Injured as a Passenger? Minnesota Uber and Limo Claims Help

Who Pays When You are a Passenger?

Minnesota is a no-fault state. Your own auto policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) may help with medical expenses and certain economic losses regardless of fault. See Minn. Stat. ch. 65B. If you do not have a policy, PIP priority rules may route coverage to a resident relative’s policy or, in some scenarios, to the involved vehicle’s policy. See § 65B.47.

As a rideshare or limo passenger, additional coverage may be available through the company’s or driver’s policy, depending on whether a ride had been accepted and was in progress. If another driver caused the crash, that driver’s liability coverage may apply, and your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can be crucial if the at-fault driver has no or insufficient insurance. See § 65B.49.

Rideshare Coverage Basics in Minnesota

Transportation network companies (TNCs) operating in Minnesota must maintain specific insurance when a driver is logged into the app and when a ride is accepted or in progress. The applicable layer depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. See § 65B.472. As a passenger, claims typically arise during the period after the trip is accepted through drop-off, which triggers higher coverage maintained by or on behalf of the TNC. Coordinating that coverage with your PIP, health insurance, and any UM/UIM can be complex.

Limousines and Commercial Carriers

Limousine and other for-hire carriers must maintain financial responsibility under Minnesota law. See § 221.141 and related definitions in § 169.011. Depending on operations, some carriers may also be subject to federal motor carrier rules (for example, when operating in interstate commerce). If you are injured as a passenger, the carrier’s liability coverage may apply, and additional parties such as a negligent third-party driver, a maintenance provider, or a manufacturer in a defect case may be implicated.

What To Do After a Passenger Injury

• Seek medical care promptly and follow treatment plans.
• Report the incident in the rideshare app or to the limousine company and request the claim number.
• Gather driver and vehicle information, trip details, and photos of the scene and injuries if safe to do so.
• Preserve evidence: screenshots of the trip, receipts, and correspondence.
• Avoid recorded statements to insurers until you understand your rights.
• Consult a Minnesota injury attorney to coordinate PIP, liability, and UM/UIM claims.

Common Damages in Passenger Claims

Depending on the severity and documentation, recoverable losses can include medical expenses, wage loss, and replacement services under no-fault, with the potential for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages when Minnesota’s tort thresholds are met. Property damage to personal items in the vehicle may also be compensable. See § 65B.51.

Fault, Thresholds, and When You Can Sue

Minnesota’s no-fault system allows tort claims for non-economic damages only when statutory thresholds are satisfied (for example, certain medical expense levels or qualifying injuries). Whether and when those thresholds are met depends on your medical documentation and the nature of your injuries. See § 65B.51. If multiple parties share responsibility, comparative fault rules can affect the recovery. See § 604.01. Passengers are often not at fault, but disputes can arise over passenger conduct and other facts.

Special Issues in Rideshare and Limo Cases

• Multiple insurers: Your PIP, the rideshare or carrier policy, and any at-fault driver’s policy may all be implicated.
• Driver status disputes: Insurers may contest whether the app was on or whether the ride had begun.
• Independent contractor questions: These may affect how claims are routed but do not eliminate required insurance.
• UM/UIM: Essential when an at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient limits. See § 65B.49.
• Evidence from apps and telematics: Trip logs, GPS, and vehicle data can be critical to proving timing and fault.

How a Minnesota Attorney Can Help

An attorney can identify all potential coverages, protect you from premature settlements, coordinate benefits, and develop the medical and liability evidence needed to meet applicable thresholds. Early legal guidance helps preserve claims and maximize available benefits.

FAQ

Do I use my PIP even if I was in an Uber or limo?

Often yes. Minnesota’s priority rules may route initial medical and wage benefits to your own policy or a resident relative’s policy before other coverage applies.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?

UM or UIM coverage may apply through your policy or the rideshare/carrier policy, depending on the circumstances and policy language.

Will making a claim raise my premiums?

No-fault PIP claims can affect premiums depending on your insurer, but liability for a crash caused by someone else may not. Policies vary.

How long do I have to file?

Deadlines vary by claim type and policy. Some notices are time-sensitive. Speak with a Minnesota attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Act Promptly

Insurance policies and Minnesota law impose time limits and notice requirements. These can vary based on the type of claim, the parties involved, and the coverages at issue. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and your rights.

Next Steps

If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber, Lyft, or limousine in Minnesota, talk to a lawyer about your options. Bring your medical records, insurance information, trip receipt or ride details, and any claim correspondence so your attorney can evaluate all potential coverages and deadlines. Request a free consultation.

Sources

• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 65B (No-Fault Automobile Insurance)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.47 (Priority of applicable security for PIP benefits)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.49 (Liability; UM/UIM requirements)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.51 (Damages; thresholds for tort claims)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.472 (Transportation Network Company Insurance)
• Minn. Stat. § 169.011 (Definitions; for-hire carriers and limousines)
• Minn. Stat. § 221.141 (Insurance or bond of motor carriers)
• Minn. Stat. § 604.01 (Comparative Fault)

Last reviewed: 2025-08-19

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 deadlines can change and may vary by situation; consult a Minnesota attorney about your specific facts.