What Happens If You’re Injured in an Uber Accident While Visiting From Out of State?

A damaged white car with a shattered windshield after an Uber accident, symbolizing injuries while visiting New Jersey.

Many people fly into New Jersey to enjoy our beautiful beaches, historical sites, casinos, and nearby cities. Visitors will often call an Uber to get to and from these tourist destinations. However, what should you do if you get into an Uber accident while visiting from out of state? Do you have to hire a personal injury lawyer from New Jersey instead of your home state? Is the process of pursuing compensation different for visitors than it is for locals?

Justin Drazin, the founder of UberHurtMe.com provides a helpful overview, answering these common questions and more.

The Same Legal Protections Apply to Locals and Visitors

Before diving into this further, the good news is that visitors to New Jersey are offered the same legal protections to those that live here. Bottom line: If your Uber accident occurred in New Jersey, state laws still apply to your case and you are not barred from seeking compensation from Uber.

However, even as a tourist, you will still need to take certain steps to protect your claim.

How to Protect Your Uber Accident Claim in New Jersey

Whether your Uber accident occurred following a show at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank or near the Battleship New Jersey, the right steps can protect your claim. Here’s what you should do:

Call 911: Law enforcement can contain the crash scene to keep you safe and create a police report, which can be used as evidence to support your claim.
Take Photos: If you can, take photos of the crash scene, including your injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, road signs, and weather conditions. This could paint a picture of how the accident occurred.
Document Names and Contact Information: In addition to pictures, write down the name of your Uber driver and contact information of any nearby witnesses. Be sure to include the make and model of the rideshare vehicle, their insurance information, and license plate. Also, don’t forget to write down the names of any nearby businesses. They may have video footage of the accident, which can help establish liability.
Take Screenshots of Your Uber Trip: Before you close your app, take screenshots of your ride details, including map and timestamps.
Seek Medical Help: Even if you feel fine following the crash, adrenaline usually masks pain. Going to the hospital not only ensures your well-being, but connects your injuries to the crash.
Report the crash to Uber: The sooner you do this, the better, as timely reporting can support your claim. The longer you wait, the easier it is for Uber’s insurance carrier to delay or deny your claim. You can report the accident within the app.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Like Uber, you also have to notify your insurance carrier. However, be mindful of your interactions with them. Insurance companies are focused on keeping their bottom line, so stick to the facts when making your report.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer: Not every Uber accident case is straightforward. Shared liability, the driver’s status at the time of the crash, and your state’s insurance policy may complicate claims. Your Uber accident attorney will be able to investigate the details of your case, speak with insurers, explain your rights, and if necessary, take your case to trial.

Remember, insurance companies, even your own, are only concerned with keeping their bottom line. Delaying medical treatment, not securing evidence, and failing to retain legal counsel can make it easier for them to delay or outright deny your claim. When you have serious injuries and mounting medical bills, this is the last thing you need. These proactive steps not only protect you, but your ability to get the money you need while you recover.

Factors That May Complicate Your Out-of-State Uber Accident Case

While you aren’t barred from pursuing compensation in New Jersey, being from out of state can complicate your Uber accident case:

Statute of Limitations

New Jersey requires all personal injury claims to be filed within two years of the date the crash occurred. However, not every state has the same statute of limitations.

If you were traveling to New Jersey from Maryland, for example where the statute of limitations is three years, you may accidentally miss your window to file a claim and subsequently, forfeit the compensation you need to cover the cost of your injuries.

Jurisdictional Issues

Generally, the state where the accident and injury occurred govern how the case is handled. For those that live out of state, this means that New Jersey courts have jurisdiction over how Uber operates in that state, the accident investigation, negligence standards, and more. For example, in Texas, Uber provides up to $1,000,000 insurance coverage for those injured in a crash, but in New Jersey, that policy covers up to $1,500,000. Learn more about each state’s mandatory minimum insurance coverage here.

In addition to how New Jersey operates compared to your home state, you may also have to travel back and forth, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer From the State Where the Accident Occurred?

No, however, doing so has some advantages. First and foremost, the lawyer in your hometown may not be familiar with New Jersey’s laws. Second, they usually won’t have quick access to critical evidence including police reports and accident reconstructionists. By hiring an attorney in the state where the crash occurred, you can expedite your claim and ensure no stone is left unturned.

Don’t Wait to Get the Compensation You Need, Call Drazin and Warshaw Today to File an Uber Accident Claim

If you were injured while taking an Uber in New Jersey, don’t wait to pursue the compensation you need. As the founder of UberHurtMe.com, Justin Drazin has the knowledge, resources and experience to go up against this rideshare conglomerate and pursue the justice you’re owed.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer from New Jersey who’s familiar with state laws and how the local courts operate is critical to the outcome of your case. Contact Justin Drazin today at 732-333-8141 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. He represents clients all throughout New Jersey, including Atlantic County, Bergen County, and Hudson County.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.