In addition to taxis and rental cars, residents and visitors commonly use Uber and Lyft, the popular rideshare providers, to get around town. Like any type of vehicle, rideshares can be involved in accidents.
Whether you are a passenger, the driver of the rideshare, or the occupant of another vehicle, seeking compensation after an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident in Mankato can be a complex process. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options.
As a no-fault state, Minnesota’s laws require those who register their vehicle in-state to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. This coverage pays a portion of medical expenses, wage loss, and replacement services incurred as a result of an injury that was sustained in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. PIP is generally the first resource for individuals injured in car accidents, including accidents involving rideshares. Uber and Lyft drivers in Mankato are also required to carry this coverage, and it can be made available to passengers in the car in the event of a collision.
Unfortunately, while PIP coverage provides some needed compensation after an accident, many injuries create losses that exceed the policy limit or are otherwise not covered by the policy. It is essential to know who was at fault for the accident, as a claim can be filed against the at-fault party’s liability coverage.
When an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident results in serious injury, a claim can be filed against the at-fault party’s insurance coverage. This can be the driver of another vehicle, the rideshare driver, or even the insurance policy provided by the company. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in coverage for accidents caused by their contracted driver if the driver has their rideshare app on and is transporting a passenger at the time of the accident. They also provide liability coverage for accidents caused by their drivers while the driver has their app on but is not transporting a passenger.
One of the many services a Mankato lawyer may provide for their client in the event of a rideshare collision is an investigation to determine all sources of liability and insurance resources which may be available for the responsible parties.
In addition to determining sources of liability and insurance coverage, lawyers may also provide services such as determining a claim’s value, filing the claim with the relevant insurance providers, and negotiating a settlement that fairly compensates the person bringing the claim for the economic and non-economic impacts of their injury.
A lawyer can also file a legal complaint (lawsuit), gather evidence, and fight in the courtroom on behalf of their client’s right to compensation. Throughout the claims process, those injured in Uber/Lyft/ rideshare crashes in Mankato deserve someone understanding, compassionate, and helpful.
At Maschka, Riedy, Ries & Frentz Law Firm, we provide the services of a Twin Cities firm but with a local understanding. Many of our team members are from small Southern Minnesota towns, and we are here to help advocate for you.
Contact us today to learn more about your legal options for seeking compensation after an Uber/Lyft/rideshare accident in Mankato. We would be happy to schedule a consultation at your convenience.
