Feb
2

MN Rideshare Accident: What You Should Do

Maybe you were out drinking with friends and wanted to be responsible. Or your car broke down and you needed quick transportation. Perhaps you don’t even have a vehicle.

Whatever the situation, you called a rideshare service like you’ve done dozens of times before. And just like those dozens of times, they picked you up and started driving you to your destination.

But then it happened – a crash. Suddenly, your ordinary night flipped on its head and you were left literally bruised and battered. What now?

If you’ve recently been injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle in Minnesota, you may have questions about your rights and the legal options available to you. In addition to physical pain and mental distress, you may be facing financial losses due to medical bills, lost wages from missed work, or other related costs.

But how do you get the help you need?

This blog post will provide an overview of what steps to take after being injured in a rideshare accident in Minnesota if you believe you are the victim of another’s negligence. 

What Are My Rights as a Minnesota Rideshare Passenger?

Under Minnesota Statutes Section 65B.472, ridesharing companies are required to carry insurance that covers their drivers and passengers. This means that if you were hurt while riding in a Lyft or Uber vehicle, the company’s insurer should pay for any damages incurred by the driver and passengers in the accident. 

However, it is important to note that these claims can be complicated and should not be handled without the help of an experienced attorney who understands the laws governing ridesharing companies. 

If I Am Injured in a Rideshare Crash, What Should I Do?

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, it is important that you seek medical attention right away (see Minnesota Statutes Section 604.01). You should also document your injury with photos or videos of the scene if possible and try to collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the crash (see Minnesota Statutes Section 541.07).

Additionally, it’s important to file an insurance claim promptly so that your rights are protected under Minnesota law. Butt before doing so, be sure to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through this process.  

Can a Minnesota Injury Attorney Help Me File a Claim?

In a word: yes. 

A knowledgeable Minnesota injury lawyer will understand how rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber operate and how passenger rights are protected by Minnesota law. They will review your case, determine whether your injuries qualify for compensation under state laws, help ensure that all applicable deadlines are met, advise as needed regarding insurance coverage issues, negotiate with insurers on your behalf to obtain maximum compensation for your damages, and represent you if necessary during trial proceedings.

No one deserves to suffer due to someone else’s negligence behind the wheel – especially when they’re just trying to get from Point A to Point B safely via a ridesharing service. We understand how difficult such situations can be both emotionally and financially, which is why we offer free consultations so we can discuss all of your legal options with no obligation whatsoever on your part. Contact us today so we can start fighting for justice on your behalf.

 

About the Author:

A lifelong Minnesotan, founding partner Ronald R. Envall has spent his entire legal career fighting for the little guy, focusing on workers’ compensation, Social Security, and personal injury cases. He has been recognized by SuperLawyers as a Top Rated attorney in Duluth, placing him in the top 5 percent of all workers comp lawyers across the state. In his free time, Mr. Envall serves on the boards of several area government and nonprofit organizations and is a member of the Minnesota Association for Justice, which supports consumer rights.