Queens Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Representing Injured Victims in Suffolk County, Nassau County & All of New York

Ridesharing services like Uber, Lyft, and others have completely changed how we travel. They have also made it easier for individuals to make a living. However, rideshare firms are not without challenges. In fact, rideshare accidents are on the rise in New York City, and thousands of people are getting injured in these crashes every year.

If you were involved in a ridesharing accident, reach out to the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. straight away. Our Queens rideshare accident attorney may assist you in understanding your available legal options and work to recover the full compensation you are entitled to.

With more than 15 years of experience, Attorney Sensi and his team have successfully represented hundreds of clients. We have recovered over $30 million in compensation, so we know what it takes to get the best outcome possible in auto accident claims.

Call us at (718) 340-3385 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with our Queens Uber & Lyft accident lawyer.

NYC Ridesharing Laws

Ridesharing operations within New York City are regulated by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), which imposes additional requirements

• TLC Licensing: Drivers must obtain a TLC license, which involves background checks, drug testing, and completion of a TLC-approved driver education course.
• Vehicle Licensing: Vehicles must be inspected and licensed by the TLC, and display TLC-issued license plates. 
• Operational Restrictions: TNCs are permitted to drop off passengers in NYC but are prohibited from picking up passengers within the city unless they are licensed by the TLC.
• Driver Compensation: The city has established a minimum pay rate for rideshare drivers to ensure fair compensation.
• Vehicle Cap: New York City has implemented a cap on the number of for-hire vehicles to address traffic congestion and environmental concerns.

Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents

Queen’s dense traffic, narrow streets, and constant congestion create an environment where rideshare accidents can happen quickly. Uber and Lyft drivers often rely on navigation apps, respond to ride requests while driving, and operate in unfamiliar neighborhoods, all of which can increase the risk of collisions.

Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Distracted driving while checking the app for directions or ride updates
• Speeding to pick up or drop off passengers quickly
• Illegal stops in bike lanes or traffic lanes
• Fatigue from long driving hours
• Inexperienced driving in heavy New York City traffic
• Failure to yield to pedestrians and cyclists

Identifying the cause of the accident is critical to proving liability and recovering compensation.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident is not as simple as checking who was behind the wheel. The amount of insurance coverage available depends on the "Period" of the ride:

The Driver is Logged Off

When a driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they are considered a private motorist. If they cause an accident while the app is off, the company has no liability. In this scenario, you would file a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.

The Driver is Logged On (Available)

If the driver has the app open and is waiting for a ride request but has not yet accepted one, Uber and Lyft provide "contingent" liability coverage. In New York, this usually includes:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
• $25,000 for property damage.

This coverage only applies if the driver's personal insurance denies the claim (which they often do, citing the "commercial use" exclusion).

The Driver has Accepted a Ride or has a Passenger

This is when the highest level of coverage is triggered. From the moment a driver clicks "Accept" on a ride request until the passenger is dropped off, New York law requires a minimum of $1.25 million in commercial liability insurance. This coverage protects passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists if the rideshare driver is at fault.

Uber & Lyft Accident Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim in Queens?

In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if you are filing for No-Fault benefits, you must submit your application within 30 days. If the accident involved a municipal vehicle (like an MTA bus), you might only have 90 days to file a Notice of Claim.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

Because Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, it is often difficult to sue the parent company for a driver's negligence. However, you can almost always file a claim against the insurance policies provided by these companies. In rare cases involving negligent hiring or safety failures, the company itself may be held directly liable.

What if the other driver was at fault, not my Uber driver?

If you were a passenger and another motorist hit your Uber or Lyft, you would first seek No-Fault benefits for your medical bills. To recover further damages, you would file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. If that driver is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply.

What should I do immediately after the accident?

• Call 911: Ensure a police report is filed.
• Screenshot the App: Save proof of your ride, the driver’s name, and the trip status.
• Take Photos: Document the scene, the damage to all vehicles, and the surrounding area.
• Seek Medical Care: Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately.
• Contact the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C.: Do not sign any settlement offers from insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.

What types of compensation can I recover after a rideshare accident?

In a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Current and future medical costs related to your injuries.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the accident, including future lost earnings.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any damaged property.
• Punitive damages: In cases of particularly reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.

Contact Our Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys in Queens

At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we are well-versed in New York personal injury law and can help you understand your legal options and work to secure the fair compensation you are owed after a rideshare accident. Call us at (718) 340-3385 to schedule a consultation with our team. 

To get started on your case, call our Queens Uber & Lyft accident lawyers at at (718) 340-3385 or contact us online.