Injured as a Passenger in MN? Know Your Rideshare Rights
TL;DR: Minnesota uses no-fault (PIP) insurance, so many passengers can access benefits for medical bills and certain wage loss regardless of fault. Additional claims may be available against at-fault drivers, and rideshare (TNC) policies can apply based on the driver’s app status. Comparative fault rules can affect recovery. Act quickly to document the crash, notify the right insurers, and consider speaking with a Minnesota injury attorney.
First Things First: Safety and Documentation
After a crash, call 911 if anyone is hurt and move to a safe location if possible. Exchange information with all drivers, including the rideshare driver, and capture the rideshare trip details (app screenshots showing the ride, driver, time, and route). Photograph vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Seek medical evaluation promptly and follow treatment recommendations—this protects your health and creates documentation.
Minnesota No-Fault Benefits (PIP) for Passengers
Minnesota is a no-fault state. Many injured passengers can access basic economic loss benefits (often called PIP) to help with medical expenses and certain wage losses, regardless of who caused the crash (Minn. Stat. § 65B.44). Which policy pays first can depend on your coverage and household situation; Minnesota law sets an order of priority for no-fault benefits (Minn. Stat. § 65B.47). An attorney can help you identify the correct insurer to notify and the forms you must submit.
Rideshare Insurance: When Company Policies Apply
Uber, Lyft, and similar platforms carry insurance that can apply when their drivers are using the app. Coverage tiers differ depending on whether the driver was offline, online and waiting for a request, en route, or actively transporting a passenger. When you are an active passenger, substantial third-party liability coverage is generally available through the rideshare’s policy, in addition to any applicable no-fault benefits (Minn. Stat. § 65B.472).
Who Can Be Liable?
Potentially responsible parties can include: (1) the rideshare driver, (2) another at-fault driver, (3) vehicle owners, and in limited circumstances, entities responsible for vehicle defects or road hazards. Minnesota follows comparative fault rules, which can reduce recovery if multiple parties share responsibility (Minn. Stat. § 604.01). As a passenger, you are often not assigned fault for causing a collision, but disputed facts and insurance investigations can affect outcomes.
What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
If a non-rideshare driver caused the crash and lacks adequate insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help. Depending on policy language and the stage of the rideshare trip, UM/UIM may be available through your own policy or through the rideshare’s policy. Minnesota’s insurance code addresses mandatory and optional UM/UIM coverage (Minn. Stat. § 65B.49). Coordinating UM/UIM with no-fault and liability claims is technical and time-sensitive.
Reporting and Claim Steps
- Report the crash to law enforcement when required by Minnesota law and request the incident number (Minn. Stat. § 169.09).
- Report the incident through the rideshare app and keep copies of all messages.
- Notify the appropriate insurer(s) promptly.
- Complete and return no-fault applications and authorizations as requested.
- Track medical treatment, mileage, bills, and time missed from work.
- Do not provide recorded statements or broad medical authorizations to opposing insurers before getting legal advice.
Medical Bills, Wage Loss, and Other Damages
No-fault benefits address certain medical and wage-loss components regardless of fault (Minn. Stat. § 65B.44). If another party is legally responsible, you may also pursue a liability claim for additional losses. Minnesota law imposes tort thresholds that may apply to certain pain-and-suffering claims (Minn. Stat. § 65B.51), and the availability and scope of damages depend on your evidence.
Practical Tips for Minnesota Rideshare Passengers
- Save your in-app ride receipt and take screenshots before the trip disappears from the app.
- Ask for the insurance information for every involved vehicle, not just the rideshare driver.
- Use a single point of contact for insurers to avoid inconsistent statements.
- Follow up all phone calls with short confirmation emails summarizing what was discussed.
- Keep treatment consistent and attend follow-up appointments to avoid gaps in care.
Passenger Claim Checklist
- 911 called and medical evaluation obtained
- Photos of scene, vehicles, and injuries captured
- Rideshare trip screenshots saved
- All driver and insurance details collected
- Crash reported in the app and to your insurer
- No-fault application submitted
- Bills, lost wage proof, and mileage logged
- Deadlines calendared; consultation scheduled
Deadlines and Notice Requirements
Personal injury and insurance claims have strict filing deadlines and notice requirements, and timing can vary based on your circumstances, the coverage involved, and whether a governmental entity is implicated. Missing a deadline can jeopardize your rights. Consult an attorney promptly to identify which timelines apply to you.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A Minnesota injury attorney can identify all available insurance, manage no-fault and liability claims, preserve evidence from the rideshare app, coordinate benefits, and negotiate with multiple insurers. If settlement is not fair, your lawyer can file suit and represent you in court.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- Rideshare trip receipts and in-app screenshots
- Insurance cards (auto and health) and any policy documents you have
- Police report or incident number
- Photos and witness information
- Medical visit summaries and bills
- Any communications from insurers or the rideshare company
FAQ
Do I file a claim with my insurer if I was a passenger?
Often yes. Minnesota’s priority rules may route no-fault benefits through your own policy first, depending on your household and coverage. An attorney can confirm the correct insurer.
Can I recover pain and suffering?
Possibly, if you meet Minnesota tort thresholds and another party is liable. Evidence of medical treatment and the impact on your life will matter.
What if the rideshare driver was not at fault?
You may pursue claims against the at-fault driver and still access no-fault benefits. UM/UIM coverage can help if that driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Should I give a recorded statement?
Not to an opposing insurer without legal advice. Statements can be used to limit your claim.
Ready to Talk?
If you were hurt as a rideshare passenger in Minnesota, we can help you understand your options. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Sources
- Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance (Chapter 65B)
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.44 (Basic economic loss benefits)
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.47 (Priority of security)
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.49 (Required coverages; UM/UIM)
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.472 (Transportation Network Companies—Insurance)
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.51 (Tort thresholds)
- Minn. Stat. § 604.01 (Comparative fault)
- Minn. Stat. § 169.09 (Traffic accidents; reporting)
Disclaimer (Minnesota): This blog is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws change and results depend on specific facts. Consult a licensed Minnesota attorney about your situation.