In Troy, people use Uber and Lyft to get to work along Big Beaver Road, head to Somerset Collection, or avoid parking downtown. However, when a trip ends in a crash, they may have questions about fault and insurance coverage, especially if they want to file a claim for damages.
Getting legal help as early as possible is a smart move in these situations. At Christensen Law, our Troy rideshare accident lawyer understands the complex insurance and liability rules involved in these cases and how Michigan’s No-Fault system applies.
The Troy personal injury lawyers at our boutique firm have been fighting for injured people across the state for over 35 years. From the start, we will prepare your case for trial and seek the best outcome. If your crash involves an Uber or Lyft vehicle, call us today to review your legal options during a free consultation.
How Our Rideshare Accident Attorney in Troy Will Help You
Rideshare cases raise practical questions like:
- “What was the driver doing at the time of the crash?”
- “Which insurance policy applies?”
- “How does No-Fault coverage fit into the picture?”
Our rideshare accident lawyers in Troy handle questions like these regularly and will get the answers while you focus on recovering from the crash.
We review how the crash happened, explain how No-Fault benefits apply, and look ahead to whether a claim outside the No-Fault system may be available.
Preparing for trial shapes how we gather evidence, challenge coverage decisions, and evaluate your claim. We can also help our clients connect with a nurse case manager who will help coordinate medical care during recovery. To learn more about how we can help, contact us for a free consultation.
How Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accidents Differ From Others
Rideshare crashes differ from standard car accidents in a few key ways. For example, the driver is typically using a personal vehicle, not one that belongs to the rideshare company. Insurance coverage can shift depending on whether the app was on and whether a passenger was present.
People injured in these crashes may include:
- Passengers riding in an Uber or Lyft
- Drivers hit by a rideshare vehicle
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck during a pickup or drop-off
Each scenario raises different coverage questions under Michigan law.
Common Liability Issues in Troy Rideshare Accidents
Liability in rideshare crashes depends on the driver’s actions at the time of the collision. Uber and Lyft drivers are usually independent contractors, not employees. That distinction affects who may be held responsible and which insurance coverage applies.
In cases like these, we focus on the facts of the crash rather than assumptions. This means closely looking at everything, including the timing of the crash, driver activity in the app, and how the vehicles moved just before the crash.
When reviewing liability, we may:
- Find out whether the driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash and what that status meant
- Compare police reports, app records, and vehicle damage to understand how the collision occurred
- Look for gaps between driver statements and physical evidence
- Stay in contact with insurers as we sort out questions about fault
- Prepare for litigation if the facts point in that direction
This approach helps clarify who may be responsible and how your claim should move forward.
How Rideshare Insurance Works in Michigan
Rideshare insurance coverage changes based on the driver’s status within the app at the time of the crash.
Generally:
- When the app is off, the driver must use their auto policy to cover crash-related damages
- When the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride, limited third-party coverage may be available
- Once a driver accepts a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle, higher commercial coverage typically applies
These layers of coverage can change during a ride and may lead to disputes between insurers. One carrier may claim another policy should apply, which can delay progress.
As you focus on recovering from your injuries, our rideshare accident attorneys in Troy work through these questions to identify which policy should cover your losses.
Michigan No-Fault Insurance and Rideshare Claims
Michigan’s No-Fault system plays a central role in most rideshare cases. Injured people generally turn first to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, regardless of who caused the crash.
PIP benefits may cover medical expenses, a portion of lost income, and replacement services. Making the most of these benefits require careful documentation and follow-up, especially when treatment continues over time.
In some cases, injuries meet Michigan’s legal threshold for stepping outside the No-Fault system. When that happens, a person may pursue a claim against the at-fault party for accident damages. Determining whether that option applies depends on medical records and how the injuries affect daily life.
Common Injuries and Damages in Rideshare Accidents in Troy
Rideshare crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, particularly when passengers are caught off guard or seated in the back of the vehicle.
Common injuries include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries (e.g., bruises, swelling)
The damages you could recover after an Uber or Lyft crash may include medical costs, lost income, future care needs, and non-economic losses tied to how the injury affects your daily activities.
In fatal rideshare accidents, wrongful death damages may address loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral-related expenses.
We will advise you of the damages we can pursue on your behalf and how we will use evidence from the crash to support your claim. Call us today for a free consultation.
Michigan Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Claims
Michigan law sets deadlines for filing lawsuits related to motor vehicle accidents. Personal injury claims generally fall under a three-year statute of limitations under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805.
A person seeking Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits after a motor vehicle accident in Michigan generally has one year from the date of the crash to file the claim. If you wait beyond that window, you can lose your No-Fault benefits, even if other legal options remain available.
Talk With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Troy Who Knows Michigan Law
If you are recovering from a rideshare crash, you may be facing pain, missed work, and uncertainty about which insurance policy applies. Our rideshare accident lawyer in Troy will explain your options and next steps.
People often use the search term “rideshare accident lawyer near me in Troy” when they’re looking for a knowledgeable attorney who can tell them how the laws in Michigan affect their case. Getting clear guidance early can make a real difference in how a case unfolds.
We understand the local legal landscape and will work hard to recover the financial award that helps cover your losses. We listen first, protect your interests at every stage, and prepare each case with the goal of winning meaningful case results. Contact us today for a free consultation.
