In the aftermath of a rideshare crash, when the sirens fade and the dust begins to settle, victims often find themselves lost in a maze of confusion, fear, and unanswered questions. Rideshare accident settlements can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling pain, bills, and the burden of what comes next.
This guide explores what victims in Salt Lake City, Michigan, and Ohio should know about rideshare accident settlements, where the laws shift from state to state, and the outcomes can vary drastically. Whether you’re coping with serious injuries, emotional trauma, or financial strain, understanding your rights is the first step toward reclaiming control.
Understanding the Legal Landscape of Rideshare Accidents
A rideshare accident differs from a standard car crash because multiple parties may be involved: the Uber or Lyft driver, the rideshare company, and possibly other passenger vehicles. Unlike most car accident cases, these claims involve unique insurance rules and layered liability.
Each state handles rideshare liability differently:
Utah (Salt Lake City):
Utah uses a no-fault insurance model governed by Utah Code § 31A-22-309, which limits lawsuits for general damages unless specific injury thresholds are met. Under this rule, your own insurance pays for medical treatment and lost wages after a car accident, regardless of fault.
However, if you suffer permanent disability, disfigurement, or medical expenses exceeding $3,000, you may step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Michigan:
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, but victims of rideshare crashes can step outside of that system to pursue a tort claim for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, if certain legal thresholds are met.
Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 500.3135, you may sue the at-fault driver if you suffered death, permanent serious disfigurement, or a serious impairment of body function. The law defines a serious impairment as one that is objectively observable, affects a critical body function, and disrupts your ability to live a normal life.
Ohio:
Ohio follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the person responsible for causing a motor vehicle accident is legally liable for the resulting damages. In the case of an Ohio rideshare accident settlement, the victim must prove that the rideshare driver—or another party involved—acted negligently and directly caused the crash.
Once fault is established, the at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance or the rideshare company’s commercial policy may be responsible for covering medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3937.18, uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is optional in Ohio. Insurers may include it in a policy, but they are not legally required to do so. If a policyholder does not reject this coverage in writing, it may still apply. For rideshare accident victims, UM/UIM coverage can offer vital protection when the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance or cannot be identified.
What Damages Can Rideshare Accident Victims Recover?
Victims in auto accident cases often suffer more than just physical injuries. The aftermath disrupts their daily lives and threatens their financial stability
Rideshare accident settlements may cover:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma
- Property damage (e.g., such as harm to personal items or valuables)
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
In serious rideshare crashes, victims often endure broken bones, head injuries, or permanent injuries like spinal damage. A personal injury attorney will consider all losses—economic and emotional—when calculating a fair settlement.
Common Injuries and Their Role in Settlement Amounts
The nature and severity of injuries sustained during the car crash significantly affect the settlement.
Rideshare collisions can cause:
- Catastrophic injuries: spinal cord damage, brain trauma, amputations
- Bodily injury: fractures, lacerations, internal bleeding
- Emotional trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Permanent disability: loss of mobility or independence
Insurance companies assess the extent of harm when offering settlements. Long-term medical needs or permanent work restrictions often increase the potential value of a settlement. However, each claim depends on multiple factors, including fault, documentation, and available insurance coverage.
Proving Negligence and Dealing with Insurance Providers
Rideshare accident victims must prove that another party’s negligence caused the crash.
This involves:
- Demonstrating that the at-fault driver breached a duty of care (e.g., ran a red light or drove while distracted)
- Showing that this breach caused the motor vehicle accident
- Providing documentation of the injuries sustained and resulting losses
Strong cases often rely on:
- Medical records
- Accident scene reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Vehicle damage assessments
Victims must also understand how comparative negligence laws in their state may impact compensation:
Utah
Follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Utah Code § 78B-5-818, which bars recovery if the victim is 50% or more at fault. If they’re less than 50% at fault, the court reduces damages proportionally, bringing the rideshare accident settlement down.
Michigan
Applies comparative fault under MCL § 600.2959, reducing the victim’s noneconomic damages by their share of fault. Victims cannot recover non-economic damages if they are found more than 50% responsible.
Ohio
Uses a modified comparative negligence system governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33. If a victim shares more than 50% of the blame, they are barred from recovery. Otherwise, the court reduces compensation based on the percentage of fault. If you’re involved in a serious crash, A Salt Lake City rideshare accident attorney (Uber/Lyft) can help you seek the maximum compensation available under Utah’s modified comparative negligence laws, depending on the facts of your case.
Understanding these rules ensures that victims and their legal team prepare a case that not only proves fault but also protects the right to recover compensation fully and fairly.
Understanding Legal Fees, Lawsuits, and Your Right to File
Filing a personal injury lawsuit doesn’t always require upfront legal fees. Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis; you only pay if you recover compensation.
