A Lyft Driver Hit Me in Elizabeth, New Jersey. What Do I Do?

Accidents involving rideshare drivers are more common than you might realize. Lyft and Uber drivers often strive to fit as many rides into their day as possible, which may lead them to speed or violate traffic laws. They can also become distracted by their rideshare apps or conversations with passengers and lose focus on the road ahead of them.

If a Lyft driver hit me, what are my legal options? In this blog, you’ll learn what steps you can take after a collision with a rideshare driver, including how insurance coverage works, when you may be able to file a lawsuit, and what actions can help strengthen your case.

What Insurance Coverage Applies in a Lyft Accident?

If a Lyft driver was responsible for your car accident, you can submit a claim either through Lyft or through the driver’s personal auto insurance.

Lyft extends coverage to drivers who are at fault in accidents while they are actively transporting passengers, en route to pick up a passenger, or waiting to accept a ride with the app open. It does not provide coverage for Lyft drivers who are not actively driving for the service.

If the rider’s app was on and they were receiving rides, Lyft would provide a minimum liability coverage of:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person
• $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

If the rider was picking up or transporting a passenger, Lyft would provide at least $1 million in third-party auto liability coverage along with certain first-party coverages. When the passenger is in the car and the app is on, the liability in NJ for Lyft and Uber is $1.5 million. Start by reporting the accident to Lyft and inquiring about whether its policy covers the accident.

If Lyft does not offer coverage for the accident, you can explore a claim with the Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance. Lyft only requires drivers to carry the minimum liability insurance for their state. In New Jersey, drivers can purchase a basic policy that only covers $5,000 in property damage liability and offers no coverage for injury liability. Depending on the driver’s coverage, you may have trouble seeking adequate compensation through an insurance claim alone.

Can You Sue After a Lyft Accident?

You may wonder whether you can pursue legal action after a Lyft driver hits you in an accident. This might be an option to explore if you cannot gain adequate compensation through an insurance claim alone.

You might consider legal action against Lyft if:

• Lyft’s insurance company unfairly denies your claim
• Lyft’s policy does not cover all of your expenses
• Lyft acted negligently to cause the accident, such as by failing to properly vet the driver who caused the accident

Speak with an attorney about filing a personal injury claim against Lyft or another liable party, such as the driver themself. Through a lawsuit, you may be able to seek economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity

You may also be able to pursue non-economic damages, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life

Other Steps To Take To Improve Your Lyft Accident Case

Knowing how to proceed after a Lyft driver hits you might feel overwhelming. These accident cases can differ significantly from typical auto collision cases.

Generally, taking these steps might help you improve your compensation claim after a rideshare collision. For more personalized legal guidance, consult a Lyft accident attorney.

1. Seek medical attention: Even if you do not think you have significant injuries from the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. This can provide you with documentation directly tying your medical condition to the accident. It can also help you avoid overlooking underlying injuries that may worsen over time.
2. Report the accident to Lyft: Reach out to Lyft to report the accident or make sure that the driver did so. This will help you initiate the insurance claims process.
3. Collect documentation related to the accident: Any photos or videos you have of the accident scene might prove helpful in your insurance claim or potential lawsuit. Retain all other documentation, such as medical bills and doctor’s reports, repair estimates, pain logs, and more.
4. Consult a Lyft accident attorney: Lyft accidents can be complicated. Let an experienced attorney help you navigate insurance liability, Lyft driver negligence, and other aspects of your case.

Need an Attorney You Can Rely on After a Lyft Accident in Elizabeth, NJ?

If a Lyft driver hit you and caused injuries or damage to your vehicle, understanding your rights and options is important. You may be eligible to file a claim through Lyft’s liability coverage. If insurance does not sufficiently cover your accident damages, you might be able to pursue legal action as well.

The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis and Associates, LLC, provides guidance to victims navigating rideshare accident cases. We can help you explore your options and potential legal remedies. Contact us today at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246 to request a free case review by an experienced attorney. Our goal is to protect your rights and seek justice for you.

Copyright © 2025. The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC
72 Essex Street, Suite 2,
Lodi, New Jersey 07644
(973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
https://peterdavislaw.com/