Michigan Rideshare Accident Attorney

Being injured in an Uber or Lyft crash can leave you overwhelmed. You may be juggling medical bills, time off work, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies, all while trying to navigate a complicated legal process. Rideshare companies and insurance adjusters often act quickly to limit your compensation. If you wait too long, you may miss important filing deadlines and lose access to personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. A rideshare accident attorney at Matz Injury Law can help protect your rights and guide you through the claims process toward fair compensation. It all starts with a free case review.

Why Do You Need a Michigan Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer After Your Accident?

Rideshare accident claims are more complicated than typical car accidents. Michigan’s no-fault system, the involvement of multiple parties, and tiered insurance coverage can make it difficult to recover full compensation without legal support. The amount of insurance coverage available depends on the rideshare driver’s app status, whether they were waiting for a request, en route, or transporting a passenger. Each stage activates different insurance policies.

You need to act quickly to file Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and necessary services. Missing deadlines could reduce or prevent your recovery.

A Michigan rideshare accident attorney can:

• Gather evidence such as police reports, text messages, and medical records
• Identify all responsible parties and their insurance coverage
• Manage the legal process and protect your rights
• Negotiate with insurance companies for pain and suffering, property damage, and other damages

Why Partner With Matz Injury Law for Your Rideshare Accident Claim

At Matz Injury Law, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience and a track record of recovering over $300 million for Michigan clients. We take the time to listen, create tailored legal strategies, and help rideshare accident victims pursue fair compensation for serious injuries, medical expenses, and other losses. With a lower 22% contingency fee, you keep more of your settlement.

How Matz Injury Law Protects Uber and Lyft Accident Victims

We understand how complex Uber and Lyft accident claims can be. Our legal team investigates every case, reviews the driver’s app status, and identifies all applicable insurance coverage. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, we work to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

How We Push Back Against Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often delay claims, question liability, or make low settlement offers. Our team responds by gathering strong evidence, managing negotiations, and using legal strategy to protect your right to compensation. With years of experience handling rideshare accident claims, we help you stand up to insurer tactics and pursue the recovery you deserve.

Free Consultations for Uber and Lyft Accident Claims

We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options without financial risk. You can ask questions, review your rideshare accident claim, and decide how to move forward. You don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you. From the beginning, we work to make the legal process clear and accessible.

Testimonials

“Steve Matz was there when I needed him. Nobody expects to be a victim of a car accident but when I found myself in that situation it was overwhelming. Steve made everything easy. Steve did not accept the insurance Company’s first offer. He held out and got me a better settlement. Steve is very kind and professional. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law.” — Sharon K.

“10/10 Working with Matz injury has been the the best part of a horrible circumstance. Dealing with insurance is never fun, but Steve and everyone made it the best possible situation. Highly, highly recommend!” — Kali B.

“After a vehicle accident you should seek legal representation whether or not you are at fault. I contacted Matz Law Firm by leaving a message and received a return call promptly from attorney Jared Matz. We agreed that I would send accident specifics via email. Upon receipt, he contacted me immediately, offering his opinion and advice. He was very thorough and explained the financial and legal considerations for each decision. I trusted Jared Matz and all issues were reasonably and effectively resolved. Jared Matz has great communication and negotiation skills, a good understanding of the law, and broad legal experience. Attorney Jared Matz and his staff were consistently courteous, considerate and empathetic. My interactions with Jared Matz and the Matz Injury Law Firm resulted in a good outcome. Because of my positive experience with Jared Matz as my legal representative, I recommend attorney Jared Matz and Matz Injury Law Firm”— Annette L.

How Are Lyft and Uber Accidents Different From Other Car Accidents?

Uber and Lyft accidents involve more complex legal and insurance issues than typical car crashes in Michigan. Liability depends on the rideshare driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident. If the driver is offline, waiting for a ride, en route to pick someone up, or actively transporting a passenger, different insurance coverage requirements apply under Michigan law.

Rideshare drivers also face specific risks, such as app-related distractions, fatigue from long hours, and navigating unfamiliar areas. These accidents may involve not only vehicle collisions but also incidents like assaults or unsafe conditions inside the vehicle.

Because Michigan follows a no-fault system and multiple insurance policies may apply, working with a rideshare accident attorney is important. A lawyer can evaluate the available coverage, determine fault, and protect your right to benefits and compensation under Michigan law.

