Injured as an Uber or Lyft Passenger: Who Pays
Last reviewed June 2026
Quick answer. If you were injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger, the rideshare company’s active-trip coverage, up to 1 million dollars (1.25 million in New York), is generally available to you, plus no-fault PIP in New York and New Jersey. As a passenger you are almost never at fault, so you may have a claim against either driver.
Passengers occupy the strongest position in a rideshare crash: you did not control either vehicle, so fault almost never falls on you. The question is simply which insurance pays.
The Coverage Available to You
When the trip is active (a ride accepted or in progress), Uber and Lyft carry up to 1 million dollars in liability coverage, and up to 1.25 million dollars in New York. In no-fault states, your medical bills are also paid first through PIP, 50,000 dollars in New York, regardless of fault.
Who Is Responsible
If the rideshare driver caused the crash, their trip coverage responds. If another driver caused it, you can pursue that driver, and the rideshare company’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply if the other driver lacks enough insurance. Both paths can be in play at once.
Talk to a Rideshare Accident Attorney
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who Pays If I Was Hurt as an Uber or Lyft Passenger?
During an active trip, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, up to 1 million dollars (1.25 million in New York), is generally available to injured passengers, on top of any no-fault PIP in states like New York and New Jersey.
Do I Sue the Rideshare Driver or the Other Driver?
Possibly both. As a passenger you are almost never at fault, so a claim can target whichever driver caused the crash. An attorney sorts out which policies apply.
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