Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney in New York
Uber and Lyft accidents, often referred to as “rideshare accidents,” involve incidents where people suffer physical or emotional injuries while riding in or interacting with rideshare vehicles. These accidents can also lead to property damage. Personal injury laws for rideshare accidents determine who holds responsibility for the incident, who covers medical care, and who pays for property repairs.
Types of Injuries
Rideshare accidents can cause various types of injuries, including the following:
Head and Back Injuries
A collision may cause you to hit your head against the steering wheel, windows, dashboard, or other surfaces, resulting in serious conditions like comas, concussions, fractures, hearing or vision loss, or different degrees of brain injuries.
Back injuries from rideshare accidents can include spinal cord damage, loss of sensation, various levels of paralysis, or a herniated disk.
People who suffer head or back injuries in New York rideshare accidents often face lengthy recoveries. These injuries may require advanced treatments such as surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing rehabilitation. The costs associated with these treatments and long-term care can quickly add up. That's why injured individuals frequently seek compensation through personal injury claims, aiming to cover not only immediate expenses but also potential future medical costs and income loss. If your injury limits your mobility or impacts cognitive function, you may need additional support to manage daily life and tasks after the accident.
Neck and Chest Injuries
An accident often leads to sudden neck movement, causing injuries such as whiplash, swelling, or temporary vocal cord paralysis.
Chest injuries can result from blunt force trauma, leading to broken bones, a collapsed lung, cardiac arrest, internal bleeding, or organ damage.
In New York, neck and chest injuries from rideshare collisions may not always appear severe at first. However, symptoms can escalate in the hours or days after the incident. Medical professionals in New York stress the importance of immediate evaluation, as untreated chest trauma or whiplash can progress and result in lasting damage. Rideshare accident victims sometimes face extended periods away from work, limited movement, or ongoing pain. Obtaining timely medical care and documenting all symptoms helps build a strong personal injury claim for compensation.
Arm, Leg, Hand, and Foot Injuries
Victims may suffer injuries to their arms, legs, hands, or feet. These injuries can include broken bones, severed limbs, ligament injuries, scarring, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.
Serious limb or extremity injuries may require immediate surgical intervention and advanced rehabilitation. In New York, claims involving permanent injuries or lasting pain qualify for additional types of compensation under New York’s personal injury laws. Emotional distress, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, is also a common outcome for rideshare passengers or drivers involved in violent crashes. Both physical and psychological injuries must be documented thoroughly for a successful claim, especially when navigating the state’s “serious injury” threshold requirements.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accidents typically result from negligence. Operators of motor vehicles are required to exercise reasonable care; failing to do so is considered negligent under personal injury laws.
Rideshare personal injury claims can involve scenarios such as:
- A passenger in a rideshare vehicle was injured during a ride
- A rideshare driver was injured while picking up, transporting, or dropping off a passenger
- A driver of another vehicle was injured in a collision with a rideshare vehicle providing service
- A passenger of another vehicle was injured in an accident with a rideshare vehicle en route to pick up a fare
The nature of rideshare work in New York City leads to additional risk factors unique to the local environment. Crowded streets, aggressive driving patterns, and frequent stops create extra hazards for rideshare drivers and their passengers. Distractions from mobile devices, sudden changes in road conditions, and the pressure to complete trips quickly can increase the likelihood of accidents. In New York, additional claims might arise due to noncompliance with Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) safety rules or violations of city transportation law. Parties involved or affected in a rideshare accident should consider all potential sources of negligence, including other motorists, the rideshare company, or municipal entities responsible for road safety.
Statute of Limitations and Timing in New York Rideshare Cases
New York law sets specific deadlines—known as statutes of limitations—for filing personal injury claims after a rideshare accident. Generally, claimants have three years from the accident date to bring a lawsuit for injuries. When a government entity is involved, such as a city-owned vehicle, notice requirements and timeframes may be shorter. Missing these deadlines often prevents recovery, so timely action matters. Claims involving minors, wrongful death, or unique circumstances may involve different statutes. Speaking with a rideshare accident attorney in New York soon after an incident helps preserve your rights and ensures you understand how the state’s timing rules apply. To start gathering documentation and avoid missing crucial evidence, begin the process as soon as your injuries allow.
How a Rideshare Accident Attorney in New York Can Help
Navigating the insurance process, determining liability, and understanding city and state regulations can feel overwhelming after a rideshare accident. An experienced Lyft accident attorney or Uber accident lawyer in New York can provide guidance at each step. Legal counsel helps you identify all potential sources of compensation, negotiate with insurance carriers, and handle communications with third parties, including rideshare companies. Attorneys explain coverage differences based on whether your accident occurred in New York City, where the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) sets distinct standards. By reviewing accident reports, gathering evidence, and understanding local court rules, a rideshare accident attorney aims to make your claims process more efficient. When negotiations do not resolve your claim or questions of fault arise, a lawyer can clarify your options for seeking a fair result through additional dispute resolution methods.