In wrongful death lawsuits or when victims face permanent injuries, legal representation becomes essential.
You have a limited time to file, known as the statute of limitations, which varies by state:
Utah
- Time Limit: 4 years from the date of injury.
- Legal Reference: Utah Code § 78B-2-307.
- Details: This statute applies to personal injury claims, including those arising from auto accidents. It’s important to note that different types of claims may have different time limits.
Michigan
- Time Limit: 3 years from the date of injury.
- Legal Reference: Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805(2).
- Details: This statute covers personal injury claims resulting from negligence, including motor vehicle accidents.
Ohio
- Time Limit: 2 years from the date the cause of action accrues.
- Legal Reference: Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10(A).
- Details: This statute applies to most personal injury claims, including those from car accidents. It’s crucial to file within this period to preserve your right to compensation.
Missing this deadline can bar your case entirely. Whether you’re dealing with truck accidents, a car crash involving passenger vehicles, or an uninsured motorist claim, timely legal action matters.
Regional Case Studies and Common Settlement Ranges
Rideshare accident victims in Utah, Michigan, and Ohio have pursued legal action with outcomes shaped by injury severity, insurance coverage, and local liability laws. In Ohio, rideshare accident settlements have reached up to $500,000, such as in cases where Uber or Lyft drivers caused serious harm to passengers or pedestrians. In Michigan, injury claims often settle between $100,000 and $1 million, particularly when commercial liability policies are triggered by moderate to severe injuries. Utah has fewer public disclosures, but victims in high-impact collisions have secured six-figure settlements through insurance negotiations or civil litigation. These outcomes show that rideshare settlements vary widely but consistently reflect the seriousness of the harm and the level of driver negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I hire an experienced rideshare accident lawyer?
You should contact an experienced rideshare accident lawyer immediately after receiving medical care. Prompt legal help ensures preservation of evidence, communication with the insurance provider, and timely filing of your car accident claim. A qualified attorney can also determine liability and protect your rights.
What qualifies as a car accident case involving severe injuries?
A car accident case involves severe injuries when victims suffer long-term or life-threatening harm such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability. These cases often require extensive medical treatment and result in high financial compensation due to the impact on quality of life and ability to work.
Can I still file a car accident claim if multiple parties were involved?
Yes, you can. In cases involving multiple parties, including commercial vehicles or truck accidents, an experienced personal injury attorney can investigate and determine each party’s share of fault. Legal representation is critical to hold all negligent parties accountable and recover damages.
How does the plaintiff’s negligence affect my ability to recover compensation?
Under state law, your own negligence can reduce or eliminate your compensation depending on your state’s comparative or contributory negligence rules. An experienced attorney can evaluate your liability and explain how it may affect your claim.
What if the at-fault driver is an uninsured motorist?
If the responsible party is an uninsured motorist, you may still recover damages through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An accident lawyer can help file a claim with your auto insurance company and explore other avenues for compensation.
What makes rideshare accident claims, like an Uber or Lyft accident, more complex?
Uber or Lyft accident claims involve unique insurance layers, including both the rideshare driver’s policy and the company’s liability coverage. Legal services from a law firm with rideshare experience are crucial to navigate the policies and secure fair compensation.
Can I sue a truck driver after a collision?
Yes. If a truck driver caused your injuries through negligence—such as distracted driving or violation of safety regulations—you may sue both the driver and the trucking company. These auto accident cases often involve complex federal and state laws, making legal expertise essential.
How do I choose the right law firm for my personal injury case?
Look for a law firm with proven results in handling car accident cases, access to investigators and expert witnesses, and transparent communication. Make sure your legal team includes an experienced personal injury attorney who can manage your claim efficiently from start to finish.
Do I need legal representation if the insurance provider offers a settlement?
Yes. Insurance providers aim to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the offer reflects your actual losses, including long-term medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t accept a settlement without legal review.
Does distracted driving always make someone liable?
Distracted driving—like texting behind the wheel—can be strong evidence of negligence. If proven, it significantly increases the chance of a successful car accident claim. An accident lawyer will collect phone records, surveillance footage, and witness statements to prove liability.
Your Rights Matter
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft promised us convenience. But when something goes wrong, the legal process that follows is anything but easy. Because insurance systems, fault rules, and legal thresholds vary by state, your geographic location can dramatically affect how much you recover after a rideshare accident.
Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, permanent injuries, or the loss of a loved one, don’t walk this path alone. Bourassa Law Group’s experienced personal injury attorneys can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Every injury deserves justice, and every victim deserves a legal team that knows how to win.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward healing and recovery.
1-800-870-8910