Injured Passenger? Minnesota Rideshare Van Claims Guide

Who this guide is for

This guide is for passengers injured while riding in an app-based rideshare van or multi-passenger vehicle operating in Minnesota. It outlines how no-fault benefits, potential liability claims, and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply, and what steps you can take to protect your rights.

Minnesota is a no-fault state: what that means

Minnesota uses a no-fault auto insurance system. After a crash, certain medical expenses and related economic benefits are generally paid through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) regardless of fault. See Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 65B and § 65B.44 (basic economic loss benefits).

Priority rules determine which PIP policy pays first. Often it starts with your own auto policy, then a household member’s, and if none applies, the vehicle’s insurer. See § 65B.47 (priority of PIP benefits).

No-fault benefits do not automatically bar additional claims. If your injuries meet Minnesota’s statutory thresholds, you may pursue damages against an at-fault driver. See § 65B.51 (thresholds; tort liability).

Rideshare insurance layers for passengers

For app-based rides, coverage can depend on the driver’s app status and whether a prearranged ride is in progress. Minnesota law sets insurance requirements for transportation network companies (TNCs) and their drivers during different periods (for example, when the app is on but no ride is accepted, and during an accepted trip with passengers). See Minn. Stat. § 65B.4725 (TNC insurance requirements).

In multi-passenger vans, multiple injured people may make claims against the same policy limits, which can complicate allocation. Coverage for non-app vanpools or employer-arranged shuttles may differ based on the governing policy and program terms—review the specific policy language.

Medical bills and wage loss: where benefits may come from

As a passenger, PIP is typically the first source for medical expenses and certain wage loss, subject to policy terms and statutory limits. See § 65B.44. If another driver (including the rideshare driver) is at fault and your injuries meet the legal thresholds, you may seek additional damages (e.g., pain and suffering) through a liability claim under § 65B.51. If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, UM/UIM coverage may be available through your policy or another applicable policy; Minnesota requires UM/UIM coverage in most auto policies. See § 65B.49.

Fault, thresholds, and when you can pursue additional damages

Minnesota’s no-fault system limits smaller claims to PIP, but allows liability claims for more serious injuries that meet statutory thresholds. Thresholds under § 65B.51 (including specific categories such as medical expenses exceeding a statutory amount, disability of a specified duration, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement, or death) determine whether you can recover noneconomic damages from an at-fault driver. An attorney can assess whether your medical records and recovery course meet these standards.

What to do after a rideshare van crash

• Call 911 and get medical care. Report all symptoms, even if they seem minor.
• Document the scene: photos/video of vehicles, seating positions, airbags, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Collect information: rideshare trip screenshots, driver name, license plate, insurance details; contacts for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
• Preserve evidence: ride receipts, damaged items, medical records/bills, tow/repair documents, and any dashcam footage.
• Notify insurers promptly and consider reporting through the rideshare app. Be cautious with recorded statements to adverse insurers.

How claims typically proceed

1. Identify applicable PIP coverage and submit benefits claims (see § 65B.47).
2. Investigate fault using the crash report, statements, photos, and any available telematics or video.
3. Coordinate medical care; track bills and wage loss (see § 65B.44).
4. Evaluate liability and damages; if threshold is met, present a bodily injury claim to the at-fault insurer and, if needed, pursue UM/UIM (see § 65B.51 and § 65B.49).
5. If settlement is not reached, consider filing suit to preserve rights. Multi-passenger van cases may require careful strategy due to multiple claims against shared limits.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Delaying treatment or having gaps in care, which insurers may cite to dispute causation.
• Assuming the rideshare company’s highest coverage automatically applies; eligibility depends on app status and whether a prearranged ride was in progress (see § 65B.4725).
• Overlooking UM/UIM benefits if the at-fault driver has limited insurance (see § 65B.49).
• Posting about the crash on social media.
• Missing notices or deadlines under your policies or applicable law.

How an attorney can help

An attorney can identify all available coverage, coordinate no-fault benefits, evaluate threshold issues, preserve and analyze evidence, communicate with multiple insurers, and pursue liability and UM/UIM claims. In multi-passenger van incidents, counsel can help protect your share of limited policy proceeds and advise on settlement timing and liens.

FAQ

Do I use my own PIP if I was a passenger?

Often yes. Minnesota’s priority rules may start with your own auto policy’s PIP, then a household member’s, and if none applies, the vehicle’s insurer.

Can I recover pain and suffering?

Yes, if your injuries meet Minnesota’s statutory thresholds under § 65B.51, you may bring a liability claim against the at-fault driver.

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

UM/UIM coverage on your policy or another applicable policy may respond when liability limits are absent or insufficient.

Does the rideshare company’s highest coverage always apply?

No. Coverage limits depend on the driver’s app status and trip phase under Minnesota’s TNC law.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Deadlines depend on the type of claim and policy language. Talk to a Minnesota attorney promptly to protect your rights.

When to consider calling a lawyer

Consider legal help if you have significant injuries, disputed fault, multiple injured passengers, questions about which insurance applies, or pressure to settle quickly. Early advice can preserve your rights and clarify next steps. Contact our Minnesota injury team for a consultation.

Sources

• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 65B — Insurance (No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act)
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.44 — Basic economic loss benefits
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.47 — Priority of claims for basic economic loss benefits
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.51 — Thresholds; tort liability
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.49 — Insurance covering liability; UM/UIM requirements
• Minn. Stat. § 65B.4725 — Transportation Network Company (TNC) insurance

Note: Local ordinances and specific policy language can add requirements or change how coverage applies. Always review the policy and applicable local rules.

Need help? If you were injured as a rideshare passenger in Minnesota, contact us.