If you’re a Uber or Lyft driver in New York, you already know the risks of the road. Every day, you deal with traffic, bad weather, and unpredictable drivers. Most of the time, you make it home without a scratch. But what happens if you’re in an accident and the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
This situation can feel overwhelming. Who pays for the damage? Will your insurance cover it? What if you’re injured and can’t work?
Here’s what you need to know if you’re hit by an uninsured driver and how to protect yourself.
New York’s Insurance Rules
In New York, all drivers are required by law to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to drive legally. But not everyone follows the rules. Some drivers let their insurance lapse and others may never have had it in the first place.
Luckily, New York law also requires every insurance policy to include Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM). This coverage is meant to protect you when the at-fault driver doesn’t have any insurance.
So if someone crashes into you and can’t pay, your own insurance policy can step in and pay for your injuries under your UM coverage.
What to Do Right After the Accident
Even if the other driver is uninsured, treat the accident like any other serious road event. Here’s what to do:
- Call the police. Make sure a police report is filed. This document will be key when filing a claim later.
- Get the other driver’s information. Even if they say they don’t have insurance, collect their name, contact number, license plate, and vehicle details.
- Take photos. Snap pictures of the scene, damage to both vehicles, road signs, and any injuries.
- Look for witnesses. If someone saw the crash, get their name and contact info too.
- Call your insurance company. Let them know you were hit by an uninsured driver and ask how to file a claim under your UM coverage.
What If You’re Not Injured But Your Car Is?
If you’re okay physically, but your car is damaged, things can still get tricky. Uninsured Motorist Coverage only pays for injuries, not damage to your car.
That means you’ll need to rely on one of the following:
- Collision coverage (if you have it) under your own insurance policy
- Filing a case in Small Claims Court to recover money for repairs
- Working with a lawyer to negotiate a settlement or bring a lawsuit
At IDG Legal, we can connect you with a preferred lawyer who knows how to handle these types of cases. Whether it’s reviewing your insurance, helping you write a court complaint, or defending you if you’re blamed for the crash – they’re in your corner.
What If You Are Injured?
If you’ve been hurt in the accident, there may be more than one way to recover money. Your UM coverage can help, but so can other options. Especially if:
- Another driver was partly at fault
- The at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident
- There are other policies that might apply (like a business vehicle policy)
An IDG Legal preferred lawyer can review your case, explain your options clearly, and represent you in court, so you’re not left guessing.
How IDG Legal Can Help
IDG Legal connects rideshare and FHV drivers with trusted, experienced lawyers who understand the rules, your rights, and works with The Black Car Fund often. Whether you’re filing a claim, preparing for court, or just unsure what to do next, we’ll make sure you’re not facing it alone.
Call our helpline at (646) 687-7587 or tap below and submit a form to be connected with a lawyer. Help is free and just one call away.
