The moments after any car accident are disorienting and frightening. Your mind races with questions, your body is shaken, and a sense of uncertainty can feel daunting. But when the car involved is a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft, an extra layer of complexity and confusion is added to an already stressful situation. Who is responsible? Whose insurance pays for your medical bills and other damages? Are you just a passenger in a complicated legal battle?
If you are reading this, it’s likely because you or someone you love has been hurt in a rideshare accident. Please know, you have come to the right place for help. The maze of rideshare laws and insurance policies may be unfamiliar territory for you, but it is one we navigate frequently at William Mattar, P.C.
Below, we’ve answered some New York Uber and Lyft Accident FAQs to provide you with clarity and answers. If you need more information or would like to discuss your case with our dedicated, experienced, and compassionate legal team, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. We’re ready to stand by your side, protect your rights, and carry the legal burden for you, so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
How Common Are Uber and Lyft Accidents?
The presence of rideshare vehicles may be increasing traffic congestion in major metropolitan areas. Recent research suggests that spikes in rideshare vehicles on the road worsens congestion during peak traffic periods.
What’s known as “deadheading” is another ridesharing feature contributing to traffic congestion. Deadheading refers to the time Uber/Lyft drivers spend waiting for a ride request. During this period, drivers are traveling on the roadways but not transporting any passengers.
More traffic congestion is not just a headache for everyday commuters. It also increases pollution caused by vehicle emissions.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are So Complicated?
You might assume an accident involving an Uber or Lyft is just like any other car crash. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. The legal and financial landscape is significantly different due to the unique business model of rideshare companies, also known as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs).
Here’s why these cases require focused knowledge:
- Complex Insurance Layers: Unlike a typical driver who has a single personal auto insurance policy, an Uber or Lyft driver’s coverage changes depending on their status at the time of the crash. There are multiple, distinct insurance policies that could apply, and insurance companies often try to point the finger at each other to avoid paying a claim.
- Driver Classification: Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This is a deliberate legal strategy designed to shield them from direct liability for their drivers' actions. Proving the company holds some responsibility requires a deep understanding of New York State law.
- Multiple Potential Victims: A single rideshare accident can injure the rideshare passenger, the driver, pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles. Determining who can file a claim against which policy requires a careful and immediate investigation.
Who Pays for Uber or Lyft Accident Injuries in New York?
The key to any Uber or Lyft accident claim is determining the driver’s status at the exact moment of the crash. In Upstate New York law, a rideshare driver’s time can be divided into three distinct periods for insurance coverage purposes, each with its own level of insurance coverage.
Period 1: The App is Off
If the rideshare driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the accident, the situation may be treated like a standard car crash. The driver was using their vehicle for personal reasons, and any claim for damages would be filed against their personal auto insurance policy.
Period 2: The App is On, Waiting for a Ride Request
This is the period when a driver is logged into the app and is available to accept a ride, but has not yet accepted a specific trip. During this time, the driver’s personal insurance policy may attempt to deny coverage because they are engaged in commercial activity.
To cover this gap, New York TNC law requires rideshare companies to provide a contingent liability policy. This coverage typically includes:
- $75,000 in coverage per person for death and bodily injury
- $150,000 in total coverage per accident for death and bodily injury
- $25,000 in coverage for property damage
This is more than the state minimum for personal vehicles, but it is far less than the coverage available once a ride is accepted.
Period 3: A Ride is Accepted, or a Passenger is in the Car
This period begins the moment a driver accepts a ride request and continues until the passenger has been dropped off at their destination. This is when the highest level of insurance coverage is active. If you were injured during this time, as a rideshare passenger, an occupant of another vehicle, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, a substantial insurance policy is in place to cover your damages.
In Upstate New York, Uber and Lyft are required to carry at least $1.25 million in liability insurance coverage for accidents that occur during this period. This policy is designed to cover the extensive damages that can result from a serious accident, including your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Injuries After a Rideshare Accident?
After an accident, it’s natural to think the at-fault driver is the only one responsible. In a rideshare case, however, the web of liability can be much wider. A thorough investigation by an experienced legal team may identify several responsible parties, which may include:
- The Uber or Lyft Driver: If the driver's negligence (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, running a red light) caused the crash.
- The Other Driver: If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and the driver of another vehicle was at fault.
- Uber or Lyft (The Company): While they claim drivers are independent contractors, the company could potentially be held liable for issues like negligent hiring (e.g., hiring a driver with a poor driving record) or for pushing drivers to work dangerously long hours.The determination of whether to sue the rideshare company may be a matter of discretion, depending on the overall circumstances.
- A Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defective part on any of the involved vehicles, like faulty brakes or a tire blowout, contributed to the accident.
- A Government Entity: If poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or a lack of proper signage was a factor in the crash. This could give rise to a notice of claim requirement.
By identifying all liable parties, your lawyer can maximize your chances of securing the full and fair compensation in your case.
What Compensation is Available to New York Uber and Lyft Accident Victims?
An accident’s true cost goes far beyond a damaged vehicle. It can affect your health, your ability to work, your family, and your emotional well-being. Your lawyer’s goal is to fight for compensation that covers the full extent of your losses, which can include:
- Current and Future Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and any ongoing care you may need.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: The income you’ve already lost while unable to work, as well as the future income you may lose if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or working at the same capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have endured as a result of the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or the simple joys of life you once loved.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or any other personal property damaged in the crash.
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, and critical deadlines for filing insurance claims can be much shorter. It is vital to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. Each passing day can make it harder to preserve important evidence.
Why Choose William Mattar, P.C.? Our Focus is Your Advantage.
After a traumatic accident, choosing the right law firm is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need a team with the right experience, the right resources, and the right values.
At William Mattar, P.C., we’ve built our firm on one guiding principle: making a difference for injured people.
- A Laser Focus on Motor Vehicle Accidents: Personal injury law is broad, but our practice is not. We only handle motor vehicle accident cases. This singular focus means we have an uncommon depth of knowledge in this specific area of law, including the ever-evolving regulations surrounding rideshare companies.
- Over 30 Years of Experience and Proven Results: For more than three decades, our attorneys have been standing up for injured victims across New York State. We have a track record of success, having collected significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We have the experience and financial resources to take on large insurance companies and fight for full and fair compensation.
- A Large, Statewide Team Ready to Help: From our principal office in Buffalo to our intake locations in Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, New York City, and Long Island, we can serve clients throughout the state. The moment you call, our team is available 24/7 to listen. Our intake specialists will compassionately guide you through the first steps, and our attorneys are prepared to handle even the most complex cases.
- You Can Afford Our Help: The No Fee Until We Win Promise: We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. Our promise is simple: You pay us no attorneys’ legal fees upfront, and we only get paid our fees if we collect money for you. This allows you to get the powerful legal help you need without any added financial stress.
Our rideshare accident lawyers have the experience and resources to take on your case. We will fight to get you full and fair compensation so you can move forward with confidence.
Contact a Trusted Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
We know this is a difficult and uncertain time for you and your family. You are facing physical pain, emotional stress, and financial worries. Please, do not try to carry this burden alone.
The team at William Mattar, P.C. is here to lift that weight from your shoulders. We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the strong, compassionate legal advocacy you need. We will handle the insurance companies, the paperwork, and the legal details so you can dedicate your energy to healing.
Don’t let valuable time slip away. Let our experienced legal team start working to maximize your recovery today. Contact us today at (716) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Put our large, established team to work for you.