®Lodi Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Injured in Jersey? Peter's Got Your Back!
An Uber or Lyft ride should get you home safe, not leave you hurt and confused about who will pay.
24/7 Service Available
At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC, our Lodi rideshare accident lawyer helps injured riders, drivers and pedestrians claim the money they need to heal.
Rideshare claims are harder than most car crash claims because several insurance policies can apply at once. The driver’s insurer, the rideshare company’s insurer and your own insurer may each point at the other while your bills pile up.
If you wait, evidence like app data and dashcam video can disappear, and New Jersey’s filing deadline keeps running. As a trusted Lodi personal injury lawyer, we have recovered over $1 billion for our clients in over 37 years, and we are ready to step in for you today.
Call (973) 279-7246 or contact us online for a free case review with our Lodi Uber accident lawyer.
When an Uber or Lyft crash gives you a claim
Most rideshare injury claims rest on negligence. To win, we must show four things:
- Duty of care: Every driver on the road, including an Uber or Lyft driver, must drive safely. Rideshare drivers carry paying passengers, so their duty to drive with care is clear.
- Breach of duty: The driver failed to act with reasonable care. Speeding, texting, or running a light are common examples.
- Causation: The careless act caused the crash and your injuries. We use police reports, medical records and app data to link the two.
- Damages: You suffered real losses, such as medical bills, lost pay, or pain. Without damages, there is nothing to recover.
What you can recover after a rideshare crash
New Jersey law lets injured people seek payment for both money losses and personal harm. The types of damages include:
- Economic damages: These cover bills you can add up, such as medical care, future treatment, lost wages and lost earning ability. They also cover out-of-pocket costs like travel to doctor visits.
- Non-economic damages: These cover pain, suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. They often make up a large part of a serious injury claim.
- Punitive damages: These are rare and meant to punish very reckless conduct, such as a driver who was drunk while on a trip. New Jersey sets strict proof rules for these awards.
Lodi Uber accident lawyers available 24/7
Reaching our team is simple, and your first case review is free. You can contact us by:
- Telephone: Call (973) 279-7246. We answer calls 24/7.
- Online form: Send us your details through our contact page, and we will get back to you quickly.
- In person: Visit our office at 72 Essex Street, Suite 2, Lodi, NJ 07644.
Book your free consultation with our Lodi rideshare accident attorney by calling (973) 279-7246 or reaching out online.
Our case results
Our results show what we can do when an insurer refuses to be fair. Here are two of our auto accident recoveries:
- $800,000: We recovered $800,000 for a client injured in an auto accident.
- $700,000: We recovered $700,000 for another client injured in an auto accident.
Past results don’t guarantee a similar outcome in your case. You can review the full list of our case results to see more of our work.
Peter N. Davis
Founder & Personal Injury Attorney
Peter N. Davis has spent over 37 years representing injured people across New Jersey. Before starting his firm, he worked in insurance defense, giving him firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate and fight claims. He is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado and earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law.
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us!
Real Clients and Real Reviews
I had a very positive experience with the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates. Nick Barrone handled my case, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of service I received. After my auto accident in Jersey City, NJ, I was dealing with ongoing back and neck pain and wasn’t sure what to expect from the legal process. Nick was professional, attentive, and always made sure I understood each step along the way. He took the time to answer my questions and genuinely cared about my situation. I felt supported throughout the entire process, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. The firm worked diligently on my behalf and kept me informed the whole time. I truly appreciate their dedication and effort in helping me through this difficult experience. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney.
I highly recommend Peter Davis & Associates. In particular, Mr. David Ventoso, Esq. did an excellent job helping and assisting me. Mr. Ventoso was knowledgeable, professional and responsive.
All the staff members at the firm took the time to explain every detail and step of the process; they answered all my questions and were always kind. Special thanks to Ms. Carolyn for doing an amazing job.
If you're looking for an attorney in NJ who is trustworthy and really cares, Peter Davis & Associates is an excellent choice.
Unfortunately, our experience with this law firm was extremely disappointing and very different from the impression we initially had after seeing so many positive Google reviews and such a high rating.
We contacted this firm because my wife was involved in a car accident, and we were hoping to find a reliable, professional, and compassionate legal team that could guide us during a very stressful and difficult situation. We completely understand that not every law firm can accept every case, and we would have respected a decision not to represent us. The problem was not simply that the case was not taken — it was the way the entire situation was handled.
My wife spoke with a legal assistant named Ms. España, and the conversation left her feeling scared, uncomfortable, and even more distressed than she already was because of the accident. In our experience, the communication was unnecessarily harsh, aggressive, and lacking empathy. Instead of calmly explaining why the firm could not proceed, giving professional guidance, or suggesting possible next steps, the conversation made my wife feel as though she had done something seriously wrong.
At one point, the way certain issues were presented made her feel almost as if she felt treated in a very bad way Whether that was the intention or not, that is how the conversation came across to her, and I believe professionals working with accident victims should be very careful about how they communicate serious legal concerns.
People contacting a personal injury law firm are often already dealing with physical injuries, emotional stress, financial uncertainty, insurance problems, transportation issues, and fear about what will happen next. A legal assistant is often one of the first people a potential client speaks with, and that person should understand how important professionalism, patience, empathy, and respectful communication are.
What made this experience even worse is that we were specifically told that a release/disengagement letter as well as the digital copy of the file would be sent regarding the case. That letter never arrived as promised.
This has become a serious problem because other attorneys we have contacted have indicated that they need confirmation that the previous firm is no longer representing or involved in the matter before they can properly move forward with reviewing or handling the case. Because we still have not received the promised documentation, we feel that our ability to move forward and obtain new representation has been unnecessarily complicated and delayed.
When a law firm tells a client that an important document will be provided, especially a document that may affect their ability to retain another attorney, that commitment should be taken seriously.
We were never expecting this firm to guarantee an outcome, accept a case they did not want, or tell us only what we wanted to hear. We simply expected clear legal communication, professional treatment, basic compassion, and the documentation that was promised.
The most disappointing part is that we contacted this company specifically because its Google reviews created the impression that it was a highly reliable and professional organization. We truly believed we were reaching out to a firm that would treat accident victims with dignity and provide responsible guidance, even if they ultimately decided not to take the case.
Unfortunately, our personal experience did not reflect that expectation.
I sincerely hope management reviews how prospective clients are treated by intake staff and legal assistants, how sensitive legal information is communicated to people who are already under significant stress, and how disengagement or release documentation is handled when representation ends or a case is declined.
A law firm does not have to accept every case, but every person who contacts the firm deserves to be treated respectfully and professionally.
Based on our experience, better communication, more empathy, and stronger follow-through would have made a significant difference.
I highly recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis.
After I was rear-ended in a car accident and suffered injuries to my neck and back, they provided outstanding representation during a very difficult time in my life.
My attorney, Robert Russotti, and my case manager, Muminah Ramadan, were professional, compassionate, and attentive throughout the entire process. They helped me obtain the medical treatment I needed and were always available to answer my questions and address any concerns I had. Their diligence, communication, and dedication gave me peace of mind while I focused on my recovery.
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance they provided during my hardship. I would not hesitate to recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis to my family and friends.
Thank you so much for your help.
I want to especially thank David Ventoso for always informing me what was going on with my case. He kept up with all my questions and answered every time I called him.
Awesome staff also
Thank you again
Angela Selby
Serving injured rideshare passengers and drivers
We have served injured people from our Lodi office for over 37 years. In that time, we have helped over 18,000 clients and recovered over $1 billion.
Our promise is simple: “Injured in Jersey? Peter’s Got Your Back!” We answer calls 24/7, because crashes do not keep business hours.
We also give back to the places our clients live and work. Our firm:
- Partners with local teams: We are a proud partner of Seton Hall Athletics, the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center.
- Supports youth sports: We support Bucket City Basketball, a youth program in nearby Garfield.
- Invests in students: Our Rise Above Scholarship helps New Jersey students who have overcome hard times.
Our firm also handles claims across the state as a New Jersey rideshare accident lawyer. If your crash did not involve a rideshare, our Lodi car accident lawyer can help with that claim too.
Get to know your Lodi Uber accident attorney
Attorney Peter N. Davis leads our team. Before he started representing injured people, he worked as an insurance defense lawyer.
That background matters in a rideshare case. Peter knows how insurance companies value claims and the moves they make to pay less.
Peter is licensed in New Jersey, New York and Colorado. He is also an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor.
He believes your accident should be as important to your lawyer as it is to you. That is why he and our staff treat every client like the most important case in our office.
What to do after an Uber accident in Lodi
The steps you take in the hours and days after a rideshare crash can shape your whole claim. Some of these steps happen at the scene, and others can be done once you are home.
If you missed a step, do not worry. We can often fill the gaps for you.
- Call the police and file a report: Call 911 so officers can document the crash and who was involved. For a crash in town, you can get a copy of the report from the Lodi Police Department.
- Document the scene with photos: Take pictures of the cars, plates, road, signals and your injuries. Screenshot your trip details in the app before they become harder to find.
- Get medical attention for any injuries: Get checked at an ER, such as Hackensack University Medical Center, or by your own doctor right away. Some injuries, like concussions, do not show symptoms at first.
- Exchange information with the other driver: Get names, phone numbers, plate numbers and insurance details from every driver. Ask the rideshare driver for proof of their rideshare insurance, which New Jersey law requires them to carry.
- Report the crash in the app: Uber and Lyft both let riders report a crash through the app. A report alone does not open an insurance claim, so keep copies of what you submit.
- Contact our Lodi rideshare accident lawyer: We can deal with every insurer for you. Speak to us before you give any recorded statement.
Additional reading: How to Report an Accident to Uber in Elizabeth, New Jersey
How our Lodi Uber accident attorneys deal with Uber and Lyft insurers
A rideshare claim can involve two drivers, two companies and several insurers. We take that weight off your shoulders so you can focus on getting better.
Here is how we help:
- Finding out who is at fault: We look at the rideshare driver, other drivers, and the rideshare company to see who is legally responsible. Fault decides which policies must pay.
- Locking down evidence: We send letters to save app records, trip data and video before they are lost. We also gather police reports, medical records and witness statements.
- Filing every claim: We file with the right insurers, including your own PIP carrier and the rideshare company’s insurer. Missing one policy can mean leaving money on the table.
- Handling the insurance companies: We take every call from adjusters so you do not have to. We know their tactics because Peter used to work on their side.
- Negotiating a fair settlement: We build a demand that reflects your full medical costs, lost pay and pain. We do not accept a lowball offer just to close a file.
- Going to court if needed: If the insurer will not pay a fair amount, we are ready to file suit in the Superior Court in Bergen County. If the company forces arbitration, we are ready for that too.
Common causes of Uber accidents in Lodi
Lodi sits near some of the busiest roads in North Jersey, and rideshare drivers use them all day. Bergen County’s Local Safety Action Plan lists NJ-17 through Lodi, Hackensack and Hasbrouck Heights as a location of concern, and it counted 12 people killed or seriously hurt in Lodi crashes in 2023 alone (Bergen County Local Safety Action Plan).
Bergen County also saw 42 traffic deaths in 2024, according to New Jersey State Police data (NJSP fatal crash report). The most common causes of rideshare crashes we see include:
- Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers check their phones for ride requests, maps and ratings. One glance at a screen on Route 46 can lead to a rear-end crash.
- Speeding and rushing: Drivers earn more when they finish trips fast. Speeding on Route 17 near the Garden State Plaza area or on the way to Teterboro or Newark airports raises the risk of a serious crash.
- Driver fatigue: Some drivers work long hours or drive after a full day at another job. Tired drivers react more slowly.
- Poor vehicle upkeep: Rideshare drivers use their own cars, and worn brakes or bald tires can cause a crash. The company does not own the car, so upkeep falls on the driver.
- Limited driver training: Many drivers are new to commercial driving and to the area. Unfamiliar routes lead to sudden turns, lane changes and stops.
- Road and weather conditions: Rain, snow, potholes and construction zones make busy roads more dangerous. Drivers must slow down and adjust to these conditions.
Types of Uber accident claims
Your rights depend on your role in the crash. We handle claims for passengers, pedestrians and people in other vehicles.
Passenger injuries
As a passenger, you did nothing to cause the crash, so you can usually claim against whichever driver was at fault. That might be your rideshare driver, another driver, or both.
New Jersey is a no-fault state, so your medical bills are usually paid first through Personal Injury Protection (PIP). If you or a relative you live with has a car insurance policy, that policy’s PIP generally pays first, even though you were in someone else’s car.
Additional reading: I Was a Passenger in an Uber Accident in Newark, NJ. What Are My Next Steps?
Hypothetical scenario: A rider takes a Lyft from Lodi to Newark Liberty International Airport for an early flight. On Route 46, another driver runs a red light and hits the rideshare car, leaving the rider with a broken wrist.
