Rideshare accidents are different from regular car crashes. The insurance rules are complicated. Multiple companies could be responsible. And one wrong step could cost you thousands of dollars in compensation.
This is why you need a law firm like The Grossman Law Firm that has specific experience with rideshare cases, not a firm who treats your Uber or Lyft accident like just another fender bender.
The team at Grossman Law Firm, The Rideshare Attorneys, focus much of their practice on rideshare injury cases in New Jersey. The Grossman Law Firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims over the years including those hurt in Uber and Lyft accidents.
The Growing Rideshare Accident Problem in New Jersey
More rideshare drivers mean more accidents. Over 100,000 Uber and Lyft accidents happen every year across the U.S., according to industry data. In New Jersey specifically, traffic fatalities rose by 13 percent in 2024 versus 2023, with the state recording 685 crash fatalities based on New Jersey State Police data.
Rideshare drivers face unique risks that contribute to these accidents:
Distracted driving tops the list. Distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023, according to NHTSA. Rideshare drivers constantly check their phones to accept rides, navigate routes, and communicate with passengers. This phone use takes their eyes off the road at the worst possible times.
Driver fatigue creates danger. Many Uber and Lyft drivers work long hours, often late at night after another job. Industry research shows that a large percentage of rideshare drivers spend more than 50 hours per week behind the wheel. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment.
Poor vehicle maintenance leads to failures. Unlike taxis, rideshare vehicles are privately owned. Some drivers skip routine maintenance to save money, leading to brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical problems.
Why Regular Car Accident Lawyers Struggle with Rideshare Cases
Most personal injury lawyers handle traditional car accidents. They understand how to deal with regular insurance companies and standard liability rules. But rideshare accidents operate under completely different regulations.
The Insurance Maze Is Different
Traditional car accidents typically involve two insurance policies: yours and the other driver’s. Rideshare accidents can involve three or four different insurance policies at once.
The coverage depends on what the driver was doing when the accident happened. Under New Jersey’s Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act (N.J.S.A. 39:5H-1 et seq.), there are three distinct phases:
Phase 1: App is off. Only the driver’s personal insurance applies. Most personal policies exclude commercial use, creating coverage gaps where victims might get nothing.
Phase 2: App is on, waiting for a ride request. The rideshare company provides limited coverage: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for liability, plus contingent coverage if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim.
Phase 3: En route to pickup or transporting a passenger. The rideshare company provides $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
A general practice lawyer might not even know these phases exist. They could file your claim against the wrong insurance company or miss important deadlines that apply specifically to rideshare cases.
Corporate Defense Tactics Are Aggressive
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This creates legal complexity that regular lawyers rarely encounter.
These companies have teams of lawyers whose only job is to deny or minimize claims. They’ll argue:
- The driver wasn’t on duty when the accident happened
- Their insurance doesn’t apply because the driver violated their terms of service
- The accident was entirely the other driver’s fault
- Your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim
Without a lawyer who knows these tactics, you’re fighting blind.
Recent Legal Changes Affect Your Case
In the 2024 case McGinty v. Jia Wen Zheng, a New Jersey court forced Uber passengers into arbitration instead of allowing a jury trial. This development changes how rideshare accident claims work in New Jersey.
A rideshare accident specialist tracks these legal changes and knows how to protect your rights under the current law. A general practice lawyer might not even know this ruling exists.
What Makes The Grossman Law Firm the Best Choice For Rideshare Accident Injury Claim?
Scott D. Grossman didn’t wake up one day and decide to handle rideshare cases. He spent over 25 years building the experience and knowledge needed to win these complex claims.
His Legal Background
Scott graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 1997 after earning a Master’s degree in Political Science from Rutgers University. But his legal education started long before law school.
He spent four years as a New Jersey State Probation Officer after earning his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland in 1989. This gave him insider knowledge of how the legal system actually works, not just how it’s supposed to work.
He climbed the ranks in several major personal injury firms before founding his own practice. This experience taught him every angle of accident litigation.
Rideshare Accident Expertise
Many lawyers will take your rideshare case because they take any case that walks through the door. For The Grossman Law Firm frideshare accident are a growing focus of their practice because they understands these cases are more complext and require specific experience and know how..
The Grossman Law Firm know’s New Jersey’s Transportation Network Company regulations (N.J.S.A. 39:5H-1 through 39:5H-27) inside and out and understands how PIP laws interact with rideshare policies. The Grossman Law Firm has experience handling complex insurance coverage disputes that arise in these cases.
