Michigan Uber Accident Attorney
Technology is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives. From our computers to the devices we carry in our pockets that our even recent ancestors would have trouble comprehending. And, here we are, able to summon vehicles to come to pick us up with as little as two clicks on our phone.
Uber and other rideshare companies have helped us get around town and go about our daily lives. This is convenient in large cities where many of us do not have cars, or we simply want to be responsible when going out for a few drinks with friends.
No matter the reason, Uber is something we didn’t know we needed, but now can’t fathom living. However, the risks you face on the road are no different from if you were the one driving.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while riding in an Uber, you could recover compensation under Michigan law. To find out if you can, speak with an experienced Michigan Uber accident lawyer today at Haque Legal.
Contact The Michigan Uber Accident Attorneys At Haque Legal
If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber accident in Michigan, you may not know whose insurance company should pay your medical bills. We understand, and that’s why we are ready to help clear up your options and help you hold the at-fault party liable. Our goal is to get you every dollar you deserve so you do not have to pay out of pocket for any of your injuries and medical bills.
Contact our Michigan Uber accident lawyers today at (248) 988-9625
MILLIONS RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS
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$1,300,000 Single-Vehicle Accident
The client lost control of their vehicle and crashed into a tree. As a result, they suffered a traumatic brain injury, herniated discs, lost wages, attendant care, replacement services, and ongoing case management.
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$1,000,000 Multiple Catastrophic Injuries
The client suffered a brain injury, spinal disc injuries requiring surgery, knee replacement, severe and permanent disfigurement.
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$650,000 Car Accident
A hit-and-run driver rear-ended the client. The client needed two spinal surgeries, post-operative physical therapy, injections, lost wages, and attendant care.
UBER IS NOT A TAXI
We have all seen taxis roaming around town. We have taken them to and from the airport. We have found them at taxi stands and hailed them from the curb. Those days may soon end.
Now, all you have to do is open the Uber app on your phone, enter your destination, and wait for your chariot to arrive. But you are not summoning an employee of Uber to pick you up. Instead, you are requesting a private individual operating as an independent contractor. This distinction will become very important.
States and cities regulate taxi companies. They are required to register with the city and state where they operate. And they are required to provide training to drivers and run strenuous background checks. These regulations are in place to protect you, the passenger. If a driver has lots of accidents on their driving record, the taxi company may not offer them a job.
Uber claims it is not a taxi company, and that it’s a data and software company. The Uber app you frequently use on your phone is merely a connection between you and some stranger. Because Uber is not a taxi company, they are not subject to the same regulations as they usually would if they were.
So when you hop into an Uber, you are getting a ride from a stranger who does not work for Uber and whose vehicle is not maintained or provided by Uber. And because the car is privately owned by the driver and not owned by Uber, the car is considered a private vehicle, not commercial. This is also important because new laws surround the operation and maintenance of commercial vehicles, such as ensuring proper training for drivers. When a car is privately owned, it’s often no different than accepting a ride from a friend or acquaintance—you must place a significant degree of faith in the driver’s ability to navigate safely. This is where an Uber accident attorney can be of use.
RIDESHARING LAWS
Because of the rise of ridesharing companies, many states have taken up bills that place some regulations around companies like Uber. Michigan passed a law that requires drivers to carry certain levels of insurance. But it makes a distinction between the time when a driver is looking for fares and when carrying a passenger.
When an Uber driver has a passenger in the car, the insurance coverage is different:
- Primary liability coverage of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage
- PIP and uninsured/underinsured motorist as required by law
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“This is a very knowledgeable, hard-working, and patient attorney.”- Jose
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“thank you to this DEVOTED team of EXPERT lawyers”- Shawnna U.
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“Kind, Courteous, Respectful, Intelligent, Honest, and Morally Ethical. Affordable”- Gary K.
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“I highly recommend him as your attorney because he's serious and gets down to business.”- Manual J.
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“Fahd is spectacular at what he does and he will provide the best legal counsel”- Susana C.
