Rideshare services have ushered in a new era of travel, putting a quick ride in the palm of your hands. Convenient, affordable, and easy-to-use, getting from A to B has never been simpler. However, what happens if you’re involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver? Are you on the hook for your medical costs, or will No-Fault insurance benefits cover your losses? Our Troy rideshare accident attorneys are here to answer your questions and assist with your claim.

At Seva Law Firm, we have a track record of success both in and out of court. Our seasoned litigators have taken numerous cases to trial and won. Dial (248) 385-5704 to schedule a free consultation.

damages in rideshare uber lyft accident case

What Should I Do after an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Accident?

After a wreck, it’s normal to feel traumatized and completely overwhelmed. In an instant, your life has been flipped upside down, and now you have to start thinking about preparing a claim. Fortunately, if you stick to the script, and follow the steps listed here, you can help build a strong foundation for your case. A rideshare accident attorney and Troy can help you take the right steps, which include:

  • Seek Medical Care: Whether you suffered a serious injury or were able to walk away from the accident, you should visit the doctor as soon as possible. A prompt diagnosis will ensure that you receive the treatment you need to start your recovery. Additionally, your healthcare provider will usually create detailed medical records documenting the nature of injuries. Not only will these records likely play a crucial role in proving damages, but your attorney can also use these to demonstrate that you took sufficient steps to mitigate your losses.
  • Report the Accident: In many cases, the insurance company won’t approve your claim until they’ve had a chance to see the official report on the accident. Fortunately, if officers arrived at the scene, they should’ve compiled an incident report to document the wreck. The report may include details about the injuries you suffered, eyewitness statements, the names of those involved, notes about the weather conditions, and the investigating officer’s observations on who may have caused the crash. Your attorney can help you obtain a copy of this report, and will likely rely on this information to help guide their investigation and identify other evidence.
  • Gather Evidence at the Scene: Many types of evidence at an accident scene can be time sensitive. For instance, skid marks can disappear within hours, the at-fault motorist may repair damage to their vehicle, and eyewitnesses can forget what they saw. As such, it will benefit your claim to start collecting proof immediately after the wreck while this evidence is still fresh. Using your phone, you should take photos of the vehicles involved, the injuries you suffered, road markings, weather conditions, street signs, the rideshare driver’s sticker, and other elements that could help your attorney determine liability. Additionally, if anyone saw the collision take place, you should take down their names and contact details to share with your Troy rideshare accident lawyer. Before you leave the scene, you should also take a minute to write down your version of events. Any of these pieces of evidence could be crucial to the success of your case.

Who Pays My Medical Bills after a Rideshare Wreck?

In most cases, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) component of your own auto insurance policy would kick in to cover losses stemming from a rideshare accident, such as your medical bills, lost earnings, attendant care services, and other damages. However, if you don’t own a vehicle that is insured, these benefits may be paid out of the No-Fault policy that covers the rideshare vehicle.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits you may receive:

  • Medical Expenses: From your doctor’s visits to procedures and lab tests, your medical expenses can add up quickly after a serious wreck. Fortunately, in most circumstances, these losses should be covered by either your own No-Fault auto insurance policy or the rideshare driver’s coverage. However, there may be a limit to how much you can receive. While prior to 2020, PIP benefits were uncapped, sweeping changes to local insurance laws have given drivers the option to choose between various medical benefit levels. As such, depending on these limits, your policy—or the rideshare driver’s—may not provide enough coverage to reimburse you for all of your losses. You may have to tap into your health insurance, Social Security Disability, and other applicable benefits to cover the remainder.
  • Attendant Care: If you suffered a serious injury that has affected your ability to tackle everyday tasks—such as showering, preparing meals, or getting dressed—you may require nursing care throughout your recovery. This is a considerable expense for any family. Fortunately, you may be able to claim for the cost of any nursing services you required during your treatment to help with the “activities of daily living” that, due to your injuries, you are unable to do on your own.
  • Lost Earnings: Whether you spent time in hospital or you were ordered to stay at home to let your injuries heal, you may have lost weeks of earnings. In Michigan, No-Fault insurance does provide compensation for those in this precarious financial position, compensating victims through regular payments to make up for any lost earnings. Many factors can influence the amount you will receive, such as how much you were earning before the accident and how many days of work you have missed/are likely to miss in the future. For the period of October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021, claimants can receive a maximum of $5,755 each month.
  • Replacement Services: Many accident victims are unable to fulfil responsibilities they had taken on before the wreck. For example, you may be unable to do chores around the house, cook meals for your family, or help take care of the garden. Typically, someone else—either a family member, friend, or hired professional—has to step in to oversee these important tasks. No-Fault insurance usually provides compensation for the cost of this labor.

Can I Sue for Pain and Suffering?

If the accident caused you to suffer an injury that has led to the serious impairment of body function, you may be able to file a lawsuit against both the rideshare driver and the ridesharing service. You will have to prove that the driver was responsible for causing the accident, that you suffered an injury that meets the state’s threshold to bring a suit, and that your injuries have negatively affected your quality of life. Typically, you will be seeking compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.

At Seva Law Firm, our attorneys can help you prepare your third-party claim by investigating the accident, interviewing eyewitnesses, and gathering other evidence to help prove liability, causation, and damages.

Find a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Troy

We understand the immense emotional, physical, and financial toll a serious injury can have on accident victims and their families. If you or someone close to you was hurt in a rideshare accident, the attorneys at Seva Law Firm can help guide you through this challenging chapter of your life. Reach out to us at (248) 385-5704 or head over to our Contact Page to arrange a free case review.