East Lansing Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in East Lansing
The rise of services like Uber and Lyft has completely changed how people travel in East Lansing—but it’s also introduced legal complexity when things go wrong. Unlike ordinary traffic accidents, rideshare crashes pull in large companies with complicated insurance rules and legal teams.
Studies from top universities suggest that rideshare platforms may be responsible for thousands of additional roadway fatalities each year due to increased congestion and distracted driving.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in East Lansing? The sooner you know your legal options, the stronger your case will be.
Liability in East Lansing Rideshare Accidents
Liability after a rideshare crash isn’t always simple — it depends largely on the driver’s status at the moment of the accident. Different insurance policies apply based on whether the driver had the app on, was en route, or actively transporting someone.
App Off:
The driver’s personal insurance applies.
App On (No Passenger):
Uber or Lyft provides limited third-party liability coverage (usually $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).
App On (With Passenger or En Route):
The full $1 million liability coverage kicks in.
Our legal team pulls rideshare data, trip records, and time logs to pinpoint liability and apply pressure to the right insurer. Whether the issue is denied coverage or disputed facts, our firm is equipped to push back aggressively.
Top Reasons for Rideshare Crashes in East Lansing
Uber and Lyft drivers are frequently navigating busy roads while managing ride requests, customer service, and app-based instructions. That multitasking leads to serious safety issues and contributes to many of the accidents we see involving rideshare vehicles.
- Distracted driving (e.g., checking the app, GPS, texting)
- Fatigue from long driving shifts
- Speeding or aggressive driving to meet ride quotas
- Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with East Lansing roads
- Unsafe pick-up or drop-off locations
Uber and Lyft run background checks, but with so many drivers on the road, standards can be inconsistent. That’s why we investigate every detail — from the driver’s background to traffic conditions — to build the strongest possible claim.
Steps to Take After a Crash with Uber or Lyft in East Lansing
Getting injured in an Uber or Lyft crash means you need to take immediate action to preserve your legal options. Start by getting medical help, taking photos or video, and contacting a lawyer before giving any statements to Uber, Lyft, or their insurers.
Call 911 and request medical assistance if needed.
Get the names, contact info, and insurance details of all parties involved.
Take screenshots of your Uber or Lyft trip, including timestamps.
Document the scene with photos or videos (vehicles, street signs, damage).
Do not accept early settlement offers or give recorded statements to insurance without legal guidance.
Rideshare companies may try to limit their financial exposure by shifting blame or delaying claim processes. Having a legal advocate from the start can protect you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation.
Typical Injuries from Uber and Lyft Collisions
Rideshare crashes often occur in dense traffic or urban corridors, where even a low-speed collision can cause significant injury. We’ve represented East Lansing clients who suffered from:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Even what seem like minor injuries can lead to long-term complications over time. Avoid letting an insurance company dismiss your suffering — our attorneys fight to ensure every effect of your injury is fully recorded and accurately assessed.
Why Uber and Lyft Accident Cases in East Lansing Demand Aggressive Legal Action
Uber and Lyft rely on complex policies and legal maneuvering to reduce their financial responsibility after crashes. Just one detail — like the driver’s phase in the trip — can mean the difference between full compensation and none at all.
If you try to go it alone, you may end up accepting a lowball offer — or worse, getting nothing. Our team pushes back hard against delay tactics and corporate denials, making sure your case gets the attention and compensation it deserves.
Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in East Lansing
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, these steps are crucial to protect your legal and financial interests:
Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor, documentation is essential.
Report the Accident to Authorities
Ensure police are called and a report is filed on the scene.
Document Everything
Photos, witness contact info, rideshare app screenshots, and vehicle damage.
Avoid Statements to Insurance Adjusters
Anything you say can be used to lower or deny your claim.
Contact an Attorney Quickly
Time-sensitive evidence and complex insurance policies require early legal intervention.
Even small mistakes — like not preserving app data or failing to identify the correct insurance tier — can cost you the compensation you deserve. Our team ensures every detail is covered from the very beginning.
Frequent Causes of Uber and Lyft Wrecks in East Lansing
Crashes involving Uber and Lyft drivers frequently happen with added concerns due to driver multitasking and fatigue from extended driving hours. Based on transportation statistics the top contributors include:
- Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers constantly check their apps for routes, messages, and updates.
- Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours or drive for multiple services, increasing the risk of exhaustion.
- Unfamiliar Routes – Unlike professional drivers, rideshare operators often rely entirely on GPS navigation.
- Rush to Accept Fares – Quick turnarounds between rides can cause reckless maneuvers or speeding.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Drivers are responsible for their own vehicle upkeep, and issues may go unreported.
According to respected university research linked rideshare services to a 2%–3% spike in traffic fatalities across major U.S. cities. This data proves the deadly implications of corporate convenience at the expense of human life.
How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works in East Lansing, Michigan
Deciphering coverage options after an Uber or Lyft crash in East Lansing, Michigan can be confusing without legal guidance. Both platforms provide third-party liability insurance, but the level of coverage is dictated by what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. These status distinctions matter — and in Michigan, state-specific insurance thresholds make them even more significant.
Here’s a breakdown of the three distinct coverage periods:
Offline (App Off):
Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Available for Rides (App On, No Passenger):
Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
En Route or Transporting Passenger:
Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
Getting compensation from these policies is rarely straightforward. Rideshare companies often deny driver status, debate policy activation timing, or redirect blame to personal insurers. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we bring the truth to light and deliver strong documentation to prove liability, engagement, and damages.
How We Strengthen Uber and Lyft Claims in East Lansing
Our attorneys build your claim through a well-tested process designed to streamline complicated rideshare cases. Because Uber and Lyft tend to deflect blame or push quick payouts, we act immediately — securing driver data, accessing internal company data, and positioning your claim for success.
- Immediate Investigation: We gather crash reports, app screenshots, black box data, and rideshare platform logs.
- Driver Background Checks: We examine whether the driver had any history of violations or prior accidents.
- Medical Record Coordination: We work closely with healthcare providers to document the true scope of your injury.
- Expert Testimony: When needed, we bring in accident reconstructionists and economists to strengthen your claim.
By controlling the narrative early, we stop the rideshare company from shifting blame and ensure your story is told clearly, accurately, and with the right legal framing.
Types of Damages You Can Claim After a Rideshare Crash in East Lansing
People impacted by a rideshare accident may be entitled to significant compensation under Michigan law. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we are committed to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and PTSD
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability
We don’t let the insurance company lowball your claim — we partner with economic and medical experts to accurately value your losses and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Get Legal Help After a Rideshare Accident in East Lansing, Michigan
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with massive insurance corporations alone. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we relieve you of legal stress so you can get back on your feet. Our East Lansing, Michigan attorneys are seasoned in handling rideshare injury claims and won’t back down from big companies like Uber and Lyft.
We offer:
Free consultations with zero upfront costs
Contingency-fee representation — you don’t pay unless we win
Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies
Compassionate support from day one through resolution
Don’t wait to get help. Let Boyadzhyan Law Firm fight on your behalf and help you navigate this complex legal terrain.
Providing compassionate legal assistance for you and your family.