If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, it can be a confusing and stressful situation. It can be overwhelming to determine who is responsible and whom to file your personal injury claim with, especially if you are out of town or on vacation during the incident. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights. With the complexities of being in a Uber or Lyft rideshare accident, having a knowledgeable advocate on your side can make all the difference. If ever there is a time when you desperately need a strong legal advocate, this is it. Speaking to an experienced St. Louis Uber accident lawyer from Finney Injury Law can make all the difference in the outcome of your Uber or Lyft accident. When you choose Finney Injury Law, you choose a quality law firm with an impeccable reputation.
With more than 100 positive reviews, we have an award-winning trial lawyer, staff that speaks both Spanish and English, and 24/7 availability. If your injuries are too severe to come to us, we will schedule a virtual visit to discuss your accident. Uber and Lyft accidents can be filled with difficulties; you do not have to deal with the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident on your own—Finney Injury Law is ready to help.
About Uber and Lyft
Uber was founded in 2009, with Lyft launching not far behind in 2012. Uber went public in 2019, making history in a negative way with the biggest first-day dollar loss in U.S. history. Despite that bump, Uber remains the top rideshare company and is currently worth about $57.7 billion. Although Uber has faced fierce resistance from the taxi industry and government regulators, they currently have 72 percent of the rideshare business, followed by Lyft, with about 26 percent.
The popularity of ride-sharing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, has continued to rise in recent years as more people opt for these services in lieu of traditional taxis, rental cars, or their own vehicles. While they offer convenience and affordability, there is also an inherent risk that comes with using ride-sharing services. In the event of an accident involving a ride-share driver, it can be difficult to navigate the often-complex insurance and legal issues that follow.
Uber releases a safety report every two years, but it may not include all accidents involving their drivers. Lyft, on the other hand, has not released any accident statistics, although they have committed to conducting more thorough background checks on their drivers as an added layer of safety. It is essential for riders to remain vigilant of their surroundings while using any transportation services, as rideshare companies are not immune to accidents.
What Steps Should You Take Following an Accident with an Uber or Lyft?
Being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident can shake you up and make you uncertain of the steps you should take to safeguard a future accident claim. As with any accident, your health is the single most important issue following an accident. You should be checked out at the hospital’s emergency room or by your own doctor if you are in the city where you live.
You may think you are fine due to the jolt of adrenaline that goes through your body during an accident, masking injury symptoms, only to realize later that you suffered injuries—perhaps even severe injuries—related to the accident.
If you do not seek medical attention, the insurer of the at-fault driver may try to deny your claim. Following your Uber or Lyft accident, it is important to do the following things:
- Exchange contact information with the drivers involved in the accident—your Uber or Lyft driver, as well as the other driver or drivers involved in the accident.
- Call 911 and wait for the police to arrive. Ask the officer when a police report will be ready for you to pick up or get online. This police report may or may not definitively state which driver is responsible for the accident. Either way, it’s an important piece of evidence, but if it clearly states which driver was at fault, it becomes even more important.
- If your injuries are not too severe, take photos of the accident scene, both vehicles and anything else that indicates what happened.
- If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information. This could potentially be invaluable information for your attorney later on.
- Once you are home, take the time to write down everything you can remember about the Uber or Lyft accident, then contact your own insurance company to inform them of the accident. If it turns out that the at-fault driver did not have insurance, you might have to file against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage—if you have that coverage.
- Speak to a knowledgeable St. Louis Uber accident attorney following your accident.
Following your Uber or Lyft accident, liability must be definitively proven so that you can receive a full and fair settlement for your injuries. If one of the drivers is issued a citation, perhaps for running a red light or another type of reckless driving, that citation can go a long way toward proving liability. When fault is unclear, all the insurance companies involved may conduct their own investigation. Your Finney Injury Law St. Louis Uber accident lawyer will conduct an investigation on your behalf with the goal of obtaining the best settlement possible for you.
Can You Sue for Negligence Following an Uber or Lyft Accident?
When it comes to rideshare services, it’s important to understand the insurance policies in place. Both Uber and Lyft have insurance, but it’s important to note that their insurance policies will only kick in under very specific circumstances. If the other driver is at fault, you must file a claim against their insurance. However, if your rideshare driver is at fault, you’ll need to file a claim against their personal auto insurance. In the event that the rideshare driver’s app is open and showing they picked you up, and the at-fault party’s insurance is not enough to cover your injuries, Uber or Lyft may provide coverage. To get the settlement, you need to cover all your injuries and damages fully; it’s best to consult with a St. Louis Lyft attorney who can advise you on whom to hold responsible.
Would Uber or Lyft Be Held Liable for an Accident?
As noted above, Uber or Lyft will only be held liable for an accident under very specific circumstances. All Missouri Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry the minimum level of insurance in the state. Their insurer may require them to carry more insurance if they are considered a “commercial” driver. You should check your own insurance policy to make sure you have elected to carry uninsured/underinsured coverage in the event an at-fault driver has no insurance. If the third-party driver is at fault and has no insurance, you will likely be required to file under your uninsured/underinsured insurance before you can file a claim directly against Uber or Lyft. Because these accidents can be so complex, it is extremely important that you speak to a knowledgeable St. Louis Uber Accident lawyer from Finney Injury Law as quickly as possible.
Should You Hire a St. Louis Uber Accident Lawyer Near You?
The complexities associated with Uber and Lyft accidents can be confusing. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, determining who the liable party or parties are, then will file a personal injury claim on your behalf after calculating all your damages. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, future lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages caused by the accident. Our trial attorneys will always be 100 percent ready to take your case to trial when necessary, while also being experienced negotiators. We will never leave you with injuries, unable to work, and not knowing where to turn, rather, we will be the legal advocate you need and deserve.
How a St. Louis Lyft Accident Attorney from Finney Injury Law Can Help You
Sustaining an injury after an Uber or Lyft accident can be a complex and confusing ordeal. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. That’s where Finney Injury Law comes in. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing a fair settlement. We understand the stress and anxiety that can come with being injured and unable to work. We make it our priority to guide you through the legal process, providing clear explanations of your options and answering any questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to contact Finney Injury Law today for the dedicated representation you deserve.