South Jersey Uber accidents, like other car accidents, frequently result in life-altering injuries. It is common for accident victims to spend days or weeks in the hospital and then require lengthy courses of physical or occupational therapy. During this time, most accident victims are not able to work. And of course, this medical treatment does not come cheap, further adding to the burdens an accident victim faces.

Those injured in a South Jersey Uber accident can pursue a claim for compensation against the company to help them recover for the damages they sustained. However, the amount of coverage that is available depends on several factors, including when the accident occurred and who was at fault.

Anyone injured as a passenger in an Uber can file a claim with the company’s insurance policy. Under the terms of the company’s insurance policy, the rideshare experience is broken down into three phases:

Phase One – The Uber app is open, and the driver is awaiting a ride request

The first phase begins when the driver opens the Uber app. During this phase, the Uber driver’s personal policy is the first source of coverage. However, Uber’s insurance policy provides an additional $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident in coverage.

When it comes to the driver’s individual policy, in New Jersey, all motorists must maintain bodily injury liability coverage in the amount of at least $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident. That said, most insurance policies include exclusions for accidents that occur while the insured is transporting someone for a fee. However, not all drivers purchase this additional insurance.

Phase Two – The driver is matched up with a rider

As soon as the Uber app matches a driver and passenger, the company’s primary insurance policy applies. Specifically, that policy includes:

$1.5 million in bodily injury coverage
$1.5 million in third-party liability coverage
$1.5 million in uninsured or underinsured motorist protection

Again, because Phase Two does not involve a passenger in the vehicle, these accidents typically involve other cars, motorcycles or pedestrians.

Phase Three – Once the driver picks up the passenger

Phase Three of an Uber ride begins when the driver picks up the passenger and lasts until the driver drops the passenger off at their destination. The insurance coverage available in Phase Three is identical to that in Phase Two:

$1.5 million in bodily injury coverage
$1.5 million in third-party liability coverage
$1.5 million in uninsured or underinsured motorist protection

Notably, under New Jersey law, an Uber passenger is guaranteed up to $1.5 million in coverage for their medical expenses. Thus, even if a driver’s personal insurance policy lapsed, or did not apply, Uber is responsible for the full $1.5 million in coverage.