St. Louis Rideshare Accident Attorney Assists Injured Passengers and Pedestrians
Experienced Missouri lawyer for Uber and Lyft injuries
Since their advent in 2009, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have changed the landscape of urban and suburban transportation. Their widespread use has led to an increase in all-hours traffic. Having more cars on the road, many of which are cruising until they get a fare, raises the chances of traffic accidents. Such events involve complicated insurance and liability issues. If you are injured in a rideshare crash, a skilled St. Louis rideshare accident attorney at the Guirl Law Firm can help you recover fair compensation for your losses.
Uber and Lyft traffic increases chances of accidents in St. Louis
The overall number of traffic accidents in St. Louis has risen since the easing of pandemic lockdowns in the early 2020s. Rideshare services have become much more popular, so people who would be using public transit are now often opting for an Uber or Lyft. Although statistics are not available, the added rideshare traffic appears to be a factor contributing to the increase in crashes and injuries.
Top causes of rideshare accidents
Rideshare drivers receive no special training or certification, so their skill level is uncertain to begin with. Also, drivers cruising the streets waiting for ride assignment may become bored and prone to distracted driving accidents. Drivers are typically anxious to pick up or drop off a fare so they can maximize their earnings, which means they may speed or drive aggressively. In addition, rideshare drivers may be behind the wheel for 10 to 12 consecutive hours. Many are moonlighting and could already be tired from their first job. The situation is rife for driver fatigue, which impairs performance.
Determining fault for rideshare injuries
As with any auto accident, an injured victim must prove a driver’s fault in order to recover damages. Just because a rideshare vehicle was involved in a crash does not mean its driver is to blame. Liability could lie with another driver, road conditions or mechanical failures. Our St. Louis car accident attorneys thoroughly investigate each crash to determine exactly who is responsible.
How insurance coverage works for rideshare accidents
The availability of insurance coverage can be a point of controversy in a rideshare accident case. The major rideshare companies have a three-tiered system of insurance for participating vehicles, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident:
- Rideshare app not activated — The driver is not working, so the driver’s own personal insurance is the only coverage available.
- Rideshare app engaged, no request — When a driver is available to receive a fare, the company provides $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage.
- Driver with passenger or en route to pick up — The rideshare company provides up to $1 million in liability insurance, plus up to $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
If a third-party driver was at fault, you may able to succeed in a claim against his or her insurer. If insufficient coverage is available, you can also seek compensation through your own policy’s uninsured or underinsured motorist clause.
Compensation for injuries in an Uber of Lyft accident
Victims of auto accidents are entitled to reimbursement of medical bills and lost earnings due to their inability to work. They are also entitled to compensation for pain and suffering and other noneconomic damages, which can be substantial. If you’re in a rideshare accident, the Guirl Law Firm will fight to recover the maximum damages possible by settlement or at trial.
Contact a knowledgeable St. Louis attorney for your rideshare accident claim
The Guirl Law Firm represents victims of vehicle accidents involving Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services in the greater St. Louis area. Call 314-391-2585 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation
