St. Louis Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2024 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in St. Louis, you may be wondering what your legal options are. You may opt to file a personal injury claim against the driver, the company, or both.
After an Uber or Lyft accident, the first step will be to contact an experienced St. Louis rideshare accident lawyer at NST Law to discuss your case. Your lawyer will review the facts of your case and help you determine who may be liable for your injuries.
If the driver was at fault, you might be able to file a claim against their insurance company. Additionally, you may be able to file a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft directly if the company is at fault.
Table Of Contents
- How is my driver screened?
- How do I know if my driver is liable?
- How much is my rideshare accident case worth?
- What types of insurance coverage do rideshare drivers and companies have to have?
- Responsibility for rideshare accidents
- Rideshare company liability
- What should I do if I sustained injuries in a rideshare accident?
- After an Uber or Lyft accident, our attorneys can help
- How can our St. Louis personal injury lawyers at NST Law help you after a rideshare accident?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is my driver screened?
Rideshare drivers are typically screened by their employer through an application process and background check.
The screening process may vary depending on the company, but it usually includes reviewing the applicant’s criminal history, motor vehicle record, and personal references.
Some companies also require drug testing or a physical examination. Once hired, rideshare drivers must complete training on how to use the company’s app and how to safely transport passengers.
How do I know if my driver is liable?
If you’re injured in an accident while being transported by a ride-sharing service, it’s essential to know whether the driver is an employee of the company. If they are, the company may be held liable for your injuries.
However, if the driver is classified as an independent contractor, they may be solely responsible. To determine this, you’ll need to look at how the driver is paid and whether they use their own vehicle.
If you’re unsure whether your driver was an independent contractor or employee, it’s always best to speak with a lawyer who can help protect your rights.
How much is my rideshare accident case worth?
When you’re considering how much your ride-sharing accident case is worth, there are a few factors to think about. One of the most important factors is the extent of your injuries.
If you have suffered severe injuries that resulted in significant medical bills and lost wages, your case is likely worth more than if you only suffered minor injuries.
Another factor that can affect the value of your case is whether the driver or company was negligent. If they were clearly at fault, it might be easier to obtain compensation during negotiation.
Finally, the amount of insurance coverage available in your case will also play a role in its value. If the driver has very little insurance, it may be more difficult to recover damages after a serious accident.
To get a better idea of how much your case is worth, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will be able to evaluate the facts of your case and give you a better idea of what you can expect to receive in compensation.
What types of insurance coverage do rideshare drivers and companies have to have?
There are a few types of insurance coverage that ride-sharing services should have. The first is liability insurance, which covers damages that the driver may be responsible for.
The second is uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which covers damages if the driver is in an accident with someone who does not have insurance or has a low amount of coverage.
Finally, the company should have cargo insurance, covering any damaged or lost property during transport.
Responsibility for rideshare accidents
When an Uber or Lyft driver is involved in an accident, they assume liability. From a legal perspective, anyone operating a motor vehicle owes a duty of care to other road users. While Missouri laws hold accident-causing drivers responsible, the legal process still requires the injured party to file a claim, which necessitates a determination of liability.
Two aspects play a significant role in this process:
- The app is switched off or on. If the rideshare app was off during the accident, the driver is at fault, and their insurance plan pays the damages. Likewise, if the app was active, the driver is still liable.
- The app is switched on, and the driver has a passenger. Once a driver has been matched with a passenger, and they’re on the way to pick them up, the rideshare company assumes responsibility. The same rule applies when a passenger has already boarded and is en route to their drop-off point.
Rideshare company liability
Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors. They have the freedom to set their own working hours, and they must provide their own equipment and forfeit employment benefits like retirement or medical insurance plans.
As an incentive, both service providers offer liability coverage for their drivers. Uber and Lyft provide drivers with policies having $50,000 injury liability, $100,000 total liability, and $25,000 property damage liability when the driver’s app is on. If picking up or already carrying a passenger, the company’s liability coverage increases to $1 million.
What should I do if I sustained injuries in a rideshare accident?
Accidents can cause mental and bodily harm, even if you have no visible injury or physical pain. Immediately after the accident and sustaining injuries, you can be confused, traumatized, or in shock. Therefore, it’s important to undergo a full medical evaluation by a licensed medical professional to avoid missing internal injuries that can take hours or days to become apparent.
After you’re safe and receiving appropriate treatment, you can focus on protecting your legal right to recover compensation for your damages by holding the liable person or persons accountable.
After a rideshare accident, you should do the following:
- Notify the police.
