A Michigan rideshare accident attorney can help individuals who have been injured or harmed as a result of an accident involving a rideshare driver or their vehicle. Although some rideshare services have attempted to distance themselves from accidents involving their services and drivers, lawsuits have been filed claiming that driver negligence led to the death of a pedestrian and passenger. People who have been injured in accidents involving a rideshare automobile could be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a Michigan rideshare accident lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Michigan today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Michigan rideshare accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is a Rideshare?
Ridesharing services, also known as ride-hailing, ride-sourcing or ride-booking services, offer a platform that connects riders and drivers with the use of an app in which passengers use their smartphones to request rides from drivers nearby. Although ridesharing services such as Lyft and Uber do not offer a “pure” ridesharing service, some companies offer a carpool version of the app for passengers in some locations. Rideshare services are widely available across the United States and throughout the world.
Michigan Rideshare Regulation
In May 2016, Michigan lawmakers began considering some different approaches to the regulation of ridesharing in the state. According to MichiganVotes.org, the bill was passed in July of the same year, establishing regulatory framework requiring “transportation network companies” to obtain a permit and carry liability car insurance before operating their business in the state. The law also requires rideshare drivers to background check and have their vehicles inspected as well.
Rideshare Lawsuit Claims
A Michigan rideshare accident attorney notes that increased regulation comes on the heals of two lawsuits filed in California against rideshare companies Lyft and Uber. According to a rideshare accident lawsuit filed in January 2014, the family of six-year old girl who was killed as they walked across the street on a crosswalk by an UberX driver claimed negligence on the part of the driver. Initially, Uber declined to admit fault or even acknowledge that the driver was working for the company at the time of the accident because he wasn’t carrying a passenger. Uber and the little girl’s family later settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount of money.
In a separate incident in 2014, a 24-year old man was killed while riding in a Lyft car. The family of the man has since filed a lawsuit claim that the driver negligently failed to drive according to the posted speed limit. Although the company did not deny that the driver was at fault, it has yet to offer any type of compensation to the victim’s surviving loved ones.
How a Michigan Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for its passengers, drivers, other commuters, and pedestrians. If there are risks of harm associated with rideshare company drivers, the company must also provide adequate warnings and safeguards. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty, they, as well as the company, could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured as a result of a car accident involving a rideshare car through no fault of their own may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died in car accidents may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Michigan. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