Common Injuries in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare accidents can lead to serious injuries that require emergency medical attention and, in many cases, long-term care. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Head trauma, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries, which may result in limited mobility or paralysis
• Assault-related injuries that occur during or after a rideshare trip

Whether you were riding in a Uber or Lyft vehicle or were another party involved in the crash, it is important to get medical care immediately and document your injuries. Doing so helps protect your right to compensation under Michigan’s no-fault system and any potential third-party claim.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Taking the right steps after a rideshare accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Whether you were in a rideshare vehicle, another car, or a pedestrian, the actions you take immediately after the crash matter.

Check for Injuries and Call 911

Seek emergency medical help right away, even if your injuries feel minor. Quick treatment helps document your condition and may support your claim for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Document the Scene and Gather Information

Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, the road conditions, and any traffic signs. Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved. Ask for names and phone numbers of witnesses. Request a copy of the police report.

Report the Accident to the Rideshare App and File a No-Fault Claim

Use the Lyft or Uber app to report the crash. You should also file a no-fault claim with your own insurance provider as soon as possible. Under Michigan’s No-Fault Act, personal injury protection (PIP) benefits may cover your medical bills, lost wages, and essential services.

Speak With a Rideshare Accident Attorney

Contact Matz Injury Law for a free consultation. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case, identify all potential sources of compensation, and help you pursue the recovery you are entitled to under Michigan law.

Who Can File an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim in Michigan?

In Michigan, passengers, rideshare drivers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists who are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident may be able to file a claim for compensation. Depending on the situation, you may qualify for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits through Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, or you may have grounds for a third-party claim if another driver was at fault and your injuries meet the legal threshold.

In the event of a fatal rideshare crash, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim under Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act. A rideshare accident attorney can help determine which claims apply based on the rideshare driver’s app status and available insurance coverage.

Michigan Deadlines for Filing Uber and Lyft Accident Claims

In Michigan, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under MCL 600.5805(2). However, claims for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits must be filed within one year of the accident, as required by MCL 500.3145. This means you must either receive a payment or give written notice of the claim within one year of the crash. In addition, if a medical expense or wage loss benefit remains unpaid, you have one year from the date that specific expense was incurred to file a lawsuit for reimbursement.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to receive compensation. It’s important to speak with a rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve all of your legal options.

Understanding Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage in Michigan

In Michigan, rideshare drivers are required to carry specific insurance coverage that changes depending on their status in the Uber or Lyft app. If the driver is offline, logged in and waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger, different policies and liability limits apply under Michigan law.

Understanding how these insurance claim tiers work is essential after a crash, whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. A rideshare accident attorney can help evaluate which policies apply and guide your claim under Michigan law.

Insurance Requirements for Uber and Lyft Drivers in Michigan

Under MCL 257.518b, rideshare drivers in Michigan must carry specific types and amounts of insurance coverage based on their status in the app:

• Logged into the app but not on a trip: Drivers must carry at least $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may also apply.
• En route to a rider or actively transporting a passenger: Michigan law requires a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage, along with personal injury protection (PIP) and property protection insurance. While uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, most rideshare services voluntarily provide this coverage to their drivers as an added layer of protection.
• Offline or using the vehicle for personal reasons: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies, which must meet Michigan’s minimum coverage requirements.

Because these claims can involve multiple overlapping policies, working with a rideshare accident attorney is important to determine which insurance coverage applies and how to pursue it under Michigan personal injury law.

Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Michigan?

Determining liability in a Michigan rideshare accident depends on who caused the crash and whether the rideshare driver was active in the Uber or Lyft app at the time. In many cases, more than one party may be responsible, and each may carry separate insurance coverage.

If the rideshare driver or another motorist acted negligently, they may be held liable for the auto accident. If the rideshare driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to a pickup, Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage may also come into play. Additionally, third parties, such as vehicle owners or service shops, could be liable if a maintenance issue or defect contributed to the crash.

A rideshare accident attorney can help identify all potentially responsible parties and ensure that every available insurance policy is reviewed.

How Liability Is Determined in Michigan Rideshare Accidents

In a Michigan rideshare accident case, liability is determined through careful analysis of the facts. Key evidence may include police reports, app activity records, insurance policies, and statements from witnesses. This information helps confirm whether the rideshare driver was logged into the app and whether they were in the process of picking up or transporting a passenger.

Because these cases may involve multiple at-fault parties and overlapping insurance coverage, an attorney can gather and assess the evidence needed to pursue all available sources of compensation under Michigan law.

