St. Louis Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers
Speak to A Professional About Your Rideshare Accident Claim
Uber and Lyft are the two most popular rideshare companies in St. Louis and across the United States. Despite the popularity of these companies, they are never eager to help out when a crash involves one of their drivers. Most people who have been in Uber or Lyft accidents have run into trouble seeking the compensation they are owed.
That’s why our St. Louis Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at DM Injury Law are here for you. We’ll listen to your story and help you navigate this complicated process.
Tell us about your experience over a free consultation. We are a contingency-fee law firm, which means you only pay if we win your case.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation.
What to Do if Your Uber or Lyft Gets in An Accident
After you’ve been in a rideshare accident, stay as calm as possible. This is easier said than done, but it’s important to get as much information and evidence as possible.
- Seek Medical Attention: You may not notice or feel any injuries right away, but sometimes they don’t appear after some time has passed. Seeing a doctor can ensure that you get ahead of any injuries and also creates a record of treatment, which is beneficial when filing an Uber or Lyft lawsuit.
- Call 911: You are required to file a police report. If anyone has suffered catastrophic injuries, make sure to call an ambulance.
- Do NOT Admit Fault: No matter what, do not admit fault to the police or any other person at the scene. Do not say things like, “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault,” as it can be held against you when filing your claim.
- Collect Evidence and Information: Make sure to get the names, contact information, and insurance coverage of all of the parties involved in the accident. Since Uber and Lyft are companies, ask the driver about their liability policy. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses that can testify on your behalf. If safe, take pictures and videos of the collision to show what happened.
- Speak to a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer: Hiring an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in St. Louis will increase your chances of receiving financial compensation. They will help you file a rideshare claim and negotiate with the insurance companies.
Understand Liability in Uber and Lyft Accidents
While car accidents are overwhelming by themselves, adding another party can make the process more challenging. Since Uber and Lyft are commercial vehicles, pinpointing who is at fault can be difficult.
There are some special considerations when it comes to rideshare accidents:
- Driver Classification: Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This distinction can complicate liability, potentially protecting the rideshare company from responsibility for damages beyond their insurance coverage.
- Insurance Coverage: Uber and Lyft carry $1 million insurance policies to cover crashes caused by drivers using their apps. However, securing coverage isn’t guaranteed—you may still need to fight for compensation.
- Driver Qualifications: Unlike commercial drivers, who must meet strict hiring standards, Uber and Lyft drivers often face minimal screening. Drivers with poor driving records or criminal histories, including violent offenses, may still qualify. These qualifications—or the lack thereof—can play a role in determining liability.
That’s why it’s important to speak to a St. Louis Uber accident lawyer so you can confidently navigate this legal process.
Who Can Be At-Fault for Rideshare Accidents?
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, determining fault can be difficult. Whether your accident involved a motorcycle, car, or truck, it’s important to speak to a St. Louis personal injury lawyer to go over the possibilities.
You may be able to hold the following parties accountable for the car accident:
- The Lyft or Uber drivers
- A third-party driver
- Uber or Lyft companies
However, some considerations need to be taken into account:
- The Driver Was Offline: If the Lyft or Uber driver wasn’t logged into the app, you’ll likely need to file a claim with their personal insurance.
- The Driver Was Logged In but Without Passengers: If the driver was logged into the app but had no passengers, Uber or Lyft’s insurance might cover:
- $50,000 per person for injuries
- $100,000 per accident for injuries
- $25,000 for property damage
- The Driver Was En Route or with a Passenger: When a driver is driving to pick up a passenger or already has a passenger in the car, both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies up to $1 million in coverage.
Tell the details about your accident to a St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, rideshare accident attorney over a free consultation.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber or Lyft Claim in Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri
- Accident Claim: You have 5 years to file an Uber and Lyft car accident claim in Missouri.
- Wrongful Death Claim: If a loved one died in a rideshare accident, you have 3 years to file a wrongful death claim in Missouri.
Illinois
- Accident Claim: You have 2 years to file a rideshare accident claim in Illinois.
- Wrongful Death Claim: If a loved one died in an Uber or Lyft accident, you have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois.
What Damages Can I Seek if I’m Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
You can seek financial compensation after being the victim of a car accident with an Uber or Lyft.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable losses that you deserve to be paid for, including:
- Medical bills
- Rehab and therapy
- Long-term or in-home care
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial costs (if the accident resulted in wrongful death)
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more complicated to measure because they are subjective. The can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of a partner
- PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of independence
- Disfigurement or scarring
To seek the highest amount of financial compensation possible, speak to our St. Louis Lyft accident lawyers during a free consultation.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
There are numerous reasons you can be in a rideshare accident. Most times, the circumstances are out of your control.
- Distracted driving
- Texting
- Eating
- Social media
- Using GPS
- Drunk or high driving
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Illegal turns
- Tailgating and rear-ending
- And more
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
DM Injury Law is here to fight for your rights after you’ve been in an Uber and Lyft accident. Our St. Louis and East St. Louis rideshare accident attorneys will listen to your story and make a strong case on your behalf.
Schedule your free consultation today. You don’t have to pay us unless we win your case.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results, and every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.
