If you were seriously hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash in Michigan, you are probably dealing with pain, missed work and a stack of medical bills while trying to figure out which insurance company is actually responsible.
Who you can hold accountable and how much coverage applies depends on one critical question: what was the driver doing in the app at the time of the accident?
How Uber and Lyft insurance coverage works in Michigan
Michigan rideshare coverage works in three tiers based on what the driver was doing in the app when the crash occurred:
- App off: Only the driver’s own policy responds. Uber and Lyft do not step in.
- App on, waiting for a ride: Michigan law requires liability coverage of up to $50,000 for each injured person and up to $100,000 per incident for bodily harm, plus $25,000 toward property losses. This coverage applies directly without requiring a personal auto insurer to deny the claim first.
- Ride accepted or passenger in the vehicle: The platform’s full $1 million liability policy applies.
If you were a passenger when the crash happened, you have access to the strongest coverage available. If the driver had not yet accepted a ride, the coverage picture is significantly more complicated.
How Michigan’s no-fault system applies to rideshare crashes
Michigan’s no-fault insurance rules mean you generally turn to your own Personal Injury Protection coverage first regardless of who caused the crash. PIP pays for medical expenses, a portion of lost wages and household replacement services. However, it does not cover compensation beyond your financial losses.
To pursue those damages, your injuries must meet Michigan’s serious injury threshold, which requires death, significant loss of use of a body function or lasting and significant physical scarring.
Taking action after a serious rideshare crash
So can you sue Uber or Lyft after a serious crash in Michigan? Yes — but building a successful claim starts at the scene.
Document the accident by capturing screenshots of the trip details in the app before closing it. Call 911, obtain an official police report and seek immediate medical evaluation. Before giving any recorded statements to insurance adjusters, consult an attorney. Rideshare insurers are experienced at minimizing payouts and may use early statements against you.
Rideshare accident cases in Michigan involve multiple insurers, tiered coverage and a no-fault system that adds another layer of complexity. A Michigan personal injury attorney who handles these cases can identify which coverage applies, who can be held accountable and what your injuries are actually worth.