Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a popular and convenient way to get around Saginaw. With just a few taps on a smartphone, you can quickly and easily summon a ride to your destination, making transportation more accessible than ever. However, as the use of these services has grown, so too has the number of accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
Accidents involving Uber and Lyft can be challenging for those involved, as they often involve multiple parties and complicated insurance company issues. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Saginaw, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help.
Here’s where the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. can make a difference in your future. With a proven track record of success in handling rideshare accident cases, our experienced attorneys are here to fight for the resources you need to recover. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire Us for Your Saginaw Uber & Lyft Accident Claim?
When you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Saginaw, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference in your case. The Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. stands out as a trusted ally, offering you the confidence and support needed to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Decades of Trial Experience: Founded by nationally recognized attorney Lee Steinberg in 1973, our law office has over 50 years of experience in personal injury law. Our long-standing history demonstrates our reliability and success in handling complicated car accident cases.
- Proven Track Record: We have a strong reputation for client success. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers fights diligently for the compensation our clients deserve. We demand justice in every case, so talk to us about your legal options.
- Dedicated Personal Injury Focus: Our practice exclusively represents injury victims. We know the challenges you face and how to address them at the negotiation table or in court. We focus on car and truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and more.
- Vast Resources: As one of the largest personal injury law firms in Michigan, we have the resources necessary to take strong legal action. Our auto accident lawyers invest in your case to protect your rights and achieve successful outcomes.
- Client-Centered Approach: We understand the fears and anxieties involved in being injured. Our personal injury approach aims to eliminate these concerns, providing you with peace of mind and the support you need throughout your case. We have cases on a contingency fee basis, so there is no financial burden when you seek representation.
When you need reliable and experienced legal support after an Uber or Lyft accident, trust the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. Call us today at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-866-503-3043) for a free consultation and take the first step towards protecting your legal rights.
How Does Insurance Work in Uber & Lyft Accidents?
Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers, but the level of coverage depends on the circumstances of the motor vehicle accident.
- If the at-fault driver is not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance is the primary coverage when a collision occurs.
- When the app is on and the Lyft or Uber driver is waiting for a ride request, both rideshare companies offer contingent liability coverage. This means if a negligent driver’s personal insurance does not cover the auto accident, the rideshare company’s insurance may cover it up to certain limits ($50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage).
- When the rideshare driver is en route to pick up a passenger or carrying out a trip, Uber and Lyft provide significant insurance coverage, including $1 million for third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
Michigan’s no-fault insurance law ensures that accident victims receive medical treatment and wage loss benefits regardless of who was at fault. Here’s how it may affect your rideshare accident claim:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Regardless of fault, your PIP benefits will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. This applies even if you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
- Residual Liability Insurance: This covers you if you are sued for causing an accident. In rideshare accidents, this could involve claims against the rideshare driver, the company, or another third party.
- Coordination of Benefits: If you have health insurance, your PIP benefits may be coordinated with it, meaning your health insurance pays first, and PIP covers the remaining costs. However, rideshare companies’ insurance policies also come into play, affecting how claims are processed and paid.
Dealing with insurance claims after an Uber or Lyft accident can be complicated due to the simultaneous involvement of personal insurance, rideshare company insurance, and Michigan’s no-fault law. To make sure you receive the financial compensation you deserve, it’s important to have knowledgeable legal representation. Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to guide you through the claims process and advocate on your behalf.
What to Do After an Uber & Lyft Accident
If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Saginaw, it’s important to take immediate and specific actions to protect your well-being and preserve your claim. Start by assessing whether you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured. If there are any serious injuries, call 911 immediately. Then, if possible and it’s safe to do so, move to the side of the road or a safe area to avoid further danger.
Report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. An accident report will provide an official record of the incident, which is crucial for your claim. Be honest and accurate when providing details about the automobile accident to the responding officers. Request a copy of the police report for your records.
While you’re waiting for law enforcement to arrive, take the following steps:
- Collect names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved in the traffic accident.
- Note the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved.
- If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information, as their statements can be valuable for your claim.
- Take clear photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Notify Uber or Lyft about the accident through their app. This step is crucial for documenting the incident with the rideshare company and initiating their insurance process. Keep track of any communications with the rideshare company and save any emails or messages related to the accident.
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries, including certain traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Get a full medical evaluation and keep records of all diagnoses, treatments, and medical expenses. These records are vital for supporting your injury claim.
As soon as a medical examination confirms that you have compensable injuries, contact an experienced rideshare accident lawyer to discuss your case. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C., our legal team will handle all aspects of your claim, from dealing with insurance adjusters to pursuing compensation payouts for your injuries and damages.
What Compensation Can You Get in a Rideshare Accident in Saginaw, MI?
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Saginaw, MI, you may be entitled to various types of economic and non-economic damages.
Medical Expenses
You can seek compensation for your medical expenses. This includes coverage for immediate care such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, and surgeries, as well as ongoing treatment like follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medications, and any long-term medical care required due to the accident.
Loss of Income
You may also be eligible for lost wages. This compensation covers the income you’ve lost if you are unable to work due to severe injuries, and it can also include future earnings if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to these tangible costs, you can claim compensation for pain and suffering. This covers both the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries and the emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or mental anguish, resulting from the accident.
Property Damage
Property damage is another area where you can seek compensation. This includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident, as well as any personal items that were damaged or lost.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of enjoyment is another factor to consider. If your auto accident injuries prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss. In cases of disability and disfigurement, you can seek compensation if the accident results in permanent injuries that impact your ability to live a normal life.
Loss of Consortium
If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. This includes the loss of companionship, affection, and other aspects of your relationship.
FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber & Lyft Accident Claim in Saginaw?
If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Saginaw, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. In Michigan, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit seeking maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages.
However, there are a few important details to keep in mind:
- While the statute of limitations gives you three years to file an accident lawsuit, you should notify your auto insurance company and the rideshare company’s insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. Prompt reporting can help ensure your claim is processed smoothly.
- Michigan’s no-fault insurance law requires that you file a claim for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits within one year of the date of the accident. PIP benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who was at fault.
- If the injured person is a minor or mentally incapacitated, special rules may extend the time allowed to file a claim. It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand how these rules apply to your specific situation.
Filing your claim promptly allows you to gather and preserve evidence while it is still fresh. This includes obtaining medical records, witness statements, and any other documentation that supports your case.
How Much Are Uber & Lyft Car Accident Settlements?
The amount you can receive in an Uber or Lyft car accident settlement depends on several factors. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding these circumstances can help you get a clearer picture of what to expect.
- Severity of Injuries: The more severe your injuries, the higher the potential settlement. Catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment, and long-term care, or result in permanent disability typically lead to larger settlements.
- Medical Expenses: Your automobile crash settlement will consider the total cost of your medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care you may need.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you’ve lost. This includes both current lost wages and any potential future earnings if your ability to work is permanently affected.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical pain and emotional distress you experience as a result of the accident. This is a subjective measure and can vary widely depending on your situation.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal items that were damaged in the accident.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The amount of insurance coverage available through Uber, Lyft, and any other involved parties’ policies will also impact your settlement. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage for automobile crashes that occur while the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip.
Having experienced legal representation can significantly impact the amount of your settlement. An experienced auto accident attorney will ensure that all aspects of your case are thoroughly evaluated and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Get a Free Consultation From a Saginaw Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Saginaw, our law office has the experience and resources to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Don’t let the stress of an accident overwhelm you. Take the first step towards securing your future by contacting the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. today. For more information or to schedule an initial consultation with a rideshare accident attorney, please call 989-300-0775 or contact our Saginaw office online today.
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