Rideshare and Lyft Driver Requirements For An Accident

Michigan Ride Share Laws

Along with Uber, Lyft has become an increasingly popular ride sharing service utilized by people across the state of Michigan. Whether you are picking up a ride in Royal Oak, going downtown in Detroit, going to a friend’s home in Saginaw or going out for dinner in Grand Rapids, Lyft drivers are available to take you to your destination. Like Uber, Lyft drivers can take you from one destination to another by simply touching a button on your smartphone and using the Lyft app.

Beginning in March 2017, Lyft and Uber drivers in Michigan were obligated to follow certain duties and obligations under the Transportation Network Companies Act. The Act defines a transportation network company as a person operating in this state that uses a digital network to connect transportation network company riders to transportation network company drivers who provide transportation network company prearranged rides.

In the Event of a Ride Share Accident

But what happens if you are involved in a Michigan car accident while using a Lyft ride service? What should you do in those situations? The following is a helpful list if things to keep in mind and do if you happen to be in a Lyft car accident.

Stay At the Accident Scene – The first thing to do if you are involved in a Lyft car accident as a passenger is to make sure the Lyft driver stays at the accident scene. Very often the Lyft driver will be frightened after a car crash, even if they are not at-fault. They may not want Lyft to know they were involved in the accident. But don’t give in if they try to drive off. Make sure the Lyft driver stays at the accident scene and waits for the police.

Make a Police Report – It is important there is a written record of the car accident prepared following the wreck. This is accomplished by simply calling the police and making sure a police report is filed immediately following the accident. Again, don’t let the Lyft driver convince you otherwise. A police report helps immensely if injuries are sustained in a car accident and you want to pursue a claim for compensation down the road. When the police do arrive, make sure you give the responding officer your version of events.

Take Photographs – It is a good idea to take photographs of the Lyft driver’s car and other vehicles involved in the crash to memorialize the vehicle damage. Photographs can demonstrate the severity of the Lyft car crash.

Witnesses – Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Try to ensure they stay until the police arrive so they can explain what they saw. If they won’t, make sure you get their information and provide it to the police upon their arrival.

Get the Lyft Driver’s Insurance Information – Lyft drivers have their own car insurance. They are required by law to carry proof of insurance with them inside the car. Often it is with a company called James River Insurance, rather than the more traditional auto insurance carriers. Get this information from the Lyft driver. It is also a good idea to take down the license plate number, make and model of the Lyft car.

Medical Treatment – Seek medical attention if you feel it is needed. It is important to see a doctor if you think something is wrong. Sometimes, a little problem can become a big problem if left untreated.

Like other motorists, Lyft drivers are required under Michigan law to carry automobile insurance. However, when driving for Lyft, a personal automobile policy will not cover the Lyft driver or his or her occupants if a car crash occurs. Therefore, Lyft drivers must purchase car insurance for the time they are driving for Lyft.

Lyft Driver Requirements

Under the law, the amount of insurance they carry depends on what they are doing at the time. During the time the Lyft driver is logged into the Lyft network, but not engaged in a prearranged ride, the Lyft driver must maintain bodily injury coverage in the amount of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per occurrence. However, if the Lyft driver is engaged in a prearranged ride that was obtained through the Lyft app, then the Lyft driver requirements are to have $1,000,000 in bodily injury coverage.

Depending on the situation, the insurance company for the Lyft driver may also be responsible for your no-fault benefits if you are injured in the accident. These benefits can include the payment of medical expenses, lost wages and out-of-pocket costs.

Michigan Lyft Accident Lawyers

Uber and Lyft platforms are gaining popularity with each passing year. The attorneys at the Law Office of Lee Steinberg represents ride passengers (and their drivers) throughout the state of Michigan. If you have any questions about a Michigan Lyft car accident, please call us at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) so we may answer your questions and assist you.