Hurt as a Lyft or Taxi Passenger in Minnesota? Call 651-CALL-DAN
If you were injured while riding in Lyft, Uber, or a taxi in Minnesota, you may have multiple insurance paths for medical bills, wage loss, and other losses. Minnesota’s no-fault (PIP) benefits generally pay initial medical and certain economic expenses regardless of fault, and additional claims may be available against at-fault drivers or through UM/UIM coverage. This guide explains next steps, insurance layers, deadlines, and how we can help.
After a Crash: What to Do Right Away
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt and get a police report or case number.
- Seek medical care promptly and follow your provider’s instructions.
- Photograph the scene, vehicle positions and damage, your app screen, and your injuries.
- Save ride details: driver name, vehicle, license plate, trip ID, and app receipts.
- Gather insurance information for all involved drivers and contact info for witnesses.
- Report the crash in your rideshare app (if applicable) and notify your own auto insurer.
- Do not give recorded statements to other insurers before you understand your rights.
Minnesota No-Fault (PIP) Benefits for Passengers
Minnesota is a no-fault state. After a motor vehicle crash, personal injury protection (PIP) generally provides initial medical and certain economic benefits to injured persons regardless of who caused the collision (Minn. Stat. § 65B.44).
Which policy pays first follows Minnesota’s priority rules. Often, your own auto policy is primary; if you do not have one, coverage may be available through a resident relative’s policy, and if none, through the policy on the vehicle you occupied. If no applicable policy exists, you may be eligible to apply under the Minnesota Assigned Claims Plan (Minn. Stat. § 65B.47; § 65B.64).
PIP coordinates with any liability or UM/UIM claims you may later pursue. Insurers can have reimbursement and subrogation rights, so careful documentation helps protect your recovery (Minn. Stat. § 65B.53).
Rideshare Coverage (Lyft and Uber) vs. Taxi Coverage
- Rideshare (TNC) trips: Minnesota law requires transportation network companies and/or their drivers to maintain specified auto insurance that varies by the driver’s status in the app (e.g., offline; app on and waiting; en route to a pickup; on an active trip). Available coverages (such as liability and UM/UIM) can differ by status and are subject to policy terms and Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 65B.472; see also company overviews: Uber, Lyft).
- Taxi rides: Traditional taxi companies generally carry commercial auto policies. Available coverages and limits vary by company and policy.
- PIP vs. liability: Your eligibility for no-fault (PIP) benefits typically follows Minnesota’s priority rules noted above. Liability and UM/UIM coverages potentially available for your injury may depend on trip status and the specific policy language.
Who May Be Financially Responsible?
Depending on the facts and policies in play, potentially responsible parties can include:
- The at-fault driver (rideshare driver, taxi driver, or another motorist) and their auto insurer.
- The rideshare or taxi insurer, depending on trip status and policy terms.
- Vehicle owners, where liability is imposed by Minnesota law and applicable to the circumstances.
- Third parties (for example, a road contractor or vehicle maintenance provider) in limited scenarios where evidence supports fault.
Fault and coverage allocations are fact-specific and may involve competing insurers.
Common Injuries and Damages
Passengers often experience whiplash, concussions and other head injuries, back and neck injuries, fractures, soft-tissue injuries, and psychological trauma. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, wage loss, replacement services, and—when legally available—compensation for pain and suffering. Minnesota law limits or conditions tort claims in auto cases; thresholds and policy terms can affect what is recoverable (Minn. Stat. § 65B.49 and related provisions).
How Claims Typically Progress
- No-fault (PIP) claim: Open promptly with the correct insurer to access medical and wage-loss benefits (§ 65B.44; § 65B.47).
- Liability claim: Pursue against the at-fault driver’s insurer; in rideshare/taxi cases, the commercial or TNC coverage may also be implicated (§ 65B.472).
- UM/UIM claim: If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help, depending on policy terms (§ 65B.49).
- Subrogation and reimbursements: Insurers may seek repayment from one another; careful documentation helps protect your net recovery (§ 65B.53).
- Settlement or litigation: Many claims resolve by settlement. Filing a lawsuit may be required to preserve rights or pursue full compensation.
Tips to Protect Your Claim
- Use the rideshare app’s in-trip help to capture the trip ID and timestamp before the screen changes.
- Keep a symptom journal and save all medical bills and mileage to appointments.
- Route all insurer calls to your attorney to avoid inadvertent statements.
- Do not post crash details or injuries on social media.
Passenger Post-Crash Checklist
- Get the police case number and all driver/vehicle details.
- Confirm the driver’s app status (waiting, en route, or on trip).
- Notify your auto insurer to open PIP and medical payments if applicable.
- Request your rideshare trip receipt and in-app incident confirmation.
- Track time missed from work and obtain employer verification.
Deadlines and Notice Requirements
Insurance policies and Minnesota law impose time-sensitive requirements for reporting claims and, if necessary, filing suit. These can vary by policy type, claim type, and case facts. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and protect your rights. Speak with counsel as soon as possible to avoid missing a deadline.
What Our Firm Does for Injured Passengers
- Identify and open all applicable claims (PIP, liability, UM/UIM).
- Coordinate medical bill handling and wage-loss documentation.
- Preserve and analyze app data, telematics, and vehicle evidence.
- Handle insurer communications and protect you from unfair tactics.
- Quantify damages and negotiate for a full and fair resolution.
- File suit when necessary and litigate strategically.
FAQs
Do I use my own PIP if I was a passenger?
Often yes. Minnesota priority rules usually make your own policy primary; if none, other policies may apply by statute.
What if the rideshare driver was not at fault?
You may still access PIP. Liability or UM/UIM claims can target the at-fault motorist’s policy and, depending on facts and status, applicable rideshare or personal policies.
Can I make a claim if I don’t own a car?
Yes. Coverage may flow from a resident relative, the occupied vehicle, or the Assigned Claims Plan if no other policy applies.
Will making a claim raise my insurance rates?
It depends on your insurer and policy. Seeking PIP benefits after a not-at-fault crash does not automatically mean a rate increase.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer?
As soon as possible to preserve evidence, meet notice requirements, and coordinate multiple coverages correctly.
Call 651-CALL-DAN for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt as a Lyft, Uber, or taxi passenger in Minnesota, call 651-CALL-DAN or contact us. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and take immediate steps to protect your claim. No upfront fees—our fee is contingent on recovery.
Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Minnesota laws and insurance requirements can change, and outcomes depend on specific facts and policy language. Consult a Minnesota-licensed attorney about your situation.