The Grossman Law Firm Track Record Speaks for Itself
Results matter more than credentials. The Grossman Law Firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for injury victims throughout the years.
Client testimonials consistently praise his personal approach. Client Janice said: “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.”
Another 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.”
One Avvo reviewer noted: “He is a shark in this field. He is a very knowledgeable and professional lawyer with tons of experience.”
Professional Recognition
Scott Grossman serves on the Board of Governors of the New Jersey Association for Justice. He’s a member of the American Association for Justice. These aren’t just memberships you buy. They require peer recognition of your expertise and commitment to injury victims.
His professional involvement keeps him at the forefront of changes in New Jersey personal injury law, including developments that specifically affect rideshare accident cases.
The Critical Elements a Rideshare Focused Law Firm Provides
Investigation That Finds All the Evidence
Rideshare accidents require different types of evidence than traditional crashes. The Grossman Law Firm knows what to look for:
Digital records from the rideshare app. Was the driver logged in? Had they accepted a ride? Were they en route to a pickup? This data determines which insurance applies.
Driver logs and history. How long had the driver been working that day? Do they have a history of accidents or violations? This information isn’t always easy to get.
Black box data from vehicles. Modern cars record speed, braking, and other data before crashes. The Grossman Law Firm is good at getting evidence that can prove exactly what happened.
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or homes. This footage often disappears within 30 days. The Grossman Law Firm moves quickly to preserve it.
The Grossman Law Firm investigates every detail of your Uber accident case to build the strongest possible case… we don’t just accept the police report or the insurance company’s version of events.
Medical Documentation That Proves Your Injuries
Insurance companies minimize injuries to reduce payouts. They’ll claim your back pain existed before the accident. They’ll say you didn’t need that surgery. They’ll argue your treatment was excessive.
The Grossman Law Firm works with medical experts who understand how to document injuries in ways that insurance companies can’t deny. This includes:
- Immediate medical evaluations that establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries
- Ongoing documentation of how your injuries affect your daily life
- Expert testimony about future medical needs and costs
- Life care plans for serious injuries that require long-term treatment
Negotiation That Gets Maximum Compensation
Insurance companies start with lowball offers. They’re betting you don’t know what your case is really worth.
The Grossman Law Firm has experience negotiating with major insurance companies that handles rideshare cases. The Grossman Law Firm knows their tactics. The Grossman Law Firm knows their bottom lines and knows when to negotiate and when to take them to court.
The Grossman Law Firm approach: Calculate the full value of your case, including:
- All medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Then fight for every dollar you deserve.
Litigation Experience When Settlement Isn’t Enough
Some cases don’t settle for fair value. When insurance companies refuse to make reasonable offers, The Grossman Law Firm is willing to take them to trial if necessary.
The Grossman Law Firm courtroom experience includes a $992,470 verdict that totaled over $1 million with pre-judgment interest. That verdict sent a message: The Grossman Law Firm doesn’t back down, and they know how to win in front of a jury.
Most rideshare cases settle before trial. But insurance companies settle for more when they know The Grossman Law Firm isn’t afraid of the courtroom.
Understanding New Jersey’s Unique Rideshare Laws
New Jersey regulates rideshare companies differently from many other states. These regulations create rights for accident victims, but only if your lawyer knows they exist.
The Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act
N.J.S.A. 39:5H-1 et seq. became law in 2017. This Act defines how rideshare companies must operate in New Jersey, including strict insurance requirements.
The law requires rideshare companies to:
- Maintain minimum insurance coverage during all phases of a driver’s work
- Conduct criminal background checks on all drivers
- Verify that drivers have valid licenses and insurance
- Maintain records of all trips and drivers
These requirements give you legal tools to hold rideshare companies accountable. But you need a lawyer who knows how to use these tools.
Insurance Requirements Under New Jersey Law
Under N.J.S.A. 39:5H-10, rideshare companies must provide specific insurance coverage. These aren’t suggestions. They’re legal requirements.
During Phase 2 (app on, waiting for a ride), companies must provide:
- Primary automobile liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
During Phase 3 (en route or transporting passengers), companies must provide:
- Primary automobile liability coverage of at least $1.5 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
If a rideshare company fails to maintain this coverage, they’re violating New Jersey law. That violation strengthens your case.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Rights
New Jersey law specifically protects pedestrians and cyclists injured by rideshare vehicles. Under the statute, pedestrians injured by rideshare vehicles can apply for PIP coverage through the rideshare vehicle’s liability carrier.
