New York Rideshare Accident Lawyer
CASE RESULTS
$10,581,576
MILLION
Guaranteed lifetime payment secured for an eleven-year-old girl from the Caribbean who was seriously injured after being struck by a van while crossing the street. The client sustained a fracture of the left wrist and underwent surgery to her knee and lower back.
You booked the ride to feel safe. Now you’re dealing with injuries, a pile of medical bills, and phone calls from insurance adjusters who are already working against you. That’s not a situation anyone should face alone.
Our New York rideshare accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Omrani & Taub, P.C. handle Uber and Lyft injury claims across New York City, Elmhurst, White Plains, and surrounding communities. If you were hurt as a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver, we’re ready to help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Call us today for a free consultation at (718) 714-1515.
Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim in New York?
Rideshare accident claims in New York are not limited to passengers. Anyone injured because of an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence may have a viable claim, including passengers in the rideshare vehicle, occupants of other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage applies first regardless of who caused the crash. To file a personal injury lawsuit and seek full compensation, your injuries must meet the state’s serious injury threshold — a legal standard our attorneys can help you evaluate.
The circumstances matter. Was the Uber app on? Was a passenger already in the car? Was the driver actively en route to a pickup? Each scenario affects which insurance policy applies and how much coverage may be available. Our attorneys examine every detail to identify all available sources of recovery.
Injured as an Uber or Lyft Passenger
As a passenger, you are among the most protected parties in a rideshare accident. When a driver is actively transporting a fare, both Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in liability coverage. Our attorneys have handled passenger injury claims against rideshare carriers, and we know how these companies respond when claims come in.
Injured as a Pedestrian, Cyclist, or Other Driver
Being struck by a rideshare vehicle does not make your claim straightforward. Coverage depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the collision. We review app data, dispatch records, and insurance documentation to determine which policies apply to your case.
If your rideshare driver was distracted and caused an accident, read this to understand your rights and how liability works in these situations.
What Happens When Another Driver Caused the Crash
Not every rideshare accident is the Uber or Lyft driver’s fault. If another motorist caused the collision, our team pursues that driver’s insurer — and, where applicable, underinsured motorist coverage provided by the rideshare company — to pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
How Uber and Lyft Insurance Works in New York
Rideshare insurance in New York operates in layers, and knowing which layer applies to your accident is critical. Many injured people settle for far less than they may be owed because they didn’t know the full picture.
Coverage shifts depending on whether the driver’s app was off, on but idle, or active with a passenger. Here is how the coverage tiers generally work:
App Off — Driver's Personal Insurance Only
If the Uber or Lyft driver was not logged into the app at the time of your accident, the rideshare company’s policy does not apply. You would pursue the driver’s personal auto insurance — and potentially your own underinsured motorist coverage if their limits fall short.
App On, No Passenger — Limited Rideshare Coverage
When a driver is logged in and waiting for a request, Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage. Limits at this stage are lower than when a passenger is aboard. An attorney can help determine whether these limits are sufficient or whether additional claims are available.
En Route or Passenger Aboard — $1 Million Policy
Once a driver accepts a trip or is actively transporting a passenger, both Uber and Lyft carry up to $1 million in liability coverage. This is the tier most relevant to passenger injury claims and to pedestrian or cyclist claims involving active rides.
The Independent Contractor Defense
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification is designed to limit the companies’ direct liability. Our attorneys are familiar with how this defense is used, and we know when corporate liability may still apply under New York law.
What Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys Do for You
Rideshare accident cases move quickly — and so do the insurance companies. Having legal representation early puts you in a much stronger position.
Investigate the Accident and Preserve Evidence
App data, GPS records, dispatch logs, and dashcam footage are all relevant to rideshare claims. We move promptly to preserve this evidence before it is lost or overwritten.
Identify Every Available Insurance Policy
Multiple policies may apply to your case — the rideshare company’s coverage, the driver’s personal insurance, your own PIP, and potentially a third-party driver’s policy. We review every layer so nothing is overlooked.
Handle All Communications with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Statements you make early in the claims process can be used against you. We handle all communication on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
Build Your Claim and Pursue Full Compensation
Medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs all factor into the value of a rideshare injury claim. We document your losses carefully and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions: New York Rideshare Accident Claims
Do I need a lawyer after an Uber accident in New York if insurance is already involved?
Yes — having legal representation is important even when insurance coverage appears straightforward. Rideshare insurance claims involve overlapping policies, coverage disputes, and adjusters whose goal is to minimize what you receive. An attorney reviews the full picture and advocates for compensation that reflects your actual losses, not just the first offer.
How long does a rideshare accident case take to resolve in New York?
Every case moves at its own pace. Some claims resolve in months; others take longer if liability is disputed or injuries
require extended treatment. What matters most is pursuing your claim at the right time — after your medical picture is clear enough to understand the full scope of your losses. Our attorneys help you navigate timing so you’re not pressured into settling too early.
What if the Uber driver was on their way to pick me up when the accident happened?
If the driver had accepted your ride request and was en route to your location, the rideshare company’s higher-tier insurance coverage generally applies. This is an important distinction because it determines whether you have access to the $1 million liability policy rather than the lower coverage available when drivers are simply logged in and waiting. We analyze app data to confirm the driver’s status.
What if I was a pedestrian or cyclist hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?
Pedestrians and cyclists injured by rideshare vehicles have the same legal rights as any other injury victim. Coverage depends on whether the driver was active on the platform at the time. We investigate the accident thoroughly to determine which policies apply and pursue claims against every responsible party.
Can I still recover compensation if the Uber driver’s personal insurance is not enough?
Possibly, yes. If the driver was active on the app, the rideshare company’s policy provides a significant additional layer of coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage may also be available. Our attorneys identify all available sources of compensation rather than stopping at the first policy that responds.
One Conversation Can Change How This Ends
After a rideshare accident, you’re already managing more than enough — physical recovery, missed work, and the weight of not knowing what comes next. The legal side of this doesn’t have to add to that burden.
Our team at The Law Offices of Omrani & Taub, P.C. serves clients across New York City, Elmhurst, White Plains, and the surrounding area. We offer free consultations in English and Spanish, and you pay no fees unless we recover for you.
Pick up the phone when you’re ready. We’ll handle the rest.
Call 212-714-1515 Today
For A Free Consultation
