Injured Uber victims often find navigating a rideshare accident more difficult than a traditional vehicle crash. While Michigan’s no-fault laws mean you will initially seek compensation from your auto insurance company, it’s possible your policy won’t cover the full extent of your injuries.
From navigating insurance claims for medical expenses and lost wages to negotiating with Uber’s insurance provider, having the right Michigan Uber accident lawyer on your side can make a huge difference. We’ll review a few key steps to take after the incident, the available avenues for compensation, and how you can explore your legal options.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to securing the highest compensation for clients involved in Uber accidents across Michigan. Our experienced legal team specializes in rideshare accident cases and has a proven track record of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.
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We meticulously investigate every detail of your case to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully covered. With our deep expertise in handling Uber accident claims, we navigate the complexities effectively and fight vigorously for your rights.
What to Do After an Uber Accident in Michigan
The steps you take following an Uber accident may be more important than you think. Here are a few things to do immediately following one:
- Call 911: Call 911 and report the Uber accident immediately following the crash. File an official police report to document the collision.
- Receive medical care: Receive immediate medical care, even if you feel fine. Some medical symptoms may not show up until later, and by then, it may be difficult to connect them to the accident.
- Capture photos of the scene: Capture time-sensitive evidence from the accident scene, including photographs or videos.
- Contact a Michigan Uber accident lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible following the accident. Navigating Michigan’s no-fault benefits isn’t always easy when an Uber accident is involved, and legal representation can improve your chances of a successful claim.
- Contact the insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as quickly as possible. While specific time limits depend on your policy, some require notice in as little as 24 hours.
- Contact Uber: Report the collision to Uber as soon as possible.
There are also a few crucial things you shouldn’t do following a car accident, including the following:
- Admitting fault: Never admit fault without first discussing your case with a Michigan Uber rideshare accident lawyer. You may not have all the case details, and admitting fault could affect your legal options.
- Leaving the scene without reporting the accident: Never leave the scene of an accident without reporting it first.
- Forgetting to collect time-sensitive documentation: Failing to collect certain key pieces of evidence may mean they’re no longer available.
- Underestimating your injuries: Avoid underestimating your injuries. Some common Uber accident injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI), may not be evident until hours or days after the crash.
Compensation Our Michigan Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help Recover
Injured Uber accident victims deserve fair compensation. Michigan law allows injured victims to recover the following types of damages:
Economic
Economic damages in a Lyft accident include actual financial costs or expenses. Recoverable economic damages in your case may include the following:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical treatment needs
- Property damages
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Lost employment benefits
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages are the non-financial expenses of Uber accidents. A few examples of non-economic damages available in a Lyft accident include the following:
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
Punitive
Punitive damages may also be available in your Michigan Uber accident. Punitive damages are exemplary damages, which means they’re in addition to any economic or non-economic ones. Punitive damages are designed to punish the negligent behaviors of the responsible party.
Punitive damages are more likely in a wrongful death claim. The victim’s eligible family members may seek punitive damages through a wrongful death case if the injuries lead to a loss of life.
Filing a personal injury case requires establishing liability. Any of the following parties could be responsible when an Uber accident occurs:
- The Uber driver: Uber drivers are expected to follow state laws and avoid distractions when transporting passengers. Negligence of any type could make them the at-fault driver.
- Other drivers on the road: Uber accidents can also occur due to another driver’s negligence. These drivers may be responsible if they cause an accident.
- Product designers or manufacturers: Faulty vehicle parts or tires could lead to an accident. In this case, injured victims could seek compensation through a product liability case.
- Pedestrians: Pedestrians who fail to cross at approved crosswalks or who act negligently in another way could also be responsible for a car crash.
Filing a lawsuit directly against Uber isn’t typically an option. Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, limiting their liability. However, Uber does have an insurance policy covering its drivers in certain situations. Michigan car accident attorneys can help injured Uber victims protect their legal rights.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Benefits System
Michigan is one of 12 U.S. states with no-fault insurance laws. In a no-fault state, drivers seek compensation from their own insurance company, regardless of who is at fault.
Michigan law requires all drivers to carry the state’s minimum insurance coverage requirements, including personal injury protection (PIP). PIP or no-fault insurance covers the policyholder’s medical bills, lost wages, and property damages, whether or not they’re at fault for an accident.
No-Fault Insurance Rights for Rideshare Drivers and Passengers
Michigan’s no-fault benefits may affect rideshare liability and coverage. While no-fault laws still apply, it’s important to note that most policies limit coverage. If you sustain extensive injuries in an Uber accident, you could exceed these limits.
