Getting injured in an Uber or Lyft accident is stressful. You need someone who knows how to handle these cases. Grossman Law – The Rideshare Attorneys has spent over 25 years helping New Jersey injury victims get fair compensation.
Serving Trenton and all of Mercer County.
Rideshare accidents are different from regular car crashes. These cases involve multiple insurance policies and corporate legal teams. We know how to cut through the confusion and fight for your rights.
Call (732) 625-9494 for a free consultation today.
Why Rideshare Accidents in Trenton Require Legal Help
Trenton sees heavy rideshare traffic on Route 1, Route 29, and Interstate 295. More rideshare vehicles mean more accidents.
Research from the University of Illinois in Chicago found that a third of rideshare drivers reported getting in a crash while working. The CDC reports that each additional 100 rideshare trips in an area increases the odds of an injury crash by 4.6%.
These numbers matter because Trenton has a large number of rideshare trips daily.
The Insurance Phases That Complicate Your Case
New Jersey law divides rideshare insurance into distinct phases or periods of time based on what the rideshare is doing. Understanding which phase applies is critical to your case.
Phase 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride
The driver is logged into Uber or Lyft but hasn’t accepted a ride yet. Under New Jersey Statutes (NJSA) section 39:5H-10, the rideshare company, driver, or both must provide at least:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage.
Phase 2: En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Passenger Already in Vehicle
The driver has accepted your ride request and is on the way to get you, or you’re already riding in the vehicle. The rideshare company, driver, or both must provide:
- $1.5 million in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage
- $1.5 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- $10,000 in medical payments coverage for the driver.
These insurance tiers create confusion. Rideshare companies often try to claim a driver was in Phase 1 when they were actually in Phase 2. This matters because it affects how much money is available for your injuries.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Trenton
We see the same patterns in Trenton rideshare crashes:
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023 alone, 3,275 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers. This is a real risk in ridesharing. Uber or Lyft drivers check their phones for new ride requests. They look at GPS directions. They respond to passengers. All of these distractions take their eyes off the road.
Driver Fatigue
The NHTSA reports that drowsy driving results in hundreds of deaths annually, with 633 fatalities in 2023. Long hours behind the wheel can slow reaction times. Tired drivers miss stop signs, drift between lanes, and cause serious accidents. Studies show that a considerable number of rideshare drivers work more than 50 hours per week, especially those who have ridesharing as a second job.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Rideshare drivers face pressure to complete trips quickly. More trips mean more money. This pressure leads some drivers to speed, make unsafe lane changes, or run red lights.
Unfamiliar Roads
Rideshare drivers in Trenton might not know the area well. They rely heavily on GPS navigation. This can cause sudden lane changes or missed turns that result in accidents.
Types of Injuries We Handle
Rideshare accidents often cause serious injuries because passengers sit in the back seat without proper restraints. At Grossman Law, we’ve helped clients with:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Facial injuries and lacerations
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
- Permanent disabilities.
These injuries require extensive medical treatment. Hospital bills pile up quickly. You may miss work for weeks or months. Some injuries affect you for the rest of your life.
What Your Trenton Lyft & Uber Accident Case Is Worth
Every case is different. The value depends on your specific injuries and circumstances. However, you may recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
- All medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages from missed work
- Lost earning capacity if you can’t return to your job
- Property damage to personal belongings
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
- Home modifications if you have permanent disabilities.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for your spouse.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the driver showed extreme recklessness, New Jersey courts may award punitive damages. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
The key is proving your damages with solid evidence. We at Grossman Law work with medical experts, economists, and accident reconstructionists to build the strongest possible case.
New Jersey’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit under NJSA 2A:14-2. Miss this deadline and you lose your right to compensation.
Some exceptions may apply. If a government vehicle was involved, you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Medical records get harder to obtain. The sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be.
Why Uber and Lyft Fight Your Claim
Rideshare companies are billion-dollar corporations. They have teams of lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts. Here are the tactics they use:
Claiming the Driver Wasn’t Working
Insurance coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app. Uber or Lyft might claim the driver was off-duty to avoid their $1.5 million policy.
