New York Lyft Crash? How to Tackle Medical Bills and Insurance Headaches

If you were hurt in a Lyft or other rideshare crash in New York, you’re likely facing medical bills, claim forms, and confusing coverage questions. This guide outlines immediate steps, how New York’s no-fault system works, which insurance may apply, and what to do next—backed by official sources.

First Things First: Safety and Documentation

• Call 911 and get medical care. Even minor symptoms can mask serious injuries.
• Report the crash to police and ask for the report number (see NY DMV accident report guidance).
• Take photos of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details for drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
• Preserve rideshare trip details: driver name, vehicle, pickup/drop-off, and your in-app trip receipt.

Understanding New York No-Fault (PIP) After a Lyft Crash

New York’s no-fault law provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for reasonable and necessary medical treatment and certain economic losses without regard to fault. See NYS DFS: About No-Fault (PIP) and Insurance Law § 5103. “Serious injury” is separately defined in Insurance Law § 5102.

Which PIP policy applies can depend on your role and the vehicles involved (occupant vs. pedestrian/cyclist, vehicle ownership, and policy specifics). Pedestrians and cyclists struck by a motor vehicle may also be eligible for no-fault benefits under § 5103.

Deadlines are strict. No-fault claims generally require prompt notice and timely submission of the application (NF-2)—often within 30 days—subject to limited exceptions; see DFS guidance. Missing deadlines can jeopardize benefits.

Whose Insurance Applies in a Lyft Crash?

Multiple coverages may be implicated depending on the Lyft driver’s app status and who was at fault:

• Lyft’s liability coverage: When the driver’s app is on, New York law requires specific insurance coverages that vary based on whether the driver is waiting for a request, en route to a rider, or carrying a passenger. See Vehicle & Traffic Law (VTL) § 1693 (transportation network company insurance requirements).
• Contingent/commercial coverages: When the app is active, rideshare policies may coordinate with a driver’s personal policy pursuant to VTL § 1693 and policy terms.
• Your PIP/no-fault: As an occupant or a pedestrian/cyclist struck by a motor vehicle, no-fault benefits are generally available; the responsible carrier and coordination rules vary by circumstance (DFS; Ins. Law § 5103).
• UM/SUM (uninsured/underinsured): If the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little, uninsured motorist (UM) or supplementary underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage may apply. For TNC trips, New York mandates certain UM protection under VTL § 1693; personal policy terms also matter.

Because app status and policy language are critical, provide prompt notice to all potentially responsible carriers.

Medical Bills: How to Keep Treatment Moving

• Submit your no-fault application to the appropriate insurer as soon as possible and confirm receipt (DFS no-fault guidance).
• Tell providers you are treating under New York no-fault so billing is directed correctly.
• Track appointments, mileage, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket costs.
• Keep any denial of claim forms or explanations of benefits to preserve appeal rights.
• Do not delay medically necessary care while liability is disputed; coordinate authorizations with the adjuster or your attorney.

Serious Injury Threshold and Pain-and-Suffering Claims

To recover non-economic damages (pain and suffering) from a motor vehicle crash in New York, you generally must meet the statutory “serious injury” threshold. See Insurance Law § 5102(d) (definition of serious injury) and Insurance Law § 5104(a) (limitation on non-economic recovery). The New York Courts’ overview is here: Serious Injury Threshold.

Even if the threshold is met, you still must prove liability and damages with medical evidence and documentation.

Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Passengers

• Passengers in a Lyft may have PIP through the vehicle they occupied and potential claims against at-fault drivers.
• Pedestrians and cyclists struck by a motor vehicle may access no-fault benefits and may pursue additional claims if a serious injury is established (Ins. Law § 5103; § 5102).
• If multiple victims are involved, timely notice and identification of the correct carrier help avoid delays.

Property Damage and Total Loss Tips

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Waiting to notify insurers—late notice can risk denial of no-fault or other benefits (DFS).
• Relying only on the in-app report—file a police report and independent claim notices.
• Posting on social media—insurers may review your posts.
• Skipping follow-up care—gaps in treatment can undermine your health and your claim.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can identify the proper no-fault carrier, coordinate PIP, preserve UM/SUM rights, and pursue third-party claims where the serious injury threshold is met. We gather medical proof, handle adjuster communications, and negotiate or litigate to seek full compensation under all applicable policies.

Checklist: What to Do Now

Get a free consultation with our New York team to protect your rights and meet critical deadlines.

FAQs

How fast do I need to file my New York no-fault application?

Generally within 30 days of the crash, subject to limited exceptions. Submit the NF-2 promptly and keep proof of timely filing. See DFS guidance.

Does Lyft’s insurance cover me if the app was off?

If the driver’s app was off, Lyft’s TNC coverage typically does not apply. Claims usually proceed against the at-fault driver’s personal policy and your own applicable coverages.

Can I recover pain-and-suffering for a Lyft crash in New York?

Only if you meet New York’s statutory serious injury threshold and prove liability and damages. See Ins. Law § 5102(d) and § 5104(a).

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?

UM/SUM coverage may apply under New York law and your policy. For active TNC trips, certain UM is mandated by VTL § 1693.

I was a pedestrian or cyclist. Do I get no-fault?

Yes, pedestrians and cyclists struck by a motor vehicle may qualify for PIP benefits under Ins. Law § 5103, subject to coverage coordination rules.

Sources

• NYS Department of Financial Services — About No-Fault (PIP)
• Insurance Law § 5102; § 5103; § 5104
• Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1693 — TNC Insurance Requirements
• NY Courts — Serious Injury Threshold
• NY DMV — Accident Reports; Surrender Plates

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. New York law controls and local rules may vary; deadlines and coverage requirements can change. Speak with a New York attorney about your specific situation.