In a case like this, the rider’s own PIP would usually cover medical bills first. The rider could then claim against the driver who ran the light, and if that driver’s coverage is too low, the rideshare policy’s underinsured motorist coverage could help make up the difference.
Pedestrian injuries
If an Uber or Lyft driver hits you while you are walking or biking, you can claim against the driver and the coverage tied to the trip. In 2026, a New Jersey appeals court ruled that a rideshare company’s policy must provide PIP benefits for uninsured pedestrians struck by its drivers.
That matters for people who do not own a car. We look at every policy to find the coverage that applies to you.
Vehicle injuries
If you were driving and a rideshare driver hit your car, you can bring a claim against the at-fault driver’s coverage. Which policy pays depends on whether the driver’s app was on and whether they had a passenger.
Your own PIP will usually cover your medical bills first. We then pursue the at-fault driver’s coverage for the rest of your losses.
Determining liability in Uber accidents
Liability means legal responsibility for the crash. In a rideshare case, the answer often turns on what the driver was doing in the app at that moment.
New Jersey also uses modified comparative negligence under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1. You can still recover if you were partly at fault, as long as your share is not greater than the other side’s, but your award drops by your share of fault.
Additional reading: Comparative negligence in New Jersey auto accident cases
Driver’s responsibility
The rideshare driver is responsible for their own careless driving. What changes is which insurance pays, and that depends on three periods:
- Period 0, app off: The driver is just a regular driver. Their personal auto policy applies.
- Period 1, app on and waiting: The driver is logged in and waiting for a ride request. Lower limits of coverage apply.
- Periods 2 and 3, en route and on a trip: The driver has accepted a ride and is heading to the rider or carrying them. The highest limits apply.
Hypothetical scenario: A rideshare driver on Route 17 accepts a ride near the Garden State Plaza area and looks down at the phone to check the pickup spot. The driver rear-ends a car, injuring the other driver.
Because the driver had already accepted the ride, the crash happened during a prearranged ride under New Jersey law. The $1.5 million liability coverage required for that period would generally be available for the injured driver’s claim.
Uber’s liability
Uber and Lyft treat their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. That often makes it hard to hold the company directly at fault for a driver’s mistake.
Even so, New Jersey law requires the coverage that applies while drivers are using the app. If the driver’s own coverage has lapsed or falls short, the company’s insurance must step in from the first dollar of the claim under N.J.S.A. 39:5H-10.
Other drivers who cause a crash with a rideshare vehicle
Sometimes the rideshare driver did nothing wrong. If another driver caused the crash, that driver and their insurer are responsible for your losses.
New Jersey’s minimum liability limits are low compared to the cost of a serious injury. When the at-fault driver has too little coverage, the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on the rideshare policy may help cover the rest.
How Uber's insurance policies work
New Jersey’s Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulatory Act, N.J.S.A. 39:5H-1 et seq., sets the insurance rules for Uber and Lyft. Under N.J.S.A. 39:5H-10, the driver, the company, or both together must carry this coverage (P.L.2017, c.26):
| App status | Liability coverage | Other required coverage |
|---|---|---|
| App off | Driver’s personal auto policy | Whatever the driver’s personal policy includes |
| App on, waiting for a ride request | At least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident for injury or death, and $25,000 for property damage | Primary PIP and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to the extent state law requires |
| Ride accepted, en route or on a trip | At least $1,500,000 for death, bodily injury and property damage | At least $1,500,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, plus at least $10,000 in medical payments coverage for the driver |
Under New Jersey law, a prearranged ride begins when the driver accepts a ride request in the app. That is why the higher coverage applies while the driver is on the way to pick you up, not just once you are in the car.
Additional reading: How does rideshare insurance work? The three phases explained
Large policies do not mean easy payments. Common problems we see with rideshare insurers include:
- Disputes over app status: The insurer may claim the driver was offline or between rides to apply lower limits. App data is often the only way to prove the period.
- Finger-pointing between insurers: The driver’s personal insurer may deny coverage because the car was used for rideshare work. New Jersey law lets personal insurers exclude rideshare use, which can leave gaps.
- Arguments about your injuries: The adjuster may say your injuries are minor or were caused by something else. They may also ask for a recorded statement early to use your words against you.
- Slow claims handling: Big insurers can drag out a claim, hoping you settle for less. We push the claim forward so it does not stall.
