Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys in Traverse City

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

Uber and Lyft have become popular alternatives to traditional taxi services. However, the convenience of these rideshare services does not mean they are without risk. In fact, the number of accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles has been on the rise in recent years.

When you are involved in a rideshare accident, you may be unsure of what to do next. You may be facing serious injuries and mounting medical bills, and you may be unable to work. You may also be unsure of who is liable for your damages and how to go about seeking compensation.

At Miller Embury PLLC, we understand the complexities of rideshare accident claims. Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We have a proven track record of success in handling complex personal injury cases, and we are prepared to put our experience to work for you.

Call our office today at (888) 224-1239 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our Northern & Western Michigan rideshare accident attorneys.

What Is a Rideshare Accident?

A rideshare accident is a motor vehicle collision that involves a vehicle that is being used for a rideshare service. In most cases, this means the vehicle is being used to transport passengers for Uber or Lyft. However, other rideshare services, such as Via and Juno, are also available in some areas.

When a rideshare driver is involved in an accident, the situation can be more complicated than a typical car accident. This is because the driver is using their vehicle for commercial purposes, which means their personal auto insurance policy may not cover the accident.

Uber and Lyft both provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the amount of coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

When Is a Rideshare Driver Covered by Uber or Lyft Insurance?

Uber and Lyft both provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the amount of coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Uber Insurance Coverage

Uber provides the following insurance coverage for its drivers:

• Period 1: The driver is not logged into the Uber app. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the primary coverage. 
• Period 2: The driver is logged into the Uber app and is waiting for a ride request. In this case, Uber provides liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Period 3: The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger or is transporting the passenger. In this case, Uber provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage. Uber also provides contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, which covers damage to the driver’s vehicle, up to the cash value of the vehicle, with a $2,500 deductible.

Lyft Insurance Coverage

Lyft provides the following insurance coverage for its drivers:

• Period 1: The driver is not logged into the Lyft app. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the primary coverage.
• Period 2: The driver is logged into the Lyft app and is waiting for a ride request. In this case, Lyft provides liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Period 3: The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger or is transporting the passenger. In this case, Lyft provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage. Lyft also provides uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which covers the driver and the passenger if they are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Lyft also provides contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, which covers damage to the driver’s vehicle, up to the cash value of the vehicle, with a $2,500 deductible, if a driver obtains comprehensive and collision on their personal auto policy.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

After a rideshare accident, it is important to take the following steps:

• Call 911: If you are able, call 911 to report the accident. The dispatcher will send police and emergency medical personnel to the scene. The police will create an accident report, which can be useful when filing an insurance claim.
• Seek Medical Attention: If you are injured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not think you are injured, you should still see a doctor. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. A doctor can evaluate your condition and create a record of your injuries, which can be useful when filing an insurance claim.
• Exchange Information: You should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If the other driver is an Uber or Lyft driver, you should also get their rideshare insurance information.
• Talk to Witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, you should talk to them and get their contact information. They may be able to provide valuable information about how the accident occurred.
• Take Pictures: You should take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles involved. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries you have.
• Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft: If the other driver is an Uber or Lyft driver, you should report the accident to the rideshare company. You can do this through the app or by calling the company. You should provide the company with a brief description of how the accident occurred.
• Do Not Talk to the Insurance Company: You should not talk to the insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney. The insurance company may try to get you to say something that can be used to deny your claim.
• Call an Attorney: You should call an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.

Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

When a rideshare driver is involved in an accident, the driver may be liable for the accident. If the driver was logged into the Uber or Lyft app and was waiting for a ride request or was en route to pick up a passenger or transport a passenger, the driver may be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance policy.

In this case, you may be able to file a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance company. However, the insurance company may try to deny your claim or offer you a lowball settlement. This is why it is important to have an experienced rideshare accident attorney on your side.

In other instances, the rideshare company or the driver may also be liable for the accident. For example, if the rideshare company failed to properly screen the driver, the company may be liable for negligent hiring. If the driver failed to properly maintain the vehicle, they may be liable for negligent maintenance. Third-party companies that help maintain the vehicle may also bear some responsibility.

What Damages Are Available in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

If you lost a loved one in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and more. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit?

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you will be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries.

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Michigan is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the accident involved a government vehicle, you may need to file a notice of claim within a matter of months.

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case and ensure that your claim is filed on time.

How Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Miller Embury PLLC, we understand the complexities of rideshare accident claims. Our Traverse City rideshare accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and gather all available evidence, including the police report, the driver’s rideshare insurance policy, and the driver’s personal auto insurance policy. We will also review your medical records and consult with experts to determine the value of your claim.

Our attorneys will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. We will negotiate aggressively to get you a fair settlement that covers all of your current and future needs. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial.

Contact Our Traverse City Rideshare Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation.  We will review your case and help you understand your legal rights and options. You will not owe us any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call our office today at (888) 224-1239 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Traverse City rideshare accident lawyers.