Minnesota Rideshare Passenger Injured in a Pickup Truck Crash? Legal Help and Next Steps

Immediate Steps After a Rideshare–Pickup Truck Crash

• Call 911 to report the crash and request medical evaluation. A police report helps document the circumstances and injuries.
• Seek medical care right away and follow treatment plans. Gaps in care can undermine your claim.
• Document the scene: photos of vehicle damage (rideshare and pickup), road conditions, debris, skid marks, and visible injuries.
• Save ride details: app screenshots showing the trip, driver, time, and route; note the pickup truck’s plate and insurance if available.
• Report the crash in the rideshare app and promptly notify any auto insurer that may provide no-fault (PIP) benefits; coverage priority is governed by Minnesota statute (Minn. Stat. § 65B.47).
• Avoid recorded statements to another driver’s insurer before speaking with counsel.

Understanding Minnesota No-Fault (PIP) Benefits for Passengers

Minnesota’s no-fault system provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for certain medical expenses and wage loss without regard to fault (Minn. Stat. § 65B.44). For passengers, identifying which policy pays first can require applying the state’s priority rules (§ 65B.47). Minnesota law also sets conditions for when tort claims for non-economic losses may proceed (§ 65B.51).

Rideshare Insurance Layers and When They Apply

Transportation network company (TNC) coverage generally varies with the driver’s app status—waiting for a request, en route to pick up, or carrying a passenger. When a ride is active, higher liability limits typically apply, and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may also be available as required by Minnesota law and policy terms (Minn. Stat. ch. 65B; see also platform summaries: Uber, Lyft). If the pickup truck driver is uninsured or underinsured, UM/UIM under the applicable policy may help address losses (§ 65B.49).

Who May Be Liable in a Rideshare–Pickup Truck Collision

Potentially responsible parties can include the pickup truck driver, your rideshare driver, employers (if either driver was acting within the scope of employment), vehicle owners, and third parties responsible for road hazards or defective parts. Minnesota’s comparative fault rules may reduce recoveries if multiple parties share fault (Minn. Stat. § 604.01). A thorough investigation—police reports, dashcam or app data, event data recorders, and witness statements—helps clarify responsibility.

Evidence to Preserve

• Rideshare app data: trip logs, messages, fare receipts, GPS route.
• Vehicle data: photos of damage, airbag deployment, and any available telematics.
• Medical records and bills from the first visit onward.
• Employment documentation for wage-loss claims.
• Communications with insurers and the rideshare platform.

Common Injuries in Pickup Truck Impacts

Because pickups are heavier and ride higher, impacts can cause neck and back injuries, concussions, orthopedic injuries, and internal trauma. Early diagnosis and consistent follow-up support both recovery and proof of causation.

Dealing With Insurers and the Rideshare Platform

Expect multiple insurers to be involved—potentially your PIP insurer, the rideshare company’s insurer, and the pickup truck driver’s insurer. Provide factual information but be cautious with recorded statements or broad medical authorizations. Coordinating PIP, health insurance, and any liability or UM/UIM claims can help avoid reimbursement surprises and maximize net recovery.

How a Minnesota Attorney Can Help

• Investigate fault and identify every available insurance policy.
• Protect PIP benefits and pursue liability and UM/UIM claims.
• Handle communications and negotiations with multiple carriers.
• Calculate damages, including medical expenses, wage loss, and non-economic harm.
• File suit if needed and manage deadlines that can vary by claim type.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

• Police report or incident number.
• Medical visit summaries and bills.
• Photos, videos, and app screenshots.
• Names and contact information for witnesses.
• Insurance cards and any letters from insurers or the rideshare company.

FAQ

Which no-fault (PIP) policy pays first for a rideshare passenger in Minnesota?

Priority depends on Minnesota’s statutory rules. Your own household policy may be primary, followed by the rideshare policy, but specifics vary by facts and policy language. Consult an attorney to evaluate coverage under § 65B.47.

What if the pickup truck driver is uninsured or underinsured?

UM/UIM coverage may apply through the rideshare policy active during your trip or through other applicable policies, subject to Minnesota law and policy terms (§ 65B.49).

Do I have to meet an injury threshold to bring a pain-and-suffering claim?

Minnesota law requires meeting certain tort thresholds for non-economic damages, such as medical expense minimums or specific injury criteria (§ 65B.51).

Should I give a recorded statement?

Provide truthful information, but avoid recorded statements to another driver’s insurer until you have legal advice.

Next Steps

If you were a rideshare passenger injured in a Minnesota crash with a pickup truck, act promptly. Preserve evidence, get medical care, and speak with a Minnesota injury lawyer who understands rideshare insurance and no-fault coordination. Contact us today.

Disclaimer

This blog is for general information only, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws, insurance coverage, and deadlines can change and may vary by situation. Consult a Minnesota attorney about your specific circumstances.