Rideshare Driver Accidents

Michigan Rideshare Driver Accident Claims

If you drive for Uber or Lyft in Michigan and are injured in an accident while working, you face a unique set of insurance and legal challenges that most personal injury lawyers don't understand. Your personal auto insurance may deny coverage because you were using the vehicle commercially. The rideshare company's insurance may try to minimize their obligation. Koussan Law understands these complexities and fights to ensure rideshare drivers receive full compensation.

The Insurance Gap Problem

Many rideshare drivers don't realize their personal auto insurance policy excludes commercial use. When an accident occurs while the driver is logged into the app, the personal insurer may deny the claim entirely. Uber and Lyft provide coverage, but the level depends on the driver's status at the moment of impact. During the period when the app is on but no ride is matched, the coverage gap is most dangerous — rideshare company coverage is limited, and personal insurance may not apply at all.

Michigan No-Fault for Rideshare Drivers

As a rideshare driver in Michigan, your PIP benefits for medical expenses and wage loss come first from your own auto insurance policy (if it covers rideshare driving) under MCL § 500.3114. If your personal policy excludes rideshare activity, the rideshare company's commercial policy becomes the PIP source. Michigan now offers rideshare-specific endorsements that some insurers provide to fill this gap. Understanding your specific coverage situation is critical before an accident occurs.

Workers' Compensation Does Not Apply

Because Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, rideshare drivers are not eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Michigan. This means your only avenue for recovering medical expenses and lost income is through auto insurance (PIP and liability claims) and personal injury lawsuits against at-fault drivers.

If you were injured while driving for a rideshare company, call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000.