Royal Oak Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare Accident Attorney in Royal Oak, MI

Rideshares are supposed to be simple. However, when these rides involve a collision, it can create legal confusion while trying to recover from the accident. However, in these cases, a dedicated Royal Oak rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and how to proceed. These cases can be more complex than a typical car accident, but Wigod & Falzon can help you.

About Wigod & Falzon

Wigod & Falzon has proudly served injury victims throughout the metro Detroit area since 1997. Our staff of over 30 lawyers and employees prides itself on personal attention to every client, responsiveness, and honest counsel. As an experienced Royal Oak personal injury lawyer, we give you the time and support you need to make informed decisions through difficult times. That includes complex rideshare accidents in Royal Oak.

Michigan Rideshare Accident Laws

Accidents involving rideshare drivers have the same causes as other car crashes, but some are more common because they’re related to the driver’s job. A skilled Royal Oak car accident lawyer can help investigate if GPS distractions or employer-driven time pressures contributed to your crash.

Spending time driving around busy areas like downtown Royal Oak, constantly picking people up and dropping them off, also increases the risk of collisions. Driver fatigue from working long hours, taking unfamiliar routes, and feeling rushed to accept rides immediately can also contribute to a momentary lapse that causes a crash.

Michigan law requires that all rideshare drivers maintain certain insurance coverage. Insurance coverage is available, but the specifics vary depending on the driver’s status in the app. While it’s good to know there is insurance in your case, the reality is that multiple insurers will often try to deny responsibility.

Unique Laws

In addition, Michigan’s unique car insurance laws play a key role in these kinds of cases. Who pays no-fault benefits first is determined by Michigan Compiled Laws § 500.3114. In rideshare accidents, this can get complicated because multiple policies may technically apply. In Oakland County in 2024, there were 35,951 total traffic crashes. Of these, 61 were fatal, 6,709 resulted in injuries, and 29,181 resulted in property damage.

Building a Rideshare Accident Claim

A rideshare accident claim is based on the facts of the crash. It’s also based on what you can prove after the incident occurred. Since rideshare accidents require you to understand both real-world events and digital evidence from the app, these claims are often more complex than your average car crash.

Like any car accident injury claim, police reports, witness testimony, and medical records can support your case. Rideshare accidents also require you to pay attention to your device. Trip timelines, GPS data, and records that prove a car was accepting rides when the crash occurred can help determine which insurance policy is responsible.

It’s also important to prove how the crash affected your day-to-day life. Ongoing treatment, time away from work, and daily pain and suffering are factors that come into play with personal injury claims. A strong claim connects all of these factors.

Local Considerations

Driving around Royal Oak, you can get a feel for where rideshare services pick up and drop off the most passengers. The downtown area around Main Street and 11 Mile Road consistently experiences heavy rideshare traffic, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Reviewing Royal Oak car accident statistics shows how these high-traffic picking and dropping zones are frequent sites for collisions.

Vehicles can stop abruptly in the road, make unpredictable U-turns, or wait in high-traffic areas for a passenger to arrive. Dangers can emerge quickly.

Royal Oak residents involved in a rideshare accident that leads to a claim will likely take their rideshare accident case to the 52-3 District Court. The address is 700 E Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Knowing how cases are processed through your local court can offer valuable insight as your claim unfolds.

Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

You might be getting calls from multiple insurance companies asking the same questions but receiving different answers. Perhaps you’re not even sure which policy should be covering your medical bills and lost wages. This is usually the point at which people choose to hire a rideshare accident lawyer.

Rideshare claims are more than routine claim adjustments. They require app data review, analysis of insurance coverage layers, and identification of all potentially liable parties. When you’re left on your own to try to piece this information together, it can be easy to lose sight of certain details. However, a Royal Oak rideshare accident attorney can help you in this process.

FAQs

What Should I Do if I’m in an Accident While in a Rideshare?

In the event your rideshare driver is involved in a crash, your first priority should be to receive medical treatment. Next, report the accident within the app immediately. Gather whatever information you can, and take screenshots of your driver information and trip details. You may be eligible for compensation as a passenger under the applicable insurance.

Can Pedestrians File a Claim if a Rideshare Hits Them?

Yes, a pedestrian can file a claim if they were hit by a rideshare vehicle in Michigan. It could fall under the rideshare driver’s coverage, another driver’s policy, or even the rideshare company’s coverage. Every situation is unique, depending on who was at fault and how the accident took place. This is why it’s important to engage a lawyer for help.

What if There Is Not Enough Insurance Coverage for My Damages in a Rideshare Accident?

If existing insurance is not sufficient to adequately compensate for all losses, there may be other available sources of recovery, such as claims against other liable parties or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Such scenarios can become quite intricate, particularly when several individuals are involved; therefore, a thorough investigation of all recovery options is crucial.

How Are Rideshare Settlements Calculated?

Factors that affect how settlements are calculated include medical costs, lost wages, severity of injuries, and how much the accident affects your life. For rideshare claims, it also depends on which insurance policy applies and what coverage limits are available. Every case is different and is looked at on its own merit.

Contact Wigod & Falzon

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. An attorney at Wigod & Falzon can assist. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Royal Oak, MI Rideshare Resources

• What to do after a car accident in Michigan to protect your rights.

• Learn about Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury so you don’t miss your deadline.