On a rainy Tuesday afternoon in Manhattan, Maria tapped her phone to request a ride home. She’d had a long shift at the hospital and was eager to rest. Within minutes, a friendly rideshare driver pulled up. But just three blocks into the drive, a distracted taxi ran a red light and slammed into their vehicle. The next moments were a blur—sirens, flashing lights, and an aching pain in Maria’s back.
Sadly, Maria’s story isn’t unique. As rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become part of everyday life in New York City, so have the accidents involving them. While the convenience is undeniable, the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be confusing and overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to figure out what compensation you might be entitled to.
At Hill & Moin LLP, we’ve helped countless New Yorkers just like Maria navigate this exact situation. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, here’s what you need to know about the compensation you may be able to recover—and how to protect your rights every step of the way.
Understanding the Rideshare Landscape in NYC
New York has its own rules when it comes to rideshare companies. Uber, Lyft, and similar services operate under the watchful eye of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). This means their vehicles are licensed, and drivers must meet specific standards.
But when an accident happens, the question becomes: Who pays? The driver? The rideshare company? Your own insurance?
The answer depends on the circumstances. If the driver was working at the time—meaning they were logged into the app and either transporting or on the way to pick up a passenger—then the rideshare company’s insurance may apply. These policies can cover up to $1.25 million in liability for bodily injury or death, according to New York State DMV guidance.
That’s good news if you’re hurt—but only if you know how to access it.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of rideshare accidents may be eligible to recover compensation for several types of damages. These fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These are the tangible losses you can put a number on:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and ongoing care. If your injuries were severe, you might need help from our New York medical malpractice attorneys, especially if your treatment was mishandled.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries force you to take time off work—or if you’re unable to return to your job entirely—you may be compensated for the income you’ve lost. Learn more on how we handle complex workers’ compensation cases.
- Future Earning Capacity: Sometimes, injuries impact your ability to earn in the future. In those cases, you may be able to seek damages for reduced earning potential.
- Property Damage: If your phone, laptop, or other valuables were damaged in the crash, you could be reimbursed for their repair or replacement.
Non-Economic Damages
These are more personal, but no less real:
- Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain, limited mobility, or emotional anguish can seriously impact your life. Our team frequently handles these cases under our broader personal injury practice.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Injuries that affect hobbies, travel, or quality time with loved ones can form part of your claim.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for the emotional and physical strain caused by your injuries.
What If the Rideshare Driver Wasn’t at Fault?
Accidents in New York often involve more than one vehicle—and more than one party may share the blame. If another driver was at fault (like in Maria’s case), you might be able to pursue compensation through their insurance or even through underinsured motorist coverage.
The good news? You don’t have to figure this out alone. Our legal team can conduct a thorough investigation, gather police reports and witness statements, and pinpoint exactly who’s responsible—so you can focus on healing.
Time Limits Matter: Don’t Wait to Act
New York has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident. However, if a government vehicle was involved, the deadline may be as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. Learn more about deadlines in our What Makes a Good Case guide.
According to the New York State Unified Court System, these deadlines are enforced strictly. Don’t risk losing your right to compensation.
Real Help for Real People
At Hill & Moin LLP, we know that no two accidents are the same. Maybe your injuries are minor but persistent, keeping you up at night. Maybe they’re catastrophic, changing your life in an instant. Either way, you deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect—not just by your medical team, but by your legal team, too.
We take the time to listen to your story, explain your rights in plain language, and fight tirelessly to make sure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies. Want to know why we’re different? Find out Why Choose Hill & Moin.
Schedule Your “No Worry” Free Legal Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in New York City, we’re here to help. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you have rights—and we’ll fight to protect them.
Let’s talk about your options in a confidential, pressure-free consultation. No confusing legal jargon. No hidden fees. Just honest guidance from a team that cares.
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You’ve been through enough. Let Hill & Moin LLP be the support you need to move forward—stronger, safer, and fully compensated.