Michigan Uber Accident Attorney

Technology is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives. From our computers to the devices we carry in our pockets that our even recent ancestors would have trouble comprehending. And, here we are, able to summon vehicles to come to pick us up with as little as two clicks on our phone.

Uber and other rideshare companies have helped us get around town and go about our daily lives. This is convenient in large cities where many of us do not have cars, or we simply want to be responsible when going out for a few drinks with friends.

No matter the reason, Uber is something we didn’t know we needed, but now can’t fathom living. However, the risks you face on the road are no different from if you were the one driving.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while riding in an Uber, you could recover compensation under Michigan law. To find out if you can, speak with an experienced Michigan Uber accident lawyer today at Haque Legal.

Uber Is Not a Taxi

We have all seen taxis roaming around town. We have taken them to and from the airport. We have found them at taxi stands and hailed them from the curb. Those days may soon end.

Now, all you have to do is open the Uber app on your phone, enter your destination, and wait for your chariot to arrive. But you are not summoning an employee of Uber to pick you up. Instead, you are requesting a private individual operating as an independent contractor. This distinction will become very important.

States and cities regulate taxi companies. They are required to register with the city and state where they operate. And they are required to provide training to drivers and run strenuous background checks. These regulations are in place to protect you, the passenger. If a driver has lots of accidents on their driving record, the taxi company may not offer them a job.

Uber claims it is not a taxi company, and that it’s a data and software company. The Uber app you frequently use on your phone is merely a connection between you and some stranger. Because Uber is not a taxi company, they are not subject to the same regulations as they usually would if they were.

So when you hop into an Uber, you are getting a ride from a stranger who does not work for Uber and whose vehicle is not maintained or provided by Uber. And because the car is privately owned by the driver and not owned by Uber, the car is considered a private vehicle, not commercial. This is also important because new laws surround the operation and maintenance of commercial vehicles, such as ensuring proper training for drivers. When a car is privately owned, it’s often no different than accepting a ride from a friend or acquaintance—you must place a significant degree of faith in the driver’s ability to navigate safely. This is where an Uber accident attorney can be of use.

Ridesharing Laws

Because of the rise of ridesharing companies, many states have taken up bills that place some regulations around companies like Uber. Michigan passed a law that requires drivers to carry certain levels of insurance. But it makes a distinction between the time when a driver is looking for fares and when carrying a passenger.

When an Uber driver has a passenger in the car, the insurance coverage is different:

Primary liability coverage of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage
PIP and uninsured/underinsured motorist as required by law

What Uber Says About Insurance

Uber is required under Michigan law to provide minimum insurance coverage. Uber is also very clear about insurance coverage. But this can lead to more confusion because Uber differentiates between coverage during a ride and coverage when the driver is using the vehicle for personal use.

When The Driver Is Not Using the Uber App

In this instance, it is clear that the driver is using their car for personal use. Here, no insurance coverages would be applied from Uber if the driver is involved in an accident. The driver is required to keep insurance coverages as required by Michigan law.

The Driver Is Using the Uber App but Does Not Have a Passenger

In this situation, the driver is looking for a passenger but does not currently have one. The driver could also be in motion or waiting, like in a parking lot near an airport. If a driver gets into an accident while they are using the Uber app, the insurance provided by Uber only comes into play if the driver’s insurance does not cover the full amount of the accident.

Passengers Are in the Vehicle

When an Uber driver accepts a fare and picks up a passenger, the insurance coverage provided by Uber takes effect. If an accident happens, Uber’s insurance coverage should apply.

All of these factors are important to keep in mind when hiring a Michigan Uber accident lawyer.

What to Do if You Are in an Accident

Your health is the most important thing to worry about after a Michigan Uber accident. You can take these steps to help show that the Uber driver or the other driver was at fault in your accident. This can help to maximize your compensation, so you do not end up paying out of pocket for any of the medical bills you face.

