Ridesharing has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Services such as Uber and Lyft transport thousands of Bostonians each and every day. That means inevitably that car accidents will happen. If you are involved in one of these car accidents in Boston, it is important to know what compensation is available to you.

If you are a passenger in a Lyft or Uber or car accident, you have the right to have your medical bills and lost wages paid. This is payable under Massachusetts law and is called PIP. Whenever personal injuries are suffered, PIP is available.

You also may be entitled to pain and suffering compensation. As long as your medical bills are at least $2000, then you may receive this coverage under the bodily injury portion of the applicable insurance policy. If your bills are less than $2000, and you sustain scarring or a broken bone, then you can still collect pain and suffering. This personal injury compensation is not taxable under either state or federal law.

Lyft and uber rideshare drivers are considered to be independent contractors and not employees. They therefore are not entitled to Massachusetts workers’ compensation benefits.