Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become indispensable in our daily lives. However, when accidents occur, passengers often find themselves confused about who is responsible for their medical bills and compensation for their pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident in New Jersey, here’s what you need to know to navigate your claims process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Medical Bills: Understanding Your Coverage
In New Jersey, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft do not provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for passengers. This means if you’re injured as a passenger, your medical expenses must be covered by:
- Your Own Auto Insurance Policy (PIP):
- If you have auto insurance in New Jersey, your PIP coverage will be the first to pay for your medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident.
- PIP limits depend on your policy but typically range between $15,000 and $250,000.
- Health Insurance:
- If your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage or you don’t have auto insurance, your health insurance may cover additional medical costs.
- Out-of-Pocket or Letters of Protection:
- In cases where you have no auto or health insurance, your attorney may arrange a Letter of Protection with healthcare providers, deferring payment until the settlement or verdict is finalized.
- Uber/Lyft Insurance for Medical Expenses:
- While these companies do not directly provide PIP coverage, their liability insurance policies help cover damages when the accident was caused by negligence.
Compensation for Pain and Suffering
Passengers in rideshare accidents can also pursue compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. The process depends on the at-fault party:
- If the Uber/Lyft Driver Is at Fault:
- Uber and Lyft provide $1.5 million in liability insurance for accidents involving their active drivers.
- This policy covers both economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
- If Another Driver Is at Fault:
- The at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability (BI) coverage will compensate you for pain and suffering.
- If the at-fault driver’s BI coverage is insufficient, you may claim compensation through Uber or Lyft’s underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, up to $1.5 million.
Key Takeaways
- Uber and Lyft provide $1.5 million in liability and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage for passengers injured in accidents.
- PIP coverage is not offered by Uber or Lyft, making your auto insurance or health insurance critical for medical bills.
- Compensation for pain and suffering is available through liability or UIM coverage, depending on the at-fault party’s insurance limits.
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, navigating insurance claims can be complex. For expert legal assistance and to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, contact Song Law Firm at 201-461-0031 or email us at pi@songlawfirm.com for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized assistance, contact Song Law Firm at 201-461-0031 or email pi@songlawfirm.com.
