Each year there are over 75,000 traffic crashes in the state of Minnesota. As ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft continue to expand services throughout the state, there will be an increase in the number of ridesharing-related traffic accidents.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Minnesota, you may be eligible to file a claim to collect damages to cover costs associated with your injuries. Florin|Roebig rideshare accident attorneys can help with the claims process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Causes Of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents, like all auto accidents, can occur due to a number of factors. Not all accidents will lead to a claim, but an experienced attorney can help you figure out whether you have reason to file a claim.
Each of the following causes may lead to a claim against a rideshare driver or service:
- speeding: Rideshare drivers want to pick up as many passengers as possible during a shift, which can lead to driving faster than the posted speed limits.
- aggressive driving/road rage: losing control of emotions and driving dangerously
- driving recklessly for the road conditions: driving too fast in dangerous road conditions (snow/ice) or construction zones
- inattentive drivers: not paying full attention to surroundings
- driver fatigue: taking a shift when too tired to drive
- failure to obey traffic lights and signs: disregarding signs that prompt them to stop
- tailgating: driving too close to the vehicle ahead of the driver
- failure to maintain a safe vehicle: not doing routine vehicle maintenance, making necessary repairs, or ensuring passengers are safe while the vehicle is in motion
- deadheading: causing congestion or blocking traffic, cars, or pedestrians in a heavily populated area while trying to locate a passenger
I hired them a year ago, and they’ve been so helpful and supportive since my accident, my surgery and recovery process. They told me from the get go, my case would be handled by different “team members” which I was fine with. They get back to me timely. Chase Florin is great about explaining, and his Assistant Nicole is amazing as well. I would be a hot mess without them. THANK YOU BOTH AND EVERYONE AT FLORIN ROEBIG! You’ve helped me stay positive through this difficult recovery.
What You Need To Know About Rideshare Accident Claims
In the state of Minnesota, rideshare accident claims fall under personal injury law. This area of law takes into account two issues: liability/fault (negligence or strict liability) and damages.
Strict liability claims can be made regardless if the rideshare driver or service is negligent.
If the rideshare driver or service was negligent, your claim will need to prove that the rideshare driver and/or service:
- had a duty to protect others
- breached that duty
- the breach of duty caused the injury
- the injury resulted in recoverable damages
Minnesota’s statute of limitations (time period a person has to file a claim) allows claims to be made within six years from the date of your injury.
Often, it is better to bring a claim against the rideshare service instead of the individual driver because the service may have more assets and a larger insurance policy. However, the defendants you can name in your claim will depend on the details of your specific case.
Rideshare services are constantly evolving their insurance policies to ensure they are covered in the event of an accident. Cities such as Minneapolis and St. Paul require rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft to carry a 1 million dollar commercial insurance policy.
What Are Your Rights After A Rideshare Accident?
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. After being treated, it’s in your best interest to contact a Minnesota rideshare accident attorney to see what your legal options are for making a claim.
If you were injured by a rideshare driver actively taking a passenger to a destination, you may be able to file a claim against the rideshare service. If you were injured by a rideshare driver while they were on the clock, but not transporting a passenger (ie. a driver looking for a passenger), you may be able to file a claim against the driver’s insurance company and individual assets.
Speaking with an attorney, even before consulting your insurance company and/or agent, can increase the potential of your claim and optimize your monetary compensation.
Reasons People File Rideshare Accident Claims
If you are in a rideshare accident, you have the legal right to file a claim against the responsible party.
Filing a claim is to your advantage and allows you to be financially compensated for your damages or any losses you may have incurred as a result of the accident.
Not only does filing a claim help you, but it also benefits others who may use the rideshare service in the future. Legal claims against these services set a precedent and force these companies to evaluate their individual drivers’ abilities, increase safety protocols, and provide training courses and education to prevent future accidents.
Types Of Damages Awarded For Rideshare Accident Claims
Many types of damages may be awarded in a rideshare accident personal injury claim, depending on the type of injury you sustained in the accident, the extent of your injuries, the financial impact of your injuries on your life, and other factors.
Common types of damages awarded for rideshare accident claims in Minnesota include:
- medical expenses
- lost wages (current or future wages)
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- loss of consortium (care from a loved one)
- funeral or burial expense
- loss of normal life
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Knowing What Your Claim Is Worth
The amount and type of compensation you receive will depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- type of injury — how you were injured (head and brain injury, neck and back injury, spinal injury, soft tissue injury, broken bones, burns)
- extent and severity of injury — how badly you were injured and whether the injury is permanent versus temporary
- job or skill set — how much the injury affects the type of work you do
- earning capacity/age — how old you are and if you’ll be able to return to work and perform the job at the same earning capacity as prior to the injury
- activities you cannot participate in — how the injury affects your day-to-day routine with your family, daily household tasks, personal care/hygiene
- vehicle damage severity — how much damage was done to the vehicle in relation to your injury
Every claim is different and only an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you evaluate your claim to know what it is worth and what you can expect to receive.
Do I Need To Hire A Rideshare Accident Attorney?
You will want someone who is on your side when you file your claim. Insurance companies are frustrating and complicated to work with, act in their own best interest, and will often offer significantly less money to quickly settle a claim.
Therefore, being represented by an experienced rideshare attorney will benefit you, as they are knowledgeable with Minnesota rideshare law, know the legal system and courts, and can provide you with the best potential outcome.
Facts On Rideshare Accidents In Minnesota
Rideshare accidents have been on the rise over the last decade, and Minnesota is no exception. Traffic-related deaths have increased three percent since people started using rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft.
Rideshare-related accident information for Minnesota and the U.S. includes:
- an increased amount of rideshare vehicles throughout Minnesota
- increased deadheading/congestion by 40-60 percent in major cities
- over 1,000 traffic mortalities per year in the U.S.
- more rideshare vehicles will be operating in the future
List Of Rideshare Accident Attorneys
Don’t take on rideshare services and insurance companies by yourself. We know that hiring an attorney for a rideshare accident is an important decision. You will want an experienced attorney who will be there for you and guide you through the entire legal process.
Our team at Florin|Roebig is dedicated and committed to helping clients achieve the results they want and deserve. Our Minnesota-licensed attorneys offer representation to people like you who have been injured by rideshare services, including Uber and Lyft.
The attorneys at Florin|Roebig licensed to practice in Minnesota are:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig. B.C.S.
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Nicholas S. Costantino
- Nicolette A. Sorensen
- Jessica M. Ally
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
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Find Legal Help Today For Your Rideshare Accident Claim
If you were involved in a rideshare accident, contact the experienced legal team at Florin|Roebig and speak with an attorney who knows the Minnesota laws and can help answer all your questions.