Call law enforcement immediately regardless of whether you’re injured or not. With a police officer on the scene, you protect yourself from potential blame by the cab driver. Besides, insurance claims typically require a police report, as do personal injury lawsuits.
- Seek medical attention.
Whether you have an apparent injury or not, you should not take accidents lightly, nor should you risk missing a serious injury. Seek immediate medical attention and let the doctors confirm that you’re out of danger. Some injury symptoms don’t manifest until much later. Only a complete medical check-up can reveal if you require further care.
- Document the incident.
Attorneys and insurance companies use accident scene evidence to prove liability, damages, and your claim’s value. Therefore, take as many photos as possible, starting with the vehicles, your injuries, and your surroundings. Make sure to capture views from different angles, and if there are notable landmarks nearby or road hazards, include those. Note the time of day and any weather or traffic conditions.
- Gather information.
Obtain driver information, including names, cell phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance data. Make sure to get the makes and models of the vehicles involved. Also, talk to eyewitnesses and obtain their contact information to follow up with them for statements or additional recollections or corroborations of events.
- Report the accident to the rideshare company.
Notify the rideshare company about the accident. Share similar information with your insurer so that they can immediately open a report and start documenting it. Uber and Lyft driver partnerships come with liability insurance to cover property damage and personal injuries. Therefore, you must contact these providers directly. You need to have photo evidence and a police report to process a valid accident claim with insurance companies.
- Consult a lawyer.
Uber and Lyft are service providers, but their main objective is to return a profit. For you, what this means is these companies will focus on escaping liability and protecting their bottom line by defending their drivers and reputations. You must seek legal representation to help protect your interests too. With a car accident attorney by your side, you can ensure professional handling of your claim and strong negotiations to obtain fair compensation.
After an Uber or Lyft accident, our attorneys can help
Sharpening your knowledge of how the legal system works regarding ride-sharing is crucial to your general safety. So much happens on the roads, and you are better off prepared.
When you connect with one of our Uber accident lawyers, you will walk with them in your journey toward obtaining justice for your predicament. Knowing that we are there for you will help you avoid stressful situations when the inevitable happens.
How can our St. Louis personal injury lawyers at NST Law help you after a rideshare accident?
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident and you’re seeking legal assistance, our personal injury lawyers at NST Law can help you through the legal process, prepare the required paperwork, ensure the timely filing of your claim or a civil lawsuit, and provide you with necessary legal representation.
We know how to get the most out of your claim and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive your compensation.
Additionally, we offer free consultations, so you can find out exactly how we can help you before making any decisions. Contact NST Law today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Being involved in an accident when you’re not the driver and it’s not your vehicle can be confusing. If you sustained an injury in the accident, you likely have questions about your options to recover your expenses related to your harm. At NST Law, we are transparent with all of our clients, providing you with the answers you need to decide your next steps.
It depends on the circumstances of the accident, but injuries sustained in a ride-sharing accident can range from mild to severe. If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
If you’re injured in a ride-sharing accident, speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer is vital to learn about your legal rights and options.
If you sustain minor injuries after a ride-sharing accident, you should still receive a thorough medical evaluation. Sometimes, injuries take time to surface. Also, due to the adrenaline following an accident, you might think you’re okay when you’re not.
If you’ve sustained injuries in an Uber accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver or the company. To win your case, you’ll need to prove that the driver or the company was negligent in some way and that their negligence led to your injuries.
If you’re unsure whether you have a case due to your minor injuries or seemingly unsubstantial losses, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options.
Many factors can contribute to ride-sharing accidents, including:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phone or other passengers in the car may not be paying attention to the road
- Fatigued driving: Driving for long periods or late at night or during the early morning hours can be tiring
- Reckless driving: Some drivers may drive recklessly to get to their destination faster and be available to transport higher numbers of riders for more money
Poor weather conditions can also make it more difficult to see and navigate the road, leading to accidents.
If you’re injured in an accident while using a ride-sharing service, you should take the following steps to safeguard yourself and your rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Gather information about your driver, the other driver, and the accident
- File a claim with the ride-sharing company
Additionally, you should contact an attorney.
If you’ve been injured in an accident while riding in a ride-sharing vehicle, you may be wondering about the time frame required to file a lawsuit against the company.
In most cases, you will have five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit if you were injured and you’re seeking damages for medical expenses or lost wages.
However, filing as soon as possible after the accident may help strengthen your case for compensation and can ensure your lawsuit is timely to avoid your case being dismissed. It’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer to determine how much time you have to file an Uber accident claim.