Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an integral part of transportation in Michigan, offering convenience and flexibility. However, these vehicles are just as susceptible to accidents as any other vehicle on the road. Uber and Lyft accidents frequently result in devastating injuries and significant financial losses like any other collision.
Oak Law is ready to go to work for you if you were injured in an Uber/Lyft accident in Royal Oak or elsewhere in Michigan. Our experienced Uber/Lyft accident lawyers have represented clients in complex cases for decades, and our case results demonstrate our skill and tenacity. We understand these accidents’ unique challenges and will fight tirelessly to secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
Call our offices today at (248) 716-8800 for a free consultation about how we can help you pursue the money you need to put your life back together after a rideshare accident in Michigan.
Why Hire Our Uber/Lyft Accident Attorneys in Royal Oak?
Uber/Lyft accidents in Michigan present unique legal challenges, including issues such as determining liability among private drivers and large corporations, understanding intricate insurance policies, and negotiating fair settlements. These challenging scenarios make it essential to have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side who can effectively manage your case.
Choosing an Uber/Lyft accident lawyer from Oak Law means putting your trust in a firm with a proven track record of success. Our attorneys are highly qualified and have extensive experience achieving favorable results for our clients. We pride ourselves on delivering quality legal counsel tailored to the individual needs of each client, taking a team approach to meticulously handling every aspect of your case.
Our commitment extends to keeping you informed throughout your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we fight for the most favorable outcome. Let us show you how our personalized service can make a significant difference in your legal journey.
Common Causes and Types of Uber/Lyft Accidents in Royal Oak
Uber/Lyft accidents in Michigan can occur for various reasons, each with its own set of challenges and consequences. Understanding the common causes and types of these incidents can help you better navigate the aftermath and legal processes involved.
Common Causes of Uber/Lyft Accidents:
- Distracted Driving: This includes the use of mobile devices for navigating or communicating, eating, or any other activity that diverts the driver’s eyes, hands, or attention from the act of driving.
- Fatigue: Many Uber/Lyft drivers work long hours or drive late at night, which can lead to reduced alertness and slower reaction times.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions can make it difficult to react to traffic changes or hazards.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Some Uber/Lyft drivers may not have adequate experience driving in complex urban traffic or challenging weather conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failure to maintain brakes, tires, and other critical vehicle components can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents.
Types of Uber/Lyft Accidents:
- Rear-end Collisions: Rear-end accidents often occur when an Uber/Lyft driver fails to stop in time and crashes into the vehicle ahead of them, usually due to distraction or tailgating.
- Intersection Accidents: These can happen when drivers misjudge traffic signals or attempt to rush through a yellow light.
- Pedestrian Accidents: These are particularly concerning in urban areas where pedestrians are prevalent, and drivers may not always yield the right of way when required.
- Multi-vehicle Pile-ups: Uber/Lyft vehicles in high-speed areas or on busy highways can become part of large accidents involving multiple cars.
Types of Injuries in Uber/Lyft Crashes
Uber/Lyft crashes can result in a wide range of injuries, varying from mild to severe. The impact of these injuries not only affects the physical health of those involved but also their emotional and financial well-being. Common injuries from Uber/Lyft accidents include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Resulting from sudden movements and impacts caused during a crash, these injuries can lead to long-term mobility issues and pain.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can occur from a direct blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head, potentially leading to lasting cognitive impairment.
- Broken Bones: When a person’s body strikes parts of the vehicle or other objects, broken bones can result, leading to extended recovery and rehabilitation periods.
- Lacerations and Bruises: Trauma during an accident can cause cuts and bruising, which are not only painful but may also lead to significant scarring.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These are particularly serious, as they can lead to permanent changes in sensation, strength, and other functions below the site of the spinal injury, potentially resulting in paralysis.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Michigan
In Michigan, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft must provide liability insurance coverage for their drivers while they are actively engaged in rideshare activities. The coverage levels are as follows:
- When the driver logs into their app and is available to receive requests but has not yet accepted a ride request, the company must provide liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per incident for bodily injury, and property damage coverage of $25,000.
- When the driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, the company must provide liability coverage of at least $1 million per incident for bodily injury and damaged property.
Building a Strong Uber/Lyft Accident Claim in Royal Oak
To recover compensation for your injuries after an Uber/Lyft accident, you must prove that another party or the rideshare driver caused the crash. You’ll need compelling evidence to support your claim, and an experienced Uber/Lyft accident lawyer can gather this evidence for you. Some types of evidence that can help support your claim include:
- Police accident reports
- Your medical records
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photos or videos from the accident scene
- Surveillance footage
- Expert testimony
Get Help from Our Experienced Royal Oak Uber/Lyft Injury Attorneys
Oak Law has the experience, dedication, and compassionate approach you need to recover compensation after an Uber/Lyft accident in Michigan. If you were injured in an Uber/Lyft accident that wasn’t your fault, call us today at (248) 716-8800 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
FAQs About Uber/Lyft Accidents in Royal Oak
Q: It’s been a few weeks since my Uber accident. I’m dealing with injuries and having issues with the insurance companies. What should I do next?
A: The time after an accident can be confusing with all the legal and insurance processes involved. The most important thing is not to try to handle your case on your own. Get one of our experienced rideshare accident lawyers on your case as soon as possible. They’ll know how to handle everything from filing claims to negotiating with the insurers.
Q: Uber’s insurance company keeps questioning whether I’m really injured, and they’re requesting tons of documents. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Insurance companies are notorious for using tactics to minimize what they’ll have to pay out. When you hire a lawyer, the insurer will realize they can’t pressure you into accepting a low settlement because of your inexperience. We deal with their games all the time and know what it takes to shut them down.
Q: The driver admits they were at fault, so I thought this would be easy. But their story keeps changing and the case is taking a long time. What’s going on?
A: If the driver admits fault, the case should be straightforward, but rideshare companies and their lawyers will do their best to minimize the payouts they must make. And drivers are human, too, and can be influenced by their companies. Insurers want to let the case linger so a person without a lawyer will be tempted to take any low settlement they offer. Let a lawyer take on your case so you have an aggressive advocate on your side.
Q: I have a dashcam video of the accident showing the Uber driver running a red light. Does this guarantee I’ll get a significant settlement?
A: Having that video evidence makes proving the driver’s negligence easier. But there are still a lot of other factors that go into determining how much compensation you may receive, including the severity of your injuries, whether you’ll need ongoing treatment, whether you lost income from missed work, and whether you suffered intangible harm like pain and suffering. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can assess the true value of your claim.
Q: My injuries ended up being worse than I thought at first. I’ve racked up medical bills and had to take months off work. I already gave a statement to Uber’s insurer. Am I stuck with that?
A: Although the insurance company can use your recorded statement against you if it differs from how you see your injuries today, a skilled attorney can frame your statement as a moment in time rather than as the final statement about your case. Once your attorney has reviewed all your injuries, losses, and damages, they will base any settlement demands on the whole picture.
Q: How much will it cost to hire a lawyer? I’m already dealing with accident expenses, so I can’t afford legal fees.
A: Most reputable rideshare accident injury firms, like Oak Law, work on a contingency basis. That means we only get paid if we secure compensation for you. Our fee is an agreed-upon percentage of your compensation. There won’t be any upfront costs to worry about.
