Injured in a Lyft or Uber? How to Protect Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident in Long Island

The convenience of rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft has transformed how Long Island and New York City residents get around. But when a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, the legal picture can quickly become complicated. Whether you were a passenger, the driver of the rideshare, or another motorist or pedestrian impacted by the vehicle, it’s crucial to understand your rights—and what to do next.

 

Why rideshare accidents are legally complex

 

Unlike a standard car accident, a rideshare incident may involve multiple insurance layers: the driver’s personal auto insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, and potentially other party policies.

Determining who is at fault can be more complex: Was the driver logged into the rideshare app? Was the driver heading to pick up a passenger or already transporting one? These details affect which insurance applies.

The rideshare company may have its own claims process and may attempt to limit or deny liability, making it all the more important to have experienced legal counsel.

 

Common types of injuries & consequences

Rideshare crashes often involve serious injuries because of high speeds, sudden maneuvers, or multiple vehicles. These can include:

 

Whiplash, fractured bones, spinal injuries

Head injuries or traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Soft-tissue damage, torn ligaments, long-term pain

Psychological trauma, lost wages, future medical needs

 

What you should do immediately after a rideshare accident

 

Get medical attention — Even if you don’t believe you’re badly hurt, some injuries (like whiplash, internal trauma) appear later.

Gather evidence on the scene — Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, signage, and your injuries.

Obtain rideshare app data — Was the driver on a trip? Were they en route to pick up? The status in the rideshare app can affect which insurance applies.

Get the driver’s, your own, and witness contact info — Names, phone numbers, insurance info, fareshare/trip-details.

Preserve your rights — Don’t sign anything offered by the rideshare company or insurer without speaking with a lawyer. They may ask you to release claims prematurely or for a minimal amount.

How the Noll Law Firm can help

At Noll Law Firm, we have over 25 years of trial experience fighting for injured clients. nytrialattorney.com For rideshare accidents:

  • We investigate the facts and app data for your case (who logged in, trip status, etc.).

  • We identify all liable parties and insurance coverage.

  • We handle negotiations and, when necessary, take the case to court to maximize your compensation.

  • We work on a no-recovery, no-fee basis. nytrialattorney.com

FAQs

Q: Does it matter whether the driver had a passenger or not?
Yes. If the driver was en route to pick up or carrying a passenger, a higher level of insurance typically applies than when they were simply logged into the app but not accepting or transporting a ride.

Q: How soon must I file a claim?
In New York, personal injury claims generally must be brought within the statute of limitations (three years for most injury claims). But the sooner you act, the better the evidence (vehicle damage, app logs, witness recollections) can be preserved.

Q: What if I was a passenger?
As a passenger you may have a stronger claim because the driver owed you a duty of care, and the rideshare company may share liability. It’s still vital to act quickly and document everything.

 

Conclusion

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident on Long Island or the New York metro area, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. Contact Noll Law Firm for a free consultation, let us handle the complex legal work, and you can focus on your recovery.