Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are now part of everyday life in Detroit. While these services were designed to make transportation safer and more convenient, Uber accidents have become increasingly common, especially in busy areas, at pickup and drop off locations, and during high traffic hours.
If you were injured in an Uber accident as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver of another vehicle, your case will likely be more complicated than a typical car accident claim. Rideshare companies operate under unique insurance rules that often leave injured people confused about who is responsible for paying their medical bills and other losses.
A Detroit Uber accident lawyer at Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC can handle these complexities for you. We investigate the crash, identify all available insurance coverage, and pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Michigan law.
For a free consultation, call (313) 462-7979 or contact us online today.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Detroit?
Uber accidents can happen anywhere in Detroit, from Downtown and Midtown to freeway corridors like I-75 and I-94. Many crashes occur near hotels, entertainment districts, airports, and nightlife areas where rideshare traffic is heavy.
You may have a valid injury claim if:
- You were a passenger injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft
- You were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver while driving, walking, or biking
- You were injured while exiting or entering a rideshare vehicle
- You were hurt by a distracted rideshare driver looking at the app
Rideshare companies and insurers often try to delay or limit payouts by shifting blame or disputing which insurance policy applies. Having an experienced Detroit Uber accident lawyer protects you from these tactics.
Why Uber Accident Claims Are More Complicated Than Car Accidents
Uber accident cases involve multiple layers of insurance and liability. Unlike traditional car crashes, responsibility may depend on the driver’s status within the Uber app at the time of the accident.
Uber accidents typically fall into one of three insurance phases:
- If the Uber app was off, the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- If the Uber app was on and the driver was waiting for a ride request, limited liability coverage applies, often up to $50,000 per person for injuries.
- If the driver was transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, Uber’s commercial insurance policy may provide up to $1 million in coverage.
Determining which phase applies is critical to maximizing compensation. Insurance companies rarely volunteer this information, which is why legal representation is so important.
What Davis Injury Lawyers Does After an Uber Accident
After an Uber or Lyft crash, our firm takes immediate steps to protect your claim and relieve the burden on you.
We handle:
- A full investigation of the accident and rideshare status
- Collection of police reports, app data, witness statements, and video evidence
- Identification of all applicable insurance policies
- Communication with Uber, Lyft, and insurance adjusters
- Evaluation of the full value of your damages
- Aggressive settlement negotiations
- Trial preparation when a fair settlement is not offered
You are never treated like a case number. Your injuries, recovery, and financial future matter.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Your actions after a rideshare accident can affect both your health and your legal claim.
If possible:
- Seek medical care immediately, even if symptoms seem minor
- Report the accident to law enforcement
- Document the scene with photos or video
- Obtain contact information from witnesses
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies
- Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts
- Contact a Detroit Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible
Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence and prevents costly mistakes.
Michigan Rideshare Laws and Insurance Requirements
Michigan law requires rideshare drivers and companies to carry specific insurance coverage depending on the driver’s activity within the app. Drivers must also maintain valid no-fault insurance and meet vehicle and background check requirements.
Understanding how Michigan no-fault benefits interact with Uber’s liability coverage is critical. Medical bills, wage loss, and replacement services may be available regardless of who caused the crash, while pain and suffering claims depend on fault and injury severity.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Detroit Uber Accident?
Liability in a rideshare accident may involve multiple parties, including:
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- Another negligent driver
- Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance policy
- A third party such as a vehicle manufacturer or government entity
In some cases, more than one insurance policy may apply. Our attorneys identify every available source of compensation.
Compensation Available After an Uber Accident
Depending on your injuries and circumstances, compensation may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
We work to ensure that all current and future losses are fully accounted for before any settlement is accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accident Claims in Detroit
Does Uber pay for injuries after an accident?
Uber does not automatically pay injury claims. Compensation depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger. Different insurance policies apply at each stage, and claims are typically handled through insurance carriers rather than Uber directly.
What if the Uber driver says they were not working at the time of the crash?
This is a common issue in rideshare accident cases. App data, trip records, and digital timestamps can often confirm whether the driver was logged in or engaged in a ride. An attorney can request and preserve this evidence before it is lost or disputed.
Can I sue Uber directly for my injuries?
In most cases, injury claims are brought against insurance policies rather than Uber as a company. However, Uber’s commercial insurance coverage may apply when the driver is actively working. The correct approach depends on the facts of the crash and the driver’s status.
What if I was injured while getting in or out of an Uber?
Injuries during pickup or drop off are still considered rideshare related accidents. Liability may involve the Uber driver, another motorist, or Uber’s insurance depending on what caused the injury and whether the ride was active in the app.
Do Uber accident cases take longer than normal car accident claims?
They often do. Rideshare claims involve multiple insurers, additional evidence requests, and disputes over coverage phases. While some cases settle quickly, others require more time to ensure the correct insurance limits are applied.
Can pedestrians or cyclists file Uber accident claims?
Yes. Pedestrians and cyclists struck by Uber or Lyft drivers may be entitled to compensation. These cases often involve Uber’s liability coverage if the driver was logged into the app at the time of the collision.
Will my case go to arbitration because Uber was involved?
Arbitration clauses generally apply to contractual disputes between Uber and its users, not third party injury claims. Most Uber accident injury cases are handled through insurance claims and, if necessary, civil court.
What makes Uber accident cases harder to handle without a lawyer?
Rideshare cases require understanding app based insurance triggers, Michigan no fault rules, and how multiple policies interact. Without legal help, injured people often accept settlements that do not reflect the full value of their claim.
Why Choose Davis Injury Lawyers for an Uber Accident Case
Our firm understands Michigan auto insurance law, rideshare liability, and the tactics used by large insurance carriers. We are local Detroit injury lawyers who know the courts, the insurers, and how to build strong cases that demand fair compensation.
You pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Free Consultation With a Detroit Uber Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accidents are not handled like ordinary car accidents. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Detroit, do not try to navigate the process alone.
Call Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC at (313) 462-7979 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.