If an Uber or Lyft crash injures you in the Bronx, determining who pays your losses can get complicated. Liability depends on the driver’s app status and who caused the crash.
How liability works in rideshare crashes
Rideshare insurance changes with the driver’s app status. That status decides which policy applies and how much coverage you can access:
- Period 0: Driver offline; only their auto insurance applies.
- Period 1: Logged in, waiting; contingent limits to $50,000 per person, $100,000 on every accident, $25,000 for damage to property.
- Periods 2–3: Ride accepted or passenger onboard; can range to $1 million third-party liability.
Identifying the correct period tells you which insurer covers the claim and what benefits are available.
If another driver caused the crash
If another driver caused the crash, that driver’s insurer pays first. If the driver lacks coverage, has too little or fled the scene, Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) can help pay your medical bills and lost wages.
What if you were a rideshare passenger?
Passengers rarely share fault. Your first layer of coverage comes from New York’s no-fault (PIP) insurance which pays medical expenses and lost wages. To recover from pain and suffering, you must meet the “serious injury” threshold — such as a fracture, major disfigurement, permanent limitation or a medically confirmed 90/180-day disability.
Why comparative fault matters
In New York, you can still get money for your injuries even if you were partly to blame for the crash. Under New York’s CPLR §1411, your compensation decreases by your share of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault for a $100,000 injury, you could still get $80,000.
When the driver of Uber/Lyft is injured
What the driver can claim depends on whether they had the app on or off. If the app was on and they had accepted a ride or had a passenger, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may help cover their losses. Since drivers count as independent contractors, they usually don’t get workers’ compensation.
What you can do next
Uber and Lyft accident claims often involve several insurers and strict filing rules. A skilled rideshare accident lawyer can review your coverage, identify all available policies and stop insurers from undervaluing your claim. Legal guidance ensures you meet every deadline and protect your rights while you focus on healing.