New York Laws and Regulations for Rideshare Drivers and Passengers
In New York, rideshare services follow regulations set by the TLC within the city and by the state outside city limits. TLC regulations mandate background checks, vehicle inspections, and strict insurance requirements for rideshare drivers operating in the five boroughs. Statewide, licensing, disclosure, and minimum insurance levels provide additional standards for rideshare companies. Passengers can verify if their driver meets these legal requirements by checking for visible TLC or TNC markings inside the vehicle, as required by law. Understanding these rules gives passengers and drivers clarity about their rights and responsibilities after a rideshare accident and helps determine who may pay for medical bills or damages.
Connect with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in New York without delay. Submit an online form to get started.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in New York?
Most personal injury claims, including those involving rideshare vehicles, must be filed within three years of the accident. Claims against government entities or involving minors may follow different timeframes.
Do rideshare drivers in New York need special insurance?
Yes, rideshare drivers in New York City must carry commercial insurance that meets TLC guidelines, while those operating elsewhere in the state must follow New York’s Transportation Network Company (TNC) insurance requirements.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft after a rideshare accident?
You may be able to seek compensation from Uber, Lyft, or their insurance if you were injured during a covered ride or due to driver negligence. Success depends on the circumstances of the accident and insurance terms in effect at the time.
Get started with a consultation with a Lyft accident lawyer in New York by calling us at (646) 760-3456. Our experienced team is ready to help you move forward.
What to Do After Being in a Rideshare Accident?
For a step-by-step guide on what to do directly after a rideshare accident, read our resources page article: 5 Things to Do After an Accident. For rideshare incidents, make sure to also report the accident to the company you used for the ride.
If you are involved in an Uber-related accident, select “Trip and Fare Review,” then choose “I was involved in an accident.” Uber will review your submission and send you an Incident Report Form.
For Lyft accidents, use the “Report an Accident” option. Lyft typically responds promptly to request additional information.
Beyond company reporting steps, documenting every detail after a rideshare accident in New York plays a critical role in future claims. Collect all contact information, insurance details, and photographs at the scene when possible. Keep medical records and document expenses incurred during recovery. Additionally, New York law requires that you file reports for certain accidents with the DMV if injuries or property damage exceed state thresholds. Timely communication with all insurance providers, rideshare companies, and—when necessary—the TLC or local law enforcement can help prevent claim denials or unnecessary legal disputes.
Our qualified Uber accident lawyer in New York is here to assist you. Call (646) 760-3456 to schedule your initial consultation without delay.
Insurance 101: What to Know About Rideshare Accidents
Your PIP
After a car accident in New York that does not involve a rideshare vehicle, your first step is usually to file a claim against your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy. By law, all New York drivers must carry PIP coverage. This insurance helps cover the cost of immediate medical treatment after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. PIP coverage will also pay for injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists up to the policy’s limit. If your injuries or your passengers’ injuries exceed PIP’s coverage or involve more severe harm, your insurance company may file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s liability policy.
NOTE: PIP covers only physical injuries. It does not cover property damage, certain severe injuries, emotional distress, pain and suffering, or other non-economic damages. Personal Injury lawsuits may be filed if your PIP and the at-fault driver’s liability insurance cannot fully pay your medical expenses.
PIP insurance forms the foundation of most New York auto accident claims, but it has strict deadlines for filing benefits claims. Accident victims must usually submit their application for benefits within 30 days of the incident. Missing this window can result in denial of coverage. If a rideshare accident causes serious injuries that meet New York’s no-fault “serious injury” threshold, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding how your policy interacts with both state law and a rideshare company’s supplemental coverage can help you decide on your next legal steps after an accident.
A TNC
New York State recognizes ridesharing companies as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). TNCs hold DMV licenses and use digital platforms—typically apps—to match drivers and passengers for prearranged rides. In New York, Uber and Lyft are the most prominent TNCs.
The New York Department of Financial Services and the DMV set rigorous standards for TNCs intending to operate in the state. These companies must comply with both statewide regulations and local requirements in areas such as New York City, where additional standards may apply. Regulatory oversight helps protect the public by ensuring that rideshare drivers undergo screening and that insurance policies meet or exceed minimum coverage levels.
