With the increase in rideshare vehicles reported on our roadways, it is no surprise that we are seeing more Uber and Lyft accident cases arise across Michigan. Like any other type of vehicle collision, a ride-sharing vehicle accident can significantly alter your life, particularly if you sustain serious injuries. If you find yourself dealing with the painful aftermath of an Uber accident, it is essential to understand your rights. Our Ann Arbor Uber accident lawyer can schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and help you get justice.
Rideshare vehicle accidents can take place for a variety of reasons. Far too often, some type of negligence contributes to accidents across Michigan. Leading factors in Uber and Lyft vehicle crashes include:
It is important that you act quickly to protect your rights should you be hurt in a rideshare accident. Our Michigan law firm can help you handle communication with the insurance company and take the steps needed to pursue legal action.
After being involved in a rideshare accident, you need to take several steps to ensure your legal rights and your health and well-being are protected.
The first thing you want to do is check yourself and others involved in the crash. You want to look for noticeable injuries and call for the police and emergency medical services to respond. After requesting assistance from authorities, you should document the scene if you are able to do so. Take pictures that capture:
Next, you should exchange insurance coverage information and contact information with the Uber or Lyft driver and get their name. Write down contact information for anyone who witnessed the rideshare accident as well as they may be able to provide statements for your claim in the future.
Notify Uber of the accident through the app or contact their support line. They will guide you through the next steps and may provide assistance with insurance claims. You also want to file a police report and get a copy of it from the responding office.
As always, above all, you need to seek medical attention for your injuries. Undergo a thorough medical examination to determine the extent of your injuries and begin the documentation process. Seeking guidance from our Michigan car accident lawyers early on will ensure you can secure the compensation you need during this challenging time.
No-fault insurance benefits may be available to you as either an Uber driver or a passenger in Michigan in the event of a crash involving an Uber vehicle. These benefits are available to alleviate the impact of various damages, such as:
To secure your entitlement to no-fault benefits following a Michigan Uber accident, you must submit an application immediately, also known as your "written notice of injury," to the relevant car insurance company. The claim should be filed within one year of the incident, or you may be unable to recover these benefits.
For Uber drivers operating their personal vehicles at the time of a Michigan Uber accident, whether on-call for Uber or transporting a passenger, no-fault benefits covering medical bills and lost wages are provided through the auto insurance policy for their vehicle.
It is essential for Uber drivers to maintain valid no-fault auto insurance coverage while working with Uber, regardless of whether they are available to transport passengers or actively doing so.
Uber passengers involved in a Michigan Uber accident can claim no-fault benefits from their own policy, their spouse or resident relative's policy, or the policy covering the Uber vehicle if no other coverage is available.
The extent of no-fault medical coverage for Uber drivers and passengers is determined by the selected No-Fault PIP medical benefits coverage level, which ranges from $50,000 to unlimited, with certain limitations if Uber is the "named insured" on the policy.
In cases of injury caused by an at-fault Uber driver in a Michigan Uber accident, compensation for pain and suffering, excess medical bills, and lost wages may be pursued if a "serious impairment of body function" or severe permanent disfigurement can be demonstrated. The statute of limitations for these cases is three years from the date of the crash.
Uber drivers have liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage for which they are legally liable in the event of a crash. The minimum liability coverage varies depending on whether the Uber or Lyft driver is on-call and available to transport passengers or actively transporting a passenger, ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000.
An Ann Arbor Uber accident lawyer can help you better understand your rights and how to recover fair compensation from the auto insurance company or the rideshare companies.
In Michigan, comparative negligence laws play a significant role in Uber accidents by determining how liability is apportioned among the parties involved. Under comparative negligence, each party's degree of fault for the accident is assessed, and damages are allocated accordingly. In Uber accidents, this means that if both the Uber driver and another party share fault for the accident, their respective liability for damages will be proportionate to their degree of fault.
This system allows for a fair and equitable distribution of responsibility, ensuring that each party is held accountable for their actions. However, it also means that compensation may be reduced if the injured party is found to have contributed to the accident in any way. Understanding how comparative negligence laws apply in Uber accidents is crucial for both drivers and passengers seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
It is important to know that Michigan law bars individuals who share over 50% of the fault for the accident from recovering compensation for resulting damages. As insurance companies often try to shift the blame onto innocent victims, it is in your best interest to seek representation from a Michigan law firm immediately. Your attorney can help you prove your case and get justice.
Whether you are injured as a passenger or an Uber driver, having a Michigan Uber accident lawyer by your side throughout the legal process is invaluable. Your legal team will provide you with assistance in building your case. Your attorney will gather evidence and use their resources to ensure you have the strongest evidence possible.
In addition to gathering evidence for your case, your rideshare accident attorney will also handle communication with the insurance company to ensure they do not try to trick you into making any statements that could be used against you. Your attorney will help you protect your rights while also advocating to ensure your best interests are protected.
If you have been involved in an Uber accident, seeking legal representation as soon as possible is important. Our experienced Ann Arbor Uber accident lawyers at Christopher Trainor & Associates have the knowledge, resources, and experience needed to guide you through the legal process and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Do not hesitate to contact our Michigan law firm at (248) 886-8650 for a consultation today, and let us fight for your rights.
