US-New YorkCan I sue a rideshare company if their driver causes an accident?
Yes, you may sue a rideshare company in New York if their driver injures you — courts have held them potentially liable under theories like negligent hiring, vicarious liability, or direct corporate negligence.
What the Law Says
New York law does not exempt rideshare companies from liability when their drivers cause injury. While no statute explicitly names 'rideshare,' existing laws on motor carrier liability, insurance requirements, and employer responsibility apply.
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL), all for-hire drivers — including those working for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft — must carry minimum liability insurance: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage while logged in but not carrying a passenger ('Period 1'). Coverage increases to $1,250,000 during trips with passengers ('Period 3').
New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law requires injured persons to file claims within 30 days of the accident (though benefits may still be available up to 90 days with good cause). Lawsuits against at-fault parties must be filed within three years of the injury — the standard personal injury statute of limitations.
Courts analyze whether a TNC exercised sufficient control over its driver to support vicarious liability — or whether it failed to properly screen, train, or supervise, supporting direct negligence claims.
Statutory TextEvery owner of a vehicle used for transportation network purposes shall maintain automobile liability insurance… in an amount not less than twenty-five thousand dollars because of bodily injury to, or death of, one person…
— N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 370-a(1)(a) — Liability insurance for transportation network vehicles
Statutory TextAn action to recover damages for personal injury… must be commenced within three years of the date of injury.
— N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5) — Three-year limitation for personal injury
What Courts Have Said
New York courts have increasingly rejected blanket immunity for rideshare companies and allowed plaintiffs to pursue claims based on the company’s conduct and relationship with drivers.
Court denied Uber’s motion to dismiss, holding that plaintiff adequately alleged negligent hiring and retention where Uber failed to investigate a driver’s prior assault conviction disclosed in a background check.
Court affirmed denial of summary judgment, finding triable issues on whether Lyft exercised sufficient control over driver conduct to support vicarious liability under the 'right-to-control' test.
What to Do
Seek medical care immediately and document all injuries and treatment.
Report the incident to the rideshare company and preserve app screenshots, trip receipts, and communications.
File a No-Fault insurance claim within 30 days (or as soon as practicable, up to 90 days).
Consult a New York personal injury attorney within weeks — evidence fades and witness memories blur quickly.
File a lawsuit before the 3-year deadline under CPLR § 214(5), especially if negotiations stall or liability is disputed.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.