Common Causes of NYC Uber & Lyft Accidents
Top NYC Rideshare Accident Lawyers – Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Uber and Lyft are essential transportation options for millions of New Yorkers-whether crossing Midtown, heading to JFK or LaGuardia, navigating Brooklyn nightlife, or commuting across boroughs. But as rideshare usage has soared, Uber and Lyft accidents in NYC have increased sharply, often resulting in severe injuries and complex insurance disputes.
NYC’s dense traffic, aggressive drivers, crowded intersections, and nonstop congestion create the perfect storm for rideshare crashes. When an Uber or Lyft driver makes a careless mistake or another motorist acts negligently, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers suffer the consequences.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we exclusively represent injured New Yorkers. Our goal is simple:
Get victims the justice, medical support, and financial compensation they deserve.
Top Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents in New York City
1. Distracted Driving – The #1 Cause of NYC Rideshare Crashes
Uber and Lyft drivers rely heavily on smartphones for:
- GPS navigation in New York City
- Accepting or declining ride requests
- Messaging passengers
- Monitoring surge pricing
- Adjusting routes based on traffic
These distractions cause thousands of collisions each year, especially on high-risk NYC roads like:
- FDR Drive
- Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)
- West Side Highway
- Queens Boulevard (“Boulevard of Death”)
Distracted Uber/Lyft drivers often cause:
- Rear-end collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Cyclist knockdowns
- Intersection crashes
- Sideswipe collisions
Smartphone distraction is one of the strongest legal indicators of negligence under New York law.
2. Speeding & Aggressive Driving
NYC rideshare drivers often rush to:
- Increase trip volume
- Maintain ratings
- Reach surge zones
- Pick up riders quickly
This leads to:
- Excessive speeding
- Tailgating
- Weaving between lanes
- Running yellow lights
- Abrupt lane changes
Speeding is a leading factor in fatal Uber and Lyft crashes throughout the five boroughs.
3. Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is widespread among NYC rideshare drivers, who often:
- Work overnight shifts
- Drive long hours
- Work multiple jobs
- Chase bonuses and surge rates
Fatigued driving in NYC results in:
- Delayed reaction times
- Poor judgment
- Lane drifting
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
Fatigue is just as dangerous as DUI – especially on major NYC roadways where traffic patterns shift instantly.
4. Impaired Driving (DUI)
Despite the purpose of rideshare services, some Uber and Lyft drivers still drive under the influence. NYC data shows DUI-related crashes continue to rise.
Impairment results in:
- Slower reflexes
- Poor decision-making
- Inability to maintain a lane
- Increased likelihood of collisions
A drunk or drug-impaired rideshare driver is a significant liability under New York negligence law.
5. Unsafe Lane Changes & Failure to Yield
Common in rideshare-involved NYC crashes:
- Cutting across multiple lanes to reach a passenger
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Blocking bike lanes
- Suddenly merging into traffic
- Making illegal U-turns
These behaviors frequently cause:
- T-bone accidents
- Pedestrian collisions
- Bike and scooter crashes
- Multi-vehicle pileups
6. Running Red Lights & Stop Signs
NYC intersections are among the busiest in America. Rideshare drivers often:
- Rush through yellow lights
- Roll through stop signs
- Misjudge pedestrian timings
Neighborhoods with high intersection crash rates include:
- Harlem
- Downtown Brooklyn
- Midtown Manhattan
- The Bronx Hub
- Astoria / Queens
7. Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Poor maintenance is one of the most overlooked causes of rideshare accidents in NYC. Drivers are responsible for maintaining their own vehicles, not Uber or Lyft.
Common issues include:
- Bald tires
- Brake failure
- Faulty headlights
- Loose steering
- Suspension issues
These failures frequently cause both high-speed and low-speed crashes.
8. Inexperienced Drivers & GPS Reliance
Uber and Lyft drivers in NYC do not require professional training.
