluated by a lawyer before talking to insurance companies.
Myth 4: “Filing a claim will take years.”
Many cases settle within months. If your case goes to trial, it may take longer. But waiting doesn’t cost you anything with our contingency fee arrangement at Grossman Law. And the compensation you receive can be significantly higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the rideshare driver says the accident was my fault?
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you weren’t more than 50 percent responsible. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can I sue if I was a pedestrian hit by an Uber?
Yes. You have the same rights as vehicle occupants. If the Uber driver was en route to pick up a passenger or had a passenger in the car, the company’s $1.5 million policy should cover your injuries.
What if the other driver fled the scene?
Uber’s and Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage should apply if the driver was on duty. We’ll investigate to identify the hit-and-run driver while pursuing compensation from the rideshare company.
How long do I have to file a claim?
New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Don’t wait. Critical evidence disappears quickly.
Will my rates go up if I file a claim?
Your insurance rates shouldn’t increase if you weren’t at fault. New Jersey law prohibits insurers from raising rates based on no-fault accidents.
Serving All of Monmouth County
Grossman Law – The Rideshare Attorneys represents rideshare accident victims throughout Monmouth County, including:
- Middletown Township: The county’s most populous municipality
- Freehold Borough and Township: Home to the county seat and major retail centers
- Long Branch: Popular shore destination with heavy rideshare traffic
- Asbury Park: Entertainment district seeing increased rideshare use
- Red Bank: Downtown area with restaurants, shops, and nightlife
- Marlboro: Growing suburban community
- Manalapan: Residential area with shopping centers
- Howell: Major township with diverse neighborhoods
- Eatontown: Commercial hub with Monmouth Mall
- Oceanport: Home to Monmouth Park Racetrack
- Matawan and Keyport: Bayshore communities
- Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea: Beach towns
- Tinton Falls: Major business corridor
- Neptune Township and Ocean Grove
- And all other Monmouth County municipalities.
No matter where your accident happened, we can help.
Take Action Now for Your Uber Accident Claim. Call Grossman Law.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Monmouth County Uber or Lyft accident, don’t wait. Insurance companies are already building their defense. Evidence is disappearing. The clock is ticking on your legal rights.
At Grossman Law – The Rideshare Attorneys, we’ve recovered tens of millions for injured clients, including over $1 million in recent rideshare accident cases. Attorney Scott D. Grossman brings over 25 years of personal injury experience and specialized knowledge of New Jersey rideshare law to every case.
Call (732) 625-9494 now for your free, no-obligation consultation.
We’ll review your case, explain your options, and tell you exactly what to expect. You pay nothing unless we win. And you’ll work directly with Scott, not a junior associate or paralegal.
Your recovery starts with a phone call. Make it now.
Grossman Law – The Rideshare Attorneys 495 Iron Bridge Road, Suite 4 Freehold, NJ 07728 Phone: (732) 625-9494
Serving rideshare accident victims throughout Monmouth County and all of New Jersey.
