Rideshare Accidents in New York | Understanding Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage
February 6, 2026
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are widely used throughout New York. While convenient, accidents involving these vehicles introduce complicated insurance and liability questions.
Understanding how rideshare insurance coverage works is essential for injured victims.
How Rideshare Insurance Works
Coverage depends on the driver’s status:
- App off: Driver’s personal insurance applies
- App on, no passenger: Limited coverage applies
- Passenger onboard: Commercial coverage applies
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Emotional distress
Key Takeaways
Rideshare insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status: app off, waiting, or passenger onboard.
- Common injuries include whiplash, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and emotional distress.
- Liability may involve the driver, rideshare company, or both, depending on the situation.
- Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering, and future care.
- Claims are often more complex than regular car accidents due to multiple insurers and overlapping policies.
Why You Should Talk to a New York Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft in New York can lead to serious injuries, including whiplash, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and emotional distress. Insurance claims in these cases are often complicated because coverage depends on the driver’s status—app off, waiting for a ride, or passenger onboard. Having an experienced personal injury attorney can make a critical difference. We can help you:
- Properly file and manage insurance claims, including personal insurance, commercial rideshare coverage, and no-fault benefits
- Challenge unfair denials or limited payouts from insurers
- Determine liability between the driver, rideshare company, or other parties involved
- Pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs
At LFK Law Practice, P.C., we help rideshare accident victims across New York understand their rights, navigate complex insurance policies, and secure all available compensation after a crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll handle the insurance process so you can focus on recovery and healing.
Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Uber or Lyft automatically responsible for accidents?
Not always. Liability depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride, or transporting a passenger at the time of the crash. - What insurance applies in a rideshare accident?
Coverage varies by driver status. Personal insurance may apply when the app is off, while commercial rideshare insurance may apply during active rides. - Can passengers sue Uber or Lyft directly?
In some cases, claims may involve the rideshare company’s insurance policies rather than the driver alone, depending on the facts of the accident. - Are rideshare accident claims more complicated than car accidents?
Yes. These cases often involve multiple insurers, disputed coverage periods, and complex policy terms. - What damages can be recovered after a rideshare accident?
Victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care.
References (APA Format)
- New York State Department of Financial Services. (2024). Auto insurance guidance. https://www.dfs.ny.gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2024). Traffic safety facts. https://www.nhtsa.gov