This is different from regular car accidents. A rideshare accident specialist knows how to access this coverage for pedestrians and cyclists, while a general lawyer might not even know this option exists.
The Two-Year Statute of Limitations
New Jersey gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline and you lose your right to compensation forever.
But the deadline can be shorter in some cases. If your case involves a government vehicle or entity, different deadlines apply. If the at-fault driver leaves the state, the statute of limitations might pause.
A rideshare accident specialist tracks these deadlines and makes sure your case gets filed on time.
The Rideshare Attorney Advantage: Scenarios That Require Expertise
Let’s look at actual situations where a general lawyer would struggle:
Scenario 1: You’re a Passenger in an Uber
Another driver runs a red light and hits your Uber. You suffer from serious back injuries requiring surgery.
What happens: You use your own PIP coverage for initial medical bills (New Jersey is a no-fault state). Then you need to file a bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver AND an underinsured motorist claim against Uber if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage.
Why you need The Grossman Law Firm: This requires filing two separate claims, coordinating between multiple insurance companies, and understanding how PIP offsets work against bodily injury settlements. A general lawyer might only pursue the claim against the at-fault driver, leaving money on the table.
Scenario 2: You’re Hit by an Uber Driver Between Trips
An Uber driver has just dropped off a passenger and is driving home with the app turned off. They run a stop sign and hit your car. You suffer from neck and shoulder injuries.
What happens: The driver’s personal insurance should cover the accident. But many personal policies exclude commercial use. The driver might not have told their insurance company that they drive for Uber. The insurance company denies the claim, leaving you with no coverage.
Why you need The Grossman Law Firm: The Grossman Team knows how to check whether Uber’s contingent coverage might apply. They’ll investigate whether the driver violated their insurance policy terms. They’ll explore every possible source of recovery.
Scenario 3: You’re an Uber Driver Hit by Another Car
You’re logged into the Uber app, waiting for a ride request, when a distracted driver hits you. You suffer injuries that prevent you from working for three months.
What happens: You only have $50,000 per person coverage during Phase 2. You can file a Med Pay claim for up to $10,000, but that won’t cover all your losses. You need to sue both the at-fault driver and possibly file an underinsured motorist claim against Uber.
Why you need The Grossman Law Firm: Uber often tries to deny driver claims or argue the driver wasn’t actually logged in. The Grossman Law Firm knows how to obtain the digital records that prove you were on duty. They know how to fight for the coverage you’re entitled to under New Jersey law.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Money
Victims who try to handle rideshare accident claims themselves or hire the wrong lawyer often make these expensive mistakes:
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies hope you don’t know what your case is worth. They’ll offer a quick settlement that barely covers your medical bills.
Once you accept and sign a release, you can’t come back for more money later. Even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought. Even if you discover you can’t work anymore.
Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters sound friendly. They say they just want to understand what happened. They ask you to give a recorded statement.
Every word you say gets used against you later. You might say something that sounds innocent but gives them an excuse to deny your claim. They’re trained to get you to say things that hurt your case.
A rideshare accident specialist handles all communication with insurance companies. You never have to talk to them.
Waiting Too Long to Get Legal Help
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Surveillance footage gets deleted. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your case.
Some people wait because they think hiring a lawyer is expensive. But personal injury lawyers work on contingency. You pay nothing unless you win your case.
Waiting to hire a lawyer doesn’t save you money. It costs you money because your case becomes weaker.
Not Seeking Proper Medical Treatment
Insurance companies argue that if you didn’t think you were hurt badly enough to see a doctor right away, you must not be that injured.
Some people avoid going to the doctor because they don’t have health insurance or they’re worried about the cost. This is a mistake. Your injuries need to be documented immediately.
The Grossman Law Firm don’t take upfront payment, with the understanding that they’ll be paid from your settlement.
Posting on Social Media
Insurance companies and defense lawyers check your social media accounts. That photo of you smiling at your nephew’s birthday party? They’ll use it to argue you’re not really injured.
That post about going for a walk? They’ll claim you’re exaggerating your injuries. Even innocent posts get twisted to hurt your case.
