A car accident can mean serious injuries, long recovery periods, and tremendous pain. You might struggle to manage everyday tasks such as driving a car or taking care of the people who rely on you. If you can’t go to work, it might not be long until you find yourself in a difficult financial position.
If another driver caused your accident, you might have the right to hold them accountable for your damages. If they work for a rideshare company, it can be hard to know where to start. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Sterling Heights can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our team at Christensen Law has been serving injured accident victims for more than 35 years. Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how our personal injury lawyers in Sterling Heights can help with your rideshare accident case.
Why Are Rideshare Accidents Complicated?
Determining fault in a rideshare accident can get complicated. Rideshare drivers are usually not employees. They are independent contractors, which means the rideshare company does not fully control their actions, and the legal concept of vicarious liability does not apply.
However, that doesn’t mean ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft have zero responsibility when their driver causes an accident. They have insurance policies that cover their drivers in specific situations and to varying degrees.
The rideshare company may also be liable if its negligence directly led to the accident. For example, if the company ignored customer safety compliance and did not perform background checks, our rideshare accident attorneys in Sterling Heights may have a case against it.
When the Rideshare Company Is Responsible
For Uber and Lyft, their insurance policies cover damages when their drivers are signed into the rideshare app, making them effectively on duty.
- If the driver is signed in and actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger at the time of the accident, liability coverage of up to $1 million can apply.
- If the driver is signed up and waiting for an assignment, a lower amount of coverage can apply.
When the Driver Is Responsible
If the driver is not signed into their app, your accident is like any other car accident, and the rideshare company is not involved. Whether the driver or the rideshare company is responsible, Michigan’s No-Fault insurance framework comes into play.
How Does No-Fault Insurance Work for a Rideshare Accident?
Michigan is one of a handful of states that have No-Fault auto insurance laws. When you get into an accident, your own auto policy covers your damages, no matter who was at fault.
In Michigan, while Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is still recommended, you can choose to reduce or even opt out of coverage under certain conditions. However, we always suggest having PIP, because it offers you more comprehensive coverage – opting out potentially leaves you exposed to high costs and gaps in critical care.
In many cases, that means it doesn’t matter who was at fault for a rideshare accident, because your own insurance has you covered. However, there are policy limits, typically $50,000, $250,000, or $500,000, depending on the level of coverage you’ve chosen.
If your damages exceed that, you may be able to pursue additional compensation with the rideshare company or driver’s insurer. Our Sterling Heights rideshare accident lawyers know the No-Fault system inside and out and can advise you on how to proceed.
Can You Sue a Rideshare Driver for a Car Accident in Michigan?
Michigan law is designed to make sure your own insurance policy covers your costs in most car accidents. However, you can sue the rideshare company or the other driver, but only in very specific circumstances:
- If your damages exceed your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) limits, you may sue for excess economic damages.
- If you are seriously injured and 50% or less at fault, you may sue for non–economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- You may file a mini–tort claim for up to $3,000 in vehicle damage.
It is important to consult with our rideshare accident attorneys. Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805 provides three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, a No-Fault claim must be filed within one year, and benefits are limited to losses incurred within the year before filing.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Sterling Heights
When you get in a car accident in Michigan, your own auto insurance policy will cover your damages, but only up to a certain point. If you’ve endured serious injuries, our rideshare accident lawyers may be able to pursue additional compensation.
It can get complicated, especially if the other driver is a rideshare operator. Your claim may be with the rideshare company, the driver, or both. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Sterling Heights understand how to hold the right parties accountable for your hardships.
Christensen Law has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in awards and settlements for Michigan residents injured because of the negligence of another person. Call today to set up your free consultation with a “rideshare accident lawyer near me” and discuss your claim.