Many are:
- New to city driving
- Unfamiliar with one-way streets
- Confused by bridges/tunnels
- Overly dependent on GPS
This leads to:
- Abrupt stops
- Wrong-way turns
- Missed signs
- Dangerous mid-block stops
- Sudden U-turns
NYC’s complex traffic grid magnifies the danger.
9. Navigation Errors
GPS errors are common, especially in:
- Construction zones
- Detours
- Confusing intersections
- Dense midtown traffic
Wrong turns and sudden braking cause many rideshare crashes throughout NYC.
10. Unsafe Pick-Ups & Drop-Offs
Rideshare drivers often stop anywhere they can, including:
- Double-parked lanes
- Bike lanes
- Crosswalks
- Intersection corners
- No-standing zones
These unsafe stops cause:
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bike crashes
- Car-dooring injuries
- Rear-end collisions
11. Pressure From Uber/Lyft Apps
Rideshare companies encourage high-speed turnover with:
- Ratings pressure
- Penalties for rejecting trips
- Incentive bonuses
- Surge-pricing pressure
This system pushes drivers to:
- Speed
- Ignore safety rules
- Continue driving while exhausted
- Make reckless stops
12. Weather & Dangerous Road Conditions
NYC’s weather increases rideshare crash risk:
- Rain
- Snow
- Black ice
- Fog
NYC roads add additional hazards:
- Potholes
- Uneven pavement
- Construction detours
Drivers must adjust to conditions; failing to do so is negligence.
13. Negligent Third-Party Drivers
Many NYC rideshare accidents are caused by other vehicles:
- Distracted drivers
- Speeders
- Impaired motorists
- Reckless lane changers
Uber/Lyft passengers may still access rideshare insurance coverage even if the Uber/Lyft driver was not at fault.
Who Is Most at Risk in NYC Uber/Lyft Crashes?
- Rideshare passengers
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists and e-scooter riders
- Drivers and passengers of other vehicles
- The Uber/Lyft driver
Under New York law, victims may recover compensation regardless of their role if negligence caused the crash.
What To Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in NYC
To protect your case:
- Call 911 immediately
- Seek medical care
- Request the police report
- Photograph the scene
- Get contact information
- Report the crash in the app
- Do NOT talk to insurance companies
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Rideshare accident claims involve multiple insurers and time-sensitive digital evidence. Could you call us before the evidence disappears?
NYC Rideshare Insurance: Who Pays?
Coverage depends on the driver’s “Period”:
Period 0 – Offline
The driver’s personal insurance applies.
Period 1 – Online, Waiting for a Ride
Limited coverage (~$50k per person).
Period 2 – Ride Accepted / En Route
Up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Period 3 – Passenger in Vehicle
Up to $1 million + UM/UIM coverage.
We identify the appropriate insurance tier and work to maximize recovery.
Why New Yorkers Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Harlem office + six additional NYC-area locations
“Don’t Be a Victim Twice” – Call 1-800-VICTIM2
No fee unless we win (Our Fee Guarantee)
✔️ Bilingual services available
✔️ Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers-rated attorneys
✔️ Hundreds of 5-star reviews
✔️ We deal with the insurance companies-you focus on healing
We are one of New York’s most trusted personal injury firms for Uber/Lyft crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Uber & Lyft Accident Claims in New York City
1. Who pays for my injuries?
Depending on app status: the driver, Uber/Lyft’s insurer, another driver, or your UM/UIM coverage.
2. Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Usually, no-drivers are independent contractors. But you can pursue claims under their million-dollar policies.
3. What compensation can I recover?
Medical bills, future care, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
4. How do you prove the driver was distracted?
We obtain app logs, GPS records, phone data, dashcam footage, witness testimony, and more.
5. How long do I have to file?
NYC cases: 3 years
Claims involving city vehicles: Notice of Claim within 90 days
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in NYC? Contact Us Today.
You do not have to battle insurance companies alone.
We fight for victims across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers & Nassau County.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for your FREE consultation.
Available 24/7
You pay nothing unless we win.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – Don’t Be a Victim Twice.