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Grand Rapids Uber Accident Lawyer

The rise of rideshare services like Uber makes the streets of Grand Rapids busier. The result of this new reality? Accidents have become more common. As a victim of an Uber car crash, you know how life-changing this experience is. And so do we. Medical bills start piling up. Income might stop flowing if you cannot work, and what is the emotional impact? Sometimes, the stress of the accident is just as difficult to overcome as the physical injuries.

At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, our Grand Rapids Uber accident lawyers are passionate about helping injured victims like you recover fair compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation.

Why Uber Accidents Happen

In 2022, there were 5.4 million Uber drivers in the nation. That's a large number of rideshare vehicles traveling along our roadways. While ridesharing offers a new job option, the pay isn't particularly lucrative. In Michigan, drivers typically earn around $17 per hour, but it can sometimes dip as low as $8.59. What does this have to do with road safety?

Uber drivers might feel pressured to complete more rides in less time to earn higher wages. This state of affairs can contribute to risky driving behavior. Uber accidents in Grand Rapids can happen for a variety of reasons. Just like any other vehicle, the common culprits include the following:

Other factors leading to these car accidents include driver inexperience, poor vehicle maintenance, bad weather, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These factors can increase the risk of an accident when using Uber. Drivers and passengers need to stay alert to avoid potential crashes.

Common Physical Injuries in Uber Accidents

In March 2024, Uber accounted for 76% of the observed U.S. rideshare market spending. This market dominance suggests Uber has more accidents than competitors like Lyft. Of course, when you have crashes, injuries follow, such as the following:

  • Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: These are common in rear-end collisions and can occur even at low speeds, causing pain and discomfort in the neck and back.
  • Broken Bones: Impact with another vehicle or object can lead to fractures, commonly affecting the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
  • Head Injuries: These can range from a concussion to a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially in more violent collisions.
  • Lacerations and Bruises: Broken glass or sudden impact on parts of the car’s interior can cause cuts and bruises.
  • Spine Damage: These are among the more serious injuries and can result in significant nerve damage or paralysis, particularly if the spinal column is impacted.
  • Internal Injuries: The force of a crash can result in internal bleeding or injury to organs.
  • Mental Suffering: Aside from physical injuries, accident victims can suffer long-term psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you're caught up in an Uber accident, get checked out by a doctor right away. Injuries like traumatic brain injuries might show symptoms only after some time has passed but can be detected by a doctor right away. Also, getting immediate medical treatment helps directly link the accident to your injuries. This documentation is useful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury claim.

 

Immediate Steps After an Uber Accident

If you are in an Uber accident, safety is first. Make sure to check on yourself and others for any injuries. If medical attention is needed or there's significant damage, dial 911 immediately. The operator will notify the Grand Rapids Police Department or other local law enforcement agencies. They can record a formal police report detailing the auto accident.

Collect as much information as possible, such as

  • Photos of the scene
  • Witness contact info
  • Insurance details from all drivers involved

Remember to report the incident using the Uber app. The company has specific protocols for motor vehicle accidents. Why does all this information matter? This information helps insurance adjusters and car accident lawyers determine the compensation you recover.

What You Need to Know About Uber Liability Claims

An Uber liability claim involves seeking compensation for damages or injuries caused by an Uber driver during a rideshare operation. This claim is made against the Uber driver's or Uber's insurance based on the incident specifics and whether the driver was logged in, waiting for a ride, or offline. Here's how it generally works:

  1. Driver Status and Insurance Coverage: Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
  • App Off: The driver's insurance is the only coverage.
  • App On, No Passenger: Uber provides liability coverage if the personal insurance doesn't apply.
  • Driver En Route to Passenger or During Trips: Uber provides higher liability coverage, which includes third-party liability coverage.
  1. Filing the Claim: The insurance claims process starts when the injured party or their representative reports the accident via the Uber app.
  2. Investigation and Compensation: Uber’s insurance adjuster will investigate a claim. If the Uber driver is found at fault, the claimant may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related damages.
  3. Michigan's No-Fault Insurance Law: Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system. Under this system, each party in an accident files a claim with their insurance for medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who is at fault. However, personal injury protection (PIP) doesn't cover damages such as pain and suffering or serious property damage. Victims can file personal injury lawsuits against the at-fault drivers in this scenario.

