Rideshare pickup station in Garden City

A rideshare accident can leave you facing far more than a damaged vehicle. Whether you were riding in an Uber, traveling in a Lyft, or struck by a rideshare driver, you may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, missed time from work, and uncertainty about who is responsible for paying for your losses. Unlike many car accident claims, rideshare cases often involve multiple insurance policies and coverage questions that can complicate the recovery process.

At The Saul Law Firm, LLP, we represent injured rideshare passengers, drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles throughout Garden City, Nassau County, and Long Island. We investigate the crash, determine what insurance coverage applies, and handle communications with the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery. Our goal is to identify every available source of compensation and build the strongest claim possible on your behalf. 

Why Choose The Saul Law Firm for Your Rideshare Accident Case?

At The Saul Law Firm, LLP, we have spent decades helping injury victims throughout Nassau County and Long Island pursue compensation after serious accidents. We believe every client deserves personal attention, honest guidance, and strong advocacy from start to finish.

When you work with us, you benefit from:

  • Direct attorney access and personalized attention
  • Individual legal strategies based on the facts of your accident and injuries
  • Recognition, including an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell and Super Lawyers honors
  • No attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you
  • Free consultations for rideshare accident victims

Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim in Garden City?

A rideshare accident can affect more than the people inside the Uber or Lyft vehicle. Injured rideshare passengers, drivers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists may all have the right to pursue compensation.

Liability depends on how the crash happened, who caused it, and what insurance coverage applies. Because more than one party may share fault, we look closely at all possible sources of recovery.

What Causes Most Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Many rideshare crashes happen for the same reasons as other serious motor vehicle accidents. Others involve risks specific to app-based driving.

Common causes include:

  • Distracted driving while using the rideshare app, GPS, or messaging features
  • Speeding or aggressive driving while trying to complete more rides
  • Drowsy driving after long hours or late-night shifts
  • Unsafe pickups, drop-offs, turns, or lane changes
  • Failure to yield, running red lights, or ignoring stop signs
  • Poor vehicle maintenance, including worn brakes or bald tires

Identifying the cause of the crash helps determine who may be held financially responsible.

How Does Insurance Work After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Insurance coverage in a rideshare accident depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.

If the app was off, the driver’s personal auto insurance generally applies.

If the app was on and the driver was waiting for a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited third-party liability coverage. This may include up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage if the rideshare driver caused the crash.

If the driver accepted a ride or was transporting a passenger, coverage may increase substantially. In many cases, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage during this phase. These coverage rules can become complicated quickly, especially when another driver also contributed to the crash.

What Should You Do After a Garden City Rideshare Accident?

The steps you take after the crash can affect your health and your legal claim. If you are able to do so safely, you should:

  1. Call 911 and report the accident.
  2. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  3. Get the rideshare driver’s contact, license, and insurance information.
  4. Save screenshots of your Uber or Lyft ride details.
  5. Take photos of the vehicles, roadway, injuries, and scene.
  6. Attend follow-up medical appointments and keep your records.
  7. Avoid recorded statements or speculation about fault.
  8. Contact a Garden City rideshare accident attorney before dealing further with insurers.

Even if your injuries seem manageable at first, medical documentation can be important if symptoms worsen later.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?

The compensation available depends on your injuries, the facts of the crash, and the insurance coverage available.

A claim may include compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and loss of enjoyment of life. In serious injury cases, the financial impact may continue well after the first round of medical treatment ends.

How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit in New York?

In most New York personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting can make your case harder to prove. Witnesses may become difficult to reach, app records may be harder to obtain, and insurance companies may use delays against you.

Speaking with an attorney early can help preserve evidence and protect your right to seek compensation.

Contact Our Garden City Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

An Uber or Lyft accident can leave you dealing with pain, medical bills, missed work, and unanswered questions about who is responsible. The Saul Law Firm, LLP represents rideshare accident victims in Garden City and throughout Long Island. Contact The Saul Law Firm, LLP today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft?

Yes. Passengers are rarely at fault for causing a crash. Depending on the circumstances, you may have a claim against the rideshare driver, another driver, Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage, or more than one insurance policy.

What if another driver caused the crash?

If another driver caused the accident, you may be able to pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance. A rideshare accident attorney can also review whether any Uber or Lyft coverage may apply.

Do I have to pay upfront to hire The Saul Law Firm, LLP?

No. We offer free consultations and handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.