Accident lawsuits and claims involving ridesharing entities can be a complex process in Michigan. If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, responsibility for collecting compensation is not always straightforward.

Ridesharing entities classify their drivers as independent contractors and therefore these entities may not always accept liability when their drivers are involved in accidents or negligently cause an injury accident.

In most cases, responsibility for injuries to occupants of ridesharing vehicles or involved vehicles depends on whether the driver was actively engaged as a driver for the ridesharing business by using the platform at the time of the accident.

If the driver does not have their app on, they are not in the driving mode and normally the driver is solely responsible for their negligent activities. All drivers are required to purchase their own personal auto insurance; however, the amount of coverage may vary depending on the driver.

If the driver is actively in the driving mode of the app, there is a minimum of $1 million in insurance coverage in most circumstances. There also may be uninsured motorist coverage which applies to accidents involving uninsured drivers who are at-fault for the accident.

Why Are There So Many Accidents Involving Uber and Lyft Drivers

Driver error is responsible for a large number of Uber accidents. When an Uber driver fails to pay attention or chooses to drive recklessly, serious and catastrophic accidents occur. Uber or Lyft drivers may drive distracted more than other drivers. While driving, many drivers are also busy looking for their next passengers and interacting with their apps. As a result, they may not see pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vehicles. This results in serious and sometimes fatal accidents.

The most frequent causes of Uber accidents include but are not limited to:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Aggressive driving

There is also a driving practice known as deadheading. This is when Uber or Lyft drivers drive aimlessly around a city waiting for a passenger. When drivers are searching for passengers, they may not recognize motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists on the road.

What Compensation Can You Receive After an Accident Involving a Lyft or Uber Driver

Michigan law allows accident victims the ability to collect compensatory damages for their injuries. This includes both economic and non-economic damages. If you were in an Uber or Lyft accident, we can help to recover your damages. So long as the victim's injuries meet Michigan's threshold for filing a suit, victims of accidents can typically recover the following types of damages:

  • Lost wages, past and future (no-fault insurance benefits)
  • Medical expenses
  • Compensation for care provided to the accident victim
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Disability or physical impairment
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Permanent disfigurement

Michigan Ridesharing Laws

Michigan imposed legal rules on drivers who operate for rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft. Michigan drivers who work for rideshare companies must carry at least $1 million in liability coverage for an accident that occurs while the driver is transporting passengers. Drivers must have at least $50,000.00 in liability coverage for accidents that happen while the driver is not actively using the ridesharing app. Most drivers will have a minimum of $250,000.00 of liability coverage.

What Should I Do if I'm Involved in a Personal Injury Accident Involving Lyft or Uber

When you or a family member is injured in a rideshare auto accident, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer to learn your legal rights. The initial consultation with a personal injury law firm is normally free and it is important to pursue legal advice as soon as possible after an injury accident. It is also very important to legally require the Uber or Lyft business to preserve all electronic records related to the accident including GPS and electronic documentation.

If you have questions or need assistance with a personal injury claim, contact the Logeman, Iafrate & Logeman, PC law firm in Ann Arbor to speak with an attorney.

Who is liable if I'm injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Michigan?

Liability depends on whether the driver had their rideshare app active at the time of the accident. If the driver was actively transporting passengers or had the app on waiting for rides, there is typically $1 million in liability coverage available. If the app was off, the driver's personal auto insurance applies, which may have lower coverage limits.

What insurance coverage applies to Uber and Lyft accidents?

Michigan law requires rideshare drivers to carry at least $1 million in liability coverage when actively transporting passengers. When the app is on but no passenger is present, drivers must have at least $50,000 in liability coverage, though most carry $250,000. When the app is off, only the driver's personal auto insurance applies.

What damages can I recover after a rideshare accident in Michigan?

Michigan accident victims can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages (past and future), pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability or physical impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and compensation for permanent disfigurement. Your injuries must meet Michigan's threshold for filing a lawsuit.

Why do Uber and Lyft accidents happen so frequently?

Rideshare drivers often experience higher rates of distracted driving because they're simultaneously looking for passengers and interacting with their apps while driving. Common causes include speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, drunk driving, fatigued driving, aggressive driving, and "deadheading" (driving aimlessly while searching for passengers), which can lead to failure to notice pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles.

What should I do immediately after a Lyft or Uber accident?

Seek medical attention first, then consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to learn your legal rights. The initial consultation is typically free. It's crucial to legally require the Uber or Lyft company to preserve all electronic records related to the accident, including GPS data and electronic documentation, as this evidence can be vital to your claim.