If you or a loved one was injured in a rideshare accident, you may be dealing with medical bills, complex insurance policies, and uncertainty about what comes next.
The good news is that a Michigan rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand the legal process, including what damages may be available, and negotiate with insurance companies involved with your claim.
Sweet James is ready to help the everyday person just like you; our firm can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. We have over 25 years of experience helping accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer.
Why Rideshare Accident Claims Are Different in Michigan
Rideshare accident claims can be more complicated than regular car accident claims. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, combined with Uber and Lyft’s different levels of insurance coverage, can make it difficult to know which insurance company should pay your claim. However, a personal injury lawyer serving Michigan can help you figure that out.
Michigan’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
The state of Michigan has a no-fault insurance system. This means those injured in a car accident can get benefits from their own insurance policy regardless of who may have caused the accident. These benefits, called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), can help cover medical care and other losses.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage
Rideshare insurance adds another layer to the process. The coverage available can depend on what the Uber or Lyft driver was doing when the accident happened.
- App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance generally applies.
- App on and waiting for a ride: Michigan law requires at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, along with property damage coverage.
- En route to a passenger or during a trip: Michigan law requires at least $1 million in liability coverage for the prearranged ride.
In some cases, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage applies, but in others, it doesn’t. This can make it difficult to know which policy applies after a crash. A Michigan rideshare accident lawyer from Sweet James can review the driver’s status, the accident, and the available insurance policies to help identify the right source of coverage.
What Compensation May I Be Able to Recover?
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Michigan’s no-fault system can provide PIP benefits for medical care, while additional compensation may be available via a third-party lawsuit. Depending on your situation, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: PIP may help cover allowable medical expenses after an accident; the amount will depend on the coverage available under the applicable insurance policy.
- Lost wages: No-fault benefits may provide wage-loss benefits when an accident leaves you unable to work.
- Property damage: Michigan’s no-fault system includes property protection coverage, and other property damage claims may apply depending on the circumstances.
- Pain and suffering: If you qualify to file a lawsuit against a negligent party, you may be able to pursue compensation for pain and suffering.
The type and amount of compensation available will depend on your injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the insurance coverage involved. A Michigan rideshare accident attorney from Sweet James can evaluate your case and help you understand what kinds of compensation may be available to you.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Rideshare Accident?
Depending on how the accident happened, more than one person or company may potentially be responsible, such as:
- The rideshare driver: If the driver caused the crash through speeding, distraction, or another unsafe action, they may be liable.
- Uber or Lyft: Rideshare companies provide insurance coverage, and depending on the app’s status, this policy may offer compensation.
- Another driver: If another driver caused the crash, that driver’s insurance may be responsible for certain damages.
Sweet James’ Michigan rideshare accident attorneys can investigate the accident and determine liability.
What About Rideshare Delivery Accidents?
Uber Eats, DoorDash, and other delivery services are different from rideshare services that transport passengers.
The driver may be making deliveries rather than carrying a passenger, and different insurance coverage and rules may apply.
If you were injured in an accident involving a delivery driver, our Michigan rideshare accident attorneys can review what the driver was doing at the time of the crash and determine what insurance may be available.
Fatal Rideshare Accidents in Michigan
Sadly, some Uber and Lyft accidents result in death. When someone you love dies because of another person’s negligence, certain surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
These cases can involve medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages.
A Michigan rideshare accident lawyer can help your family understand its legal options during an extremely difficult time.
How Our Michigan Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help
A rideshare accident lawyer can handle many of the complicated parts of your claim while you focus on recovering. Your lawyer may:
- Investigate how the accident happened.
- Determine who may be responsible.
- Identify the insurance policies that may cover your injuries.
- Gather police reports, medical records, and other evidence.
- Review Uber or Lyft trip information.
- Communicate with insurance companies.
- Calculate your current and future losses.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Take your case to court when appropriate.
Our personal injury attorneys handle rideshare cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, your attorney only receives a fee if they recover compensation for you.
Get Help After a Michigan Rideshare Accident
An Uber or Lyft accident can leave you dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost income, and questions about which insurance company should pay.
If you’re searching for a “rideshare accident lawyer near me serving Michigan,” you do not have to figure out the insurance process alone. An attorney can review what happened, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
At Sweet James, our attorneys have a proven track record of helping accident victims recover from life-changing events. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and learn what steps you can take next.
