When you’re hurt in a Lyft accident, you need more than just any lawyer. You need someone who knows rideshare law inside and out. At Grossman Law Rideshare Accident Attorneys, Scott Grossman has recovered tens of millions for injured victims across New Jersey.
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in New Jersey, you’re facing a complex legal situation that’s far different from a regular car crash. With multiple insurance policies, shifting liability, and rideshare companies that often try to avoid responsibility, you need an experienced advocate who understands these unique challenges.
Scott Grossman: Your Experienced New Jersey Lyft Injury Attorney
Attorney Scott Grossman brings over 20 years of personal injury experience to every rideshare accident case. As founder of Grossman Law Rideshare Accident Attorneys, Scott has:
- Recovered tens of millions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients
- Served on the Board of Governors of the New Jersey Association for Justice
- Earned recognition as a top-rated New Jersey personal injury attorney
- Focused exclusively on injury law, including complex rideshare accidents
Recent case results include a $992,470 verdict with pre-judgment interest totaling over $1 million, and a $900,000 settlement achieved before trial. Scott’s approach involves personally getting to know each client and their family to understand how injuries have impacted their lives, enabling him to maximize recoveries.
“He is a shark in this field. He is very knowledgeable and professional lawyer with tons of experience,” notes one client review on Avvo. Client Janice praised his firm: “I couldn’t be any happier. The people over at the Grossman Law firm were always courteous and accommodating. Scott, himself was very kind and understanding about everything.” Client Gurpreet added: “Scott Grossman helped me every step of the way explaining things to me and helping me until I got the settlement I was happy with.”
Understanding New Jersey Lyft Insurance Coverage Phases
New Jersey rideshare accidents involve three distinct insurance coverage phases that determine your compensation:
Phase 1: Personal Driving (App Off)
When a Lyft driver’s app is offline, only their personal auto insurance applies. Lyft’s commercial coverage doesn’t activate during personal use.
Phase 2: Available for Rides (App On, No Passenger)
This phase creates the most insurance gaps and disputes. When drivers are logged in but haven’t accepted a ride, New Jersey law requires:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Phase 3: Active Trip (En Route and During Ride)
From accepting a ride request until drop-off, Lyft provides:
- $1.5 million in liability coverage per accident
- $1.5 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage ($2,500 deductible)
Third-Party Liability Complications in Rideshare Accidents
Lyft accidents often involve multiple liable parties, creating complex legal scenarios:
Multi-Party Claims: If another driver caused your Lyft accident, you may have claims against:
- The at-fault driver’s insurance
- Lyft’s insurance (depending on coverage phase)
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Pedestrian and Cyclist Rights: According to New Jersey statute, pedestrians injured by rideshare vehicles can apply for PIP coverage through the rideshare vehicle’s liability carrier, as pedestrian PIP coverage is mandated similar to taxi and limousine services.
Commercial Use Exclusions: Many drivers’ personal insurance policies exclude commercial use, creating coverage gaps that leave accident victims without adequate compensation sources.
Driver Classification Issues That Affect Your Case
Lyft classifies drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This classification creates several legal challenges:
Insurance Compliance Problems: New Jersey Section 39:5H-10 mandates specific coverage requirements for Transportation Network Company (TNC) drivers. When drivers fail to maintain proper insurance, it can leave accident victims without adequate coverage.
Liability Limitations: Independent contractor status means Lyft often tries to avoid direct liability for driver negligence, making it crucial to have an attorney who knows how to pierce these corporate defenses.
Factors typically affecting settlement value:
- Severity of injuries requiring surgery
- Permanent disabilities and future care needs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Which insurance coverage phase applies
Recent New Jersey Rideshare Accident Statistics and Trends
The data shows rideshare accidents are a growing concern:
- According to Lyft’s 2024 Safety Transparency Report, between 2017 and 2019, Lyft vehicles were involved in 105 fatal collisions nationwide—22 in 2017, 34 in 2018, and 49 in 2019—a window that encompasses New Jersey rideshare operations as part of the U.S. aggregate.
- From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2022, Lyft logged 268 serious safety incidents on its platform across the United States, covering fatalities, injuries and other high-severity events—again including all New Jersey trips within this national tally.
Common Causes of New Jersey Lyft Accidents
Our investigation of rideshare accidents reveals frequent causes:
Driver-Related Factors:
- Distracted driving (using GPS or rideshare apps)
- Fatigue from long driving hours
- Unfamiliarity with pickup/drop-off locations
- Pressure to complete rides quickly
Traffic and Road Conditions: New Jersey’s dense population creates unique risks. The New Jersey Department of Transportation reports 276,861 total crashes in a recent year, with 59,850 causing injuries.
Technology Issues: Relying on GPS and rideshare apps can cause drivers to make sudden turns or stops, leading to rear-end collisions and intersection accidents.
What Makes Grossman Law Your Best Choice for Lyft Accident Cases
Proven Track Record: Scott Grossman has secured tens of millions in settlements and verdicts, including recent victories like the $992,470 verdict and $900,000 pre-trial settlement mentioned above.
Rideshare Expertise: We stay current on New Jersey’s evolving rideshare laws and the 2017 legislative changes that established specific insurance requirements for TNCs.
No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.
Personalized Attention: Unlike large firms that treat clients as numbers, Scott personally handles your case and gets to know how your injuries have affected your life.
Immediate Steps After a New Jersey Lyft Accident
At the Accident Scene:
- Call 911 for injuries or significant property damage
- Document everything with photos
- Get contact information from all drivers and witnesses
- Report the accident through the Lyft app
- Don’t admit fault or discuss details beyond basic facts
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor immediately. Some injuries like concussions and soft tissue damage don’t show symptoms right away.
Contact Grossman Law: New Jersey’s 2-year statute of limitations means you must act quickly. The sooner you call, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.
Types of Injuries We Handle in Lyft Accident Cases
Traumatic Injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries requiring surgery
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries and organ damage
Soft Tissue Injuries:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Back injuries and herniated discs
- Muscle strains and ligament tears
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to personal belongings
- Pain and suffering compensation
Contact New Jersey’s Top-Rated Lyft Accident Attorneys
Don’t let Lyft’s insurance company minimize your claim. Scott Grossman and the team at Grossman Law Rideshare Accident Attorneys have the experience and track record to get you maximum compensation.
Why Choose Grossman Law:
- Over 20 years of personal injury experience
- Tens of millions recovered for injured clients
- Board member of New Jersey Association for Justice
- Top-rated by clients with 5-star reviews
- No fees unless we win your case
Our recent settlements and verdicts demonstrate our ability to secure maximum compensation for rideshare accident victims. From our $992,470 verdict to our $900,000 pre-trial settlement, we fight for every dollar you deserve.
Call (732) 625-9494 now for your free consultation.
Serving all of New Jersey including Bergen County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Hudson County, and beyond. Time limits apply – call today to protect your rights.