Rideshare crashes in New York City leave you scared, angry, and confused. One moment you are in an Uber or Lyft. The next you are hurt, facing medical bills, and wondering who will pay. You may blame the driver. You may blame the company. The truth is that rideshare claims follow different rules than other car crashes. Insurance limits change based on the trip. Drivers are treated as “independent contractors,” not employees. Companies often point fingers to avoid paying. This guide explains how Uber and Lyft claims work in New York City. It tells you what evidence to save, what deadlines control your claim, and how to protect your rights from day one. It also explains when you may need a New York Personal Injury Lawyer | The Silbowitz Firm to step in and fight for you.
How New York’s No Fault Rules Affect You
New York uses a “no fault” system for most car crashes. That includes many Uber and Lyft crashes. No fault means your own car insurance usually pays your basic medical bills and lost wages first. This is true even if someone else caused the crash.
If you were a rideshare passenger you do not need your own car. The Uber or Lyft no fault coverage should apply. The minimum no fault coverage in New York is usually 50,000 dollars per person. You can read the state rules in the New York Department of Financial Services guide on no fault insurance at https://dfs.ny.gov/consumers/auto_insurance/no_fault_explained.
No fault coverage does not pay for pain, fear, or long term harm. It only pays certain economic losses. To seek money for pain and long term harm you must show that you have a “serious injury” under New York law. That includes things like major broken bones, loss of a fetus, or major limits on use of a body part for at least 90 days.
Who Pays After An Uber Or Lyft Crash
Responsibility depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. The trip status matters more than the company name on the car.
Typical Uber and Lyft Insurance By Driver Status in New York City
| Driver Status | Who Is Covered | Typical Liability Coverage Limits
|
|---|---|---|
| App off | Driver only through personal auto policy | New York minimum 25,000 per person and 50,000 per crash for injuries |
| App on. Waiting for a ride | Third parties and passengers | 50,000 per person. 100,000 per crash for injuries. 25,000 for property damage |
| On the way to pick up rider | Passengers and third parties | At least 1,000,000 in liability coverage |
| Trip in progress | Passengers and third parties | At least 1,000,000 in liability coverage |
These numbers can change. You should confirm the exact policy for the date of your crash. Still the pattern is clear. The highest coverage usually applies when the driver is on the way to a rider or has a rider in the car.
Steps To Take Right After The Crash
You may feel stunned. You can still take a few clear steps that protect you and your family.
- Call 911. Ask for police and an ambulance. A crash report from the New York City Police Department creates a record of what happened.
- Get medical care the same day. Some injuries show up later. Early care creates proof that the crash caused your pain. The New York State Department of Health offers tips on injury care and prevention at https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/.
- Use your phone to take photos of the cars, the street, weather, traffic lights, and your visible injuries.
- Get names and contact numbers for the drivers, all passengers, and any witnesses.
- Save screenshots from your Uber or Lyft app that show the trip, time, and driver.
- Do not post about the crash on social media. Insurers may use your words against you.
Common Types Of Rideshare Victims
Rideshare crashes hurt many kinds of people. You may fit more than one group.
- Passengers in the Uber or Lyft
- Drivers or passengers in other cars
- Pedestrians in crosswalks or on sidewalks
- Cyclists and scooter riders
- Uber or Lyft drivers themselves
Your rights do not vanish because you were in a rideshare. You still have the same right to seek payment for harm as any other crash victim.
Deadlines You Cannot Ignore
Time limits in New York are strict. If you miss them you may lose your claim.
- No fault claim. You usually must file a no fault application within 30 days of the crash.
- Lawsuit for injury. You usually have three years from the crash date to sue for injury.
- Claim against a city or state agency. If a city car or bus was involved you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim.
You should act quickly. Waiting can erase proof and weaken your story.
What You Can Seek Payment For
A rideshare claim can cover more than ambulance bills. You may seek payment for:
- Emergency care and hospital stays
- Follow up doctor visits and physical therapy
- Medication and medical devices
- Lost wages and reduced earning power
- Pain, fear, and loss of sleep
- Loss of enjoyment of daily life
- Property damage such as a bike or car
You should keep every bill, receipt, and work note. These records show how the crash changed your life.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may sound calm and kind. Their job is to save money for the company. They may:
- Ask for a recorded statement and push you to guess about speed or fault
- Offer a quick check before you know the full extent of your injury
- Blame another driver or even you to cut the payout
- Use your own words or social media posts against you
You do not have to accept the first offer. You also do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. You have the right to ask questions and to seek guidance before you sign anything.
When Legal Help Can Protect You
Rideshare cases involve multiple insurers, complex policies, and strict time limits. You may feel outmatched. You do not need to face this alone. A law firm that handles New York City Uber and Lyft crashes can:
- Gather police reports, app data, and witness statements
- Work with medical providers to document your harm
- Identify every insurance policy that might apply
- Negotiate with adjusters and defense lawyers
- File a lawsuit if insurers refuse to act fairly
You deserve steady support and clear answers after a rideshare crash. You also deserve respect from every insurer and company involved. Strong guidance helps you focus on healing while someone else handles the fight over money and blame.
