Car accidents happen fast and can catch you completely off guard. This could not be more true than in the case of rideshare accidents. The last thing you are expecting in the back of an Uber or Lyft is to be involved in a serious wreck. Yet, car accidents involving rideshare vehicles are very common in Michigan.
In this guide, we’ll explain how insurance covers rideshare accident injuries, what other types of compensation you may be entitled to after an accident in an Uber or Lyft, and the steps you should take to protect your health and your ability to make a legal claim.
How Are My Medical Bills Paid After a Rideshare Accident in Michigan?
Rideshare passengers are entitled to no-fault benefits under Michigan law, just like any other motorist. These benefits (provided by your auto insurance company) are the first place to look for medical bill coverage after an accident.
If you’re listed under someone else’s auto insurance policy, like a parent or spouse, then you can typically receive coverage under their policy for a rideshare accident.
If you don’t have any access to auto insurance coverage, then you may be able to receive no-fault benefits from the insurance company that covers the rideshare driver’s vehicle.
If no-fault coverage isn’t available through any of the options listed above, you may be entitled to coverage through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP). This state agency can provide up to $250,000 in medical benefits for treatment related to a rideshare accident.
Because determining which policy takes priority is complicated work, it’s important to speak with an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible after a rideshare accident.
What Types of Compensation Am I Entitled to Following a Rideshare Accident?
In addition to medical expenses, you may be entitled to other forms of compensation under your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This includes:
- Lost wages – If your accident renders you unable to work, PIP coverage will provide up to three years of lost wages at a rate of 85% of your expected salary.
- Rehabilitation costs – If physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vocational rehabilitation, or residential rehabilitation is required after your rideshare accident, PIP coverage will help pay for these expenses.
- Help around the house – If a doctor determines you are unable to complete everyday household chores as a result of your accident, helpers can be paid up to $20 a day for assisting you with various tasks.
Can I Sue the Driver Who Caused My Accident?
As a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, it’s very unlikely that you are at fault for an accident. As a result, you have a potential claim against the drivers involved in the accident.
Exactly who you make your claim against depends on who caused the accident. If the accident was caused by a combination of negligence by both drivers, then you may be able to sue them both.
The damages you may be entitled to compensation for include:
- Pain and suffering
- Fright
- Shock
- Embarrassment
- Humiliation
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Medical expenses not covered by your own auto insurance policy
What If I Am a Pedestrian or Cyclist That Is Hit by a Rideshare Driver?
As a pedestrian or cyclist, your rights are consistent with those of a rideshare passenger. Your no-fault benefits would be provided by your own auto insurance policy followed by that of a resident relative.
If you or a resident relative does not have an auto insurance policy, you would then turn to the policy of the rideshare driver or the MACP.
Additionally, if the rideshare driver was at fault, a pedestrian or cyclist can sue for all of the same damages (listed above) that a passenger would be entitled to.
The Rights of a Rideshare Driver
If you’re a rideshare driver, your personal auto insurance policy typically does not cover “business use” of your vehicle unless you informed your insurance company about the business use of your vehicle. That means you could be left paying for medical expenses and damage to your vehicle out-of-pocket if you are involved in an accident while you’re on the clock.
While rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft do offer basic commercial coverage for injuries and property damage, these policies are often very limited.
If you plan on using your car as a rideshare driver, it might make sense to get a rideshare endorsement from your personal auto insurance company. This acts as an extension of your personal auto insurance coverage. Depending on the policy you select, you may be covered for liability, property damage, and medical expenses.
Additionally, you may be able to sue the driver who caused the accident, so long as that driver is at least 50% at fault.
Steps to Follow After a Rideshare Accident
Following a rideshare accident, there are certain steps you should follow in order to protect your health and your ability to pursue a legal claim. These steps include:
- Prioritize your health and safety. If possible, remove yourself from the vehicle and get to a safe place, out of harm’s way. Call 911 and receive immediate medical attention if you suffered any injuries.
- Report the accident. Make sure the accident is reported to law enforcement and that an official police report is generated.
- Gather and preserve evidence. Take thorough photos of the crash, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Take screenshots of the rideshare trip including the driver’s name, pick up and drop off times, and the route that you took.
- Gather contact information. Exchange contact information with your rideshare driver, as well as any other drivers involved in the accident. If there were any eyewitnesses to the accident, be sure to grab their contact information as well.
- Notify your auto insurance company. Initiating a claim soon after the accident can help ensure your best chances of receiving full coverage.
- Speak with an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney. They can help you understand whose insurance is responsible for covering your medical expenses and what types of compensation you might be entitled to.
Rideshare Accident FAQs
Who Covers My Medical Bills After a Rideshare Accident in Michigan?
As a passenger in a rideshare accident, medical bills will be paid by one of the following sources of coverage:
- Your auto insurance policy
- Your resident relative’s auto insurance policy
- The rideshare driver’s insurance policy
- The MACP
What Types of Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Rideshare Accident in Michigan?
After a rideshare accident, you are generally entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Help around the house
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disfigurement
- Mental anguish
Can I Sue a Rideshare Driver?
Yes, depending on who was responsible for causing the accident, you may be able to sue your rideshare driver or another driver who contributed to the accident.
What Rights Do I Have as a Rideshare Driver Involved in an Accident?
As a rideshare driver, you may have a few different options for compensation after an accident. You can potentially seek compensation through an insurance claim (depending on the specifics of your insurance policy) or through a lawsuit against the driver who caused your accident.
Talk to a Michigan Rideshare Accident Attorney
Accidents can seriously shake up your world, especially if you were not the one driving. As a passenger in a rideshare, you might be completely at a loss for how to handle an accident if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in one.
At Femminineo Law, we’ve handled countless accidents involving rideshare passengers and know exactly how to make meaningful recoveries for these clients. Our Accident Response Team will be able to review the facts of your accident, preserve the critical evidence, and ultimately maximize the compensation you’re able to receive.
Give us a call at 855-65CRASH or request a free consultation with Femminineo Law.
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