While you might initially seek compensation for your medical bills through your own insurance, you will have to explore other options if your damages exceed your bodily injury and liability limits.
Other legal options may be available to recover compensation after using up your no-fault benefits, including Uber’s liability coverage or filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. A Michigan Uber accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you explore all compensation options.
Insurance Coverage for Uber Drivers
Uber covers its drivers and passengers with a one-million-dollar insurance policy. However, eligibility for liability coverage depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident. Here are a few factors that may affect your eligibility:
- The driver is offline: Uber’s insurance company does not cover offline drivers. An Uber driver involved in an accident while offline may access liability coverage through their own policy.
- The driver is online awaiting a ride request: An active driver who is online but not yet assigned to a passenger may be eligible for liability coverage through Uber’s third-party liability insurance. This policy is limited to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. It also covers up to $25,000 in property damage per accident. Michigan Uber drivers and passengers may also be subject to personal injury protection through the policy.
- The driver is en route to or transporting a passenger: Uber’s insurance company covers up to $1,000,000 in property damages and injuries when actively transporting a passenger when the Uber driver is at fault.
Why You Need an Experienced Michigan Uber Accident Attorney
Working with a Michigan Uber car accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers makes navigating your rideshare accident easier despite Michigan’s no-fault laws. Rideshare accidents are typically more complex than traditional car accidents, making expert legal representation a must. Here are a few ways our legal team can help with your case:
- Thorough investigation: Our Michigan Uber car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case. We’ll work hard to uncover the details involved in your case to determine liability.
- Expert consultation: Whether collecting compensation through your own no-fault benefits or filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver, our legal team offers expert consultation that makes navigating your claim easier.
- Negotiations: Your Michigan Uber auto accident lawyer will manage all negotiations on your behalf, working to protect your legal rights and get you what you deserve.
- Fair settlement: We understand the financial implications of an Uber accident. Our legal team aims to get injured victims a fair settlement.
- Court representation: If any settlement offers received don’t cover your medical expenses and property damages, our law offices are prepared to take your case to trial.
Determining liability in an accident involving Uber can be time-consuming and complex. Our Michigan car accident lawyers are there for you every step of the way.
Leading Causes for Uber Accidents in Michigan
An Uber can be a convenient, sometimes safer, alternative to navigating Michigan’s roads. However, Uber isn’t free of risk, often resulting in a car accident. Michigan doesn’t track rideshare accident causes separately from traditional car accidents, but many of the same causes of car accidents can also increase the risk of an Uber accident, including:
- Alcohol or drug-related: The occurrence of alcohol or drug-related car crashes in Michigan fluctuates, with an average of 235 per year over the last five years [1].
- Distracted driving: Driving while distracted is dangerous and accounts for as many as 44.7% of rear-ended crashes [2].
- Speeding: Michiganders are less likely to speed compared to the national average [3]. However, speeding still occurs and can increase the chances of being in a car crash.
- Fatigued driving: Fatigued driving slows reaction time and decreases awareness. Drowsy driving isn’t just dangerous, but it’s also illegal in Michigan.
Michigan State Police reported a 4% increase in total crashes from 2021 to 2022 [4]. A large percentage of these crashes occur in construction zones.
Driver-Specific Risks
Uber drivers are independent contractors, which means they don’t undergo any specific hiring protocols or training requirements. To qualify for Uber, drivers only need one year of driving experience, an in-state driver’s license, and an eligible vehicle. Uber does require a review of driving records and a criminal history background check.
Uber limits drivers to a maximum of 12 hours of drive time per day in an attempt to reduce fatigued driving. However, Uber drivers may also work other jobs, which can lead to long work days. An Uber driver may also be more tempted to speed to complete more rides and earn more income. Additionally, Michigan’s Uber drivers are subject to harsh winters and rainstorms.
Contact Our Michigan Uber Accident Attorneys Today!
Michigan’s no-fault laws mean injured car accident victims seek compensation from their auto insurance company. However, the minimum liability coverage required of Michigan’s drivers may not be enough to cover your damages sufficiently.
Working with a Michigan Uber rideshare accident attorney, you can explore the compensation options available in a rideshare accident. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we will thoroughly investigate your case and discuss the best legal route with you. We’ll collect the necessary evidence to strengthen your case and work hard to get you the best offer possible.
Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 for your free consultation. You can also contact us using our online form to have a Michigan Uber accident injury attorney contact you.
Resources: [1] Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, [2] Michigan.gov, [3] The Detroit News, [4] Michigan State Police