Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Minnesota

While an Uber/Lyft-type (transportation network company) driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride (P1), coverage must be at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for death or bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage, plus no-fault (basic economic loss) benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage where required. From accepting a ride through drop-off (P2 and P3), liability coverage must be at least $1,500,000 for death, injury or property damage, plus no-fault and uninsured/underinsured coverage where required. During P2 and P3 the company must also carry at least $1,000,000 per incident of injury coverage for the driver at no cost to the driver.

Minnesota is a no-fault state. Required residual liability coverage is at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage. Basic economic loss (PIP) benefits must be at least $40,000 per person: $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for income loss, replacement services, funeral and survivor's loss. A person may recover noneconomic damages in an auto case only if medical expenses exceed $4,000 or the injury results in permanent disfigurement, permanent injury, death, or disability for 60 days or more.

Modified comparative fault (51% bar). The injured person's own fault does not bar recovery if it was not greater than the fault of the person being sued, but damages are reduced in proportion to the injured person's share of fault. The doctrine of last clear chance is abolished.

Generally six years for injury to the person not arising on contract (which covers negligence claims). Two years for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment or "other tort resulting in personal injury." Four years for strict product liability claims.