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Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an integral part of life in Grand Rapids, offering convenient transportation for residents and visitors. Whether heading to a concert at Van Andel Arena, enjoying a night out in the vibrant downtown, or catching a flight at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, these services provide a valuable alternative to driving. However, with increased rideshare activity comes a higher risk of accidents.
If you’ve been involved in a collision with or while using a rideshare service, a Grand Rapids rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and get the maximum compensation you deserve. At Goodman Acker P.C., we understand the unique challenges these cases present and are ready to fight for your rights.
Contact us online or at (248) 831-1507 to schedule a free consultation today with our dedicated, seasoned Rideshare Accident Attorney in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Rideshare Accidents Guide
- Who is Eligible to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?
- Who Pays for Rideshare Accident Injuries?
- What Compensation is Available to Rideshare Accident Victims in Grand Rapids?
- What if I’m Partly at Fault for My Injuries?
- How Can a Lawyer Help with My Grand Rapids Rideshare Accident Claim?
- Grand Rapids Rideshare Accident FAQs
- Contact the Grand Rapids Rideshare Accident Lawyers at Goodman Acker PC Today
Why Choose Goodman Acker PC for Your Grand Rapids Rideshare Case
The Grand Rapids personal injury lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record to every rideshare accident case. Our team of highly accomplished attorneys has secured numerous million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients, demonstrating our ability to handle complex cases with skill and determination. We understand the intricacies of rideshare accident laws in Michigan and how they apply specifically to Grand Rapids, giving you a significant advantage in your pursuit of justice.
We offer an unwavering commitment to our clients and our community. We’re not just lawyers; we are advocates for justice both in and out of the courtroom. Our involvement in community and political initiatives underscores our dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals throughout Michigan.
When you choose Goodman Acker P.C., you’re partnering with a firm that values honesty, ethics, and hard work. We’ll provide you with top-notch legal counsel and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Who is Eligible to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?
A variety of individuals may be eligible to file a rideshare accident claim, including:
- Passengers in the rideshare vehicle
- Rideshare drivers
- Drivers of other vehicles involved in the accident
- Passengers in other vehicles involved in the accident
- Cyclists hit by a rideshare vehicle
- Pedestrians struck by a rideshare vehicle
Do I Have a Rideshare Accident Case?
Negligence is the legal concept at the heart of most personal injury claims, including rideshare accidents. It refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care when it is owed to others. With rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, negligence could involve a driver’s reckless behavior, a company’s inadequate safety measures, or even another motorist’s careless actions that led to the accident.
To have a successful Uber or Lyft accident case, you must be able to establish four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: You must show that the defendant (whether it’s the rideshare driver, the company, or another party) had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care to prevent harm. For example, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: You need to demonstrate that the defendant failed to fulfill their duty of care. This could involve speeding, distracted driving, or failing to maintain the vehicle properly.
- Causation: It’s crucial to prove that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. This means showing a clear link between their negligent action (or inaction) and the harm you suffered.
- Damages: Finally, you must show that you incurred actual damages as a result of the accident. These can include physical injuries, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or other tangible and intangible losses.
Establishing these four elements can be complex, especially in rideshare accident cases where multiple parties may be involved.
Who Pays for Rideshare Accident Injuries?
Understanding who pays for injuries in a rideshare accident can be complex, as it often depends on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident. Uber and Lyft have similar insurance structures that work as follows:
- App is off: When the driver is not using the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance is responsible for any accidents.
- App is on, waiting for a ride request: When the driver is available but hasn’t accepted a ride, the rideshare company typically provides limited liability coverage. This usually includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
- Driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger, or the ride is in progress: In these cases, the rideshare company’s full commercial insurance policy typically applies, which includes:
- $1 million in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
Dealing with insurance companies and determining liability can be frustrating. Multiple parties may be involved, including the rideshare company, the driver, other motorists, and various insurance companies. This is where a skilled rideshare accident attorney becomes invaluable.
What Compensation is Available to Rideshare Accident Victims in Grand Rapids?
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Grand Rapids, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. The specific damages you can recover depend on the circumstances of your case, but generally include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all costs related to your injury treatment, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs resulting from the accident.
