Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are more popular today than ever. For many people, they have replaced traditional taxis because they tend to offer lower fares and greater convenience. However, there are hidden downsides. People injured in crashes involving rideshare vehicles often face a complicated legal process when trying to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
At Thurswell Law, our team of experienced attorneys regularly represents victims of Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Michigan. If you suffered injuries as a rideshare passenger or were in a collision with a rideshare vehicle, our car crash lawyers could help you understand your rights and determine whether you have an actionable personal injury claim.
How Most Car Accident Claims Work
Unlike a rideshare crash with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, a typical Michigan car accident is likely to involve two drivers, each with their own vehicle and insurance policy. Under no-fault insurance laws, each driver would first file a personal injury protection (PIP) claim with their own insurer. Fault would become a factor in cases where the accident and injuries were especially serious or costs exceeded PIP policy limits.
Why Is the Aftermath of Rideshare Accidents Often So Complex?
By contrast, Michigan Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies, insurance coverage that can change at any moment, and drivers who are not considered employees. Below is a brief summary of the factors that make rideshare accidents so complex.
Multiple Insurance Policies
A rideshare crash accident may involve your personal insurance policy, the rideshare driver’s personal policy, Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy, and the policy of any other driver who was involved in the crash. This gives insurers an opportunity to dispute whether their company’s policy should apply.
Commercial Coverage That Changes Quickly
Uber and Lyft provide commercial coverage to drivers, but the amount and availability of coverage depend on the driver’s status when the crash occurred. There is no commercial coverage if the driver is not on duty. Drivers have limited coverage while waiting for ride requests and full coverage while transporting passengers or traveling to pick them up.
Uber and Lyft Drivers Are Not Employees
Employers can often be held jointly liable for harm caused by their employees while working. However, Uber and Lyft classify rideshare drivers as independent contractors. This is an intentional strategy that provides the companies with significant protection from liability when one of their drivers causes a crash. This protection is not always absolute, but challenging it requires the assistance of a skilled lawyer.
How Our Firm Could Help You With a Rideshare Accident Claim
Having an attorney on your side when pursuing any auto accident injury claim is important. This is especially true if an Uber, Lyft, or rideshare collision has injured you in Michigan. When you work with Thurswell Law, our attorneys can handle all aspects of your legal claim, including:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the details of the crash and being prepared to contest inaccurate or misleading details cited by insurance companies
- Helping you understand which policy or policies apply to your accident and fighting to hold those insurers responsible for honoring your claims
- Determining the total costs of your injuries and losses and pursuing full compensation (through negotiation or litigation) from all liable parties
Finally, we could communicate on your behalf with insurers, rideshare companies, and others so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal.
Contact Us Today To Discuss Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare Crashes in Michigan at No Cost
At Thurswell Law, we believe that experience gets results. Our firm has served clients since 1968, and in that time, we have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of the injured, including victims of Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents in Michigan.
We make it easy to explore your legal options by offering a free initial consultation. Call us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
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