When you work with Grossman Law, we’ll obtain the driver’s app data to prove they were working when the crash happened.
Blaming You for the Accident
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule. If you’re partially at fault, your settlement gets reduced by your percentage of blame.
Insurance adjusters may twist your words to make you look responsible. That’s why you should never give a recorded statement without a lawyer present.
Disputing Your Injuries
Insurance companies hire doctors to review your medical records. These doctors often downplay your injuries to reduce the claim value.
We at Grossman Law work with independent medical experts who provide honest assessments of your condition and future treatment needs.
Making Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance adjusters know most people need money quickly. They make fast, low offers, hoping you’ll accept out of desperation. These initial offers rarely cover your full damages. We negotiate aggressively to get you what you deserve.
How Grossman Law Handles Your Trenton Rideshare Accident Case
We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for New Jersey injury victims. Here’s how we approach your case:
Free Consultation
Call us at (732) 625-9494 for a free case review. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. No pressure, no obligation.
Immediate Investigation
Time is critical. We start investigating right away by:
- Obtaining the police report
- Gathering witness statements
- Collecting rideshare app records
- Documenting the accident scene
- Reviewing medical records
- Preserving vehicle data and dashcam footage.
Determining All Liable Parties
Your case might involve multiple defendants:
- The rideshare driver
- The rideshare company (Uber or Lyft)
- Other drivers who contributed to the crash
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect caused the accident
- Government entities if poor road conditions played a role.
We investigate every angle to maximize your recovery.
Handling Insurance Companies
You shouldn’t have to endure more stress with insurance adjusters during your recovery time. We handle all communications, including
- Filing claims with all applicable insurance policies
- Responding to requests for documentation
- Negotiating settlements
- Fighting claim denials.
Building a Strong Case
We gather evidence to prove:
- The driver was at fault
- You suffered real injuries
- Your damages are significant, AND
- You deserve full compensation.
This includes working with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economists.
Preparing for Trial
Insurance companies know that the Grossman team is ready to go to court. This gives us negotiating power. If they won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
Most cases settle out of court. But having a lawyer with trial experience makes insurance companies take you seriously.
Scott Grossman – A Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near You
25+ Years of Personal Injury Experience
Attorney Scott D. Grossman has dedicated his career to helping injury victims. He graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 1997 and has been fighting for clients ever since.
Before law school, Scott earned an M.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and served four years as a New Jersey State Probation Officer. This background gives him unique insight into how the legal system works.
Super Lawyers Recognition
Scott has been selected for Super Lawyers from 2022 through 2025. This distinction goes to lawyers who demonstrate excellence in their practice.
Proven Results
Our firm has recovered tens of millions in verdicts and settlements. We don’t just talk about fighting for clients. We have the results to prove it.
Personal Attention
You won’t be just another case number. Scott and our team get to know you personally. We understand what you’re going through. We answer your calls and emails promptly.
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs for investigation and litigation. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t owe us anything.
What Our Clients Say
Here’s what real clients say about working with Grossman Law:
“The best decision I made after my car accident is when I chose The Grossman Law Firm to handle my case. They are always available to answer any of your questions. Attorney Grossman fought tirelessly on my behalf.”
“Specifically talking about Scott, he is a shark in this field. He is a very knowledgeable and professional lawyer with tons of experience. They put themselves in your shoes to understand the case, which no one can do better.”
“From the beginning, we know what to expect. During the case, we have always been informed at every step. In the end, we couldn’t have been more satisfied with the outcome. Scott is an honest lawyer, incredibly smart, caring, patient, and very understanding.”
Steps to Take After a Trenton Rideshare Accident
What you do immediately after a crash can affect your case. Follow these steps:
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, get medical attention. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline can mask pain. Getting checked by a doctor creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
2. Report the Accident to Police
Always call the police for any rideshare accident. A police report establishes an official record of what happened. It includes:
- Driver information
- Vehicle details
- Witness statements
- The officer’s assessment of fault.
You can obtain a copy of your police report from the Trenton Police Department or through the New Jersey State Police crash report portal.
3. Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re able, gather evidence:
- Take photos of all vehicles and visible damage.
