Westland Uber Accident Lawyer

Protecting Passengers Injured in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are essential transportation options in many cities, including Westland and other Detroit suburbs. Ridesharing can be an easy way to travel around the sprawling Detroit metro area.

Taking an Uber or Lyft also can have risks, including the chance of being injured in an accident or becoming the victim of assault. Navigating claims against rideshare companies for compensation can be complicated. If you’ve been injured or assaulted while riding with Uber or Lyft, contact an experienced Westland Uber accident attorney.

Uber Accident Statistics in Michigan

Uber offers services throughout the Metro Detroit area. Its Detroit-specific website includes information on scheduling an Uber up to 30 days in advance, access to DTW and Bishop International Airport, and other tips for ridesharing in Wayne County. Uber’s convenience contributes to its popularity in Westland and the surrounding areas, especially in the car-focused areas of Metro Detroit.

The widespread use of Uber also has a downside. Studies reveal:

• Traffic rates are 3% higher in cities with Uber drivers. More cars on the road make crashes more likely.
• When someone chooses an Uber instead of driving their own car, they add 2.6 miles of vehicle road time for every mile they save. This is because most Uber drivers are already on the road when they receive a request and must travel to the pickup point.
• Eleven hundred additional roadway deaths occurred in 2017 due to the presence of rideshare vehicles.

Uber’s U.S. Safety Report reveals that riding with Uber is not totally safe. In its 2019-2020 statistics, Uber revealed there were 91 crashes causing 101 fatalities over the two-year period. In addition to multiple reports of non-fatal injuries and trauma, the report documented twenty deaths resulting from assault.

Although the report states that “99.9% of Uber trips ended without any safety-related issue at all,” it does not indicate how many total trips were included in the data pool. It also omits any specific data on the severity or scope of the non-fatal injuries.

Risks of Riding With Rideshare Services

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have increased the total number of vehicles on the road and the total number of miles those vehicles travel. More vehicles on the road means a higher risk of collisions, especially during peak travel times.

Many ridesharing passengers, especially in urban areas like Westland and Detroit, don’t choose to take an Uber instead of driving their own vehicle. Many riders walk or bike in good weather and only use rideshare services when the weather is bad. As a result, more Uber vehicles are on the roads in inclement weather, when the risk of distraction is higher and wet, icy, or snowy conditions make it more likely a vehicle will slide or fail to stop before hitting a guardrail, curb, or another vehicle.

Michigan Rideshare Laws

To mitigate some of the risks of using rideshare services, Michigan passed legislation in 2017 requiring rideshare companies to follow the same laws as limousine and taxi companies. Requirements include:

• Mandatory criminal background checks for rideshare drivers.
• An inspection by a licensed mechanic of any rideshare vehicle more than five years old.
• Zero tolerance policies for alcohol or drug use by rideshare drivers while driving.
• Nondiscrimination policies for passengers.
• Accommodations for passengers with special needs.

The Act requires Uber and Lyft drivers to be at least 19 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, and meet strict requirements for their driving and criminal histories. The state is entitled to audit drivers’ records to ensure rideshare companies comply with the law.

Although these requirements can reduce some risks, they cannot prevent every potential problem. Like other drivers, rideshare operators can be involved in collisions. In some cases, they may be at fault; in others, a crash may be impossible to prevent. Regardless of who is at fault, it can be challenging for an injured passenger to know how to pursue compensation.

Common Injuries in Uber Accidents

Car crashes can cause severe injuries. Uber accidents are no exception, especially when riders aren’t properly restrained (for example, when there are more passengers than seat belts). Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Damage to the head, neck, or back.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Broken bones.
• Soft tissue and nerve injuries.
• Internal organ damage.
• Amputations and crush injuries.
• Scarring and disfigurement.

Riders may also experience psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

What Makes Rideshare Claims Difficult?

Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance laws make pursuing compensation for most vehicle accidents fairly straightforward. Drivers seek compensation from their own insurance companies first, turning to another driver’s policy only if they have serious injuries or other specific issues. Michigan’s Catastrophic Claims Fund covers excess costs for injured drivers and passengers if no other coverage exists.

Claims involving rideshare companies can be more complex. Any rideshare accident claim involves determining the responsibilities (and liabilities) of the rideshare driver, the other drivers or parties involved in the crash, and the rideshare company (Uber or Lyft). Collecting information from witnesses can be especially important in a rideshare accident claim.

Uber and Lyft require their drivers to carry auto insurance meeting state minimum requirements. They also provide excess coverage for their drivers and rideshare passengers. However, where and when this coverage applies can vary greatly. For example, a driver on their way to pick up a passenger is treated differently under Uber’s insurance policy than a driver who has a passenger in their vehicle. Determining how the rideshare’s insurance coverage applies can make these claims especially challenging.

Although you may assume Uber’s additional insurance means more protection in a crash, more insurance companies may lead to delays and frustration. Insurers often attempt to avoid paying the costs of a crash by arguing that another insurer is responsible. Meanwhile, injured passengers struggle with mounting medical expenses and unpaid bills.

What To Do After a Lyft or Uber Accident in Westland

If you’re in an Uber crash in Westland, take these steps:

1. Stay as safe as possible. Do not move severely injured people, but protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic as best you can. If possible, move vehicles to the shoulder or designated crash investigation zones. Use vehicle lights, flares, flashlights, or brightly colored objects to warn oncoming traffic of your stopped vehicle.
2. Call 911. Emergency first responders can treat injuries, secure the scene, and gather necessary information, including witness information.
3. Document the event. If possible, take photos, draw a diagram, or take voice or written notes of what you remember from the accident. Record what you saw, heard, and felt as the crash occurred. If you cannot do this at the scene, make notes as soon as possible. Write the date and time on your notes so you can refer to them later.
4. Get medical attention. Get medical care as soon as possible after the crash, even if you don’t feel badly injured. If you didn’t receive emergency care, schedule a doctor’s appointment. Some common car accident injuries aren’t apparent for hours or even days after the accident. Early medical care can help create a record of your injuries and ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
5. Speak to an experienced attorney. A lawyer with experience handling rideshare accident claims can help you protect your legal rights and get the compensation you need.

Talk to an Experienced Westland Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

An accident can throw your life into chaos. In addition to recovering from your injuries, you may have additional headaches: fighting with insurance companies, filling out paperwork, traveling to doctor’s appointments, and finding ways to keep things together at home and work. While insurers fight over who will pay, the bills pile up.

If this is your daily life, you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced Westland rideshare accident lawyers at Sommers Schwartz can help. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation. Our attorneys will answer your questions and help you understand how to recover the compensation you deserve.