Protecting The Rights Of Those Injured in Michigan Ridesharing Accidents
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are becoming a preferred mode of transportation for many people in West Michigan. Although ridesharing has huge benefits, it has also put more cars on the road, which inevitably means more accidents.
However, accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles aren’t the same as regular collisions. Auto insurance coverage can work differently because these drivers are technically contractors instead of employees, and your avenue to compensation may depend on the specifics of the driver’s auto insurance policy.
Michigan’s motor vehicle and insurance laws are challenging enough without adding the complexity of an accident involving a rideshare vehicle. If you’ve been injured because an Uber or Lyft driver was careless or negligent, let a Kalamazoo auto accident lawyer at Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers determine the best route to compensation and protect your rights for the duration of your claim.
What You Need To Know About Michigan Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyers
- Why Hire Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers For Your Rideshare Accident Claim?
- Common Causes Of Rideshare Accidents In Michigan
- FAQs
- Michigan Uber & Lyft Rideshare Attorneys Who Protect Your Rights
Why Hire Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers for Your Rideshare Accident Claim?
At Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers, our Michigan rideshare accident lawyers understand the intricate laws that govern the outcome of Uber and Lyft accidents. We will:
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident
- Identify the liable parties
- Negotiate with the insurance company responsible for compensating you
- Vigorously defend your interests during negotiations and at trial if necessary
Our strong and informed advocacy has resulted in highly favorable settlements and verdicts for past clients, and we look forward to achieving a similar outcome for your claim. We will make sure that it is filed within Michigan’s statute of limitations, which is three years for car accidents, and let you know what to expect as the claim progresses.
If you’re looking at high medical bills and months of recovery after a rideshare accident, please contact our office today for a no-cost consultation. A Michigan injury attorney will discuss your accident with you, look into what compensation you may be entitled to, and offer advice on how to take care of yourself and your family after a serious accident. We handle all rideshare accident claims on contingency, so if we don’t win, you owe us nothing for our time and effort.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Michigan
When you ride in an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, you place your trust in a driver you have never met. Although some accidents are clearly not the fault of the driver, others may be the result of their negligence.
As long as there is proof that someone else’s actions resulted in the accident, injured parties – whether they are passengers, drivers, or pedestrians – may be able to recover compensation in a personal injury claim.
Our law firm has years of experience helping clients navigate car accident claims involving:
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving (speeding, disregarding traffic safety rules)
- Fatigued driving
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Defective vehicle components
- Inclement weather
All of these factors can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, scarring and disfigurement, and even wrongful death. A Michigan Lyft accident lawyer can help make sure you get the medical treatment you need right away and explain your legal options so you can focus on healing.
FAQs
Who Pays My Bills After a Rideshare Accident?
In Michigan, injured drivers and passengers are entitled to no-fault insurance benefits. Our Michigan rideshare accident lawyers will determine which insurer is responsible for covering you and seek payment for your medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation treatments, and other expenses related to the accident.
Michigan law requires Uber and Lyft vehicles to have no-fault PIP coverage, but which insurance company pays your damages will depend on your circumstances. The general order of priority is:
– Your own insurance
– A resident relative’s insurance
– The Uber or Lyft insurance
The Uber and Lyft insurance policies are only responsible for paying your no-fault benefits if you have no other insurance coverage available to you. Below is an overview of rideshare company coverage limits, which will vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
– If the driver was logged into the network and accepting rides, the minimum liability coverage is $50,000 for each injured person and $100,000 total for the incident.
– If the driver is carrying a passenger, the minimum liability coverage is $1,000,000 for each injured person and $1,000,000 total for the accident.
– If the driver was not on duty, the minimum coverage is that required by the state of Michigan, which is $50,000 per injured person and $100,000 per incident.
Even though rideshare companies have insurance, it doesn’t mean they’ll make it easy for you to receive a payout after an accident. They’ll try to keep your claim amount as low as possible and may even try to deny it. Having to deal with these insurance companies is just one of the reasons we recommend you hire a Michigan Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer.
What are Average Rideshare Accident Settlement Amounts in Michigan?
As each case is unique, it is impossible to give an average settlement for a rideshare accident. Generally speaking, settlements are determined based on several factors, including:
– The severity of your injuries
– Your current medical bills and future treatment costs
– What impact the accident had on your income and career
– Your quality of life after the accident
For example, if you’re in your late 20s and an Uber accident left you permanently impaired due to traumatic brain injury, your claim will have a higher value than if you were retired and suffered a broken ankle.
Your Michigan Uber accident lawyer at Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers will review your medical bills and records, pay stubs, and other documentation to determine your current losses and consult with medical and vocational experts to get an idea of your future medical needs and career limitations.
Once we arrive at a total that represents fair compensation for your claim, we will negotiate with the insurance company and, if they don’t make a fair offer, take your case to court.
Although relatively few personal injury lawsuits go to trial, we have the litigation experience to see your case all the way through to a verdict. We’re committed to your wellbeing and make that known at the negotiation table and in court.
Michigan Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyers Who Protect Your Rights
When you are injured in a rideshare accident, it can be difficult to seek compensation. At Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers, our Michigan car accident lawyers have years of experience securing strong settlements and verdicts after a crash. We can handle the most challenging rideshare accident claims.
Our Michigan Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers serve the following areas:
- Berrien County
- Cass County
- Van Buren County
- West Michigan
To schedule your free consultation with a Michigan Uber accident lawyer or Michigan Lyft accident lawyer near you, call The Bear today at 269-769-BEAR or fill out this contact form. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!