Following an accident…

Call 911 – When you call 911, the police and emergency medical personnel rush to the accident scene. The EMTs will quickly evaluate your injuries and determine whether you need additional medical care. Do not refuse their help. The police will also speak with you, all drivers, and any witnesses. They will try to put an accurate report together detailing how the accident happened. While they may not assign fault, their description will help your Michigan Uber accident lawyer show who is to blame for your injuries and medical bills.

Take pictures and speak with witnesses – It’s important to get images of the accident. Pictures honestly can speak a thousand words. Get photographs of your injuries, all vehicles involved, and the entire accident scene. You may also want to talk with witnesses. Many witnesses will not wait around for the police to arrive so at least get their contact information so we can speak with them later. Witnesses often provide a different perspective of the accident and the moments leading up to it, which can help to show who was at fault.

See your doctor – In addition to letting the EMT’s evaluate you at the accident scene, it’s essential that you also see your doctor after the accident. Your doctor knows you best and can determine how your injuries have impacted you. Besides that, your doctor can also help chart a path for your recovery.

Keep a personal injury journal – This might sound like a strange idea, but keeping a journal can help your injury claim. Over time, you will forget what you endured to get back to your regular life. You will not recall the daily suffering and the hurdles you faced. But if you write in a journal every day, that can be a great tool to help maximize your recovery and ensure you get every dollar you deserve with the aid of a personal injury attorney.

Your final step is to speak with a trusted Uber accident lawyer in Michigan. Even if you were just visiting Michigan, you need a lawyer who is eligible to practice in Michigan, because that’s where the accident happened. You want an attorney with your best interests at heart who has battled big insurance companies before and come out ahead. You deserve an Uber accident lawyer in Michigan who will aggressively fight to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

Compensation Considerations

A frequent question we get from victims of Uber accidents is how much their case is worth. That depends on the:

Type and severity of injuries
Time missing from work
Time spent in the hospital
Future prognosis
Time spent in rehabilitation
Ability to return to work

Even if your injuries seem minor, do not discount how quickly your medical bills can rise. The smallest of medical procedures and doctor visits rapidly become expensive and, for some, financially ruinous.

One of the most significant factors in recovering compensation from the at-fault party in your Uber accident is your lost work. Your ability to make a living sustains your way of life and allows you the opportunity to take an Uber. If that is taken away, it can be not only financially challenging but can also create extra and unnecessary burdens on your family.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may never return to work at all, or you may return but in a reduced capacity. Either situation creates a hardship for you where you cannot make the same amount of money you could previously. But it’s important to remember that this is not your fault and you should not bear this responsibility.

The burden for your lost wages and your lost future earning potential should rest on the individual who caused the accident where you were injured. By holding that person liable for the accident, you can also keep them accountable for your injuries and subsequent medical bills. This is why it’s so important to work with a skilled Michigan Uber accident lawyer.

While it’s true that most personal injury cases settle out of court, some do end up in trials. So you want to make sure you are properly prepared. We do everything we can to pay your case for a fair amount because we know you need the money and we know you want to put this behind you. Most importantly, you want to focus on your physical recovery and getting back to your regular life. It’s hard for you to do that with a legal case looming.

But sometimes, insurance companies refuse to be reasonable, and, to maximize your compensation, we need to go to trial. A little secret—sometimes, only starting the trial process is enough to get the insurance company to offer up a more reasonable settlement. Even if they do not, you still want to be prepared for trial. That means working with a trusted Michigan Uber accident lawyer who has the experience and the resources required to handle a complex personal injury trial.

Contact The Michigan Uber Accident Attorneys At Haque Legal

If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber accident in Michigan, you may not know whose insurance company should pay your medical bills. We understand, and that’s why we are ready to help clear up your options and help you hold the at-fault party liable. Our goal is to get you every dollar you deserve so you do not have to pay out of pocket for any of your injuries and medical bills. Contact our Michigan Uber accident lawyers today at (248) 996-9954