Rideshare services have changed the way we travel, with a new stable of apps putting access to a quick commute in the palm of our hands. However, with an increasing number of rideshare drivers on Michigan’s roads, the chances of being involved in an accident with one of these modern “taxis” is on the rise.
If you were injured in a rideshare wreck, you may be wondering who is liable for your injuries and other losses. Fortunately, in Detroit, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) component of your auto insurance should kick in to cover many of the damages resulting from an Uber or Lyft accident. If you don’t own a car, however, these benefits might be paid out of the rideshare vehicle’s No-Fault policy.
Let’s take a look at some of the losses covered by first-party insurance in Michigan:
1. Medical Costs
Even minor injuries can cost a small fortune to treat, and more serious conditions can break the bank. Fortunately, if you have PIP, many of these damages should be covered by either your own auto insurance policy or the Uber or Lyft driver’s coverage.
Take note: there is usually a ceiling to how much you may receive. Recent changes to the state’s laws have given consumers a choice between multiple medical benefit levels. As such, there is a hard cap on how much your benefits cover. If your coverage falls short, you may have to dip into your health insurance or other benefits to pay for the remaining amount.
2. Lost Income
If you were unable to work for any period of time after the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the earnings you lost. No-Fault insurance benefits will typically reimburse victims for such losses through a series of regular payments. There are many different factors that could affect the amount you receive such as your income prior to the wreck and the period of time you were unable to work. (As of October 1, 2021, you can receive a maximum of $6,065 per month.)
3. Attendant Care
A serious injury can make it impossible for you to tackle basic tasks such as grooming, cooking meals, or even using the bathroom without assistance. As such, you may require nursing care at various stages of your recovery. In most cases, this is a significant cost that could set you on a one-way road to financial turmoil. However, your No-Fault coverage may compensate you for the expense of hiring someone to assist with the “activities of daily living” that you are no longer able to do independently.
4. Replacement Services
If you are unable to do chores around the home, take care of the garden, or prepare meals for your family, it’s likely someone else—either a family member, friend, or professional—had to step in to take over these responsibilities. Whether a loved one grabbed the reins, or you hired someone to oversee these duties, you may be able to recover compensation for such costs by filing a first-party insurance claim.
Speak to a Rideshare Accident Attorney in Detroit Today
A serious wreck can put immense strain on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. At Seva Law Firm, our legal team can help guide you through the challenging days ahead, treating you and your family with compassion, respect, and professionalism throughout proceedings. To lock in a free consultation with a Detroit rideshare accident attorney, dial (248) 385-5704 or click through to our online contact form HERE.