Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Pennsylvania or New Jersey
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how we travel, but they’ve also created complex legal questions when accidents happen. If you were injured in an Uber accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim for compensation.
Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or even an Uber driver yourself, this guide will explain everything you need to know about your legal options and next steps.
Quick Answer: What Happens If Your Uber Is in an Accident?
If you’re in an Uber accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation. Uber provides up to $1 million in insurance coverage when the driver is carrying a passenger or en route to a pickup. You can file a personal injury claim if you’re a passenger, pedestrian, another driver, or even an Uber driver.
Common Uber Accident Scenarios
Not all Uber crashes are the same. Your legal rights depend on how you were involved:
- Passenger in an Uber vehicle during the crash
- Driver or occupant of another vehicle hit by an Uber
- Pedestrian or cyclist struck by an Uber driver
- Uber or Lyft driver injured while transporting a passenger or driving to a pickup
Each scenario has different implications for liability and insurance coverage in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Tip: Always get a copy of the police report and take screenshots of your Uber ride details after an accident.
Who Is Liable in an Uber Accident?
Liability can be tricky in a rideshare crash. Depending on the situation, the responsible party could be:
- The Uber driver
- A third-party driver
- Uber’s insurance provider
- Or more than one party
Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey are “no-fault” states with unique laws. For example, Pennsylvania allows drivers to choose between limited tort and full tort insurance, which affects your ability to sue. New Jersey has a similar system called the verbal threshold.
Understanding how these rules apply is crucial to your claim.
What Insurance Coverage Does Uber Provide?
Driver Status Insurance Coverage App off Driver’s personal auto insurance only App on (waiting for ride request) Up to $50,000/person, $100,000/accident, $25,000 property damage En route to pick-up or on a trip Up to $1 million liability + uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Important: If you’re a passenger during the ride, you’re typically covered under this $1 million policy.
How Do I File an Uber Accident Personal Injury Claim?
To file a personal injury claim after an Uber accident:
- Report the crash to Uber and the police
- Get immediate medical attention
- Document everything (photos, driver info, app trip history)
- Contact a personal injury lawyer who understands rideshare claims
- Your attorney will handle insurance negotiations or litigation
These cases are complex. Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny your claim, especially when multiple insurers are involved.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured in an Uber Accident?
Steps to take after an Uber accident:
- Call 911 and get medical help immediately.
- Report the crash to Uber using the app.
- Collect evidence: photos, license plate, driver’s name, trip screenshot.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters alone.
- Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in Uber accidents.
We handle the paperwork and negotiations—so you can focus on your recovery.
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare injury claims involve more than just proving fault. You’ll need an experienced attorney who can:
- Navigate Uber’s layered insurance structure
- Determine fault under PA or NJ law
- Maximize your compensation
- Deal with Uber’s insurance adjusters, not just yours
- File a lawsuit if negotiations fail
Our firm has helped victims throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania hold rideshare companies accountable.
Can I Sue Uber After an Accident?
You usually can’t sue Uber directly because its drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. However, you can file a personal injury claim through Uber’s commercial insurance policy, which may cover up to $1 million if you were injured during an active trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I sue Uber directly for my injuries?
A: Usually no. Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors. However, you can make a claim through Uber’s insurance.
Q: What if I were a pedestrian hit by an Uber in NJ?
A: If you’re a pedestrian hit by an Uber in New Jersey, you may be eligible to file a claim against Uber’s insurance policy. Coverage depends on whether the Uber driver was actively using the app at the time of the crash.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim after an Uber accident in PA?
A: In Pennsylvania, you typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Don’t delay—evidence and witness memory fade quickly.
Q: Will Uber pay for my medical bills?
A: Uber doesn’t pay bills directly, but its insurance may cover your medical costs if the driver was working at the time of the accident.
Q: What if the Uber driver wasn’t at fault?
A: Even if the Uber driver wasn’t at fault, Uber’s insurance may still cover your injuries as a passenger or third party.