Carpool and ridesharing services like Lyft are becoming increasingly popular options throughout the country. In the event of a Lyft accident in St. Louis, you or your loved ones should know your options, including who can be held liable and what financial compensation you may be entitled to.
If you or a loved one has been in a carpool accident or ridesharing accident, speak to our car crash attorneys or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
McCready Law knows how to do deal with the complexities of a carpool or ridesharing accident. We know that in these rare situations, who is at fault can be confusing and how to receive the most in compensation for damages or injuries can also be a complex and difficult issue.
Our St. Louis ride-share accident lawyers have extensive experience litigating these cases and provide our clients with comprehensive legal counseling for all aspects of a carpool or ridesharing accident. If you or a loved one has suffered mental, physical, or financial harm in a carpool or ridesharing accident, let tour lawyers ensure you receive the fair and just compensation you deserve.
In general, an auto accident with a rideshare company is not vastly different from a standard car accident. You will have to prove liability, and the at-fault party and their insurance company are responsible for compensating you for your economic damages and non-economic damages, as well as any out-of-pocket expenses and pain and suffering.
The details of a rideshare accident can vary, affecting liability and compensation. Namely, the insurance policy limits and the fact that you’ll be going up against a large corporation instead of just an insurance adjuster. While it is always good to consult with an attorney for an injury claim, quality legal representation is a necessity if the liable party is a large corporation.
If you’re injured in an accident with a rideshare driver, follow these steps for your health, safety, and the success of your claim:
If you suffer injuries in a rideshare accident, you might need to collect from the driver’s insurance coverage to cover your losses. Missouri law requires rideshare drivers to carry liability insurance that meets certain minimum requirements, like any other driver.
Missouri’s current minimum liability coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.
These requirements ensure that both drivers and passengers have protection in the event of an accident. In addition to the minimum liability coverage, Lyft rideshare drivers should also consider additional insurance coverage options, like uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM).
Our St. Louis Lyft accident lawyers can assess the rideshare driver’s coverage and how it applies to your case. We can also determine if Lyft’s corporate coverage applies to your injuries and mount a fight to get the full recovery you deserve. Call [dynamic-phone-number] now to get started.
Lyft accidents can happen for any reason, and a typical car crash would happen. However, some common causes of rideshare accidents include:
One of the main causes of rideshare accidents is distracted driving. With smartphones and in-app navigation systems, rideshare drivers can easily become distracted while on the road. Checking for new trip requests, reading messages, or even looking for directions can take their attention away from driving, leading to accidents.
Rideshare drivers may work long hours to maximize their earnings. Unfortunately, this can lead to driver fatigue, impairing their ability to react quickly and make sound judgments on the road. Fatigued drivers may have reduced concentration, slower reaction times, and a higher risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, all of which are dangerous and can lead to accidents.
Unlike professional taxi drivers, rideshare drivers are not required to have extensive training or experience. Many rideshare drivers are part-time or non-professional drivers who may not have the same level of skill on the road. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to make errors in judgment, fail to anticipate hazards, or make other mistakes that can lead to accidents.
No matter what you believe caused your Lyft crash, reach out to our trusted St. Louis attorneys to get a legal opinion on whether you have a valid claim. Remember, you don’t have to determine liability for your rideshare accident alone.
In general, three main parties could be liable for your damages:
Whether you were a rideshare passenger or were hit while you were driving someone else, rideshare could be responsible for your injuries through negligence, just as any other driver could be. Uber’s insurance policy and Lyft’s insurance coverage are almost identical:
The extra insurance coverage if the driver was in the middle of a trip is key if your accident results in catastrophic injuries.
According to Uber’s US Safety Report, the accident rate for their drivers per mile is about half the national average. So, it’s very likely that a non-rideshare driver is responsible for your injuries. If another driver caused the accident, you would claim their insurance policy just as you normally would.
Missouri House Bill No. 130, enacted in 2017 to create limited regulations for “transportation network companies” like Lyft, requires them to conduct background checks on all of their drivers and require those drivers to have vehicle liability insurance. If they allow someone to drive for them who did not pass a background check, or you were hit by a driver off duty who did not have insurance, you may be able to hold them liable for your damages.
If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, you may be wondering what compensation you can recover for your injuries and losses. The good news is you may be entitled to different types of compensation based on the accident’s circumstances.
First and foremost, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses. This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical treatments for your injuries. Keeping detailed records of your medical expenses is crucial to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
In addition to medical expenses, you may also be able to recover compensation for lost wages. If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income now and in the future.
You may also qualify for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. This compensation is subjective, varying with injury severity and its impact on your daily life.
Our experienced attorneys can help you calculate the appropriate amount of compensation. We can explore whether punitive damages are available in your case, and we will not leave any stone unturned.
We are driven by shared passion for helping people injured in ride-share accidents. TIf you or a loved one has suffered due to a car accident, truck accident, or any other accident in the surrounding area, allow us to help you recover. Call us, fill out our contact form for a free consultation, and get started on the road to justice for you or your loved one.
You can always contact our St. Louis rideshare attorneys directly to discuss your concerns for free with experienced legal professionals.
In Missouri, personal injury claims, including rideshare accidents, have a five-year statute of limitations from the accident date. Consult our skilled St. Louis rideshare accident attorneys promptly to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
The length of a rideshare accident claim depends on case complexity, injury severity, and the insurance companies’ willingness to negotiate. Don’t waste time. Hire our experienced rideshare accident attorneys right away and we will handle the process as efficiently as possible.
In rideshare accident cases, the insurance process can be particularly challenging. Lyft offers liability coverage, but the amount depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the driver was offline or not providing a ride, their insurance usually applies in such cases. If the driver was active or accepted a ride, Lyft’s additional coverage may apply with legal assistance.
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your losses. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that overlook the full extent of your losses, if they accept liability. Our attorneys understand your case’s value and will fight for a fair, full settlement with insurers.
