Know Your Rights: MN Passenger & Rideshare Van Injuries

Who This Guide Is For

This article is for people injured in Minnesota while riding as a passenger in a van, shuttle, or rideshare (e.g., Uber, Lyft), including airport shuttles, hotel vans, church or nonprofit vans, medical transport, school activity vans, and privately owned or commercial passenger vans.

First Things First: Safety and Documentation

• Call 911 and get medical help. Report the crash to law enforcement.
• Photograph the scene, vehicle positions, damage, and road conditions.
• Gather names, phone numbers, and insurance details for every driver and company involved.
• Save your ride receipt or trip record if in a rideshare app.
• See a doctor promptly and follow treatment. Keep all bills and proof of lost wages.
• Notify your own auto insurer promptly, even as a passenger.

Minnesota No-Fault (PIP) Benefits for Passengers

Minnesota is a no-fault state. Most injured passengers access Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for medical expenses and certain economic losses, regardless of who caused the crash. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.44 (Basic Economic Loss Benefits).

Which policy pays first can depend on whether you own a vehicle with PIP coverage, live with a relative who has coverage, or were occupying a covered vehicle at the time. Priority rules are set by Minn. Stat. § 65B.47 (Priority of Benefits). Deadlines and proof requirements apply, and coordination with health insurance can be complex—consider consulting counsel early.

When You Can Bring a Liability Claim

Beyond no-fault, you may pursue a claim against an at-fault driver or company if your injuries meet Minnesota’s tort thresholds and you can prove negligence. Minnesota’s No-Fault Act sets threshold requirements for pursuing tort damages. See Minn. Stat. § 65B.51 (Tort Liability; Apportionment of Damages; Thresholds).

Potentially responsible parties can include the van or shuttle driver, another motorist, a rideshare driver, an employer or transportation company, a vehicle owner, or a maintenance contractor. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, event data, dashcam footage, and company records can be critical.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Coverage Tiers

Rideshare liability insurance typically depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash:

• App off: The driver’s personal auto policy applies.
• App on, no ride accepted: Contingent coverage may apply above the driver’s policy.
• Ride accepted or passenger in vehicle: A higher commercial policy is usually in place.

Exact limits, notice requirements, and claims handling vary by company and policy language and can be affected by Minnesota law. Preserve app screenshots and trip receipts and report through the app promptly.

Commercial, Shuttle, and Vanpool Issues

Passenger vans and shuttles operated by businesses, hotels, schools, nonprofits, or medical providers may involve commercial insurance, employer liability, and regulatory safety standards. Depending on vehicle size and use, additional requirements may apply to driver qualifications, maintenance, and passenger safety. Contract terms between the operator, owner, and dispatcher can affect who is responsible.

Comparative Fault in Minnesota

Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule: your compensation can be reduced by your share of fault, and recovery is barred if your fault exceeds the defendant’s. See Minn. Stat. § 604.01. Fault can be disputed even for passengers (for example, knowingly riding with an impaired driver), though such defenses are fact-specific.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

If the at-fault driver lacks enough insurance, UM/UIM coverage under your own policy or a resident relative’s policy may help. Minnesota’s mandatory coverage provisions are in Minn. Stat. § 65B.49. Notice and consent-to-settle provisions can be technical—missing steps may jeopardize coverage. Put all potentially applicable insurers on notice early.

Special Considerations for Minors and Vulnerable Passengers

Claims involving children, elderly riders, or passengers with disabilities may require additional approvals or guardianship steps, and damages may consider long-term care or educational impacts. Retain all school, medical transport, or care-provider records tied to the trip.

Key Steps After a Minnesota Passenger Van or Rideshare Crash

• Get medical care and follow your treatment plan.
• Report to police and, for rideshares, through the app.
• Notify your auto insurer about no-fault/PIP and potential UM/UIM claims.
• Do not give recorded statements to other insurers without legal advice.
• Preserve evidence: photos, trip receipts, vehicle info, witness contacts, and medical bills.
• Consult a Minnesota injury attorney promptly to evaluate coverage, deadlines, and negotiations.

Deadlines and Notice Requirements

Minnesota law imposes time limits for injury claims, no-fault benefit applications, UM/UIM procedures, and potential claims against governmental entities. Contractual deadlines in rideshare and commercial policies may also apply. Timelines can vary based on the facts, the parties, and the type of claim. Speak with counsel as soon as possible to avoid missing a requirement.

FAQ

Do I file PIP with my insurer even if I was a passenger?

Often yes. Priority rules can route PIP to your policy, a resident relative’s policy, or the occupied vehicle’s policy. File promptly and in writing.

Can I sue if my injuries are minor?

To pursue pain and suffering in Minnesota, you generally must meet statutory thresholds such as medical expense minimums or a 60-day disability. Discuss your facts with counsel.

What if the driver who hit us is uninsured?

UM coverage may apply through your policy or a resident relative’s policy. Provide notice early and follow consent-to-settle requirements.

How long do I have to bring a claim?

Limitations depend on claim type and parties involved. Some claims have short contractual or statutory deadlines. Consult an attorney as soon as possible.

What Our Firm Does for Injured Passengers

• Investigate fault and preserve electronic and corporate records.
• Identify all insurance layers: PIP, liability, excess/umbrella, UM/UIM.
• Coordinate no-fault benefits and medical bill handling.
• Handle insurer communications and protect you from adjuster tactics.
• Retain experts in accident reconstruction, biomechanics, vocational loss, and life care planning when needed.
• Prepare your claim for strong settlement or trial.

Free Consultation

If you were injured as a passenger in a Minnesota van, shuttle, or rideshare, contact us for a free consultation. We can assess your coverage, responsibilities, and options under Minnesota law.

Sources

• Minnesota Statutes § 65B.44 (Basic Economic Loss Benefits)
• Minnesota Statutes § 65B.47 (Priority of Benefits)
• Minnesota Statutes § 65B.51 (Tort Liability; Apportionment of Damages; Thresholds)
• Minnesota Statutes § 65B.49 (Mandatory Coverages; UM/UIM)
• Minnesota Statutes § 604.01 (Comparative Fault)

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information about Minnesota law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and deadlines can change and depend on your specific facts. Consult a Minnesota attorney about your situation.