Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle — or driving in your own vehicle leading up to a crash caused by a rideshare driver in Michigan — there are several steps you must take regardless of what type of car accident you are involved in. Most important, you must ensure your injury does not require immediate medical attention.

The following are the important steps you must take after an Uber or Lyft accident:

1. CONTACT THE POLICE

• You need to report the collision to law enforcement officials. When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, they can file a police report, which can be used as evidence for your accident claim or personal injury lawsuit.

2. DOCUMENT THE SCENE

• Using your smartphone, take pictures or record videos of the crash scene. Capture as many photos or videos as you can of all vehicles involved, and from multiple angles. Also, capture a panoramic shot of the entire scene. All of these are considered important pieces of evidence to insurers and the courts.

3. EXCHANGE INFORMATION

• Obtain the other driver’s contact and insurance information. If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident, you must exchange information with every driver involved.

4. REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO THE RIDESHARE COMPANY

• One step that differs from other types of crashes is reporting the incident to Uber or Lyft. Once you reach out to their agents, provide an accident report so that they can start the claims process on their end.

5. CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT

• Contact your insurer and inform them you were involved in a collision, but only provide basic information about the crash.

Keep in mind, that all drivers must have PIP insurance under Michigan law, which means drivers generally would have to file a claim with their insurance carrier following an accident. However, if a passenger is involved in an Uber or Lyft accident — and suffers an injury — recovering compensation from a PIP claim could be more difficult. Passengers generally can file a claim against the driver’s insurance.

Our legal team has more than 50 years of experience handling personal injury claims throughout Southeast Michigan.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in the Detroit metropolitan area, call Turner & Turner PC at (248) 355-1727 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.

However, when it comes to your insurer, you may have a duty under your policy to notify them of the crash, and provide certain information to help them prepare for a potential claim. Although you may need to communicate with your insurance company, be careful of what information you provide

Your Insurer is Not Your Advocate

When it comes to claims involving injuries, insurance companies do not advocate for — or serve — their policy holders … in this case, you. Their goal is to limit the company’s liability and compensation they pay on a claim.

To accomplish that goal, insurers leverage their conversations with you, and other parties, to find any basis to deny or limit your monetary compensation. Anything you say to your insurance representative via phone, email, or message is information they can use against you.

Do Not Apologize for Anything

It is often people’s nature to become apologetic in stressful situations. Refrain from saying “sorry” or apologizing to the insurance representative regarding information about who was at fault in the crash. The insurer can use this as your admission of guilt for the accident.

Do Not Tell Them What You Think Occurred

Another common mistake many accident victims make (when speaking to insurers) is wanting to hypothesize and go over how they believe the accident happened. Although you may feel that your version of the events clearly shows the other parties’ fault, remember other witnesses or facts may paint a different picture.

An experienced insurer may take speculative statements you offer — trying to be helpful — and use that to flip the blame onto you for the accident, or your injuries. Do not respond to the insurer’s questioning, and refuse a recording of your conversation unless you have the advice of legal counsel.

Do NOT Say You Are “Feeling Fine” or “Doing OK”

The insurer will ask how you feel or how you are doing in an initial conversation with you, post-crash. These are not mere pleasantries or small talk, but gauge the seriousness of your car accident injuries. (And try gaining insight into the consequences of the accident and your recovery.)

Do not make any statements about your physical, mental, or emotional state to the insurance company until you are certain what your condition and treatment needs are. Usually this will be long after the crash.

NEVER Admit the Accident Was Your Fault

Motor vehicle accidents are often highly emotional and traumatic experiences. There may be severe injuries, destruction of vehicles and property, or fatalities. People may feel guilty about the events and question what they did wrong. While you may think you were at fault, an investigation might reveal that other forces at play caused the accident.

You should be hesitant to admit fault — unless and until it is clear there were no other contributing factors. If evidence ultimately shows you are not to blame, you cannot easily undo your previous admissions to an insurance representative.

It is the insurer’s responsibility, or another party claiming you are at fault, to look at the evidence available and determine fault after a crash. Of course, do not be dishonest with your insurer if, indeed, a crash was your fault.

Do Not Divulge Details on Your Injuries or Recovery

The insurance company will ask about your injuries and diagnosis, especially in cases where you went to the emergency room after the accident. If they pressure you to answer, reply that you are still receiving treatment and are currently unable to provide additional information.

While you may think that explaining the extent of your injuries helps your case, you may inadvertently cause complications and delays, or give information that limits the value of your claim before all the information is available.

Do Not Give Them Any Information Beyond the Basics

It’s difficult to navigate a conversation with your insurer without falling into their attempt to gather additional information about your case. Stick to the facts, what you know, and the accident’s basic information.

If you find your conversation veering off into uncertain topics, redirect the conversation however you can to the facts. The only information your insurer truly needs is the date of the accident, your name, and your contact information.

Refer the Insurer to Your Attorney; If You Don’t Have One, Hire One

Once you undergo medical treatment for injuries after a crash, your priority is hiring a lawyer. Insurance companies are persistent and may contact you before you can meet with and hire an attorney.

Notify the insurer that you are in the process of obtaining a lawyer to represent you. This statement may lead the insurer to limit questions and give you time to complete your search for the right attorney.

Contact Turner Law if you have been in a motor vehicle accident where you or other parties have suffered injuries. Do not travel this road alone. It could be very costly. Call Turner & Turner today at (248) 355-1727 for your free consultation.

With the amending of Michigan’s auto insurance laws in full effect, accident victims are now facing the consequences of the changes. The new rules, which were changed in concert with both a state referendum and pressure from tort reform advocates, are Part II of the state’s auto insurance overhaul.

The first phase of these changes took place in 2020, offering Michigan drivers an option of how much no-fault medical coverage they must purchase with their auto insurance policy. Prior to that, Michigan law required motorists to purchase unlimited, lifetime coverage.

The most critical change impacts those receiving care at rehabilitation clinics and providers who treat accident victims. The changes will require these centers and providers to cut their prices by 45 percent, according to Michigan’s Secretary of State.

Estimates are these reductions could likely impact the nearly 7,000 Michigan accident victims who are receiving treatment paid for by their auto insurance policies. By way of example, a recent story from Michigan Radio shared the story of a case manager handling the care of accident victims, and how changes in the law have impacted her clients.

One client the caseworker referenced suffers from both quadriplegia and a traumatic brain injury, each resulting from a car accident. Unable to engage in regular, daily activities without assistance, the man requires full-time care

That dependence on caregivers, previously paid for by his insurance company, has since been jeopardized because of changes in the law; payment reimbursements forced the case manager’s company out of business, leaving him without any care.

In response to this and other, similar, cases, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), signed a bill in July 2021 establishing a $25 million grant to health care providers who faced reimbursement cuts.

The state grant intends to ease the transition during the 45-percent reimbursement cuts, but some experts assert the grant will likely fall far short of the funds necessary to ensure current victims remain cared for.

While lawmakers express their concern for these individuals, the fact remains that many of the state’s most vulnerable populations will be left without crucial health care. Those who have suffered severe injuries in a Michigan car accident should consult with an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies in these situations.

In cases where the accident was the result of another’s negligence, the victim may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Have You Suffered Injuries in a Michigan Accident?

If you or someone you love has suffered severe injuries in an auto accident, contact Turner and Turner for assistance. With more than 25 years of practice advocating for personal injury victims, our attorneys are up-to-date on the changes and challenges new Michigan’s auto laws have imposed upon its drivers.

Our office handles Michigan accident claims stemming from motor vehicle collision, defective products, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse and negligence.

Contact our office at (248) 355-1727 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.