Ride-sharing has become a standard part of our transportation system in Michigan. Every month, companies such as Uber and Lyft transfer thousands of individuals to various destinations all over the state. Sometimes Uber car accidents occur, resulting in injury. Under Michigan law, victims injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident are entitled to no-fault benefits as well as pain and suffering compensation. The Michigan car accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have represented people injured in a rideshare accident for over a decade.
Ride-sharing companies and politicians have battled over how to properly compensate individuals and drivers injured in an Uber or Lyft car accident. After much deliberation, the Michigan legislature passed legislation setting forth the duties and responsibilities for Uber, Lyft, and other independent contractor transportation network companies. MCL 257.2123. In addition, Uber, Lyft, and their partners made additional promises to ensure reasonable and proper compensation for individuals injured in a Michigan accident.
Uber and Lyft Michigan Car Accident Law
Under Michigan law, compensation is available if an Uber driver injures another motorist, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist. This is called a third-party negligence case. In addition, no fault insurance coverage provided by Uber, Lyft, or any Transportation Network Company is not dependent upon the personal auto insurance of the Uber or Lyft driver denying the claim first. Prompt payment of reasonable claims is expected and mandated under the law.
How Much Compensation Does Lyft or Uber Pay for Injuries?
Under the law, the insurance carrier for a “transportation network company” – such as a Lyft or Uber – must provide at least $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage for when an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident while engaged in a ride. This coverage is available both for passengers in a ride-sharing vehicle as well as another member of the public injured due to the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver.
During the time that an Uber or Lyft driver is logged on to the transportation network company’s digital network and is available to receive transportation requests, but is not engaged in a transportation network company prearranged ride, Uber and Lyft must provide at least $50,000.00 per person for death or bodily injury, $100,000.00 per incident for death or bodily injury, and $25,000.00 for property damage.
No-Fault Benefits and Ridesharing Accidents
In addition, the Michigan no-fault law covers individuals in an Uber or Lyft vehicle. This means a passenger can receive all the same benefits other Michigan drivers can recover from their injuries. These benefits include lost wages, payment of hospital and doctor bills, payment of out-of-pocket costs, and reimbursement for replacement services and attendant care or nursing care.
The insurance company responsible for paying no-fault benefits depends on whether you have auto insurance or live with a family member who has auto insurance. If you do not, the ride-sharing company’s insurance carrier must pay first-party benefits. Typically, these benefits are up to $250,000 in medical coverage and payment for wage loss.
What if an Uninsured Vehicle Causes the Crash or a Hit-and Run?
Passengers injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft car are also entitled to benefits if injured due to the negligence of an uninsured motorist. Victims can often claim $1,000,000 or more in compensation for pain and suffering through uninsured motorist coverage these companies maintain. This means if a hit-and-run driver hits your car while inside an Uber, you can still make a claim through Uber’s insurance company.
Steps to Take After a Ridesharing Crash
If you are injured due to the negligence of an Uber driver, it is important to takes these steps immediately after a crash:
- Make a Police Report and Call 911. The driver may not want to get into trouble and will want to avoid making a police report. Don’t let them do this. Call 911 and insist on making a report. If you can’t make the police report right away, do it as quickly as possible after the crash. Bring your cell phone to show the police the name of the driver and where the crash occurred.
- Take Pictures and Video. If possible, take photographs and video of the accident scene. This includes all vehicles involved in the crash.
- Get Names of Witnesses. Get the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses. This should include all people involved in the crash.
- Get Medical Attention. If you are in pain, go to a local hospital or urgent care. It is important proper medical testing gets done.
- Call a Rideshare Accident Lawyer. Contact a Michigan Uber accident lawyer so an insurance claim is set up on your behalf and you are protected.
Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers – Our Firm Gets Results
The Michigan Uber lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. handle cases involving Uber and Lyft every day.
Recently, we resolved a claim for a woman who was injured while driving for Uber. While operating her car, she was violently rear-ended by a drunk driver. The impact caused her to sustain herniations to her neck as a low back injury. Over the next year, she received multiple injections in her neck and back, as well as chiropractic treatment. She had a meeting with a neurosurgeon, but elected against surgery.
She also missed over a year of work and has permanent nerve injury in her neck area. Her auto no-fault carrier refused to pay her wage loss benefits, as well as medical expenses and replacement services. Through our exhaustive prosecution of her case, we were able to secure a large six-figure settlement for our client.
Uber and Lyft Car Detroit Accident Injury Claims
Uber and Lyft car accidents involve a wide variety of claims. They can include accidents involving:
These claims are treated very similarly. Whether on a motorcycle or a pedestrian walking across the street, if you are injured by an Uber driver, the claim is virtually the same, and the same benefits are offered. Often, insurance companies will try to delay and deny the payment of benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to find a tough, hardworking Michigan rideshare accident law firm on your side.
Is there a Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit Against Uber?
Under Michigan law, an injured person has three (3) years from the crash date to file a lawsuit against the correct defendants. This is called the statute of limitations. This time limit is longer for children, as most have until they turn 19 to file a lawsuit.
There are many potential defendants in a Michigan ridesharing car accident case. Besides the at-fault driver, the vehicle’s owner or the company itself may also be responsible for the driver’s injuries.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire the Lee Steinberg Law Firm?
We handle car accident cases and all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not charge anything until we win your case. Even the initial consultation and meeting is free.
When we successfully obtain a settlement or verdict, the legal fee is one-third (1/3) of the amount, including costs. If, for some reason, we are not successful in obtaining money, you do not owe us anything, ever. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, you will pay nothing only if we win your case and you get paid.
Lee Steinberg Law Firm – Michigan Uber and Lyft Injury Attorneys
The Uber and Lyft car accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C., are aggressive in obtaining the benefits and compensation our clients are entitled to receive. We take on the insurance companies and stop them from bullying you.
We approach each case individually, meeting and working with our clients every step to ensure they are advised and comfortable. We investigate the facts surrounding the accident, hire the necessary experts, meet with physicians, and aggressively fight so our clients obtain justice and top compensation.
The Lee Steinberg Law Firm represents car accident injury victims in Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights, Pontiac, Ann Arbor, Flint, Saginaw, Lansing, Bay City, Midland, Grand Rapids, Cadillac, Alpena, Traverse City, and other cities and communities in Michigan.