Who Pays for Injuries in Michigan Uber Accidents?
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Uber helps millions of people get around Michigan, especially in busy cities like Detroit and Flint. In 2022, riders took 1.1 billion trips across the U.S., covering 10.3 billion miles. With so many cars on the road, crashes are an unfortunate reality, with 153 Uber-related fatalities occurring that year.
If you’re in an Uber accident, you might wonder who covers your medical bills and other expenses. Will Uber pay, or does another driver’s insurance apply? In many cases, you can file a claim with Uber, but the coverage depends on whether the driver was actively on a trip and if another vehicle was involved.
Learn how liability is determined in Uber rideshare collisions and why working with our skilled Uber injury attorneys in Michigan at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., can help you pursue maximum compensation.
Understanding Liability in Uber Accidents
Determining who is responsible for an Uber accident depends on the circumstances of the crash. The following parties may be liable:
- The Uber driver (as an independent contractor). If the driver was not logged into the Uber app at the time of the crash, their personal auto insurance is responsible for covering damages.
- The Uber driver (with Uber’s insurance). Uber’s insurance policy may provide coverage if the driver was active on the app or carrying a passenger, but the amount depends on whether the ride was in progress.
- Another driver on the road. If a third-party driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should cover injuries and property damage. According to Uber, 95% of crashes were caused by third-party drivers between 2021-2022.
- The vehicle manufacturer. The manufacturer could be liable for faulty parts or design flaws if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash.
- A government agency or road authority. If poor road conditions, missing signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals contribute, the entity responsible for road maintenance may be held accountable.
Michigan No-Fault Insurance and Rideshare Accidents
Regardless of who caused the crash, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers a portion of your damages. Filing a PIP insurance claim after an Uber accident can help pay for:
- Medical expenses. Your medical bills are covered up to the limits of your PIP policy. Coverage options include $50,000 (for Medicaid enrollees), $250,000, $500,000, or unlimited.
- Lost wages. If accident-related injuries prevent you from working, PIP benefits can reimburse 85% of your lost income, up to a monthly maximum of $7,014, for three years.
- Attendant care. PIP benefits may cover up to 56 hours per week when family members or friends provide care for those requiring in-home assistance due to severe injuries.
Does Uber’s Insurance Cover My Injuries?
Uber provides insurance coverage when its driver is responsible for an accident. Filing a claim for an Uber accident in Michigan can help you receive the following potential payout amounts depending on whether the driver was waiting for a request, on the way to a passenger, or actively transporting someone:
| Driver Status | Coverage Details | Amount |
| Offline |
Uber’s insurance does not apply. The driver’s personal auto insurance covers any damages. |
In Michigan, liability minimums are:
|
| Waiting for a Ride Request | Uber offers third-party liability coverage for injuries and property damage when the driver is online but has not yet accepted a ride request. |
|
| En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Trip | Uber provides higher coverage, including liability for injuries and property damage, protection against uninsured drivers, and coverage for vehicle damage if the driver has personal collision insurance. |
|
How Do I File a Claim With Uber?
Filing a claim with Uber after an accident requires submitting the right information through their system. Follow these steps to report the incident and begin the claims process:
- Report the accident through the Uber app. If you were a passenger, open the app, go to the Safety Toolkit, select “Report a Crash,” and follow the prompts.
- Use Uber’s Third Party Incident Notice if you weren’t a rider. Pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers involved in an accident with an Uber vehicle should submit a report through Uber’s Third Party Incident Notice.
- Provide accident details. Include the trip details, date, time, location, and a description of what happened. Attach photos of vehicle damage, injuries, or road conditions.
- Submit driver and vehicle information. Include the Uber driver’s name, license plate, and insurance details if available.
- Monitor Uber’s response. Uber will review the claim and may contact you for additional information. Keep copies of all emails and messages related to your report.
Other Steps To Take After an Uber Accident
If you were in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, take these steps to protect your rights to compensation:
- Call 911: Request medical assistance and law enforcement after any traffic accident, even if you aren’t in pain. EMTs can determine if you have hidden injuries, and reporting accidents to the police is required by state law for collisions involving injuries or fatalities.
- File a PIP claim. Contact your insurance provider to report the accident and file for PIP benefits. You have one year from the accident day to fill out and submit this form.
- Gather evidence and information. Speak with other parties involved in the accident and collect their names, insurance details, and contact information. If possible, ask witnesses for permission to collect their statements. Then, take photos of the accident scene, damaged vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Refuse early settlement offers. Uber may attempt to contact you after the accident with an early offer to avoid litigation. Don’t accept any of these offers; they may not be sufficient to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Speak with a personal injury attorney for Uber crashes. Consult a seasoned car accident attorney michigan specializing in rideshare crashes. They can help you understand your legal options and file a claim with the liable parties seeking your rightful compensation.
How an Attorney from Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. Can Help
Uber accident claims can be complicated, especially when multiple insurance policies are involved. An attorney can handle the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for a fair settlement. Our experienced Uber injury attorneys in Michigan at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., will assist you with the following:
Investigating the Accident
A thorough investigation is essential to determine fault and identify all liable parties. We will:
- Gather police reports, witness statements, and accident scene evidence.
- Review Uber’s records to confirm the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
- Work with accident reconstruction experts if liability is disputed.
- Analyze medical records to link injuries to the accident.
Strong evidence supports your claim, helping you seek maximum compensation for Uber accident injuries in Michigan.
Handling Insurance Claims and Negotiations
Insurers often minimize payouts—our attorneys fight to secure what you’re owed. Your legal team can:
- File claims with Uber’s insurer, the rideshare driver’s provider, or another at-fault party’s coverage.
- Challenge denied claims or low settlement offers.
- Calculate damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate to maximize your payout.
Our team protects your interests and prevents insurance companies from undervaluing your claim. Partner attorneyEileen Kroll uses her combined background as a skilled lawyer and registered nurse to review your medical records, assess the extent of your injuries, and accurately calculate the support you need moving forward.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, legal action may be the next step. Our qualified lawyers can:
- Prepare and file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Collaborate with experts and collect their testimony to support your case.
- Represent you in court and advocate for full compensation.
- Handle all legal procedures and deadlines.
Uber is a large corporation with extensive resources, but we have the knowledge and legal strategy to challenge their defenses and win in court.
Providing Personalized Legal Guidance
Every case is different, and an attorney offers tailored advice based on your situation. With Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., you can expect us to:
- Explain your legal rights and options.
- Keep you informed throughout the claims process.
- Answer questions and address concerns.
- Develop a strategy that aligns with your needs.
With experienced legal representation, you can focus on recovery while your attorney handles the rest.
Contact Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. for a Free Consultation
If you need an experienced and trustworthy Uber injury attorney in Michigan, count on Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. to represent you. We have won millions in compensation for car accident victims in Michigan and will put our experience and legal insights to work for you.
Contact our law offices today for a free consultation for your rideshare collision claim.
Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
