Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are ubiquitous in New York. However, when a rideshare trip results in an accident and serious injuries, the situation can quickly become complex. Victims frequently wonder whether they can sue the rideshare driver or hold the rideshare company responsible. In New York, specific rules govern rideshare vehicles, overlaid on the state’s no-fault auto insurance system. While multiple avenues for compensation may exist, there are strict legal thresholds and deadlines that must be met before a lawsuit for non-economic damages can be filed. Please continue reading as we explore what you should know about these matters and how an experienced New York City Uber Accident Lawyer can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
How Do Rideshare Accidents Work in New York?
New York utilizes a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. Under this system, your own insurance is generally responsible for covering your basic medical bills and a portion of lost wages up to a specific limit, irrespective of who was at fault for the accident. This coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
However, the benefits provided are restricted. They will not compensate you for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, full compensation for lost earnings, or other losses. To legally pursue the negligent party, including a rideshare operator, you must satisfy the state’s “serious injury” threshold and successfully establish the other party’s fault.
While a typical collision usually involves two drivers and their respective insurance companies, a rideshare accident introduces several additional parties and layers of coverage:
- The rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance.
- Uber’s or Lyft’s commercial/Transportation Network Company (TNC) policy.
- Insurance or any other vehicles involved in the collision.
- Your personal auto policy and associated PIP coverage.
Determining which policy will provide coverage depends heavily on the circumstances: specifically, whether the driver’s app was active, if a ride request was accepted, and your status in the incident. Understanding these relationships is critical for identifying liable parties and properly filing your claim.
Who Can You Sue After a Rideshare Accident?
If an Uber or Lyft’s negligence, such as speeding, running a red light, tailgating, or distracted driving, caused or contributed to your accident, you have the right to pursue a claim against them, just as you would any other negligent motorist. It should be noted that the driver’s designation as an “independent contractor” does not legally protect them from being held personally accountable and sued for their own negligence actions.
Pursuing a claim directly against Uber or Lyft is significantly more complex. These corporations routinely assert that they operate as technology platforms, not as employers, maintaining that their drivers are independent contractors. Consequently, they usually deny “vicarious liability,” meaning they deny legal responsibility for the driver’s negligence.
Nevertheless, in certain situations, plaintiffs may pursue claims alleging negligence on the part of the company itself. Examples include claims related to negligent hiring, inadequate driver screening or supervision, or flaws in the design of safety features within the rideshare application. For most victims, the most practical approach remains seeking compensation from the substantial commercial liability insurance policy that Uber or Lyft maintains for accidents that occur during an active ride.
Other parties who may hold liability include another motorist whose negligence caused or contributed to the collision, a government entity or private property owner if unsafe road conditions or negligent maintenance were contributing factors, or a vehicle manufacturer or repair facility.
An attorney at The Bàez Legal Group can help you identify all possible causes and ensure every potential source of compensation is explored. Connect with our firm today to schedule a consultation.
