Injured Passenger? Minnesota Rideshare Minivan Claims

Why minivan rideshare crashes are unique

Minivans often seat more passengers across multiple rows and may be used for pooled rides. That can complicate witness accounts, fault determinations, and how insurance limits are divided when multiple people are injured. Larger cargo areas and third-row seating can also affect injury patterns, including luggage-related injuries and different force dynamics for rear occupants.

Minnesota is a no-fault state: what that means for passengers

Minnesota follows a no-fault system for auto injuries. Basic economic loss benefits (often called personal injury protection or PIP) provide certain medical and wage/replacement benefits without having to prove fault. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.44. By statute, basic benefits include at least $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for income loss and other basic economic losses, subject to statutory terms.

Priority rules determine which no-fault policy pays first for a passenger. Generally, an injured passenger looks first to their own applicable no-fault coverage; if none applies, coverage may come from the vehicle involved. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.47.

To pursue pain-and-suffering (tort) damages against an at-fault party, Minnesota law requires meeting certain thresholds (e.g., at least $4,000 in medical expenses, 60 days disability, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, or death). See Minn. Stat. § 65B.51, subd. 3.

Who may be responsible after a rideshare minivan crash

Depending on how the crash happened, responsibility and available insurance may involve: the rideshare driver, another at-fault driver, the rideshare company’s applicable policy, and potentially other parties (such as a vehicle owner, maintenance provider, or a manufacturer in a defect case). The driver’s app status matters because it affects which policy applies under Minnesota’s transportation network company (TNC) insurance requirements. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.4725.

How rideshare insurance typically layers

Coverage tiers usually depend on app status:

• Offline: The driver’s personal auto policy generally applies.
• App on, no trip accepted: Minnesota law requires at least specified minimum liability coverage while the driver is available for rides. See § 65B.4725.
• Prearranged ride (accepted request through drop-off): Minnesota law requires at least $1,000,000 in primary liability coverage during a prearranged ride. See § 65B.4725.

No-fault basic economic loss benefits still apply as provided in § 65B.44 and priority rules in § 65B.47. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is governed by § 65B.49. Actual limits and eligibility can vary by company and policy language but must meet Minnesota statutory minimums.

Common injuries in minivan passenger cases

Frequent injuries include whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries, concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, fractures, chest or abdominal trauma from belts and airbags, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. Third-row passengers and children may experience different forces than front-row occupants, and loose cargo can contribute to injury.

What to do after a rideshare crash

• Call 911 and get medical care. Report all symptoms, even if mild.
• Report the crash in the rideshare app and save the trip and driver details.
• Obtain the police report number, other driver’s insurance information, and witness contacts.
• Photograph vehicle positions, exterior and interior damage, seat positions, car seats, and any loose cargo.
• Save app screenshots, receipts, and communications.
• Avoid recorded statements or broad medical authorizations until you understand your rights.
• Consult a Minnesota injury attorney promptly to preserve evidence (including app and vehicle data) and identify all coverages.

Potential sources of compensation

• Your applicable no-fault/PIP benefits (Minn. Stat. § 65B.44; priority at § 65B.47).
• The at-fault driver’s liability coverage (including TNC coverage tiers at § 65B.4725).
• UM/UIM coverage if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured (Minn. Stat. § 65B.49).
• Potential product liability or negligent maintenance claims if defects or service issues contributed (fact-specific).

How fault and evidence are evaluated

Investigations may consider police reports, vehicle damage profiles, event data recorders, dash/exterior cameras, app telematics, driver phone use, road and weather conditions, and compliance with traffic laws. For minivans, seat configuration, passenger counts, and cargo securement can be relevant. Early preservation letters can help prevent loss of app or vehicle data.

Timelines and legal deadlines

Deadlines can affect notice, insurance benefits, and any lawsuit. The specific timeframe can vary based on claim type, parties, policies, and injury circumstances. Because deadlines can come quickly and exceptions may apply, consult counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How an attorney can help

An attorney can coordinate no-fault and liability claims, identify all available insurance, handle communications, preserve electronic data, work with medical experts, and negotiate or litigate on your behalf. In multi-passenger minivan crashes, counsel also helps avoid coverage erosion when multiple claims draw from the same policy limits.

FAQ

Do Minnesota no-fault benefits apply if I do not own a car?

Often yes. Priority rules may extend coverage through a household policy or the involved vehicle’s policy if you lack your own applicable coverage. See § 65B.47.

Can I pursue pain-and-suffering damages as a passenger?

Yes, if you meet Minnesota’s tort thresholds such as medical expenses of at least $4,000, 60 days disability, permanent injury, disfigurement, or death. See § 65B.51.

Which insurance applies when the rideshare driver had the app on?

Coverage depends on whether the driver was waiting for a request, en route to a pickup, or transporting passengers. Minnesota requires specific TNC coverages during these periods. See § 65B.4725.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?

You may have UM/UIM claims under applicable policies, including rideshare coverage during a prearranged ride. See § 65B.49.

Next steps

If you were a rideshare minivan passenger injured in Minnesota, gather your records and seek legal guidance early. A consultation can clarify coverage options, potential claims, and the best path to compensation. Contact our Minnesota injury team to discuss your situation today.

References

• Minnesota Revisor of Statutes – Chapter 65B (No-Fault Automobile Insurance)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.44 (Basic economic loss benefits)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.47 (Priority of benefits)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.49 (Motor vehicle liability; UM/UIM)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.51 (Tort thresholds)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.4725 (Transportation Network Company insurance requirements)

Statutes cited are current as of the last reviewed date. Always confirm for updates.