Most Common Injuries from Uber and Lyft Accidents

Serving Injured Rideshare Victims in All Five NYC Boroughs
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – New York City Personal Injury Lawyers

When you tap “Confirm Uber” or “Request Lyft” in New York City, you’re thinking about convenience, not catastrophe. A quick ride from Midtown to Brooklyn, from JFK into Manhattan, or home after a late shift.

When that rideshare ends in a crash, everything can change in seconds.

Suddenly, you’re dealing with pain, hospital visits, time off work, and confusing insurance questions involving the Uber or Lyft driver, their personal insurer, and the rideshare company’s policy. You may also be wondering:

• Are my injuries serious enough for a claim in New York?
• Who pays my medical bills after an NYC Uber/Lyft crash?
• Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City Uber and Lyft accident lawyers represent injured passengers, drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

This guide explains the most common injuries from Uber and Lyft accidents in NYC, why rideshare passengers are especially vulnerable, and what you can do to protect your health and your legal rights under New York law.

Why Uber and Lyft Accidents in New York City Can Be So Serious

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are everywhere in New York City. But the same factors that make them convenient also make NYC Uber and Lyft accidents uniquely dangerous:

• Distracted driving from phone use, GPS, and the Uber/Lyft app
• Driver fatigue from long or irregular rideshare shifts
• Inexperienced rideshare drivers with minimal formal training
• Heavy NYC traffic, tight streets, and constant stops
• Unpredictable pickups and drop-offs in bike lanes, bus lanes, and double-parked spots
• Seatbelt nonuse, especially by rear-seat passengers

These conditions increase both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries in Uber or Lyft accidents in New York City.

Why Rideshare Passengers in NYC Are Especially Vulnerable

Most Uber and Lyft passengers ride in the back seat. That’s normal, but it comes with hidden risks:

• The rear seat may have fewer airbags and less advanced safety features than the front.
• Passengers often don’t adjust the headrest, increasing the risk of whiplash.
• Many people skip the seat belt in the back, especially on short NYC trips.
• Common rideshare vehicles-Camry, Prius, Accord, Civic, Sonata, Altima, and similar sedans-offer good overall safety, but protection varies by seat position and crash type.

Even in a 4- or 5-star crash-tested vehicle, a sudden rear-end, side-impact, or intersection collision in New York City traffic can cause serious, life-changing injuries, especially to relaxed backseat passengers who are on their phones and not braced for impact.

How NYC Rideshare Crashes Injure the Body

An Uber or Lyft collision in New York City can injure virtually any part of the body. Many victims suffer polytrauma, multiple injuries at the same time.

Blunt Force Trauma

You’re thrown against the seat in front of you, the door, the dashboard, or the airbag. Even without breaking the skin, this can cause:

• Concussions and brain injuries
• Broken ribs or other fractures
• Bruising and internal organ damage

Penetrating Trauma

The force of impact can shatter glass or twist metal. Sharp edges and flying objects can:

• Cut deeply into the skin
• Embed glass or metal in the body
• Damage underlying muscles, nerves, or organs

Internal Trauma

Even when you “look okay” on the outside, sudden deceleration can:

• Injure internal organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs)
• Cause internal bleeding
• Create life-threatening conditions that aren’t obvious right away

Because NYC rideshare crashes often happen at city speeds with heavy traffic, it’s common to see both visible injuries and hidden internal damage from a single collision.

Most Common Injuries From Uber and Lyft Accidents in New York City

Although every crash is different, specific injuries recur in New York Uber and Lyft accident cases.

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions

Your head doesn’t have to strike anything to suffer a brain injury; the brain can be injured just by being jolted inside the skull during a NYC rideshare accident.

Common rideshare-related brain injuries include:

• Concussions (mild TBI) – headaches, dizziness, memory issues, trouble concentrating, sensitivity to light or noise
• Moderate to severe TBIs – cognitive problems, personality changes, mood swings, sleep issues, sensory changes, seizures, even coma

Even a “mild” concussion can seriously limit your ability to work in New York City, ride the subway safely, or care for yourself. Symptoms can linger for months or longer, so any head impact or concussion symptoms should be taken seriously and evaluated promptly.

2. Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries in NYC car accidents, especially rear-end crashes in stop-and-go Manhattan and outer-borough traffic.

Whiplash and neck injuries can cause:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Headaches, dizziness, or ringing in the ears
• Pain radiating into the shoulders or arms

Because the neck is a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves, whiplash that’s dismissed as “just soreness” can turn into chronic pain and mobility problems if not adequately treated.

3. Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

The spine is highly vulnerable in a collision, especially when you’re in the back seat and unprepared for impact.

Common back and spine injuries in NYC Uber/Lyft crashes include:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Nerve compression (e.g., sciatica, radiculopathy)
• Vertebral fractures
• Spinal cord damage

These injuries can lead to:

• Severe back and neck pain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs
• Loss of mobility and balance
• Partial or complete paralysis

Spinal injuries can change every aspect of your life, from your ability to work a New York job to using public transit to caring for family members.

4. Broken Bones and Joint Injuries

The sudden forces in a rideshare crash can easily fracture bones, especially when:

• Passengers brace with their hands or arms
• Knees slam into the seat, dashboard, or door
• Seat belts or airbags exert a potent force on the chest or shoulders

Typical fractures in NYC Uber and Lyft accidents include:

• Arms, wrists, and hands
• Legs, ankles, and feet
• Ribs and collarbones
• Facial bones and nose

Broken bones often require:

• Surgery and hardware (plates, screws, rods)
• Casting or immobilization
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Poorly healed fractures can result in long-term pain, stiffness, and arthritis, making walking city blocks, commuting, or working on your feet extremely difficult.

5. Extremity Injuries (Arms, Legs, Hands, Feet)

Passengers often instinctively throw their arms up to protect themselves during a crash, or their legs absorb force from bracing on the floorboard.

These injuries may include:

• Sprains and strains
• Torn ligaments or tendons
• Dislocations
• Crush injuries to feet or ankles

Extremity injuries can interfere with walking, lifting, standing, and using your hands-all of which directly affect your ability to work and live independently in New York City.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons and are sometimes dismissed as “just soreness.” In reality, they can be debilitating.

Examples include:

• Sprains (ligament injuries)
• Strains (muscle or tendon injuries)
• Deep bruising and contusions

These injuries may not appear on X-rays or MRIs, which insurers sometimes use to argue that you’re “not really hurt”-even when you’re in significant pain. Proper medical documentation and an experienced NYC Uber accident attorney are critical.

7. Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

Internal injuries can be among the most dangerous consequences of a New York rideshare accident because they may not be obvious right away.

These can include:

• Damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs
• Internal bleeding
• Lung contusions or collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

If untreated, these conditions can rapidly become life-threatening. Any abdominal pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting after an NYC crash should be treated as an emergency.

8. Chest Injuries

While seat belts save lives, in a high-impact crash, they can also cause:

• Chest bruising
• Broken ribs or sternum
• Lung injuries

Chest trauma can make it painful or difficult to breathe and may be associated with underlying internal organ damage.

9. Cuts, Scarring, and Disfigurement

Broken glass, sharp edges, and loose objects (phones, bags, bottles) can cause:

• Superficial cuts and bruises
• Deep lacerations requiring stitches or surgery
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Scars on visible areas like the face, neck, and hands can carry a high emotional and psychological cost, especially in a professional, public-facing city like New York.

10. Burns

Though less common, burns can occur when:

• A vehicle catches fire
• Hot fluids, steam, or chemicals are released
• Airbags or friction cause skin burns

Burns often require specialized treatment, may result in scarring, and can be extremely painful, sometimes more psychologically traumatic than other injuries.

11. Loss of Limb (Amputation)

In the most severe Uber and Lyft accidents, crushing forces, deep burns, or catastrophic fractures may result in traumatic amputation or the medical need for surgical removal of a limb.

Long-term effects may include:

• Permanent disability
• Prosthetic needs
• Ongoing physical and occupational therapy
• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Loss of independence and income

These cases require aggressive medical care and an experienced New York City rideshare accident lawyer who understands the actual lifetime cost of an amputation injury.

