Rideshare services have revolutionized how people get around and have provided a side hustle for drivers to earn income on their own time. With so many rideshare drivers on the road, they’ve also created a unique problem. When an accident happens, who is responsible?
Drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft are contractors, not employees. If you’ve been hurt in an accident with one of these drivers, you may not be sure what to do next. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Warren can help you identify the liable parties and get compensation.
Our team at Christensen Law has more than 100 years of combined legal experience. We prepare every case we take as though we’re going to trial. Call today for your free consultation and learn how our personal injury lawyers in Warren can help you with your rideshare case.
No-Fault Insurance in Michigan
Michigan is a no–fault state for auto insurance. That means your personal auto insurance policy covers your damages, even if the other driver is at fault. This system streamlines the claims process after a car accident and reduces the need for civil actions.
Every driver in Michigan must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of their insurance policies. While there is a minimum amount required and set by the state, each driver may choose the level of PIP coverage they want to add to their policy.
However, there may be situations when even the most robust PIP policy won’t fully cover your damages. Or, you may be using a rideshare service because you don’t have a vehicle to insure. Either way, our rideshare accident attorneys in Warren can help you understand what to do after a rideshare accident in Michigan and determine how to pursue damages after a rideshare crash.
Identifying Liable Parties
Because rideshare drivers are usually contractors, companies like Lyft and Uber have limited control over their actions and protection from liability in many accidents. That means the driver is often liable, but there can be times when the rideshare company is to blame.
When the Rideshare Company Is Liable
Whether the rideshare company is responsible for your damages depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. For both Uber and Lyft, if the driver is logged into their app, they are effectively on the clock, and the rideshare company may be liable for the driver’s actions.
The rideshare company may also bear responsibility if it was negligent in other aspects of the business, such as failing to perform background checks on new drivers or ignoring customer complaints about reckless drivers.
When the Driver Is Liable
If the driver was not logged into their app, your legal claim will be with them, not the rideshare company. This makes it like any other car accident case. Because of the no-fault system in Michigan, you’ll need to prove serious economic or non-economic losses to sue.
Michigan is also a comparative fault state, according to MCL 600.2959. That means you can sue even if you were partially at fault, but your damages are reduced in accordance with your level of fault.
Recovering Compensation in a Rideshare Accident
Because legal action beyond what is allowed under Michigan’s no-fault claims procedure can become very complicated, it is smart to reach out to our Warren rideshare accident lawyers for guidance.
We will investigate your accident, identify liable parties, and hold them accountable.
While every case is different, our rideshare accident lawyers may be able to seek significant damages beyond what is covered under your PIP insurance, such as:
- Medical expenses like emergency care, hospital stays, and doctor visits
- Lost wages beyond your PIP coverage
- Costs of your vehicle repair, up to a limit set by the state
- Non-economic damages resulting from serious impairments
Resolving Your Claim
Most personal injury cases, including rideshare accident claims, are settled out of court. We will negotiate for a fair settlement that completely covers your losses. Settlements mean your case will be over quicker and with less stress.
However, our rideshare accident attorneys aren’t going to accept less than you deserve. We start preparing for trial on the day we take your case. If insurance companies refuse to act in good faith, we won’t back down. We’ll represent you in court and fight for your award.
Get Help From Our Rideshare Accident Attorneys in Warren
Any car accident can mean injuries, medical expenses, time away from work, and unforeseen costs. In addition to your physical injuries, you might face financial challenges and need to find ways to complete tasks, such as caring for your family or getting to appointments.
The compensation you receive from a personal injury claim can cover the financial impacts of your hardships. If the other driver is an Uber or Lyft operator, our rideshare accident attorneys in Warren will determine who is responsible and hold them accountable.
Christensen Law has recovered over $100 million in awards and settlements for injured accident victims in Michigan. Call today for your free consultation if you are searching for a “rideshare accident lawyer near me,” and tell us about your rideshare accident case.
