Have you sustained injuries in a Grand Rapids ridesharing accident? We can help you recover compensation. For a free consultation, contact the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates.
Rideshare services have become part of our daily routine. But with that convenience comes the risk of accidents. When you're facing insurance headaches, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of an accident, we're here to ease the burden. Our mission is to fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve while offering a shoulder to lean on throughout the process. Our law firm has roots deep in the Grand Rapids community. We're here to lend a helping hand when you need it most. Call us now to speak with a Grand Rapids rideshare accident lawyer.
A Legal Team That Delivers Results
We at the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates know the strain of being a victim of a rideshare accident. Our committed group of attorneys has helped Grand Rapids citizens get the money they deserve for their injuries.
Our knowledgeable legal team will protect your rights. We know how to make sure those who are at fault are accountable for their actions.
These three easy steps can help you acquire the legal assistance you need:
Step 1.Make an Appointment for a No-cost Consultation: Our first step is to learn about your experience and how the accident has impacted your life.
Step 2.Customized Strategy: To guarantee the best possible result for your case, we will devise a customized strategy based on your particular circumstances.
Step 3.Fight for You: Right now, your attention is on getting better. We'll take care of the court cases and try to get you paid as quickly as possible.
Far too many accident victims are burdened by unjust financial obligations and are unaware of their rights. Let us help you avoid these dangers.
Call 248-886-8650 to book your free consultation, or send us an email. Your chances of receiving a just result for your case increase the sooner you consult with a personal injury lawyer.
Primary Factors in the Majority of Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we travel. Their undeniable convenience benefits millions of people. However, there are risks associated with this innovation. Numerous injuries and fatalities are caused by the factors listed below.
Distractions: Rideshare drivers and other motorists may become distracted by smartphones, GPS devices, or other distractions, leading to accidents. In 2021, distracted driving played a role in 16,543 Michigan motor vehicle collisions.
Fatigue: An Uber or Lyft driver could be on the road for 7 to 12 hours daily. Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
Traffic Congestion: Grand Rapids streets can experience heavy traffic congestion, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially during peak hours.
Inexperienced Drivers: Some rideshare drivers may lack experience navigating Grand Rapids' roads, leading to errors and accidents.
Weather Conditions: Michigan's unpredictable weather, including snow, ice, and rain, can create hazardous driving conditions, increasing the risk of accidents for rideshare drivers and passengers.
Mechanical Issues: Poorly maintained vehicles or mechanical failures can contribute to accidents, putting passengers and other road users at risk.
Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive driving, and disregarding traffic laws can all lead to Rideshare accidents on Grand Rapids' roads.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 3,100 people died and 424,000 were injured in crashes involving careless Uber or Lyft drivers in the US in 2019. Awareness of these potential factors can help rideshare users and drivers take precautions to reduce accidents.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries and Damage
Rideshare collisions result in a variety of injuries and losses. The following are the most frequent outcomes when rideshare vehicles are involved:
Whiplash
Head Injuries
Back Injuries
Broken Bones
Soft Tissue Injuries
Internal Injuries
Psychological Trauma
Accidents involving ridesharing can cause serious property damage in addition to personal injuries. People who are harmed frequently need both immediate medical assistance and continuous care.
How to Respond to an Uber or Lyft Accident
After a rideshare accident, there are steps you can take to protect your rights. The actions are as follows:
Call 911 to dispatch Emergency Medical Technicians and law enforcement.
Exchange contact information with the parties involved.
Take photos or videos of the accident scene.
Seek treatment from medical professionals.
Report the accident to your own insurance company.
Contact a rideshare accident attorney.
Taking these steps promptly after a rideshare accident can protect your well-being, gather essential evidence, and position yourself to resolve your case successfully.
Why No-Fault Benefits Matter in a Rideshare Car Accident
Michigan's no-fault insurance system applies to all motor vehicle accidents, including those involving rideshare vehicles. Under this system, each driver's insurance company is responsible for costs related to the incident, regardless of who was at fault.
Here's how Michigan's no-fault insurance system works:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits: PIP covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages for the insured driver, passengers, and pedestrians injured in an accident. This coverage applies to rideshare drivers and passengers involved in accidents.
Property Protection Insurance (PPI): PPI pays for property damage caused by motor vehicle accidents, including damage to other vehicles, buildings, and structures.
Mini-Tort: Under Michigan's mini-tort law, individuals may recover up to $1,000 from the at-fault driver for vehicle damage not covered by insurance, such as the deductible or damages exceeding the coverage limits.
Rideshare Company Coverage: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically provide additional insurance coverage for drivers and passengers. This coverage may include liability insurance, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent collision or comprehensive coverage. The policy depends on the driver's status (i.e., whether they were logged into the app, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger at the time of the accident).
Consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney who understands Michigan's no-fault laws and regulations. They can help ensure you recover compensation.
How to File a Wrongful Death Claim
Michigan law defines a wrongful death as a death caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. A rideshare accident could involve actions where a rideshare driver, another motorist, or a third party is at fault for the accident that led to the death.
Here's how the states handle fatalities involving rideshares:
Survivor Claims: A representative of the deceased person's estate may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, Funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, the absence of companionship, and emotional distress.
Insurance Policy: Insurance coverage may compensate the deceased person's estate. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically have insurance policies that cover non-fatal and fatal accidents involving their drivers.
Legal Process: Pursuing lawsuits involves various legal procedures. The steps range from gathering supportive evidence to litigating in court to secure fair compensation.
An accidental death lawsuit is a type of negligence claim. It allows the deceased's family members to seek compensation for their losses.
Parties You Can Sue in an Uber or Lyft Crash
You’ve been injured in a Grand Rapids rideshare accident. But who's to blame? Who's the at-fault party responsible for compensating you for your injuries and damages? Identifying the negligent parties is necessary for the claims process and filing lawsuits. The responsible party or parties could be any of the following:
Rideshare Driver: If the rideshare driver's negligence, recklessness, or wrongful actions contributed to the accident, the victim might hold the driver liable for damages.
Rideshare Company: Uber and Lyft could be held responsible for their drivers' actions if the accident happened while the driver was on duty, either carrying passengers or heading to pick them up.
Other Motorists: If another motorist's negligence or reckless driving caused the rideshare accident, the victim might pursue a claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company.
Vehicle Manufacturer: In cases where a defective vehicle part or design flaw contributed to the accident or injuries, the victim may have grounds to hold the vehicle manufacturer responsible through a product liability claim.
Government Entity: If the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, poor signage, or other roadway defects maintained by a government entity, the victim may pursue a claim against the responsible government agency.
Third-Party Contractor: If a third-party contractor, such as a maintenance company or vehicle service provider, negligently serviced or maintained the rideshare vehicle, resulting in the accident, the victim may hold the contractor liable for damages.
Multiple people may be at fault in rideshare crashes. A comprehensive investigation will likely be required to hold those responsible for the accident accountable. You have the best chance for favorable results with the right legal representation.
Let Us Help With Your Claim
An incident involving ridesharing has cost you money, time, and peace of mind. You're under pressure and living in survival mode. It may feel like the odds are stacked against you. How do you proceed with your claim?
Christopher Trainor & Associates Law Offices is here to help. Our team of Gran Rapids rideshare accident lawyers puts a lot of effort into making sure accident victims on Uber or Lyft receive all the money owed to them. Give our office a call at 248-886-8650 to schedule a free consultation.