The state's no-fault insurance laws can complicate the claims process. If you don't want the added stress of figuring out all the moving parts involved in recovering compensation for your car accident claim, consider consulting an attorney with Grand Rapids car accident experience.

Coverage Under No-fault Benefits

Michigan's no-fault insurance system ensures drivers receive prompt medical treatment and compensation after a car accident, regardless of who caused it. Here are the key benefits of this system:

  • Medical Expenses: No-fault insurance covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the car accident. This includes hospital bills, medical treatments, and rehabilitation costs.
  • Wage Loss Benefits: If you cannot work due to injuries sustained in an accident, no-fault insurance provides wage loss benefits for up to three years after the accident, capped at a monthly maximum set by the state.
  • Replacement Services: These benefits pay for services you can no longer perform due to your injuries, like housekeeping or lawn care, for up to three years after the accident.
  • Attendant Care: No-fault insurance can cover the cost of in-home nursing care or attendant care needed due to injuries from the accident.
  • Survivor's Loss Benefits: If a fatal accident occurs, no-fault insurance provides survivor's loss benefits to the dependents of the deceased. This covers lost wages and can cover the cost of replacement services.
  • Vehicle Damage: Michigan's no-fault system includes a mini-tort provision that allows for a small claim (up to $1,000) against the at-fault driver to cover vehicle damage not covered by insurance.

These benefits are designed to provide immediate support without the hassle of determining who was at fault. This system also aims to reduce the number of lawsuits.

When You Should File a Lawsuit

As we mentioned above, Michicgan's "no-fault" system aims to limit lawsuits. However, some situations require taking legal action. Is your case one of them? Here are the reasons why victims involved in a Grand Rapids, MI, Uber crash file lawsuits:

  • Exceeding No-Fault Coverage Limits: If the victim's medical expenses and losses exceed what is covered by their personal injury protection (PIP) under no-fault insurance, they might seek additional compensation through a lawsuit.
  • Severe Injuries: Michigan law allows for suing the at-fault driver if the victim has suffered "serious" injuries that affect their lifestyle and ability to function. This is defined as serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death.
  • Non-Economic Damages: The no-fault system primarily covers economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. Victims might sue for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, not covered under no-fault insurance.
  • Disputes Over Fault and Damages: If there is a dispute over who is at fault in the accident or the extent of the damages, the victim may file a lawsuit to resolve these issues in court.
  • Third-Party Claims: If the Uber driver's actions were particularly reckless, or if there were other factors like vehicle malfunctions or third-party negligence, a lawsuit might target the driver, Uber itself, or another third party.

Consider filing a lawsuit if your insurance doesn't fully cover your losses or if there's a dispute over who was at fault. You have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. However, consulting a Grand Rapids Uber accident lawyer early is wise to protect your rights.

 

Potential Defendants in an Uber Accident Lawsuit

Who you can sue in an Uber accident? The defendants might include:

  • Uber Driver
  • Uber Technologies Inc.
  • Third-Party Drivers
  • Vehicle Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers
  • Government Entities

Who's responsible for an Uber accident? It all depends on exactly what happened. As with any vehicle accident, a thorough investigation must be conducted. This process allows you to figure out who might be at fault for your injuries and losses.

Get Results With a Grand Rapids Accident Lawyer

Hurt in an Uber accident in Grand Rapids? Turn to a team of accomplished auto accident attorneys who can stand up for your rights. We've successfully settled numerous car accident cases at the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, including many cases involving Uber vehicles. Our proactive representation has led to our clients receiving over $250 million in compensation.

Our law firm has served Grand Rapids for decades. Now, we stand ready to serve you. For a free consultation, call us now at 248-886-8650. Don't wait; now is the time to get the compensation you deserve for your Uber accident case.

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