Ridesharing has grown in popularity. Many Grand Rapids residents prefer using a smartphone app to book an Uber or Lyft over calling a cab these days. While this tech-savvy alternative to hailing taxi cabs has appeal, rideshares have also led to more motor vehicle accidents. Are you a pedestrian, driver, or passenger injured in a rideshare accident? If so, you know how someone else's reckless actions can cost you a lot.
You likely have medical bills, lost earnings, frustration, and a painfully long road to recovery. If a Lyft accident has thrown your life off track, we have skilled car accident lawyers ready to help. For a free consultation with a Grand Rapids Lyft accident lawyer, contact us by email or phone at 248-886-8650. We'll do all it takes to recover compensation.
Lyft drivers encounter the same traffic dangers as other motorists. What makes these rides arguably more dangerous, however, is that rideshare drivers may fall victim to more frequent distractions.
They can receive a pickup request at any time. At that moment, they'll look down to check their smartphone. All it takes is a fleeting glance away from the road that can cause life-changing harm to other road users.
As per the 2022 Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, there were 15,441 motor vehicle incidents due to distracted driving, out of which 53 were fatal and resulted in 57 deaths. Additional dangers that raise the possibility of Lyft crashes are as follows:
Lyft Community Safety reported that 99.9% of its rides had no safety issues in the last two years. Furthermore, a 2022 research commissioned by the National District Attorneys Association found that Lyft helped reduce DUI arrests and charges in Los Angeles (down 40%), Chicago (down 40%), and Atlanta (down 52%). In the end, there are benefits and drawbacks to ridesharing services in every city.
It is still possible for a collision to happen at any time. Everyone should prioritize road safety, including Lyft drivers, ridesharing service passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. Each safety precaution implemented helps to reduce these risks.
Back in 2013, Lyft expanded its service area to include Michigan. It has since provided thousands of licensed drivers with flexible alternatives to generate income. Do you use your car to offer ridesharing services through the Lyft app? If that's the case, you must obtain the necessary auto insurance.
According to Michigan law, drivers for Uber and Lyft must have a policy that addresses the first three stages of the ridesharing process. Among them are:
According to information gathered by Michigan Traffic Crash Facts (MTCF), there were 70,281 injuries from traffic crashes in 2022. Without a doubt, several of these accidents included Lyft drivers. The wounds vary in severity from minor to serious. Whiplash and neck injuries are among the most frequent injuries sustained from ridesharing. In addition, pedestrians, passengers, and drivers encounter the following:
Michigan's no-fault insurance system is unique in the United States. It requires all drivers to carry a type of auto insurance called Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Under this system, if you're injured in an auto accident, your insurance company is responsible for paying your accident-related expenses, regardless of who was at fault.
Here are some key features and benefits of Michigan's no-fault insurance system:
Michigan's no-fault insurance system aims to ensure that individuals injured in auto accidents receive prompt compensation. Our state's full coverage car insurance tends to be 28% higher than the national average. In comparison, minimum coverage is roughly 55% above the national average due to the unlimited medical benefits of the no-fault system.
Injured accident victims typically file insurance claims to receive payments for their losses. However, situations exist where filing a lawsuit is also an option. Here are a few scenarios:
Your case is unique. Is a lawsuit against Lyft best for you? The answer depends on the specific facts surrounding the accident. An experienced Grand Rapids Lyft attorney can evaluate your case and advise you on how to proceed with a lawsuit.
There's a legal concept called comparative negligence in Michigan. This legal principle is used to allocate fault and determine damages in Lyft accident cases (and injury claims). State law (Michigan Comp. Laws Section 600.2959) allows for reducing compensation based on fault. Here's an illustration of how it applies to rideshare services:
A semi-truck crashes into a Lyft driver running through a red light. The Lyft rideshare driver was distracted by their phone and didn't notice the trucker coming. In the court, the rideshare motorist is found to be 10% at fault. Suppose the amount of damages awarded to the aggrieved party comes to $250,000. The rideshare victim's percentage of fault would be deducted from the total award under the amended comparative fault rule. They are eligible to receive $225,000 in this scenario.
If you need to file a lawsuit, consider contacting Christopher Trainor & Associates. You'll need a knowledgeable car accident lawyer with experience arguing (and winning) cases in court.
According to Michigan Law (Comp Laws Section 600.6304), plaintiffs in ridesharing accidents are entitled to fair compensation for their losses. These include payment for:
The first step toward financial relief starts with the claims process. In many cases, you would file a claim against the rideshare driver's insurance policy. A Michigan Lyft accident lawyer can provide a clear road map toward securing compensation for pain and suffering.
Here's a hard-to-ignore fact: According to the Insurance Research Council, claimants with legal counsel received a higher payout from 85% of insurance companies. That's one huge advantage of partnering with an attorney. If you need to hold a rideshare driver or another party accountable for your injuries, consider the advantages of a lawyer.
A skilled lawyer gives a fair shot at achieving a successful claim. Legal representation is well worth your time, especially when dealing with a complicated rideshare accident.
You've been injured physically, financially, and emotionally. You don't need insurance companies, insurance adjusters, or a rideshare company hassling you over every nickel and dime. You deserve better!
We at the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates are devoted to helping our clients. our track record of success speaks for itself. Over $250 million in compensation has been awarded to our clients. Email or call us at 248-886-8650 to schedule a free consultation. Why? You need a top-notch Grand Rapids Lyft accident lawyer to handle your case.
