Minnesota Taxi & Uber Crash? Get Paid as a Passenger
In Minnesota, injured passengers can often use no-fault (PIP) benefits for medical and wage loss regardless of fault, and may also pursue claims against at-fault drivers and commercial/rideshare insurers where legally allowed. Coverage and priorities depend on state law and the facts of your crash. See Minnesota’s no-fault statutes and TNC insurance requirements for details: Minn. Stat. § 65B.44; Minn. Stat. § 65B.47; Minn. Stat. § 65B.472.
Your Rights as a Passenger in Minnesota
Passengers are generally not blamed for causing a motor-vehicle crash. Your focus is identifying all available insurance and documenting losses. Minnesota’s no-fault system pays certain medical and wage-loss benefits without proving fault (Minn. Stat. § 65B.44). Which policy pays first can depend on priority rules and your household coverage (Minn. Stat. § 65B.47).
Insurance Layers That May Apply
- Your Minnesota auto policy’s no-fault (PIP) benefits, if you have one (§ 65B.44).
- Uber/Lyft policies that change with the driver’s app status, as required by Minnesota law and the companies’ terms (§ 65B.472; Uber Insurance; Lyft Insurance).
- The taxi company’s commercial auto policy (coverage varies by company and policy).
- The at-fault driver’s liability policy (this could be another motorist, your taxi driver, or the rideshare driver).
Rideshare Coverage Basics (Uber and Lyft)
Coverage in Minnesota changes with the driver’s app status and applicable law:
- App off: The driver’s personal auto policy generally applies.
- App on, no ride accepted: Contingent liability coverage may apply above the driver’s personal policy; Minnesota sets minimum requirements for this period (Minn. Stat. § 65B.472).
- En route to pick up or during a trip: A higher-limit third-party liability policy is typically in place; Uber and Lyft describe $1,000,000 third-party liability during trips, with additional coverages subject to terms and state law (Uber Insurance; Lyft Insurance). Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also be available depending on the period and policy wording.
Taxi Coverage Basics
Taxi companies generally carry commercial auto insurance. Policies often include liability coverage and may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Terms, exclusions, and claim handling vary by company and insurer.
How Minnesota No-Fault (PIP) Works for Passengers
Minnesota no-fault pays certain medical and wage-loss benefits without regard to fault (Minn. Stat. § 65B.44). If you have Minnesota auto insurance, you may seek PIP under your policy; if not, coverage may be available through the vehicle you occupied or a household policy, based on priority rules (Minn. Stat. § 65B.47). Coordination can be complex when rideshare or taxi policies are involved.
When You Can Pursue Additional Compensation
Beyond no-fault, you may pursue a bodily injury claim against any at-fault driver or responsible company if Minnesota’s legal requirements are met. Minnesota’s no-fault law includes thresholds that affect recovery of certain non-economic damages (for example, a monetary medical-expense threshold or qualifying disability/permanency criteria) (Minn. Stat. § 65B.51, subd. 3). Potential damages can include medical expenses not covered by PIP, future care, wage loss, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering, depending on proof of liability and the thresholds.
Practical Steps After a Taxi or Uber/Lyft Crash
- Call 911 and get medical care. Ask for the incident number.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, drivers’ IDs, license plates, and app status screenshots if available.
- Identify all involved drivers, companies, and insurance information.
- Report the crash in the Uber/Lyft app and notify the taxi company, as applicable.
- Save medical bills, pharmacy receipts, rides, and proof of missed work.
- Avoid recorded statements to opposing insurers until you understand your rights.
Deadlines can be strict. Some Minnesota motor-vehicle injury claims may have a six-year statute of limitations (Minn. Stat. § 541.05), and shorter notice requirements can apply to claims involving government entities (Minn. Stat. § 466.05). Don’t delay.
Common Issues That Affect Payouts
- Disputes about the driver’s app status at the time of the crash.
- Coordination between your PIP benefits and rideshare/taxi/commercial coverage.
- Multiple injured passengers competing for limited policy limits.
- Uninsured/underinsured at-fault drivers.
- Gaps between no-fault benefits and your full losses.
Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Claim
- Lock down evidence early: Screenshot trip details and driver info within the app.
- Use one point of contact: Route insurer communications through you or your lawyer to avoid mixed messages.
- Track all losses: Keep a simple spreadsheet for mileage to medical visits, copays, and missed time.
- Mind medical follow-ups: Consistent treatment supports both recovery and documentation.
Passenger Claim Checklist
- Police report or incident number
- Photos/videos, dashcam, and witness contacts
- Uber/Lyft receipts and in-app messages
- Taxi company and driver details
- Health and auto insurance cards
- Medical records, bills, and proof of missed work
- Any denial letters or EOBs from insurers
How a Lawyer Helps
An attorney can identify all applicable insurance, coordinate no-fault benefits, gather evidence to prove liability, and document damages with medical and vocational support. Counsel also manages insurer communications, evaluates settlement offers, and files suit if needed to preserve your rights within the applicable deadlines.
Free consultation: If you were hurt as a passenger in a Minnesota crash, contact us for a free case review.
FAQ
Do I file PIP through my policy or the rideshare/taxi?
Priority rules may require you to use your own Minnesota PIP first if you have it; otherwise coverage may come from the occupied vehicle or a household policy. The facts determine priority.
Can I recover for pain and suffering?
Yes, if you meet Minnesota’s tort thresholds and prove fault against an at-fault driver or company.
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply through rideshare or commercial policies, or your own policy, depending on the circumstances and policy wording.
How long do I have to file?
Some motor-vehicle injury claims may have a six-year statute of limitations, but notice and other deadlines can be shorter. Consult counsel promptly.
Timing Matters
Acting promptly helps protect your right to no-fault benefits and any liability claims. Evidence of app status, trip logs, dashcam footage, and commercial policy details can be time-sensitive.
What to Bring to Your Free Consultation
- Police report or incident number
- Photos/videos and witness contacts
- Uber/Lyft trip receipts and in-app messages
- Taxi company details and driver info
- Health insurance and auto insurance cards
- Medical records, bills, and proof of missed work
Sources
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.44 — Basic economic loss benefits
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.47 — Priority of security for PIP
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.472 — Transportation network company driver coverage
- Uber Insurance (U.S.)
- Lyft Insurance
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.51, subd. 3 — Tort thresholds
- Minn. Stat. § 541.05 — Limitations; six years
- Minn. Stat. § 466.05 — Notice of claim (government entities)
- Minnesota Department of Commerce — Auto insurance basics
Minnesota-specific disclaimer
This article summarizes Minnesota law as of the review date and is for general information only; it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws, coverage, and deadlines vary by facts and may change. Consult a Minnesota attorney about your situation. For help now, contact us.