- Lost Wages or Income: If your injuries cause you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost income. This also includes potential future earnings if your injuries affect your long-term ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress the accident and your injuries caused you.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as a mobile phone or laptop, was damaged in the accident, you can claim compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries keep you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Disability or Disfigurement: Additional compensation may be available in cases of severe injuries leading to permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Wrongful Death: If a rideshare accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, which can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
What if I’m Partly at Fault for My Injuries?
In rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft in Michigan, it’s important to understand how the state’s modified comparative negligence rule can affect your claim. This rule applies even in complex cases involving rideshare companies.
Michigan follows a 51% modified comparative negligence rule. Here’s how it works in Uber and Lyft accident cases:
- Eligibility to Recover Damages: You can still recover damages as long as you’re found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you’re barred from recovering any compensation.
- Reduction of Compensation: If you’re found partially at fault (but less than 51%), your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Determining Fault: Fault is determined by considering various factors, such as traffic laws, witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony. In rideshare accidents, this can involve examining the actions of the Uber or Lyft driver, other drivers, and your own actions as a passenger or another party involved in the accident.
- Multiple Parties: Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, other drivers, and possibly even the vehicle manufacturer. The comparative negligence rule applies to all involved parties, potentially distributing fault among several entities.
- Insurance Considerations: The application of comparative negligence can affect how insurance policies respond to the claim, including the rideshare company’s policy and other involved parties’ insurance.
Insurance providers and opposing parties may try to assign you a higher percentage of fault to reduce their liability. This is where having an experienced rideshare accident attorney becomes invaluable.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Grand Rapids Rideshare Accident Claim?
At Goodman Acker P.C., our experienced attorneys can provide invaluable assistance with your Grand Rapids rideshare accident claim in several ways:
Case Evaluation
We’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your case, examining all details to determine liability and the potential value of your claim.
Evidence Gathering
To build a strong case, our team will collect and preserve crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and rideshare company records.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from potentially misleading tactics and ensuring your rights are upheld throughout the process.
Navigating Complex Laws
Rideshare accidents involve unique legal considerations. Our attorneys are well-versed in Michigan’s rideshare regulations and personal injury laws, ensuring your case is handled correctly.
Accurate Damages Calculation
We’ll work with medical professionals and economic experts to accurately calculate the full extent of your current and future damages, ensuring you seek appropriate compensation.
Skilled Negotiation
Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who will fight for a fair settlement on your behalf, leveraging our knowledge and reputation to maximize your compensation.
Litigation Representation
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to court, providing robust representation throughout the trial process.
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Peace of Mind
By having an attorney handle all aspects of your case, you can focus on your recovery.
Local Knowledge
As a firm with deep roots in Michigan, we understand the local court systems and have established relationships that can benefit your case.
At Goodman Acker P.C., we’re committed to providing personalized, high-quality legal representation. Our goal is not just to win your case but to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve while helping understand every step of the legal process. With our experienced team on your side, you can feel confident in pursuing your rideshare accident claim.
Grand Rapids Rideshare Accident FAQs
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including rideshare accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s advisable to start the process as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved, witnesses’ memories are fresh, and important deadlines aren’t missed.
If you weren’t at fault for the accident, your insurance rates typically shouldn’t increase. However, insurance policies can vary. Our team can review your policy and advise you on the potential impacts of filing a claim.
At Goodman Acker P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis for rideshare accident cases. This means you don’t pay any upfront costs or attorney fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery. This allows you to pursue your claim without financial risk.
Contact the Grand Rapids Rideshare Accident Lawyers at Goodman Acker PC Today
When you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Grand Rapids, the path to recovery can seem overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. At Goodman Acker P.C., we’re committed to standing by your side, fighting for your rights, and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our team of experienced lawyers understands the complexities of rideshare accident cases and the unique challenges they present. We have a proven track record of success, securing millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. More importantly, we treat each case with the personal attention and dedication it deserves.
Don’t let a rideshare accident claim derail your life. Contact Goodman Acker P.C. at (248) 831-1507 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Contact us online, and let us safeguard your rights and future.
Goodman Acker P.C. – Grand Rapids Office
1500 E Beltline Ave SE #235
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: (248) 831-1507
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN
Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]
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