What to Do After You’ve Been in an Uber or Lyft Accident

What to Do After You’ve Been in an Uber or Lyft Accident

In today’s modern age of technology and transportation, most people have found themselves using rideshares. Companies like Uber and Lyft have seen a massive boom over the past five years as transportation comes “online” in brand new ways.

But, in the off chance you haven’t heard of rideshare companies before, the concept is fairly simple. Think of it like a taxi you can order from your phone the moment you need it. Choose a rideshare app, input the location you want to get to (your phone’s GPS will automatically detect your current location), and select the type of vehicle you want. Vehicle types/ride options are typically categorized by the number of available seats. Once you’ve selected the vehicle (number of seats) you want, you simply wait for the driver to show up. You can pay and tip directly from the app on your phone.

I’ve Been in an Accident in a Rideshare, Now What?

If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that’s been in an accident, keep in mind the following steps:

1. Get medical assistance. If the police haven’t been called, do so immediately. Then, make sure you’re seen by police and/or EMTs to have your injuries addressed. If you need to go to the hospital after the accident, make sure you keep track of when you go, what the injuries are that you sustained, and make sure you go to any follow-up appointments scheduled with your personal physician. Document any and all visits to medical professionals; this will be extremely helpful when filing an insurance claim.
2. Report your injuries to the police on the scene. As we mentioned above, it’s important that you speak to the police and that your injuries are thoroughly documented in the police report. You will need a copy of this report (as well as the medical information outlined above) to submit for no-fault insurance benefits. We recommend that you also use our Elia & Ponto Car Accident Checklist, to ensure that you collect all information necessary to assist with your claim.
3. File your application for no-fault insurance benefits. So long as you have an active policy for Michigan no-fault insurance, you will be able to file an insurance claim after an accident—you don’t have to have been the driver at the time of the accident.

Who Is Responsible?

Because Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, you do not have to prove who was responsible for the auto accident that led to your injury. Your claim will go through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is covered by standard no-fault insurance (so long as you’re a carrier). This is true whether you were the driver or the passenger.

However, if you’re from out-of-state or do not have no-fault auto insurance in the state of Michigan, you may need to file for coverage under the driver’s insurance policy. This can only be done if there are no other filing options available to you. Most rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft pay for insurance for their drivers. In order to submit for something under this insurance, you will need the driver’s information (name, driver’s license, etc.) as well as proof that they work for the rideshare company. (Typically, taking a picture of the app on the driver’s phone is enough to prove this.)

Additional Litigation

If you were seriously injured by an accident that was the fault of a rideshare driver, you may be entitled to some additional litigation, including suing for any pain and suffering caused by the accident. This can help you recoup any additional medical costs or lost wages (not covered by insurance) incurred as a result of the accident.

Not sure if you have a case?

Speak to an auto accident attorney right away to determine whether or not your case will qualify you for some of these additional litigation measures. The healing process after a significant accident can be a long one, and a lawyer will be able to help you navigate your options, so you’re not left confused or in a tough spot. Reach out to our team of talented lawyers at Elia & Ponto to get started today. We can even come to you! Contact us at (855) 75-EPLAW to find out how.