Yes, although technically, the claim would be filed against and defended by Uber’s insurance company. Determining how to proceed with a South Jersey rideshare accident claim will depend on when and how the accident occurred, as well as which party caused the accident.

In many Uber accidents, the rideshare driver is responsible for causing the accident. In this case, an accident victim can file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance policy or Uber’s insurance policy, or both. In New Jersey, Uber’s insurance policy provides $1.5 million in coverage for death, bodily injury or property damage for accidents occurring during a ride.

An Uber ride starts when the Uber app matches a driver up with a passenger and lasts through the point when the driver drops off the passenger. During this entire period – even before the driver picks up the passenger – Uber’s insurance policy also provides $1.5 million in underinsured/uninsured motorist (UIM) protection.

However, for accidents that occur outside of a designated ride, the insurance limits are significantly lower. Specifically, rideshare companies are only required to maintain bodily injury coverage of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident. Of course, this coverage may be insufficient to cover an accident victim’s injuries, especially in the case of a serious South Jersey Uber accident. However, accident victims can also file a claim with the Uber driver’s personal policy.

In situations where the Uber driver was not at fault, then the at-fault driver’s insurance policy would be the primary means of recovery. However, an accident victim’s damages may be far greater than the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, as the minimum insurance requirements for bodily injury coverage in New Jersey are only $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. If an accident victim’s injuries exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, Uber’s insurance policy will kick in with up to $1.5 million in uninsured/underinsured coverage.