Farmington Hills Rideshare Accident Guide: Uber & Lyft

Rideshare accidents involving negligent Uber and Lyft drivers are more complex than standard car crashes. In Farmington Hills and Metro Detroit, your recovery depends on a “layered” insurance system that changes based on the driver’s app status at the exact moment of the impact.

At Davis Law Center, conveniently located on Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills, we have spent over 30 years navigating Michigan’s evolving auto laws. We treat you as a partner, not a claim number, ensuring you access every dollar of coverage available from both No-Fault benefits and rideshare liability policies.

1. How Rideshare Bodily Injury Insurance Works (The 3-Period Rule)

Michigan law requires rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to provide different levels of insurance coverage depending on what the driver was doing, according to their app:

Period 1: App Off: The driver’s personal No-Fault insurance applies. The rideshare company provides zero coverage.

Period 2: App On, Waiting for Request: The Rideshare companies provide limited liability coverage ($50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident / $25,000 for property damage) if the driver’s personal policy doesn’t apply.

Period 3: Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: This triggers the maximum coverage: $1 Million combined single limit for all bodily injury and property damage.

2. Who Pays Your Medical Bills? (No-Fault PIP)

Because Michigan is a No-Fault state, your initial medical expenses and lost wages are covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP). The “Order of Priority” determines which company pays:

1. Your Own Policy: If you have your own auto insurance, your PIP benefits come from your insurer first.
2. Resident Relative: If you don’t have insurance, you use the policy of a spouse or relative you live with.
3. The Rideshare Policy: If no other coverage exists, the rideshare company’s policy (Uber/Lyft) may provide PIP benefits (usually capped at $250k or $500k unless they opted for Unlimited).
4. Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP): The final safety net if no other insurance is available.

3. Suing for Pain and Suffering After A Rideshare Crash In Metro Detroit

While No-Fault PIP pays for your bills, it does not compensate you for the trauma, physical pain, or lifestyle changes caused by the crash. To sue an at-fault rideshare driver for “non-economic” damages, your injury must meet the Michigan Serious Injury Threshold:

• Permanent serious disfigurement.
• Serious impairment of an important body function.
• Death.

With $1 Million in liability coverage often at play in Period 3 accidents, having an experienced Farmington Hills law firm like the Davis Law Center to document the severity of your injuries is critical to maximizing your settlement.

4. What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Farmington Hills

If you are involved in a rideshare crash in Michigan, your actions in the first few minutes are critical for your health and your future legal claim.

1. Check for Injuries & Call 911: Always call the police. An official police report is the most vital piece of evidence for identifying the “Period” of the rideshare driver.
2. Screenshot the App Immediately: Before your trip ends or the app resets, take a screenshot of your ride receipt, driver profile, and trip map. This proves you were in “Period 3” (the highest coverage tier).
3. Identify the “App Status”: If you were in another vehicle hit by a rideshare driver, ask the driver directly: “Were you on an active trip or waiting for a request?”
4. Seek Medical Care: Adrenaline often masks soft-tissue injuries or concussions. A medical evaluation within 24 hours creates a “paper trail” linking your injuries to the crash.
5. Report the Crash in the App: Both Uber and Lyft have “I was in an accident” features. Reporting it here creates a digital timestamp for the insurance companies.
6. Avoid Recorded Statements: You will likely be contacted by a “claims adjuster” within 48 hours. Do not give a recorded statement until you have consulted with an attorney.

How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Michigan’s statute of limitations on injury/property damage claims typically gives you three years after a rideshare accident to file suit. However, claims for Personal Injury Protection benefits, i.e. medical bills, wage loss, replacement services, attendant care, etc., must be made within one year from the date of the crash. Because courts strictly enforce deadlines on filing legal claims, you may lose your opportunity to recover compensation if you file your lawsuit after the limitations period expires on your rideshare accident claim. Consulting a rideshare accident lawyer from Davis Law Center can help you protect your rights by filing your claims on time.

Contact Davis Law Center Today to Discuss Your Legal Options

If you’ve been hurt while riding in a rideshare vehicle or after getting hit by a negligent or reckless rideshare driver, you deserve fair compensation. Contact Davis Law Center today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Michigan rideshare accident lawyer to discuss your legal options for pursuing financial recovery.

Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for personal injury accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macomb County, Wayne County, Oakland County, and all of Michigan.