Rideshare Accidents at JFK and LaGuardia in 2025: Who’s Liable?

In a New York rideshare accident, liability falls on the party who caused the crash. However, which insurance policy applies—the driver’s personal policy, Uber/Lyft’s limited liability policy, or the company’s full $1.25 million commercial policy—depends entirely on the driver’s status in the app at the moment of impact.

If you have a question about what happened in your accident at JFK or LaGuardia, call us at (516) 399-2364.

Unpacking the Three Scenarios: How a Driver’s Status Determines Liability

This is the core of your claim. The driver’s exact status at the moment of the crash dictates which insurance policy is responsible for your damages. We will investigate digital records from the rideshare company, witness statements, and airport surveillance footage to establish the facts.

Scenario 1: The Driver Was Offline or the App Was Off

If the rideshare driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the collision, they are considered just an ordinary motorist. For example, they may have just dropped off a passenger and logged out to take a break or head home.

• Who is liable?: In this situation, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the primary source of coverage. The rideshare company has no legal connection to the accident.
• What this means for you: Your claim is filed against the driver directly, not Uber or Lyft. New York’s minimum personal auto liability limits are relatively low and may not be enough to cover serious injuries. If the driver’s policy limit is exhausted, your own policy’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage could become an important source of compensation.

Scenario 2: The Driver Was Logged In and Waiting for a Ride Request

This is the “waiting” period, sometimes called Period 1. The driver is available for hire but has not yet accepted a trip. This commonly includes drivers circling the cell phone lots at JFK or waiting in the designated rideshare pickup areas at LaGuardia before being matched with a passenger.

• Who is liable?: The rideshare company’s limited liability policy applies during this phase.
• What this means for you: New York law requires Uber and Lyft to provide a higher level of coverage than a standard personal policy in this situation. The minimum amounts are:
  • $75,000 for death and bodily injury per person.
  • $150,000 for death and bodily injury per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage.

Scenario 3: The Driver Accepted a Ride or Was Transporting a Passenger

This period begins the moment the driver accepts your ride request in the app and ends only when you exit the vehicle at your destination. It covers the entire trip, from the driver en route to pick you up to the moment you are dropped off at the airport terminal.

• Who is liable?: The rideshare company’s full commercial insurance policy is in effect.
• What this means for you: This is the highest level of coverage. By law, Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft must carry at least $1.25 million in liability coverage for these trips. This substantial policy is designed to cover the significant damages that result from a serious accident, including extensive medical treatment, long-term lost income, and significant pain and suffering.

Beyond the Driver: Could Other Parties Be Responsible for Your Injuries?

In some crashes, the rideshare driver isn’t the only one at fault.

What If Another Vehicle Was at Fault?

If a taxi, delivery truck, shuttle bus, or another passenger vehicle caused the crash that injured you, their insurance policy would be the primary source of compensation. We would file a claim against that driver’s insurance first. If their coverage is insufficient to cover all of your damages, we would then look to the applicable Uber/Lyft policy for underinsured motorist coverage to make up the difference.

Could the Port Authority of NY & NJ Share Liability?

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey manages and operates both JFK and LaGuardia airports. As such, they are responsible for maintaining safe roadways, clear signage, and proper traffic flow. A claim might be brought against the Port Authority if the accident was caused by factors such as:

• Poor road design or maintenance, like large potholes or confusing lane merges near terminals.
• Inadequate lighting in a designated pickup or drop-off area.
• Malfunctioning traffic signals or missing stop signs.

Note: Claims against government entities like the Port Authority have much shorter deadlines and very specific notification requirements. In many cases, you have only 90 days to file a formal Notice of Claim, and the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit is shortened to one year. Missing this initial deadline prevents you from ever recovering compensation from that entity.

What About Mechanical Failure?

If a defective vehicle part—like faulty brakes, a tire blowout, or a steering system failure—caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer or a mechanic who performed faulty repairs could be held liable. This would involve a product liability claim, which requires a different type of evidence, typically including analysis from engineering and mechanical specialists to prove the defect was the direct cause of the crash.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Airport Rideshare Accidents

Does it matter if I was in an Uber or a Lyft?

No, for the purposes of a personal injury claim, the process is identical. Both companies are classified as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and are governed by the same New York State laws. They are required to carry the same minimum insurance coverage, so the legal framework for pursuing a claim is the same regardless of which service you used.

What if the rideshare driver claims the accident was my fault?

New York is a “pure comparative negligence” state. This means that even if you are found partially at fault for the accident, you still recover damages. Your final compensation award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 10% at fault, your total award would be reduced by 10%. We will work to gather all available evidence to ensure no amount of blame is unjustly placed on you.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in New York?

For most personal injury cases in New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, this deadline is much shorter in certain situations. As mentioned earlier, if a government entity like the Port Authority is involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident, and the lawsuit itself must typically be filed within one year and 90 days. It is always best to act quickly to preserve your rights.

Let Our Experience Be Your Guide

We handle cases for people hurt in accidents in Queens and throughout the New York City area. We are familiar with the roads, the courts, and the challenges people face after a serious crash at JFK or LaGuardia.

If you’re ready to discuss your situation, call Tucker Lawyers PC for a free consultation at (516) 399-2364.