Wayne County Uber Accident Attorney

Rideshare companies like Uber transformed how people get around, seemingly overnight. Instead of hailing a cab or waiting for a bus, passengers can quickly summon a personal ride in minutes with their phones. As the largest and most population-dense county in Michigan, there is an enormous demand for rideshares in Wayne County. While Uber provides an unprecedented level of convenience, getting into an Uber also comes with significant risks. Uber places very few restrictions on who can drive for the company and, even responsible Uber drivers may get into an accident caused by another motorist’s negligence.

Personal injury cases involving Wayne County Uber accidents raise complex and challenging issues not present in many other car accident cases. Thus, if you have been injured in an Uber accident, it is important to select an attorney with hands-on experience successfully handling rideshare accidents claims on behalf of accident victims.

At the Wayne County personal injury law firm of Sommers Schwartz, we have assembled a skilled team of rideshare accident lawyers to help our clients recover compensation for their injuries. We stay on top of all legal developments, policy changes, and insurance regulations related to rideshare accidents, so you do not have to. As skilled negotiators, we will initially try to work out a fair settlement offer with the insurance company that fully compensates you for your injuries. However, given our litigation experience, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial when it becomes necessary.

Got a Car? Got a License? You Can Drive for Uber

One of the reasons there are so many Wayne County Uber accidents is that Uber imposes very few rules regarding who can sign up to drive for the company. One may think that, given the major responsibility of transporting passengers throughout busy Detroit, it would be challenging to become an Uber driver. That is not the case. In reality, Uber lets almost anyone become a driver. The only requirements to drive for Uber are:

• You must be at least the minimum driving age;
• You must have one year of driving experience;
• You must have a valid driver’s license;
• You must use an eligible four-door vehicle; and
• You must complete an online driver screening and criminal history check.

While Uber may disqualify a driver if they have a DUI, felony conviction, or a long history of traffic violations, that is not necessarily the case for an infrequent, inexperienced, or uncomfortable driver. The low bar Uber imposes to become a driver means that negligent drivers can—and do—become Uber drivers.

Who Can You Sue After a Wayne Country Uber Accident?

Under Michigan law, all Uber drivers are independent contractors, meaning they are not “employees” of Uber. Instead, they have a contractual relationship with the company, almost as though each driver is their own small-business owner. Under the general principles of personal injury law, companies are not liable for the negligent actions of their independent contractors. Because of this, you generally will not be able to file a lawsuit against Uber if you are hurt in an Uber accident.

However, Michigan law also requires that Uber purchase special rideshare insurance on behalf of its drivers. So, instead of filing a claim against Uber, you will file a claim with the insurance company that covers the driver. That said, not all Uber accidents have the same amount of coverage; it depends on whether the driver is carrying a passenger or on their way to pick up a passenger at the time of the accident. If so, Uber provides $1 million in insurance. However, if you are hit by an Uber driver who is driving around waiting for a ride request, the policy will only provide $50,000 in coverage.

Of course, Uber drivers must also maintain their own individual insurance policies. So, you can also file a claim against the Uber driver’s policy. However, unless the driver added the rideshare endorsement, the policy may not cover the accidents.

Insurance regulations surrounding Uber accidents are incredibly complex. However, determining the available insurance coverage and the order of priority among insurers is crucial to the recovery process. A knowledgeable Wayne County Uber accidents lawyer can help you better understand how the process works and what you need to do to bring an effective claim against a negligent Uber driver. 

Contact the Wayne County Uber Accident Lawyers at Sommers Schwartz to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have been hurt in a Wayne County rideshare accident, Sommers Schwartz is here to help. Sommers Schwartz is a powerhouse litigation firm that has recovered more than a billion dollars on behalf of our many clients. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to pursue claims against even the country’s largest and most well-funded insurance companies. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with one of our Wayne County Uber accidents lawyers, give us a call at 800-783-0989 today. You can also reach us through our online contact form, and one of our lawyers will get back to you shortly.