Rideshare Accident Attorney in Michigan
As the popularity of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft continues to grow in Michigan, so does the potential for accidents involving these services. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, it’s crucial to have the right legal representation by your side to ensure your rights are protected as you pursue compensation for your injuries.
At Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, our experienced team of attorneys will fight for you if you have been involved in a rideshare accident. We are dedicated to helping accident victims in Michigan obtain the justice they deserve.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents are any incident involving ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft that result in personal injury, or even fatalities. These accidents include any Uber/Lyft collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or objects on the road.
Injuries resulting from rideshare accidents can vary in severity, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering injuries. The impact of these accidents can be both physical and emotional, leaving lasting effects on victims’ lives. Common injuries seen in rideshare accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Psychological trauma
Recovering from these injuries often requires extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care — all significant financial burdens for the victim(s).
Who Is Liable in a Michigan Uber or Lyft Accident?
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, individuals involved are entitled to certain benefits provided by their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. In cases involving Uber or Lyft drivers, this no-fault system still applies in most situations.
In addition to pursuing no-fault insurance benefits, there may be additional avenues for compensation available to injured rideshare passengers or innocent motorists involved in accidents where an Uber or Lyft driver was responsible. In such cases, you may have the opportunity to make a claim against the driver responsible for the accident. Additionally, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against the ridesharing company itself. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine liability in your specific circumstance.
Michigan Law Requires Liability Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Drivers
The amount of compensation available through the driver or company’s insurance will largely depend on the circumstances of the accident — i.e., when it happened and who was responsible.
In 2017, Michigan implemented updated regulations for rideshare drivers. These regulations aim to provide a certain level of protection for passengers and other parties involved in accidents with rideshare vehicles. Under Michigan law, Michigan Uber and Lyft drivers are required to maintain a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage in the event of an accident occurring while transporting passengers.
Additionally, when a rideshare driver is logged into the mobile rideshare application but is waiting for a ride request, they must have a minimum of $50,000 in liability coverage in place. This coverage applies to accidents that may happen during the waiting period.
The team at Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys are not afraid to take on large corporations or insurance companies. Our skilled litigators are well-versed in negotiation strategies and trial advocacy, and we will fight tooth and nail to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. We believe in constant communication and transparency, ensuring that you are informed every step of the way and are actively involved in the decision-making process.
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accidents are not as straightforward as other car accidents in that they typically involve complex legal and insurance matters. Navigating the intricacies of insurance claims can be daunting — especially when services like Uber or Lyft are involved. Rideshare companies often have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to protect their own interests, which can make it difficult for individual accident victims to navigate the claims process on their own.
Insurance claims involving Uber and Lyft can be particularly complicated due to the unique nature of rideshare operations. The insurance coverage available may depend on various factors such as the driver’s activity at the time of the accident and whether passengers were present in the vehicle. Determining liability for the accident and identifying the responsible party can also be challenging given the potential involvement of multiple parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, and other third parties.
Our skilled attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with the liable parties to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact an Ann Arbor, Boyne City, Grand Rapids, Southfield, and Birmingham Car Accident Attorney
The value of an attorney in rideshare accident cases cannot be understated. Our team of car accident attorneys can provide the following services in the aftermath of a rideshare accident:
- Legal expertise
- Case evaluation
- Gather evidence
- Determine liability
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit
- Protect your rights and advocate for your best interests
Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, leaving no stone unturned in gathering evidence and identifying liable parties. Our goal is to establish a compelling argument that demonstrates negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or any other responsible party.
Our attorneys are serious lawyers for serious cases. We have litigated cases extensively in federal courts and state circuit courts, within the State of Michigan and elsewhere in the US. If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, do not hesitate to contact us online or give our team a call at 248-564-3618 for a free consultation.