- Photograph the accident scene, including traffic signs and road conditions.
- Get the rideshare driver’s name and insurance information.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Screenshot your Uber or Lyft app showing trip details.
4. Preserve Rideshare App Records
Your app contains critical evidence such as:
- The driver’s name and photo
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate
- Trip route and duration
- Fare information
- Driver ratings.
Take screenshots immediately. This information may disappear after you complete the trip.
5. Seek Medical Treatment
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan exactly. Missing appointments or ignoring medical advice hurts your case. Insurance companies will argue you weren’t really hurt if you don’t get proper treatment.
Keep all medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment records. These documents prove your damages.
6. Don’t Give Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters will call asking for your version of events. They sound friendly and helpful, but anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to give a recorded statement. Tell them you’ll have your lawyer contact them.
7. Call a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Contact Grossman Law at (732) 625-9494 as soon as possible. We’ll protect your rights and handle all communications with insurance companies. The sooner you call, the better. We need time to investigate and preserve evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Yes, but it depends on the circumstances.
Typically, NJ car accidents fall under the “no fault” system: your own personal injury protection policy would cover you unless your injuries qualify as serious.
However, ridesharing accidents are governed by the NJ Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act. Under this law, you may bypass the normal lawsuit threshold when you were injured on a prearranged (booked) ride. This means you don’t have to prove a serious injury to sue. You can seek compensation for all your damages. The state law also requires Uber and Lyft to carry $1.5 million in insurance when a driver has a passenger.
The challenge with suing rideshare companies is that they often classify drivers as independent contractors. This helps companies avoid responsibility when their driver gets in a crash. New Jersey law still requires them to provide insurance coverage, but you’ll need a competent lawyer to assert your rights when Uber or Lyft tries to deny your claim.
What if the rideshare driver claims I’m at fault?
New Jersey uses a comparative negligence system. Even if you share some fault, you may still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of blame. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you’d receive $80,000.
We fight to prove you weren’t at fault or to minimize your percentage of responsibility.
What if I were hit by a rideshare driver while walking?
Pedestrians injured by rideshare vehicles have the same rights as passengers. If the driver was logged into the app or had a passenger, the $1.5 million policy applies.
How long does a rideshare accident case take?
Every case is different. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle in a few months. Complex cases involving serious injuries can take a year or more.
At Grossman Law, we work as quickly as possible while building the strongest case. Rushing to settle often means accepting less money than you deserve.
Do I really need a lawyer for a rideshare accident?
You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer, but rideshare cases are complex. You’re dealing with:
- Multiple insurance policies
- Corporate legal teams
- Complex state regulations
- Dispute over which insurance phase applies.
Insurance companies know most people don’t understand these laws. They take advantage of unrepresented victims.
Studies show that injury victims who hire lawyers recover significantly more money than those who handle claims alone.
What if I can’t come to your office?
No problem with us at Grossman Law. If you’re recovering from injuries, we’ll come to you. We can meet at your home, the hospital, or arrange a video consultation. Your injuries shouldn’t prevent you from getting legal help.
Areas We Serve in Mercer County
Grossman Law serves clients throughout Trenton and Mercer County, including:
- Hamilton Township
- Lawrence Township
- Ewing Township
- Hopewell Township
- Princeton
- West Windsor Township
- East Windsor Township
- Robbinsville Township
- Pennington.
No matter where your accident happened, we’re here to help.
Contact Grossman Law Today
You don’t have to face rideshare insurance companies alone. Grossman Law – The Rideshare Attorneys has over 25 years of experience fighting for New Jersey injury victims. We’ve recovered tens of millions in verdicts and settlements. We know how to handle complex rideshare accident cases. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call (732) 625-9494 now for a free consultation.
- No upfront costs or fees.
- We only get paid if you win.
- Available 24/7 for emergencies.
- We’ll come to you if you can’t travel.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Get experienced legal help on your side.
Grossman Law – The Rideshare Attorneys: Serving Trenton, Mercer County, and all of New Jersey
Phone: (732) 625-9494
Time is of the essence in your case. Call us today.
