Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know

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It can seem like new rideshare services spring up almost every day, with thousands of these modern “taxis” ferrying passengers across the city. While apps such as Uber and Lyft have made it easier than ever to get from A to B, it’s not uncommon for drivers working for these companies to cause serious accidents carrying life-altering consequences for the victims.

If you were hurt in a wreck involving a rideshare vehicle, you may be wondering who will cover your medical bills in the aftermath of this traumatic event. Thankfully, if you have an auto insurance policy, it’s likely that your own coverage will kick in to cover many of your losses. However, what if your own limits fall short? In this article, we look at a few ways to recover compensation after a wreck.

Will I Receive No-Fault Benefits?

Whether you were a passenger, another motorist, or driving the Uber or Lyft yourself, you are likely entitled to recover compensation for your damages through the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) component of your car insurance. Benefits include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost earnings, transportation costs, and replacement services. Keep in mind that there are limits to how much you can receive.

To have an opportunity to receive benefits, you must file an application known as a “written notice of injury” with the appropriate auto insurance company within a year of the collision. Failing to file this application before this deadline will leave you unable to receive benefits.

Can I Sue the At-Fault Motorist for Additional Damages?

If you were hurt in an accident involving an at-fault rideshare driver, you may be able to build a case to recover compensation for excess medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Unlike a No-Fault claim, this claim will have to be brought against the at-fault driver and their insurer.

However, in most cases, you will not succeed unless you can show that you have suffered a “serious impairment of body function that affects [your] general ability to lead [a] normal life”. Fortunately, this definition is broad and can encompass anything from broken bones to spinal injuries to brain trauma. Simply put, if you can demonstrate that your injuries have had a long-lasting impact on your quality of life – i.e., they prevent you from tackling tasks around the home, inhibit your ability to work, or don’t allow you to enjoy your favorite pastimes – your condition may meet this standard.

Speak to a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Detroit

Were you injured in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle? You may be able to obtain compensation for your losses by filing a first- or third-party claim.

At Seva Law Firm, we can handle the logistics of your case, overseeing tasks such as investigating the wreck and gathering the necessary evidence to support your claim so that you can focus on your health and other matters. Dial (248) 385-5704 or head over to our contact page HERE to lock in a free case review with a Detroit rideshare accident attorney.