Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are gaining popularity in Michigan in place of traditional taxi and limousine options. These services, accessed through mobile apps, offer convenience and cost-saving opportunities for commuters. However, with the increasing popularity of ridesharing comes a rise in accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it is vital to understand what actions to take and the available legal options. Our Ann Arbor rideshare accident lawyers at Christopher Trainor & Associates are here to help.
In recent years, Michigan has implemented legislation overseeing Uber and Lyft under the Transportation Network Companies(TNCs). As a result, rideshare drivers must meet specific criteria to qualify to operate a vehicle for either company. These requirements specify that:
While it is commonly assumed that Uber or Lyft vehicles require an annual inspection, this is not always true. Michigan mandates an annual inspection solely for vehicles aged five years or older. Vehicles younger than five years old are exempt from inspection requirements.
Rideshare accidents encompass any incident involving services like Uber or Lyft that lead to personal injury or fatalities. These accidents involve collisions between rideshare vehicles and other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or objects on the road.
Injuries resulting from rideshare accidents vary in severity. However, the repercussions of these accidents extend beyond physical harm, often resulting in overwhelming emotional trauma with lasting effects on victims. Typical injuries reported in rideshare accidents in Michigan include:
Accident victims often require extensive medical treatment for their injuries. For this reason, it is imperative to seek help from a dedicated law firm right away. A skilled attorney can help you protect your legal rights and hold the responsible driver accountable. To recover fair compensation, it is vital to identify the specific act that caused the crash to occur.
Common Causes of Accidents Involving Uber and Lyft Drivers
Rideshare accidents can take place for several reasons. The majority of these accidents involve some type of negligence. These include accidents caused by:
If you are injured in an accident with a rideshare driver, you must take several steps to protect your rights.
In the event of an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in Michigan, you must seek immediate medical attention. After a thorough medical examination, you will need to report the accident to the police if possible. Timely reporting is often necessary for insurance claims, which can cover your resulting medical expenses, any lost wages you sustained due to being off work, and other related costs through no-fault insurance benefits. These benefits are typically accessible regardless of whether the injured party owns a vehicle involved in the accident or holds their own auto insurance policies. Seeking guidance from a knowledgeable Ann Arbor rideshare car crash lawyer can provide further insight into navigating the claims process for Michigan residents.
If your Uber or Lyft driver is involved in a rideshare accident, there is insurance coverage provided by the rideshare companies, but the compensation you receive will depend on the circumstances of the incident. Typically, passengers can recover compensation for the following in Uber or Lyft accidents:
The amount of coverage you receive for these and other damages will be determined by the extent of liability coverage accessible after your crash. The auto insurance company that will cover the resulting damages is often dictated by the party that is responsible for the crash.
It is important to remember that Michigan operates on a no-fault insurance system. This Michigan law states that if you have an auto accident, the no-fault insurance benefits typically cover the resulting lost wages, medical costs, and various other damages. However, if the extent of damages goes above the no-fault benefits limit, legal action may need to be taken.
Uber and Lyft offer commercial insurance policies that vary depending on when the rideshare driver was involved in the accident. Some common coverage scenarios include the following:
Personal auto insurance policies of rideshare drivers usually do not cover accidents unless they have purchased commercial insurance or a ridesharing endorsement. Personal auto insurance typically doesn't cover ridesharing activities as they are considered commercial use, not personal liability insurance. Therefore, if an accident occurs while a Lyft or Uber passenger is in the car, the driver may not be able to seek financial compensation through personal insurance, even if they are not at fault.
In addition to Uber or Lyft drivers, there are several other parties who may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. These include:
Determining fault in an accident when a Lyft or Uber driver is transporting passengers can sometimes be challenging. For this reason, it is imperative to seek legal guidance from a Michigan car accident lawyer. Your attorney can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the accident and identify all of the liable parties. They will then assist in pursuing the maximum compensation for your losses and damages.
It is essential to contact a rideshare car accident attorney to protect all your rights and ensure you receive rightful compensation. Even in the case of a minor accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, it is advisable to seek legal counsel. A rideshare accident attorney can be of assistance if you:
Our team can provide you with a free consultation to discuss your legal options. We can then help you gather evidence and protect your rights.
At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we take pride in helping accident victims harmed in rideshare accidents get justice. We will do everything possible to ensure you have all the evidence needed to prove your case and prevail. With decades of experience, you can depend on our team to fight diligently to ensure the negligent Uber or Lyft driver is held accountable for their actions and that you get justice.
Feel free to contact our Michigan personal injury law firm if you have suffered injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident. Your right to justice is vital, and our dedicated team is ready to assist you. Call our skilled Ann Arbor rideshare accident lawyer at (248) 886-8650 today to schedule a free case review.
