After an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, figuring out who is financially responsible is rarely straightforward. Rideshare crashes are still car accidents under New York law, and they raise the same serious questions about fault, insurance, and financial recovery.
These issues are especially common in New York City, where rideshare vehicles are involved in accidents every day across crowded streets and high-traffic areas. In those cases, liability often depends on what the driver was doing in the app at the moment of the crash.
How Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Works
Unlike taxi companies that own their own fleets and employ their own drivers, Uber and Lyft operate as rideshare services that rely on individuals using personal vehicles. This business model changes how responsibility and insurance coverage apply after a crash.
In any rideshare accident, the driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash determines which insurance coverage applies.
Driver Not Logged Into the App
If the driver is offline and using the vehicle for personal reasons, only their personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage in this scenario.
App On, But No Ride Accepted
If the driver was logged into the app, but had not yet accepted a ride, limited coverage may be available:
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- Up to $100,000 per accident
- Up to $25,000 for property damage
This coverage is secondary, meaning it applies only after the driver’s personal insurance is used.
Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard
Once the driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the car, full commercial coverage from Uber or Lyft is in effect.
- Up to $1 million in liability insurance
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage if another driver causes the crash and lacks sufficient insurance
This liability insurance is designed to cover serious injuries when a rideshare driver causes a crash during an active trip.
Understanding New York’s No-Fault Insurance Rules
New York’s No-Fault system also affects how accident-related expenses are handled. These benefits apply regardless of who caused the crash.
Most New York drivers carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which helps cover:
- Necessary medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Other basic economic losses
PIP benefits are intended to cover immediate medical bills and lost income while liability issues are still being resolved.
Seeking compensation beyond PIP from Uber, Lyft, or a driver requires meeting New York’s serious injury threshold. Qualifying injuries may include fractures, significant disfigurement, loss of a body function, or other legally defined conditions. At Morelli Law, our team of lawyers will help you evaluate where your case stands and how to build the strongest path forward.
What If You’re Another Driver Hit by an Uber or Lyft?
You may have an injury claim against Uber or Lyft’s insurer if the driver was logged into the app and caused the collision. Rideshare companies routinely dispute responsibility, particularly when a driver was available in the app but had not yet accepted a fare.
We investigate rideshare driver logs, GPS data, app activity, and accident scene reports to determine:
- Whether the driver was active on the platform
- What level of insurance coverage applied
- Whether the insurer is delaying or denying a valid claim
What If You’re a Pedestrian Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle?
Pedestrian injury cases involving Uber and Lyft follow the same insurance structure.
- If the driver was not logged into the app, personal insurance may apply
- If logged in but no ride was assigned, limited coverage may apply
- If transporting a passenger or en route, the $1 million policy may apply
If a driver flees the scene or lacks adequate insurance, Uber or Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage may still be available. Establishing that coverage depends on confirming the driver was active on the platform at the time of the crash. That proof often requires subpoenas, which our firm handles for you.
Disputes over driver status and coverage frequently delay claims unless the evidence is gathered and presented correctly.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
Uber and Lyft rely on independent contractor classifications to avoid direct liability. New York courts have repeatedly challenged that framework, citing the companies’ control over fares, access to riders, and driver activity. Whether Uber or Lyft can be held directly responsible depends on the specific facts of the case and how control, negligence, or policy failures can be proven.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Rideshare Accident Case?
If you were injured, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, rehab, ongoing treatment)
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
- Property damage (if applicable)
We work with trusted medical and financial experts to document the full impact of your injuries.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. But rideshare cases can trigger shorter deadlines due to notification requirements, digital records, or involvement from multiple insurers.
Acting quickly allows us to preserve evidence, access driver logs, and ensure compliance with all deadlines, especially if your claim involves a dispute over no-fault benefits or liability coverage.
Why Clients Trust Morelli Law Firm With Uber and Lyft Accident Cases
We’ve taken on some of the largest transportation and corporate defendants in the country. And won. Our team has secured more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, including complex claims involving commercial vehicles, public transit, and corporate liability.
Rideshare accident victims trust us because we offer:
- Extensive experience with Uber and Lyft insurance policies
- Command of both PIP and personal injury laws under New York’s No-Fault system
- A trial-tested team ready to stand up to insurance companies and defense lawyers
Speak With a New York Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can make the difference between a denied claim and full compensation. Contact Morelli Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyer. We’ll explain your legal options and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
