Rideshare companies have become extremely popular in Grand Rapids in recent years. Thousands of residents and travelers rely on these services every day to get around the city. However, accidents involving rideshare vehicles can lead to severe injuries or even death.
If you are hurt in a Michigan Lyft o Michigan Uber accident, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of an insurance or injury claim. These cases often involve confusing liability situations and multiple insurance companies, so you need experienced Michigan rideshare accident lawyers on your side.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation for clients involved in rideshare accidents in Grand Rapids. Our skilled legal team specializes in rideshare accident cases and has a proven history of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.
Fatal rideshare passenger accident
Rideshare passenger shot by driver
Pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle
Rideshare driver sexual assault case
Motorcyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle
Hip and foot injury exiting a vehicle
We meticulously investigate every aspect of your case to ensure that all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully addressed. With our deep expertise in handling rideshare accident claims, we navigate the complexities effectively and fight vigorously for your rights.
Although ridesharing is often considered a safer alternative mode of transportation, especially instead of drunk driving, it still poses many dangers. In fact, some research suggests the net benefit of these services, in terms of safety, is negative.
Here are a few statistics about rideshare accidents that may surprise you:
- Rideshare services account for roughly $10 billion in economic losses from deaths each year [1];
- Car accidents with fatalities increased by 2-4% in most US cities once ridesharing became widely available [1];
- 49 fatalities occurred in 2019 across all Lyft trips in the United States [2];
- Uber’s fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled from 2019-2020 was .62 [3];
- 987 more people are estimated to die each year in the US because of accidents involving a rideshare driver [4].
There is also a significant risk if a rideshare driver is not qualified to provide services to passengers, such as not having enough experience to stay focused or having poor driving records.
Common Injuries Sustained After Rideshare Accidents
A motor vehicle accident involving an Uber driver or Lyft driver could be caused by numerous circumstances, including:
- Reckless driving – A driver is speeding, tailgating, or switching lanes aggressively;
- Drunk driving – The driver is intoxicated beyond the legal limit for driving in Michigan;
- Distracted driving – The driver is less focused on the road because of their phone, a passenger, or engaging in other activities;
- Fatigue – The driver has worked long hours or did not get sufficient sleep to operate a vehicle safely;
- Road conditions – Adverse weather or poorly maintained roads could cause rideshare cars or other vehicles to lose control;
- Vehicle malfunctions – A poorly designed part or incorrectly installed mechanism could fail, causing the driver to lose control.
A Lyft or Uber accident caused by the above circumstances could result in serious injuries, medical expenses, or other legal damages. Common types of injuries in these accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Knee injuries
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Crushed limbs
- Amputations
- Death
A regular car accident claim is complex enough, but when rideshare vehicles are involved, there are more layers to sift through. This is why it is so important to consult Michigan rideshare accident lawyers from our firm early in the claims process to ensure you have all the resources you need to receive maximum compensation.
Establishing liability after a Lyft or Uber accident is difficult because drivers are not considered employees. Instead, they are independent contractors. Plus, Uber and Lyft do not own the vehicles involved since the drivers own those vehicles. Other drivers, manufacturers, pedestrians, or passengers could also be to blame for the crash, making establishing fault a little more complicated.
Another factor that can make an Uber or Lyft accident more confusing is that multiple insurance policies may be involved in settling your claim.
Insurance Coverage for Uber and Lyft Drivers
The type of insurance that covers damages from an accident depends on the status of the Uber driver or Lyft driver at the time of the collision. These companies provide supplemental insurance in addition to the driver’s personal auto policy in specific circumstances.
- The driver has their app off – If the driver was not using the app to accept requests when the Lyft or Uber accident occurred, then their auto insurance policy is the only one that applies. In Michigan, the minimum insurance requirements are $50,000 for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
- The driver has their app on and is waiting for requests – A rideshare driver who works for Uber or Lyft and has their app on to accept ride requests is covered by an additional policy from the rideshare company that matches the state minimums for auto insurance.
- The Driver is transporting passengers or en route to a passenger – Michigan regulates rideshare companies so that they provide at least $1,000,000 in additional coverage for accidents involving drivers who are transporting a passenger or on their way to pick up a passenger.
There are multiple types of damages that may be involved in a motor vehicle accident case with rideshare vehicles. Economic damages are available for compensation from most insurance claims.
However, some of them, as well as non-economic damages and punitive damages, can only be obtained via personal injury cases. Punitive damages are only awarded if malicious intent was involved in the defendant’s actions. Other damages include:
Economic Damages in Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Medical bills
- Cost of future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Funeral costs (wrongful death claims)
- Loss of financial support (wrongful death claims)
Non-Economic Damages in Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship (wrongful death claims)
Following the proper steps immediately after an accident could preserve your right to file a claim with the help of our Michigan rideshare accident lawyers. Any missteps could result in your claim being denied, compromising your financial security.
Here are the steps you should follow:
- Call 911 – The first step is to contact the authorities and get them on the scene as quickly as possible for an investigation. They will also alert emergency medical services.
- Seek medical attention – Prioritize your health and receive treatment from emergency responders if necessary.
- Exchange information – Speak to the other drivers and get their insurance information and driver’s license information.
- Gather evidence – Evidence will be needed to support your claim, so take pictures of the accident scene, speak to witnesses, and ask for a copy of the police report.
- Call your insurance – Many carriers require policyholders to notify them of an accident within 24 hours, so don’t hesitate to let them know.
- Consult our personal injury lawyers – An experienced accident lawyer from our law firm can guide you through the steps of filing a claim and answer your questions during a free consultation.
How Our Grand Rapids Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
After a Lyft or Uber accident, you might be dealing with a stubborn defendant, several insurance companies, other lawyers, and even the rideshare service itself. You need to level the playing field by working with an experienced Lyft or Uber accident lawyer from our team.
We will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence, assessing damages, and helping you decide which type of claim is your best option. Then, we will consult with experts like accident reconstructionists to back up your evidence even further. If the insurance companies offer less than you deserve, we will negotiate on your behalf.
Lastly, if court representation is needed, we will be there to protect your best interests during the legal action.
Cost of Hiring an Experienced Attorney
The legal professionals at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means instead of charging upfront legal costs, we only get paid out of the settlement if we win your case. This ensures your Lyft or Uber accident lawyer is motivated to work hard, and you incur no further financial obligations while pursuing your claim.
If you have questions about how this works, you can ask your Grand Rapids ridesharing accident lawyer during a free case evaluation.
The statute of limitations in Michigan determines how long you have to file a legal action for compensation. For personal injuries and wrongful death claims on behalf of a deceased family member, you have up to three years to do so. Some exceptions may apply, such as an underage victim turning 18 before the timeline starts or a defendant leaving the state before the claim can be filed.
Injured parties in a Lyft or Uber accident may be facing dire circumstances in the aftermath of the collision. Our Grand Rapids car accident lawyers are standing by to help you pursue maximum compensation, whether that takes the form of an insurance claim, a personal injury case, or a wrongful death lawsuit for a loved one. With a contingency fee agreement and millions recovered for past clients, there are many advantages to working with our law firm after your auto accident.
If you are suffering from a serious injury and want to know if you have a case, contact a Grand Rapids ridesharing accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers at 888-424-5757 for your free consultation. You can also fill out the online form to get in touch.
Resources: [1] Forbes – Uber and Lyft Deaths, [2] Lyft – Community Safety Report, [3] Uber – US Safety Report, [4] BFI – Ridesharing and Traffic Fatalities,