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“They provided me with clear explanations and guidance on the legal matters at hand and kept me informed every step of the way.”- Umer K.
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“Mr. Haque is a very excellent lawyer and I would recommend him to everyone who's in need of a lawyer.”- G.G.
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“They will help you navigate the complexities of the immigration process with ease.”- Edder F.
WHAT UBER SAYS
ABOUT INSURANCE
Uber is required under Michigan law to provide minimum insurance coverage. Uber is also very clear about insurance coverage. But this can lead to more confusion because Uber differentiates between coverage during a ride and coverage when the driver is using the vehicle for personal use.
The Driver Is Using the Uber App but
Does Not Have a Passenger
In this situation, the driver is looking for a passenger but does not currently have one. The driver could also be in motion or waiting, like in a parking lot near an airport. If a driver gets into an accident while they are using the Uber app, the insurance provided by Uber only comes into play if the driver’s insurance does not cover the full amount of the accident.
When The Driver Is Not Using the Uber App
In this instance, it is clear that the driver is using their car for personal use. Here, no insurance coverages would be applied from Uber if the driver is involved in an accident. The driver is required to keep insurance coverages as required by Michigan law.
Passengers Are in the Vehicle
When an Uber driver accepts a fare and picks up a passenger, the insurance coverage provided by Uber takes effect. If an accident happens, Uber’s insurance coverage should apply.
All of these factors are important to keep in mind when hiring a
Michigan Uber accident lawyer.
GETS RESULTS
Reach out to us to schedule your free, confidential consultation and get more information.
COMPENSATION CONSIDERATIONS
A frequent question we get from victims of Uber accidents is how much their case is worth. That depends on the:
- Type and severity of injuries
- Time missing from work
- Time spent in the hospital
- Future prognosis
- Time spent in rehabilitation
- Ability to return to work
Even if your injuries seem minor, do not discount how quickly your medical bills can rise. The smallest of medical procedures and doctor visits rapidly become expensive and, for some, financially ruinous.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE
IN AN ACCIDENT
Your health is the most important thing to worry about after a Michigan Uber accident. You can take these steps to help show that the Uber driver or the other driver was at fault in your accident. This can help to maximize your compensation, so you do not end up paying out of pocket for any of the medical bills you face.
Following an accident…
Call 911 – When you call 911, the police and emergency medical personnel rush to the accident scene. The EMTs will quickly evaluate your injuries and determine whether you need additional medical care. Do not refuse their help. The police will also speak with you, all drivers, and any witnesses. They will try to put an accurate report together detailing how the accident happened. While they may not assign fault, their description will help your Michigan Uber accident lawyer show who is to blame for your injuries and medical bills.
Take pictures and speak with witnesses – It’s important to get images of the accident. Pictures honestly can speak a thousand words. Get photographs of your injuries, all vehicles involved, and the entire accident scene. You may also want to talk with witnesses. Many witnesses will not wait around for the police to arrive so at least get their contact information so we can speak with them later. Witnesses often provide a different perspective of the accident and the moments leading up to it, which can help to show who was at fault.
See your doctor – In addition to letting the EMT’s evaluate you at the accident scene, it’s essential that you also see your doctor after the accident. Your doctor knows you best and can determine how your injuries have impacted you. Besides that, your doctor can also help chart a path for your recovery.
Keep a personal injury journal – This might sound like a strange idea, but keeping a journal can help your injury claim. Over time, you will forget what you endured to get back to your regular life. You will not recall the daily suffering and the hurdles you faced. But if you write in a journal every day, that can be a great tool to help maximize your recovery and ensure you get every dollar you deserve with the aid of a personal injury attorney.
Your final step is to speak with a trusted Uber accident lawyer in Michigan. Even if you were just visiting Michigan, you need a lawyer who is eligible to practice in Michigan, because that’s where the accident happened. You want an attorney with your best interests at heart who has battled big insurance companies before and come out ahead. You deserve an Uber accident lawyer in Michigan who will aggressively fight to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
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