Being struck by a delivery truck or rideshare driver can turn your life upside down in seconds. These crashes often cause serious injuries and leave victims confused about their options. Whether you need a commercial vehicle accident lawyer in New York or are wondering about your legal rights, you’ve come to the right place.
Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, helps accident victims navigate complex claims involving commercial vehicles. Our guide below explains your legal protections after being hit by a delivery truck or rideshare vehicle in New York. If you need further guidance, consider scheduling a consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in New York.
Understanding Delivery Truck and Rideshare Accident Claims
Accidents involving commercial vehicles differ from standard car crashes. Delivery trucks from Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and local courier services share the road with rideshare vehicles from Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and similar platforms. Both types of drivers face intense pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to dangerous driving behaviors.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2021 Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report, approximately 494,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks occurred in 2021. Research published by the CDC in 2021 examined ridesharing in New York City from 2017 to 2018 and found that for every 100 rideshare trips starting in an area each hour, injury crashes were 4.6% more likely to occur.
According to the New York City Police Department’s December 2025 Motor Vehicle Collision Report, 577 large commercial vehicles (six or more tires) represented approximately 4% of all citywide collisions.
These numbers highlight the serious risks these vehicles pose to other road users.
Common Causes of These Accidents
Several factors contribute to delivery truck and rideshare collisions, including:
- Distracted driving: Drivers checking GPS navigation, delivery apps, or customer messages while behind the wheel
- Speeding and reckless maneuvers: Rushing to meet delivery quotas or maximize earnings through more trips
- Driver fatigue: Working extended hours without adequate rest breaks
- Improper training: Companies not training drivers on safety protocols
- Vehicle maintenance issues: Worn brakes, tire problems, or other mechanical failures
Who Bears Responsibility After a Rideshare Accident?
Determining liability in these cases requires careful investigation. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. A rideshare accident lawyer in New York can help you identify all potentially liable parties.
The Driver’s Role
The individual behind the wheel may be personally liable if they acted negligently. Running red lights, texting while driving, making illegal turns, or driving while impaired are examples of driver negligence.
Company Liability
Delivery companies may face vicarious liability when their employees cause accidents while performing job duties. This legal principle, known as respondeat superior, holds employers accountable for employee actions during work hours. Companies can also be directly liable for inadequate hiring practices, insufficient training, or maintaining unrealistic delivery expectations that encourage reckless driving.
Big-name delivery services typically carry substantial commercial insurance policies. Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft provide different coverage levels depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. When working with a rideshare accident lawyer in New York, understanding these coverage tiers becomes essential to your case.
Additional Liable Parties
Other entities may bear responsibility in certain situations. For instance, vehicle manufacturers could be liable if defective parts contributed to the accident, while maintenance companies may face claims if improper repairs caused mechanical failures. Government agencies might also be responsible if dangerous road conditions played a role.
Your Legal Rights After a Vehicle Accident in New York
Being hit by a delivery truck in New York can raise many questions about your options and rights. New York insurance law provides specific protections for accident victims.
The No-Fault Insurance System
New York’s no-fault system requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage. This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages up to $50,000 regardless of who caused the accident.
However, serious injuries allow you to step outside the no-fault system. You may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for additional damages when injuries meet certain thresholds.
Compensation Options Beyond No-Fault Benefits
Being hit by a rideshare vehicle in New York can leave you with mounting costs that exceed PIP coverage limits. Victims with severe injuries may be able to pursue compensation for the following if they file a lawsuit against the at-fault party:
- Medical expenses beyond no-fault coverage
- Future medical care and rehabilitation costs
- Pérdida de ingresos
- Dolor y sufrimiento
- Discapacidad permanente o desfiguración
- Angustia emocional
Critical Steps To Take After Being Hit
Your actions immediately following an accident can impact your claim. Rideshare accident lawyers in New York typically recommend the following:
Prioritize Safety and Medical Care
Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request emergency services. Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor, as some conditions do not show symptoms for hours or days. Medical records create essential documentation for your claim.
Documentarlo todo
If physically able, gather evidence at the scene, including
- Driver contact details
- Vehicle details
- Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, debris, and visible injuries
- Names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident
Avoid Insurance Company Traps
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after the accident. Do not provide recorded statements or sign any documents without legal advice. These companies often try to minimize payouts by tricking victims into saying something that undermines their claim.
What a Rideshare or Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer in New York Does
Commercial vehicle cases can be complex. Companies and their insurers have experienced legal teams working to reduce their liability. With equally strong representation, you can level the playing field.
But what does an attorney do?
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Attorneys conduct thorough investigations to establish liability. Investigations may include reviewing delivery logs showing the driver was working, reviewing company safety records, analyzing vehicle maintenance histories, and consulting accident reconstruction professionals when necessary.
Navigating Multiple Insurance Policies
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies that provide coverage during different phases of work. A rideshare accident lawyer in New York understands which policies apply and how to maximize your recovery from all available sources.
Meeting Critical Deadlines
New York law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. You generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain situations may shorten this timeframe.
Your attorney ensures that all paperwork is filed on time.
Are You Looking for a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in New York?
At Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, our team handles all communications with insurance companies so clients can focus on recovery. For help with understanding truck accident claims, we explain the complexities in clear terms.
Call Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, at (718) 205-1010 for a free consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in New York.
FAQs Answered by a Personal Injury Lawyer in New York
Here are answers to common questions about delivery truck and rideshare accidents.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Delivery Vehicle Accident?
You typically have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?
New York follows comparative negligence rules, allowing you to recover partial damages even if you share some fault.
What Should I Do If a Delivery Truck or Rideshare Vehicle Hits Me?
Call 911, seek immediate medical attention, document the scene, file a police report, and contact a rideshare accident lawyer in New York before speaking with insurance companies if a rideshare or delivery truck hits you.