12. Psychological and Emotional Trauma

An Uber or Lyft crash in NYC is a sudden, frightening event. It’s very common to experience:

• Anxiety or panic when riding in cars
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Depression or emotional numbness
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Emotional trauma is real and can be as disabling as a physical injury. It’s essential to seek mental-health support and to include these harms in your New York Uber/Lyft injury claim.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Injury as an Uber or Lyft Passenger in NYC

You can’t control how other drivers behave in New York City, but you can take simple steps to protect yourself:

1. Always Wear Your Seat Belt

1. Buckle up in the back seat every single time.
2. Lap belt across your hips, not your stomach.
3. Shoulder strap across your chest, not under your arm or behind your back.
4. Adjust Your Headrest

2. The top should be level with the top of your head.
3. Proper positioning helps protect your neck in a rear-end collision.
4. Sit in a Safe Position

3. Sit upright-don’t slouch or recline excessively.
4. Keep your feet off the center console and don’t jam your knees against the seat in front.
5. Choose Your Seat Thoughtfully

4. Rear seats often provide strong side-impact protection, but designs vary.
5. If you feel safer in the front seat and the driver is comfortable, that may be better for some passengers (exceptionally tall riders or those with back/neck issues).
6. Speak Up About Dangerous Driving
7. If your driver is speeding, weaving, texting, or driving aggressively, say something or end the ride. Your safety comes first.

These steps can’t eliminate risk, but they can reduce the severity of injuries if a crash happens.

Why NYC Uber and Lyft Accident Cases Are More Complicated Than “Regular” Car Crashes

Uber and Lyft accident claims in New York City are rarely simple fender-benders. Several factors make them uniquely complex.

Multiple Potentially Liable Parties

Depending on how the crash happened, the responsible parties may include:

• The Uber/Lyft driver
• Another negligent driver
• Multiple vehicles
• In limited situations, the rideshare company itself

Each may have its own insurer-and its own story.

Complex Insurance Layers

Rideshare insurance coverage depends heavily on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:

• App Off: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
• App On, No Ride Accepted: Limited rideshare coverage may be available.
• Trip Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle: A much higher level of commercial coverage (often up to $1 million) may be available.

Add New York’s no-fault (PIP) system on top, and determining which policy applies, in what order, and for how much can become a legal maze.

Independent Contractor Issues

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees, to limit direct corporate liability. However, their insurance often still provides coverage when drivers are on the app.

Understanding where and how to pursue compensation in NYC requires legal experience with rideshare-specific policies and New York law.

Who Pays My Medical Bills After an Uber or Lyft Accident in New York?

New York is a no-fault state, which means:

• The vehicle’s PIP coverage typically pays your initial medical bills and part of your lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.

However:

• If your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold (for example, fractures, significant limitations, disfigurement, or specific long-term impairments), you may bring a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver and seek additional damages for pain and suffering and full lost earnings.
• As a rideshare passenger, you may also be protected by substantial Uber/Lyft liability coverage, depending on the driver’s status in the app at the time.

Sorting out which policy applies and in what amount can get complicated quickly. That’s where an experienced NYC Uber and Lyft accident attorney is essential.

Damages You May Be Entitled to After a NYC Rideshare Accident

If you were seriously injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in New York City, you may be able to recover compensation for:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses – ER care, hospitalization, surgery, doctors’ visits, physical therapy, medications, assistive devices
• Future medical care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage – phones, glasses, and other items damaged in the crash

Non-Economic Damages (Human Losses)

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with a spouse)

Every case is unique. Our job at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is to understand how the crash has affected your life in New York and fight for compensation that reflects the full scope of your injuries and losses.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in New York City

What you do in the minutes and days after an NYC rideshare crash can have a significant impact on both your health and your case.

1. Call 911 and Make a Report

• If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
• Ask NYPD to come to the scene and file a police report.
• Don’t let anyone talk you out of documenting the crash, even if the damage “looks minor.”

2. Gather Information at the Scene (If You Can Safely)

If you’re able, collect:

• Your Uber/Lyft driver’s name, phone number, license plate, and insurance information
• Contact and insurance info for all other drivers involved
• Names and contact info for witnesses
• Photos or videos of:

• Vehicle damage
• Road conditions and traffic signals
• Any visible injuries

Also, screenshot your ride details in the app, including:

• Driver’s name and photo
• Vehicle make, model, and plate
• Trip route, date, and time

3. Get Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you feel “okay”:

• Go to an ER or urgent care in NYC as soon as possible.
• Explain all symptoms, even mild soreness, dizziness, or headaches.

