At Uber or Lyft rides, your safety should always come first. But accidents happen, and we often do not have control over what could happen.
In an accident scenario, take steps immediately to ensure you and others are involved. Call 911 directly in injuries; seek medical care even if minor symptoms exist, as some injuries could become visible later.
Collect Information
While still at the scene of an accident, collect as much data as possible from all relevant parties involved – this includes gathering details like:
- Name and contact information of Uber/Lyft drivers; license plate numbers of vehicles involved, insurance information of each driver involved, as well as any witnesses that were present;
- Report the Incident to Uber or Lyft
- Both Uber and Lyft have procedures in place for reporting accidents during rides. Simply open their respective apps, find the option for reporting an incident, provide details regarding injuries sustained as a result of what transpired, any relevant information (i.e., severity) about injuries/damages suffered, and provide all pertinent information you feel is appropriate (i.e., mileage coverage for drivers may apply to cover your losses, etc.). Both Uber & Lyft carry liability coverage which could cover injuries/damages suffered as part of an Uber/Lyft ride!
Document the Incident
After being involved in an incident, take photos and documents as soon as possible of all involved vehicles, injuries sustained by anyone present, property damage, and road conditions to provide evidence against claims made against your insurance. Documentation can help strengthen any insurance claims.
Navigating the claims process after an Uber or Lyft accident can be complex. Seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney knowledgeable in Michigan’s rideshare laws who can guide you through this process while advocating for your best interests.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Michigan rideshare drivers must carry personal auto insurance that fulfills state minimum requirements. At the same time, Uber and Lyft offer drivers coverage – which could become relevant depending on the circumstances surrounding an accident. You may need to deal with multiple insurers during claims processes as they attempt to limit or minimize their liabilities.
Be wary when communicating with insurance adjusters and only accept settlement offers if consulting an attorney. Insurance companies may attempt to settle quickly at lower amounts than you deserve; your attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure fair compensation is awarded.
Understanding No-Fault Insurance
Michigan operates with a no-fault system of car insurance coverage; each person’s insurer is responsible for covering medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused an accident, although there can be exceptions depending on circumstances, like involvement from rideshare services that could bring complications into play.
Filing an Uber and Lyft auto accident claim in Michigan requires extensive knowledge of state insurance laws and rideshare regulations, and your immediate safety must always come first.
Once primary issues have been addressed, document the scene of the crash, report to Uber/Lyft immediately, seek legal advice as quickly as possible in the claims process, and seek assistance from experienced attorneys when filing claims – having an experienced lawyer represent your interests could drastically increase chances of receiving equitable compensation – always remember your rights are being upheld and seek proper reparation for injuries/damages sustained due to negligence!
If you own a rideshare vehicle or have been involved in an accident, it is crucial to have all your bases covered. Consult an experienced insurance professional or attorney to navigate any complexities and make informed decisions regarding your coverage during this challenging time.
Haque Legal is always here to help. While this article is not legal advice and should not be taken as such, your first consultation is free, so schedule your appointment today!