Rideshare Accident Lawyers | Protecting Victims of Uber & Lyft Collisions in Michigan

The Legal Answer with Stephen Sinas

Liability When It Comes to Rideshares

Why Choose Sinas Dramis?

• Proven Track Record in complex auto accident litigation
• Knowledge of Michigan No-Fault Law and rideshare insurance policies
• Aggressive Representation against large corporations and insurers
• No Fee Unless We Win – we only get paid if you do

Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents

We’re seeing more and more cases involving rideshare accidents – and for a lot of people, they’re unsure what to do next. Here is a breakdown of the most common questions we hear and what you should know if you’re ever involved in a rideshare accident.

• What is a rideshare company? Think of ridesharing as the modern twist on the old taxi service – only faster, easier, and right at your fingertips. Companies like Uber and Lyft connect drivers and passengers through easy-to-use smartphone apps. With just a few taps, you can request a ride, track your driver in real time, and be on your way within minutes. It’s convenience, upgraded.
• Are rideshare accident claims different from regular car accidents? Yes – while they involve similar steps, rideshare cases add another layer of complexity with corporate insurance policies and app-based driver status that can affect coverage.
• Who is liable in a rideshare accident – the driver, the rideshare company, or someone else? Liability in a rideshare accident depends on fault and whether the driver was working at the time, with coverage potentially coming from the rideshare company, another driver’s insurer, or multiple parties. An attorney can navigate these complexities to pursue the right claims.
• Who pays for my injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident? It depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage when a ride is in progress, but other scenarios may involve the driver’s personal insurance.
• Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly? In most cases, the rideshare company’s insurance policy will be the source of compensation, but special circumstances may allow a lawsuit against the company itself.
• What if I was a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft? You may be entitled to no-fault benefits and possibly additional compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance.
• What if the rideshare driver wasn’t logged into the app? If the driver wasn’t logged into Uber or Lyft at the time of the crash, the rideshare company’s insurance usually won’t apply, leaving the driver’s personal auto policy as the primary coverage.
• How long do I have to file a claim? In Michigan, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years but rideshare cases can involve shorter deadlines for insurance notifications.
• Do I need a lawyer for an Uber or Lyft accident? Because rideshare crashes often involve multiple insurers and strict deadlines, having an experienced attorney can help maximize your claim and protect your rights.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Michigan

Navigating insurance coverage after a rideshare accident in Michigan can be confusing – but knowing the rules can make all the difference when pursuing fair compensation.

Michigan’s regulation of Uber and Lyft drivers requires different insurance payouts depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

• When a driver is waiting for a ride request (logged in but idle), state law mandates at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident in liability coverage, plus $25,000 for property damage.
• Once a ride is accepted, en route, or carrying a passenger, the rideshare company’s policy ramps up to $1 million in liability coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, which is critical if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
• Michigan’s no-fault system still applies, meaning injured passengers must first look to their own no-fault insurance for benefits like PIP, wage loss, and replacement services. If they lack personal coverage or aren’t covered by a household policy, they can access the rideshare vehicle’s no-fault benefits – coverage that hinges on the driver’s app usage at the time.

This layered coverage underscores the importance of acting quickly:

1. App status matters. It influences which insurance applies – your own, your household’s, the driver’s, or Uber/Lyft’s.
2. Prompt reporting supports coverage. Delays in reporting to the company, insurer, or medical attention can disrupt your ability to claim benefits.
3. Rideshare compositions increase accident risk. Studies show that rideshare activity has contributed to a 2–3% rise in annual traffic fatalities – underscoring the importance of legal guidance.

Understanding these insurance nuances early on ensures your claim is filed correctly, deadlines are met, and you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Let our experienced Michigan rideshare attorneys guide your next steps.