Lyft corporate insurance policies
Lyft must follow the same New Jersey rules as Uber. Its coverage follows the same app-off, app-on and on-trip periods shown in the table above.
Lyft’s coverage is usually written through a commercial insurer, not Lyft itself. We find out which carrier holds the policy and file the claim with the right company from the start.
Steps in filing an Uber accident claim
Filing a rideshare claim takes careful timing and paperwork. These are the main steps and rules that apply in New Jersey:
- Act within the deadline: Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, you generally have two years from the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Evidence like app data and video can disappear much sooner, so starting early matters.
- Open your PIP claim: Your own PIP carrier is usually the first stop for medical bills. Late notice to your insurer can cause problems with payment.
- File with the liability insurers: We file claims with the at-fault driver’s insurer and the rideshare company’s insurer. The trip period decides which policy and limits apply.
- Check the Limited Right to Sue option: Many New Jersey drivers choose a policy with a Limited Right to Sue, which can limit pain and suffering claims under N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8. Under N.J.S.A. 39:5H-10, however, Uber, Lyft and their drivers cannot use that limit in a lawsuit arising from a prearranged ride.
- Watch for arbitration clauses: Uber’s and Lyft’s terms of service include arbitration agreements that riders accept in the app. A New Jersey appeals court has enforced Uber’s terms against injured riders, so claims against the company itself may end up in arbitration instead of court.
- Negotiate or file suit: Most claims settle once we can show the full value of your injuries. If not, we file in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County, at the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack.
Additional reading: How Long After a Wreck Can You File a Claim in New Jersey?
Why riders and drivers choose our firm
You have choices when you hire a lawyer after a rideshare crash. Here is what sets our firm apart:
- Insider insight: Peter worked as an insurance defense lawyer before he started fighting for injured people. He knows how adjusters value claims.
- A proven record: We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients. We have served over 18,000 clients in over 37 years.
- Local roots: Our office is on Essex Street in Lodi. We know the roads, the police department and the courts in Bergen County.
- Always available: We answer calls 24/7. You can reach us after a late-night crash or on a weekend.
- Personal service: Peter believes every client should feel like the most important case in our office. That belief guides how our whole team works.
What hiring us for a rideshare case costs
You pay nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you.
New Jersey Court Rule 1:21-7 caps contingency fees in personal injury cases, with a maximum of 33 1/3% on the first $750,000 recovered. We explain our fee in writing before you sign anything, so there are no surprises.
No Fee Unless You Win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
No fee unless you win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
Have a Lodi Uber accident injury lawyer review your claim
You should not have to fight Uber, Lyft and their insurers alone while you are trying to heal. Our team is ready to fight for your rights as a rideshare accident victim.
Your case review is free, and we answer calls 24/7. Call us, send a message online, or visit our office at 72 Essex Street, Suite 2, Lodi, NJ 07644.
Call (973) 279-7246 or contact us online to speak with our Lodi Lyft and Uber accident lawyer today.
No Fee Unless You Win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
No fee unless you win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
Lodi Office
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request A Free Case Review
Fill out the form below or feel free to call us at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if I was the Uber or Lyft driver?
Yes, if another driver caused the crash, you can claim against that driver’s insurance, and during a trip the rideshare policy must also carry at least $10,000 in medical payments coverage for you. Your personal policy may exclude rideshare use, so we review every policy that could apply.
What if my Uber crash happened in New York or another state?
Many Lodi riders take trips into New York City or Pennsylvania, and a crash outside New Jersey may fall under that state’s laws, insurance rules and filing deadlines. Peter is also licensed in New York, so we can review where your claim belongs and which rules apply.
Will my car insurance rates go up if I file a claim as a passenger?
Usually not, because you were not driving and did not cause the crash, and New Jersey insurers generally base surcharges on accidents where the driver was at fault. Using your own PIP for medical bills as a passenger is a normal part of the no-fault system.
How are claims handled if my child was hurt in a rideshare?
A parent or guardian usually brings the claim for the child, and New Jersey generally pauses the two-year deadline until a child turns 18. Waiting is still risky because evidence fades, and a settlement for a minor usually needs court approval, which we handle for your family.
What if the driver or car did not match the one shown in the app?
Screenshot the trip details and report the mismatch in the app and to the police, because the rideshare insurer may argue the trip is not covered. Even then, your own uninsured motorist coverage and the actual driver’s insurance may still pay for your injuries and losses.