Many common injuries-whiplash, back injuries, concussions, internal injuries-may not fully appear for hours or days. Early treatment:

• Protects your health
• Creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the crash
• Prevents insurers from arguing your injuries came from something else

4. Report the Crash to Uber or Lyft – Carefully

You can report the accident through the app, but:

• Keep your description factual and brief.
• Do not give recorded statements or accept any quick settlement offers before talking to a New York City Uber accident lawyer.

5. Speak to a NYC Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Rideshare claims are more complex than typical car accident claims. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we:

• Investigate the collision and determine who is legally responsible
• Identify all available insurance coverages
• Handle communications with insurance companies so you don’t have to
• Build a strong case for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term damages

You pay no legal fee unless we recover money for you.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as Your NYC Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers?

NYC-Focused Experience
We focus on representing injury victims in New York City. Our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys know how rideshare cases play out in the five boroughs and understand local courts, insurers, and defense tactics.

Local, Accessible Offices
We maintain offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County for your convenience.

Compassion + Aggressive Advocacy
We know you’re dealing with pain, stress, and uncertainty. We take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and then fight tirelessly to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.

Bilingual Services Available
We proudly assist clients in English and Spanish so you can discuss your case in the language you’re most comfortable with.

No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
We work on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront fees
• No hourly bills
• You don’t pay us unless we are successful

Proven Reputation
Our top-rated, award-winning lawyers have hundreds of positive client reviews. Our motto is simple: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”

Don’t Be a Victim Twice – Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
If you are a victim of an Uber or Lyft accident in New York City, call today to schedule a confidential consultation.

FAQ: NYC Uber & Lyft Accident Injuries

1. I was a passenger in an Uber/Lyft that crashed in NYC. Do I have a case?

Very possibly, yes. As a passenger, you’re rarely at fault. If you were injured, you may have claims against:

• The Uber/Lyft driver
• The driver of another vehicle
• Sometimes both

You may also be covered by rideshare-specific insurance in addition to no-fault (PIP) coverage. Our NYC Uber accident lawyers can review the facts and explain your options.

2. Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly in New York?

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which complicates direct claims against the company. However, their New York rideshare insurance policies often provide significant coverage when:

• The driver is logged into the app, and
• The driver has accepted a trip or is transporting a passenger

You may not need to “sue Uber” to access that coverage, but you do need a lawyer who understands how these policies work in NYC.

3. Who pays my medical bills after an NYC Uber/Lyft accident?

Under New York’s no-fault (PIP) system, your initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages are usually covered by:

• Your own auto policy, if you have one, or
• The vehicle’s PIP coverage if you were a passenger

If you suffered a serious injury under New York law, you may also sue the at-fault driver and seek additional compensation for pain and suffering and full lost earnings.

4. What if I wasn’t wearing a seat belt in the back seat?

You should always wear a seat belt, but if you didn’t:

• You may still have a valid claim.
• The insurance company may argue you share some responsibility for the severity of your injuries (comparative fault).

Even then, you may still recover significant compensation. Could you talk to an NYC Lyft accident lawyer before assuming you have no case?

5. How long do I have to file an Uber or Lyft injury lawsuit in NYC?

Deadlines can vary, but generally:

• Many personal injury claims in New York must be filed within three years of the accident.
• Claims involving certain public or governmental entities may have much shorter deadlines and notice requirements.

Because rideshare cases can involve multiple parties and policies, it’s essential to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

6. How much does it cost to hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?

We represent New York City Uber and Lyft accident victims on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront fees
• No hourly bills
• We only get paid if we recover money for you

If there is no recovery, you owe us no legal fee.

Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident in New York City? We’re Here to Help.

You didn’t choose to be in this position, but you can select who stands beside you now.

If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident anywhere in New York City, Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is here to listen, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.

The call is free. The consultation is free.
You don’t pay us unless we are successful.