Westland Lyft Accident Lawyer

Ridesharing services like Lyft offer convenience and flexibility for thousands of people in Westland and other areas of Michigan. However, accidents involving these vehicles have become more frequent with the increase in Lyft use. Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws can make determining who is responsible and what compensation you can recover incredibly challenging.

Sommers Schwartz attorneys have a proven track record of securing results for Lyft accident victims across Michigan. If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a Lyft accident, our team can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have over 45 years of experience and know how to outwork insurance companies for exceptional results. Contact us today to discuss your case with a dedicated Lyft accident lawyer.

Lyft Accident Statistics in Michigan

In 2023, Michigan saw a slight decrease in overall traffic fatalities. However, crashes involving vulnerable road users rose significantly, including an 11% rise in pedestrian-involved crashes and a 10% rise in accidents involving cyclists. The growing use of ridesharing platforms like Lyft also contributes to overall traffic congestion, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in dense urban areas like Westland.

Michigan’s Hands-Free Law punishes drivers for using cellular devices while operating a vehicle. However, Lyft drivers interact with the phone-based app to connect with passengers and often use GPS on their devices to navigate unfamiliar routes and traffic patterns. As ridesharing services become more competitive, drivers may feel pressure to respond quickly to ride requests. These behaviors can increase the chances of being involved in a distracted driving accident.

Insurance Coverage and Liability in Lyft Accidents

One of the most complex aspects of Lyft accidents in Michigan is determining which insurance policy applies and how much compensation you can recover. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system ensures your basic medical expenses and lost wages will be paid or reimbursed, but it has low limits. It doesn’t account for other types of damages (such as pain and suffering). Especially in serious accidents, it may not fully compensate you for your losses. Understanding how different insurance policies may apply to your claim is critical to securing full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Michigan No-Fault Insurance

Under Michigan law, all drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. This policy covers medical costs, lost wages, and replacement services (such as alternate transportation), no matter who was at fault for an accident. However, benefits under this type of coverage do not reimburse other economic damages or non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

If your injuries are severe, you may need to file a third-party claim against the driver responsible for the accident to recover additional compensation. In Michigan, you must prove that your injuries resulted in significant impairment or permanent disfigurement to pursue this type of additional claim.

Lyft’s Insurance Policy

Lyft provides different levels of insurance coverage for its drivers. These depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the driver is off duty and not using the Lyft app, their auto insurance will be the only coverage available. However, if the driver is on the app and available for rides, Lyft provides limited liability coverage.

TIP: Never agree to a “private” ride with a driver outside of the Lyft app (for example, agreeing to cancel the ride in the app and pay in cash). If you do so, Lyft’s insurance policy may not protect you.

If a Lyft driver is transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up as directed by the app, Lyft’s insurance policy generally applies if an accident occurs. This coverage includes:

• Liability coverage for injuries and property damage, up to policy limits.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for accidents caused by other drivers with inadequate insurance.
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage for damage to the driver’s vehicle, depending on whether the driver has their own comprehensive or collision coverage.

Even though Lyft’s insurance covers a significant portion of damages, it may not cover all types of losses. For example, pain and suffering damages may require a third-party claim against the at-fault driver. Additionally, coverage may be limited in hit-and-run scenarios or cases where determining the at-fault driver’s identity isn’t possible.

Complicated cases require a skilled attorney to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Lyft’s insurance policy also has limitations and special requirements based on state laws, so hiring a lawyer who understands Michigan’s specific regulations is key to maximizing your recovery.

Filing a Claim After a Lyft Accident

If you have suffered injuries in a Lyft accident, filing a compensation claim can be complicated and overwhelming. Lyft accidents often involve multiple parties, including the Lyft driver, other drivers, and Lyft’s insurance company. You must take the proper steps after an accident to preserve your right to compensation.

The key elements of a Lyft accident claim include:

• Medical documentation. Always seek medical attention after an accident, even if your injuries seem minor. Timely medical records are essential to prove the extent of your injuries and that they were caused by the accident.
• Accident reports. A police report can provide critical evidence of fault, especially if the authorities cite the Lyft driver or another motorist for a traffic violation.
• Eyewitness testimony. If there were any witnesses to the accident, their statements could support your claim.
• Expert analysis. In more complex cases, you may need to hire an accident reconstruction expert or other professional expert to determine how the crash occurred and who was at fault.

An experienced Lyft accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and maximize your chances of recovering fair compensation.

Accidents Involving Lyft Passengers

When you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, you trust the driver will get you to your destination safely. However, accidents can occur because of the Lyft driver’s negligence, the actions of other motorists, or other unavoidable hazards. Lyft’s insurance policy may cover your medical expenses and lost wages if you’re injured as a passenger.

Under Michigan law, Lyft drivers must have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. If you are injured as a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, your first step is to file a claim with the driver’s insurer under this policy. However, if your injuries are severe, PIP may not cover the full scope of your damages.

In such cases, you may need to pursue a third-party claim for additional compensation. If the Lyft driver is at fault for an accident, Lyft’s $1 million liability coverage may apply. However, if another driver is responsible, you may need to file a claim against their insurance to recover damages exceeding the Lyft driver’s PIP coverage limits.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents

Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries in Lyft-related accidents and other auto collisions. Recent data from the Michigan State Police shows that pedestrian-involved crashes rose by 11% in 2023, while accidents involving cyclists increased by 10%. If a Lyft driver strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, the driver and Lyft may both be held responsible.

Michigan’s no-fault insurance may cover some medical expenses, but a personal injury claim is often necessary to recover damages for pain and suffering, lost income, and long-term care. Because these types of accidents frequently result in serious injuries, it is critical to pursue all available legal options.

Lyft Drivers Injured in Accidents

Lyft drivers face the same risks on the road as any other driver. However, because they are working, particular insurance policies apply. Lyft provides different insurance coverage depending on whether the driver is actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or off the clock. Michigan law requires Lyft drivers to carry personal auto insurance, but Lyft’s policy may apply when the driver is on duty.

If you are a Lyft driver injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation through your personal auto insurance, Lyft’s coverage, or both. You may be able to recover compensation for lost income if you cannot work due to your injuries. In cases where another driver is at fault, you may need to file a third-party claim to recover the full extent of your damages.

The aftermath of an accident can be particularly challenging for Lyft drivers since it impacts their livelihood and health. Dealing with multiple insurance policies while recovering from injuries can feel overwhelming. Understanding your rights and options when seeking compensation through your personal insurance, Lyft’s coverage, or a third-party claim is crucial.

If you’re a Lyft driver injured in a crash, an experienced attorney can help ensure you pursue every available source of compensation and get the financial support you need to recover and return to work.

What To Expect When Sommers Schwartz Handles Your Case

At Sommers Schwartz, we know a Lyft accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and physical recovery can create immense stress for accident victims and their families. We are committed to providing compassionate, dedicated legal representation to those injured in Lyft accidents. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers has successfully recovered billions of dollars for clients across Michigan and the United States.

We understand that Lyft accident claims can be challenging, and we have the experience and resources to handle even the toughest cases. When you work with Sommers Schwartz, we will thoroughly investigate the accident, negotiate with Lyft’s insurance and other involved parties, and provide vigorous representation in court if necessary.

If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in Westland, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact the Sommers Schwartz team today.