What to Do If You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Minnesota
Whether you were riding in an Uber, struck by a Lyft driver, or hit while walking near a busy Minneapolis intersection, rideshare accidents raise unique legal questions. These cases are more complex than traditional car crashes because they involve large companies, shifting insurance coverage, and the added layer of Minnesota’s no-fault laws.
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare-related accident, here’s what you need to know — and what to do next to protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. Even if you feel “okay” after the crash, some injuries — like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions — may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical treatment not only protects your well-being but also creates a crucial paper trail if you later pursue a legal claim.
2. Report the Accident
- To Law Enforcement: Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed. This report often plays a key role in any insurance or legal process.
- To the Rideshare Company: Use the app (Uber or Lyft) to report the incident. Each has a built-in process for notifying their support team about accidents involving their drivers.
If you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver of another vehicle, your report helps establish that the crash occurred during a rideshare trip — a key detail for insurance purposes.
3. Understand the Rideshare Insurance Structure
Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in liability insurance, but this only applies under certain conditions. Coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident:
- Driver not logged into the app: Only their personal auto insurance applies.
- Driver logged in, waiting for a ride: Limited third-party liability coverage (in Minnesota, usually $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).
- Driver en route to a rider or during a trip: Full $1 million liability policy applies.
If you’re unsure what phase the driver was in, an experienced attorney can help investigate.
4. Consider Minnesota’s No-Fault Rules
Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own car insurance’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) typically pays your initial medical expenses and lost wages — no matter who caused the crash. But if your injuries are serious or your expenses exceed your PIP benefits, you may step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim.
Victims in rideshare accidents often meet the threshold for pursuing additional compensation, especially if there are long-term medical needs or lasting pain.
5. Who’s Legally Responsible?
Liability can be shared among several parties:
- The rideshare driver (if negligent)
- Another driver (if they caused the crash)
- Uber or Lyft (if policies or background checks were faulty)
- Other third parties (e.g., vehicle maintenance failures)
The challenge is sorting through insurance policies, company practices, and driver actions — something best handled with legal support.
6. Document Everything
Keep records of:
- Medical visits and expenses
- Lost workdays or income
- Communications with insurers or the rideshare platform
- Photos of injuries, vehicles, or the crash scene
- Witness names and contact info
This documentation strengthens your claim and protects you if liability is disputed.
7. Consult a Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer
Rideshare accident claims can quickly become overwhelming. Between layered insurance coverage, shifting liability, and corporate legal teams, these cases are difficult to navigate alone.
An experienced personal injury attorney—especially one familiar with Minnesota’s no-fault laws and rideshare accident trends—can help you:
- Investigate the accident and identify all sources of compensation
- Handle insurance negotiations on your behalf
- Maximize your recovery for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Minneapolis or anywhere in Minnesota, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. At Perron Law Office, we’re committed to helping accident victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially after a traumatic event.
Contact us today for a free consultation — and let us help you move forward with confidence.
If you’re looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis, Perron Law Office is the most trusted name in the Twin Cities area. Simply reach out on (651) 317-8133 to schedule your free consultation.