The Grossman Law Firm will tell you exactly what not to post on social media while your case is pending.
The Grossman Law Firm Advantage
When you choose The Grossman Law Firm, you get more than just a lawyer. You get a team dedicated to your recovery.
Personal Attention, Not Just a Case Number
Scott Grossman and his team of lawyers personally gets to know each client and their family. He understands how your injuries have affected your life. This personal approach enables him to maximize your recovery.
At Grossman Law Firm, we treat each person as an individual and never treat clients as just another file. We provide experience, knowledge, and compassion to all our clients.
You’ll have direct access to your legal team. You won’t get shuffled to paralegals or junior associates. You won’t spend weeks waiting for return phone calls.
Local Knowledge and Presence
The Grossman Law Firm maintains offices throughout New Jersey, including Freehold, Clifton, Sayreville and Matawan. We serve clients in Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, Passaic, Bergen, Hudson, and all other New Jersey counties.
This local presence means we know the system. We know how to handle the insurance adjusters and when to respond with more aggressive litigation tactics.
No Fees Unless We Win
You pay nothing up front. No consultation fees. No investigation fees. No expert witness fees. We handle all the costs of your case.
We only get paid if we recover money for you. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
This contingency fee arrangement means we only take cases we believe we can win. We don’t waste your time with unrealistic expectations.
Proven Results Across All Personal Injury Cases
While we focus on rideshare accidents, Scott Grossman and the legal team at The Grossman Law Firm has successfully handled hundreds of personal injury cases.
This broad experience helps rideshare cases because many of the same principles apply: thorough investigation, aggressive negotiation, and courtroom skill when necessary.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, take these steps right away:
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Some injuries don’t show symptoms for days or weeks.
- Report the accident. If you were in an Uber or Lyft, report the accident through the app immediately. If you were hit by a rideshare driver, get their information and report it to the police.
- Document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and the accident scene. Get contact information for witnesses. Save all medical records and bills.
- Don’t talk to insurance companies. They’ll call you quickly, hoping to get a statement before you talk to a lawyer. Politely decline and say you need to speak with an attorney first.
- Contact Grossman Law Firm. Call (866) 381-5681 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and start investigating immediately.
The sooner you call, the better we can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a rideshare accident lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means we only get paid if you win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery. If we don’t win, you pay nothing.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in New Jersey?
Generally, two years from the date of the accident under New Jersey’s statute of limitations. However, certain situations can shorten or extend this deadline. Don’t wait. Call now to protect your rights.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft for my injuries?
It depends. Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This usually limits their direct liability. However, if corporate negligence played a role, such as failing to properly vet a dangerous driver, you might have grounds to sue the company directly.
We investigate every case to determine all potential sources of recovery, including whether the rideshare company bears responsibility.
What if I were partially at fault for the accident?
New Jersey follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you were 20% at fault, you would recover $80,000.
What if the rideshare driver didn’t have insurance?
This is where the complexity of rideshare insurance becomes critical. Depending on what phase the driver was in, different insurance policies might apply. Uber and Lyft provide contingent coverage in some situations.
A rideshare accident specialist investigates all possible sources of insurance coverage, including the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist coverage.
How long does a rideshare accident case take?
It varies. Some cases settle within a few months. Complex cases with serious injuries might take a year or more.
We don’t rush cases just to close them. We wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement so we know the full extent of your injuries. This ensures you get full compensation, not just what covers your initial medical bills.
What compensation can I receive?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- All medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
The amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage available, and the strength of your case.
Take Action Now
Rideshare accidents require an experienced law firm. The insurance rules are complex. The deadlines are strict. The defense tactics are aggressive.
You need a law firm who can handle these complexities and deadlines. Someone who knows New Jersey’s rideshare laws inside and out. Someone who has recovered millions for accident victims. Someone who will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Scott Grossman and the team at Grossman Law Firm, The Rideshare Attorneys, have over 25 years of experience fighting for injury victims in New Jersey. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars. Clients rate The Grossman Law Firm as the best rideshare accident attorneys in New Jersey.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Don’t leave money on the table because you didn’t know your rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your claim.
Call The Grossman Law Firm now at (866) 381-5681 for your free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and start fighting for you immediately.
No fees unless we win. No obligation to hire us. Just straight answers about your rights and options.
The insurance companies have teams of lawyers working against you from day one. Don’t face them alone. Call (866) 381-5681 now.