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Rideshare Accident in Michigan?

In Michigan, medical expenses from an Uber or Lyft accident are generally covered by personal injury protection (PIP) benefits under the state’s no-fault insurance law. Under MCL 500.3114, injured parties must first seek coverage from their own auto insurance policy, if available.

If you do not have auto insurance, you may qualify for PIP benefits through the rideshare driver’s insurer or through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. A written application for PIP benefits must be submitted within one year of the accident.

For serious injuries that meet Michigan’s legal threshold, you may also pursue a third-party claim against the at-fault driver or their insurance company to seek compensation for pain and suffering or excess medical costs. A rideshare accident attorney can help evaluate your situation, file timely claims, and pursue all available compensation.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident in Michigan?

In most cases, Michigan law requires injured parties to first seek personal injury protection (PIP) benefits from their own auto insurance before pursuing a lawsuit. These benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other essential services under the state’s no-fault system.

However, if your injuries meet Michigan’s serious impairment threshold, and the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault, you may have grounds for a third-party claim against the driver. If the driver was logged into the app or actively transporting a passenger, Uber’s or Lyft’s commercial liability insurance may apply.

Directly suing Uber or Lyft is uncommon because their drivers are classified as independent contractors. A rideshare accident attorney can review your case to determine whether additional legal action against the company is appropriate based on the facts and available coverage.

What Compensation Is Available After a Rideshare Accident in Michigan?

The compensation available after a rideshare accident in Michigan depends on the severity of your injuries, the cause of the crash, and the insurance coverage involved.

Under Michigan’s no-fault law, you may be eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, which can include:

• Payment for medical bills and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages due to inability to work
• Transportation to medical appointments and household replacement services

If your injuries qualify as a serious impairment of body function under MCL 500.3135, and another driver was at fault, you may pursue a third-party personal injury claim for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Property damage
• Future medical expenses and reduced earning capacity
• Wrongful death damages, in fatal accident cases

The amount you can recover depends on factors such as the rideshare driver’s app status at the time of the crash, applicable insurance policies, and whether Uber or Lyft share responsibility. An attorney at Matz Injury Law can assess your case and help pursue full compensation under Michigan law.

Future Damages and Loss of Earning Capacity After a Rideshare Crash

Serious rideshare accident injuries can affect your long-term ability to work or live independently. If your condition requires extended medical treatment, rehabilitation, or limits your earning potential, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Ongoing medical care
• Future lost income
• Loss of earning capacity
• Life care or home modification needs

Are Punitive Damages Available in Michigan Rideshare Accident Claims?

Michigan law does not permit punitive damages in personal injury cases, including rideshare accident claims. Instead, courts may award exemplary damages in limited circumstances, such as when the at-fault party acted with malice, cruelty, or willful disregard for the victim’s rights.

Exemplary damages are intended to compensate for emotional harm like humiliation, indignity, or outrage, not to punish the wrongdoer.

A rideshare accident attorney at Matz Injury Law can advise whether your case may qualify for exemplary damages under Michigan law.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Michigan Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a rideshare accident, Matz Injury Law can help. Our attorneys have recovered more than $300 million for injured clients across Michigan. With a 22% contingency fee, you keep more of your settlement compared to many other firms.

Call us at 866-22Not33 or schedule your free case evaluation through our online contact form to discuss your medical bills, lost income, or legal options. We will handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if an Uber or Lyft Driver Hits a Pedestrian?

If a pedestrian is hit by an Uber driver or another type of rideshare driver in Michigan, they may be eligible to receive personal injury protection (PIP) benefits through their own auto insurance, if available. If the rideshare driver was at fault and was active in the app at the time, the pedestrian may also file a third-party claim against the applicable rideshare insurance policy. Serious injuries may qualify for compensation beyond PIP, including pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer can help determine which coverage applies.

How Does Comparative Fault Affect a Rideshare Accident Claim in Michigan?

Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation, but the amount will be reduced by your share of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. A rideshare attorney at Matz Injury Law can help protect your claim and handle any disputes over liability.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Uber/Lyft Accident Settlement?

In most cases, personal injury settlements in Michigan are not taxable. Compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress is generally tax-free. However, portions of your settlement that cover lost wages may be considered taxable income. You should speak with a tax advisor to understand how your individual settlement will be treated under current IRS and Michigan tax law.