New York Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for rideshare drivers depends on their status at the time of an accident. The periods are:
- Period 1 – The rideshare app is off. The driver’s personal insurance policy applies.
- Periods 2 and 3 – The app is on. Insurance coverage applies from the moment a driver matches with a rider until the trip ends in the app.
Insurance companies treating rideshare vehicles in New York examine these periods when assessing claims and coverage responsibilities. The state's regulatory framework clearly defines when personal insurance applies and when the rideshare company insurance steps in. If a dispute arises about coverage, local laws and insurance policies provide guidance for resolving which party is responsible for compensation. By understanding these distinctions, both drivers and passengers can better assess their rights and responsibilities following a rideshare accident.
Lyft’s Driver Insurance Coverage
- Contingent liability – Applies when the Lyft driver has activated “driver mode” and awaits a ride request. Lyft’s insurance covers the driver if their own policy does not.
- Primary auto liability – Applies once a ride request is accepted and until the trip concludes in the app. Lyft’s policy offers $1,000,000 in coverage per accident and can work as excess coverage in addition to other rideshare coverage.
- Contingent collision – Covers property damage to the rideshare vehicle from an accident, in addition to the driver’s own insurance. This policy covers up to the car’s value or repair cost, with a $2,500 deductible.
- Contingent comprehensive coverage – Provides coverage for non-collision events like vandalism or fire, combined with the driver’s personal insurance, up to the car’s value, with a $2,500 deductible regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist – Applies after a Lyft driver accepts a ride request or is transporting a passenger. Lyft’s policy covers accidents caused by drivers who lack adequate insurance, with no deductible.
When New York drivers or passengers are involved in accidents during a coverage period where Lyft's policy applies, they may benefit from higher compensation limits compared to standard personal policies. This extra coverage is intended to account for the higher risks of driving commercially in an urban environment. Awareness of which policy applies at the time of the accident is crucial for filing timely and accurate claims. Consulting policy details or seeking guidance after an accident can help you avoid delays in securing benefits.
Uber’s Driver Insurance Coverage
- Third-Party Liability – Coverage applies when the Uber driver is in "driver mode" waiting for a ride. Uber provides $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- Auto Insurance – When the Uber driver is picking up or transporting a passenger, Uber's insurance covers $1,000,000 in third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured bodily injury, and contingent comprehensive and collision up to the car's value, with a $1,000 deductible.
Uber’s insurance coverage in New York City extends to both drivers and riders, reflecting the city’s strict insurance mandates. If a crash occurs while an Uber driver has a passenger or is picking up a fare, each injured party can file a claim under Uber’s policy. The significant coverage offered functions to protect those involved in busy metropolitan traffic. If claims exceed the coverage limits or disputes arise regarding coverage periods, New York laws and city regulations provide a roadmap for resolving these issues.
New York City Rideshare Insurance Coverage
NOTE: In New York City, rideshare drivers are regulated by the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) rather than the TNC Act. TLC regulations require the same insurance coverage as taxis.
The TLC holds rideshare drivers in New York City to some of the highest insurance standards in the country. Unlike other parts of New York State, all TLC-licensed drivers must maintain commercial insurance, which includes benefits like no-fault coverage and liability for both property damage and bodily injury. This ensures every rideshare trip within NYC has coverage that protects drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Riders can feel confident that claims stemming from TLC-regulated accidents receive special consideration according to city policies and protocols.
Facing challenges involving a rideshare accident claim? A Lyft accident attorney in New York is here to help. Reach out now to schedule your initial consultation.
Ki legal Personal Injury Case Results
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NYC Negligence
Successfully represented a client who got into a motor vehicle accident on a street where work was being performed, resulting in serious injuries. We were able to secure a $250,000 settlement after extensive discovery and depositions.
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Rear-End Car Accident
Successfully represented a driver whose car was struck in the rear by a vehicle that was following too closely in Queens, New York. The driver suffered serious personal injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
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Meatpacking NYC Motor Vehicle Accident
Successfully represented a client who got into a motor vehicle accident in the Meatpacking District with a commercial van. Due to the driver’s negligence, we were able to secure a $150,000 settlement after depositions.
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Minor Child Car Accident
Successfully represented a minor passenger child of a car accident crash in Brooklyn, New York who suffered severe back and neck injuries due to a crash caused by a drunk driver that struck the car the minor child was traveling in.
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Truck Multi-Car Collision
Successfully sued a trucking company that owned a truck involved in a multiple-car collision. Injuries involved the back and head.
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Side Door Car Collision
Successfully sued a railroad company that owned a truck involved in a side door car collision. Injuries involved the hand and head.