Injured Passenger in a Minnesota Pickup or Rideshare? Know Your Rights
If you were hurt as a passenger in Minnesota, you may qualify for no-fault (PIP) benefits regardless of fault and may also have liability or UM/UIM claims against at-fault parties. Coverage and priority can depend on Minnesota statutes, app status for rideshare trips, and policy language. Act quickly to get care, preserve evidence, and meet deadlines.
Minnesota is a No-Fault State: What That Means for Passengers
Minnesota’s No-Fault system generally provides certain medical and wage-loss benefits to injured people without regard to fault. These benefits are called basic economic loss benefits or PIP. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.44.
Which policy pays PIP first is governed by statutory priority rules. In many passenger situations, the policy covering the vehicle you occupied is primary, though circumstances matter. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.47.
No-fault benefits do not necessarily bar additional claims. You may bring a liability claim against an at-fault driver if you meet Minnesota’s injury thresholds for tort claims (often called the “serious injury” thresholds). See Minn. Stat. § 65B.51.
Pickup Truck Passenger Injuries: Multiple Insurance Layers
Pickup trucks used for personal purposes are generally treated like other passenger vehicles under Minnesota’s no-fault and liability rules. If the pickup driver is at fault, you may have a bodily injury liability claim against that driver’s insurer. If another motorist caused the crash, a claim can be made against that motorist.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance, uninsured (UM) or underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage may help, subject to Minnesota law and policy language. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.49 (policy requirements, including UM/UIM).
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Crashes: How Coverage Typically Works
Coverage for transportation network company (TNC) drivers depends on app status under Minnesota law:
- App off: the driver’s personal auto policy generally applies.
- App on, waiting for a request: contingent coverage may apply as required by statute.
- Accepted a ride or transporting a passenger: the TNC’s commercial coverage is generally in place during the prearranged ride, as required by law.
See Minn. Stat. § 65B.4725. You may also have PIP benefits and, in some cases, UM/UIM protection, depending on the policies involved and Minnesota’s priority rules.
Fault, Comparative Negligence, and Passenger Claims
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault and is barred only if your fault is greater than the fault of the parties from whom you seek recovery. See Minn. Stat. § 604.01. Passengers are rarely assigned fault unless their conduct contributed to the crash or injuries.
What To Do After a Crash as a Passenger
- Call 911 and seek prompt medical care; report all symptoms.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, rideshare app screen, and your injuries.
- Gather driver, insurance, and rideshare trip details; note the ride ID in the app.
- Identify witnesses and keep their contact information.
- Preserve evidence: receipts, medical records, and employment documentation.
- Notify insurers promptly, but consider obtaining legal advice before detailed recorded statements.
- Avoid posting about the crash on social media.
Quick Tips
- Use one notebook or notes app to track claim numbers, adjusters, and deadlines.
- Request your PIP application immediately and submit it with supporting documentation.
- If pain worsens after adrenaline fades, return to your provider and update your records.
No-Fault (PIP) Benefits and Coordinating Medical Bills
PIP can help pay medical expenses and part of lost income early in a claim. Submit your application for benefits and cooperate with reasonable requests while understanding your rights. Health insurance may coordinate with PIP. Keep a ledger of bills, EOBs, and out-of-pocket costs. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.44.
Liability, UM/UIM, and Rideshare Coverage Interplay
If another driver is at fault, that driver’s liability coverage is typically primary for your bodily injury claim. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, UM/UIM may fill gaps, subject to Minnesota law and policy terms. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.49. For rideshare trips, company-provided coverage can apply, but payment order and limits depend on app status, policy language, and Minnesota’s priority rules. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.4725 and Minn. Stat. § 65B.47.
Deadlines and Notice Requirements
Personal injury and insurance claims are subject to strict filing deadlines and notice requirements in Minnesota. Many injury claims are governed by the general six-year limitations period, but other limits or contract terms can apply to no-fault and UM/UIM claims. See Minn. Stat. § 541.05. Claims against government entities can have shorter notice requirements (for example, 180 days for municipalities). See Minn. Stat. § 466.05. Missing a deadline can jeopardize your claim.
When to Consider a Lawyer
Consider legal counsel when injuries are significant, liability is disputed, multiple insurers are involved, or you are asked for broad authorizations or recorded statements. An attorney can evaluate coverage layers, preserve evidence, coordinate PIP, and pursue full compensation where legally available. If you have questions, contact us.
Key Evidence That Strengthens Passenger Claims
- Police crash report and any supplemental reports
- Photos/video, dashcam, and rideshare app logs
- Medical records and provider notes linking injuries to the crash
- Employment records for wage loss
- Vehicle damage estimates and repair records
- Event data recorder (EDR) downloads where available
- Correspondence with insurers and claim notes
Practical Tips for Rideshare Passengers
- Screenshot the trip screen immediately after the crash (driver name, plate, trip ID).
- Report the crash through the app and request confirmation in writing.
- Save ride receipts and in-app messages.
- If another driver fled, note the plate, vehicle description, and direction of travel.
- Monitor your symptoms; follow your doctor’s advice and keep follow-up appointments.
Passenger Recovery Checklist
- Get medical evaluation within 24–48 hours
- Open a PIP claim and submit the application
- Collect photos, witness info, and receipts
- Request the police report number
- Track wage loss and mileage to appointments
- Calendar key deadlines and insurer notices
FAQ
Do I use my own auto insurance for PIP if I was a passenger?
Priority depends on the facts and Minnesota statutes. Often the vehicle you occupied is primary, but exceptions apply. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.47.
Can I bring a claim against the at-fault driver if I receive no-fault benefits?
Yes, if you meet Minnesota’s tort thresholds or other requirements. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.51.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply, depending on policies and facts. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.49.
How does rideshare app status affect coverage?
Coverage tiers change based on whether the app is off, waiting, or on an active trip as outlined in Minn. Stat. § 65B.4725.
What deadlines should I know?
General personal injury claims may have a six-year limit, with shorter contract or government notice deadlines. See Minn. Stat. § 541.05 and § 466.05.
Next Steps
Act quickly: get medical care, preserve evidence, notify insurers, and consider a consultation. Early guidance can help coordinate PIP, identify at-fault parties, and protect claims against deadlines. We are here to help — request a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and insurance policies change, and deadlines vary. Minnesota law applies to the topics discussed; if you are outside Minnesota, your rules may differ. Consult a Minnesota attorney about your specific situation.