The Most Dangerous Intersections in New York
You got into the car expecting to arrive safely. Instead, you ended up in an ambulance, shaken and unsure who’s going to pay for your injuries. The driver worked for Lyft, and now you’re left wondering how to file a lawsuit against Lyft in New York.
Here’s the short answer: how to file a lawsuit against Lyft depends on who caused the crash, what insurance coverage was active at the time, and how badly you were hurt. The longer answer? That’s where we come in.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C., we’ve spent over 30 years helping crash victims in New York navigate complex insurance and rideshare claims. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft, we’ll help you understand your rights, build your case, and pursue full compensation for your injuries, whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian.
Schedule your free consultation today. We’re available 24/7 and don’t charge a dime unless we win.
Can You Sue Lyft for an Accident in New York?
Although the answer to “Can you sue Lyft for an accident in New York?” is yes, it may not play out exactly as you might think. Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. That means you typically can’t sue Lyft directly for an accident. Still, you can file a claim against their commercial insurance policy, which can cover up to $1 million in damages in some cases.
However, there are exceptions. Suppose Lyft failed to vet a driver properly or knowingly allowed a dangerous person to operate under their platform. In that case, you may have grounds for a Lyft accident lawsuit that names the company directly. But these cases require deep investigation. You’ll need to prove the company acted negligently, not just that the driver made a mistake.
Understanding Insurance Coverage in a Lyft Accident Lawsuit
Lyft’s insurance coverage depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s how it works:
- Driver offline—only their personal insurance applies;
- App on, waiting for a ride—contingent coverage applies, up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; or
- Ride accepted or in progress—Lyft’s $1 million liability policy applies, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
If you were a passenger during a ride, the most comprehensive tier provides coverage for you. That’s why Lyft passenger accident lawsuits often recover higher damages than other types of claims. However, just because the policy exists doesn’t mean it’s easy to collect. Lyft, like all large corporations, uses third-party insurers and claims administrators trained to minimize payouts. That’s why you need a lawyer who’s been through it before and knows how to stand up to those tactics.
Who Can File a Lyft Accident Lawsuit After a Crash?
If a crash involving a Lyft vehicle caused your injuries, you may have grounds to sue. Eligible parties include:
- Passengers inside the Lyft vehicle at the time of the crash;
- Drivers of other vehicles hit by a Lyft car;
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a Lyft driver; and
- Family members filing on behalf of someone incapacitated or killed in the crash.
Whether the Lyft driver was at fault or another driver caused the collision, you may be eligible to file an accident lawsuit for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
New York’s no-fault insurance laws require you to seek initial compensation through your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. But if your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold, you can step outside no-fault and pursue a civil claim.
How to File a Lawsuit Against Lyft in New York
Filing a rideshare crash lawsuit isn’t like dealing with a typical car accident. Here’s what the process generally looks like:
- Report the collision. Notify the police and request a copy of the report. You’ll also need to report the incident using the Lyft app.
- Seek medical care. Even if you feel fine, get checked out immediately. Delayed symptoms can weaken your claim.
- Contact a lawyer. A skilled attorney can determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit under New York law.
- Investigate. Your legal team will gather crash data, app records, vehicle telematics, insurance policies, and eyewitness accounts.
- File your claim. This might mean filing directly with Lyft’s insurer or suing the at-fault party in court.
Knowing how to file a lawsuit against Lyft is only part of the battle. The more important piece? Knowing how to win it. If a rideshare crash hurts you or a loved one, don’t wait for Lyft or their insurer to decide what your case is worth. Contact Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C. today for a free consultation and let us handle the fight while you focus on healing.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Lyft Passenger Accident Lawsuit?
If you’re suing Lyft for a car accident or filing a claim against their insurance, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency treatment and hospital bills,
- Follow-up care and physical therapy,
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress and trauma,
- Loss of consortium (in wrongful death or long-term impairment cases), and
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
These damages add up. Some Lyft passenger accident lawsuits result in six- or seven-figure settlements, particularly when the injuries are severe.
At Greenspan & Greenspan, we build each case from the ground up with expert medical analysis, economic loss reports, and real-time accident reconstruction. The result? Accurate valuations that insurers can’t ignore.
How Long Do You Have to Sue Lyft?
In New York, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But there are exceptions:
- Wrongful death claims—two years from the date of death;
- Claims involving minors—extended deadlines may apply; and
- Delayed injury discovery—certain cases may toll the statute of limitations.
Still, waiting is never a good idea. Evidence fades. Witnesses disappear. And records get lost. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your position becomes.
Why Choose Greenspan & Greenspan for Your Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
Not every firm knows how to handle Lyft passenger accident lawsuits, but we do. Our attorneys have:
- Over 30 years of experience in motor vehicle and rideshare litigation;
- Recovered more than $15 million for injured clients;
- Super Lawyers recognition for client service and legal success;
- No-recovery, no-fee pay structures;
- Hands-on support for everything from property damage to reimbursement tracking; and
- 24/7 availability for case updates and support.
You’re not just hiring an attorney when you work with Greenspan & Greenspan. You’re gaining a strategic partner who knows how to navigate rideshare cases from the inside out. Let us take care of the paperwork, pressure, and deadlines. So you can take care of healing.
Suing Lyft for a Car Accident? Start Here.
Let Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, P.C. walk you through the next steps. We’ll explain your options, help you file, and fight for every dollar the law allows with experience, preparation, and grit.
Contact us today for your free case review. There’s no fee unless we win, and we never stop fighting for our clients’ best interests. You’ve already been through the trauma. Don’t take on the legal battle alone. Since 1959, our firm has helped injured New Yorkers navigate recovery from start to finish. Our team can help protect your rights, help restore your peace of mind, and pursue the justice you deserve.
