Uber, Lyft, and Taxi Accidents in New York: What You Need to Know

Jessica Almeida | Dec 16 2025 16:00

Ridesharing and Taxi Travel in NYC

In New York City, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft —alongside traditional yellow cabs and livery cars —are a daily convenience. Millions of people rely on these services every year. But with so many vehicles on the road, accidents are inevitable.

When you’re injured in an Uber, Lyft, or taxi accident, the legal process for getting compensation can be more complicated than a typical car accident. At Almeida Law, we help passengers, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Rideshare & Taxi Accidents

  • Distracted driving(texting or app use while driving)

  • Fatigue(drivers working long shifts to maximize fares)

  • Reckless driving(speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield)

  • Poor vehicle maintenance

  • Congested NYC traffic leading to sudden stops or collisions

Who Is Responsible in an Uber, Lyft, or Taxi Accident?

Determining liability can be complex, especially with rideshare companies. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Uber & Lyft Accidents

  • If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal insurance applies.

  • If the driver was logged in but had no passenger, Uber/Lyft may provide limited liability coverage.

  • If the driver was transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, Uber/Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage for injuries and damages.

2. Taxi Accidents

Taxi companies must carry commercial insurance policies with higher coverage limits than typical personal car insurance. Injured passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers may file claims against the taxi driver, taxi company, or both.

What Damages Can Victims Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare or taxi accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills (emergency care, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation)

  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional trauma

  • Property damage (if applicable)

Steps to Take After a Rideshare or Taxi Accident

  1. Call 911 and make sure police document the accident.

  2. Seek medical attention immediately —some injuries take time to appear.

  3. Gather evidence:

    • Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries

    • Save receipts or ride confirmations from Uber/Lyft

    • Collect witness names and contact information

  4. Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice.

  5. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to guide you through the claims process.

Why Choose Almeida Law P.C.?

At Almeida Law, we understand the unique challenges of rideshare and taxi accidents. These cases often involve:

  • Multiple insurance companies

  • Complicated coverage rules

  • Aggressive adjusters trying to limit payouts

Our team knows how to untangle these issues, negotiate with insurers, and build a strong case for full compensation. Whether you were a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, we’ll fight to protect your rights.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or taxi accident in New York, don’t try to handle the insurance maze on your own. Get a trusted advocate on your side.

📞 Call (718) 475-6338 today to schedule your free consultation with Almeida Law P.C.