Important Alert for New Jersey Uber Passengers & Drivers

A New Jersey bill has been signed into law that will regulate ride sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft in the Garden State. This new law, known as the Transportation Network Company (TNC) Safety and Regulatory Act, includes some important info that effects both drivers and passengers.

Here’s the top things you should know:

Insurance Coverage for Uber Passengers Injured in Accidents

In the past, auto insurance companies have told ride-share passengers injured in accidents that their personal policies would not cover them. Under this new law, every passenger will now be covered. As New Jersey accident lawyers, this part of the law is something that will be a big help for our clients and all New Jersey ride-share passengers.

Under the new law, passengers suffering from accident injuries when riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle will now have medical coverage. This policy will provide up to $1.5 million in coverage for passengers that are injured.

Anyone that has ever been injured in an accident knows how quickly medical bills can pile up. Whether it’s a severe back or neck injury, traumatic brain injury, bone fractures or any other accident-related injury, the cost for treatment can be substantial.

As New Jersey accident lawyers, our clients have had to undergo MRI’s, physical therapy and several other treatments to help them recover. These bills add up quickly and it is good to know passengers of Uber and Lyft will now have the necessary coverage to help them get the proper care for their injuries.

New Jersey Uber & Lyft Drivers – Mandatory Background Checks

Another key aspect of this new law is that all New Jersey Uber, and other ride-share, drivers must now undergo a driving and criminal background check. “Drivers would be banned from employment by a ride sharing company if they had been convicted of homicide, sexual assault, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving and possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance.” (NJ.com)

Are These Background Checks Enough?

While these mandatory background checks are a step towards safer ride-sharing experiences, critics don’t feel it is enough. These critics think that the new law should have required drivers background checks to include fingerprinting rather than just name checks. Fingerprinting would provide more thorough records and put Uber drivers on a level playing field with New Jersey’s chauffeurs.

Uber has argued that riders submitting feedback on their drivers is basically a form of ongoing safety checks, but that sounds like some corporate spin from where I’m sitting.

While fingerprint checking is something that should happen sooner rather than later, this new law is still a step in the right direction. The insurance coverage for passengers will allow people with major injuries to get the care they need and deserve.

Elizabeth, New Jersey Uber Accident Injury Lawyers

We give personal attention to all of our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call us today at 908-352-2323. If you prefer contacting our accident lawyers via email, please click here.

Our car and truck accident injury lawyers serve clients throughout New Jersey. This includes the cities of Newark, Elizabeth, Union and Jersey City. We cover Morris, Bergen, Hudson, Union and Middlesex counties. Our accident lawyers have offices in Elizabeth, New Jersey and in New York City.