St. Louis Uber Accident Lawyer
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have changed how we get around St. Louis. While they are convenient, they also bring new risks to our roads. If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, you might feel overwhelmed. Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and recovering from injuries is hard enough without the added confusion of complex rideshare laws.
At The Super Lawyer, we understand that rideshare accident cases are different from standard car crashes. You need a legal team that knows how to navigate the specific rules regarding commercial insurance and liability. Whether you were a passenger in the Uber, a driver of another car, or a pedestrian, our St. Louis attorneys are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Makes Uber Accidents Different?
Many people assume that an Uber crash is handled just like any other car accident. However, these cases are much more complicated. In a typical crash, you usually deal with the at-fault driver’s personal insurance. In an Uber or Lyft accident, the insurance situation depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash.
Personal auto insurance policies often deny coverage if the driver was using their vehicle for business. This means you must often rely on Uber’s corporate insurance policy, which has different tiers of coverage. Having an experienced lawyer is vital to ensure you are looking for money in the right places.
Understanding Uber Insurance Coverage Limits
Uber’s insurance coverage changes based on the driver’s status. This concept is often referred to as “periods of coverage.” Understanding these periods is key to your claim.
- Period 1: The App is On, But No Ride is Accepted. This is known as a period of inactivity. If the driver causes a crash while waiting for a ride request, Uber provides limited liability coverage. However, the driver’s personal insurance is usually the primary coverage here.
- Period 2: En Route to Pick Up a Passenger. Once a driver accepts a ride, Uber’s higher level of commercial insurance kicks in. This usually covers up to $1 million in liability.
- Period 3: Passenger is in the Car. While you are riding in the Uber, both the driver and passengers are covered by the $1 million policy. This also includes UM/UIM coverage (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) if another driver hits your Uber and they don’t have enough insurance.
Determining Fault in St. Louis Uber Accidents
Proving who is responsible for the accident is the first step in your case. Missouri follows a rule called comparative fault. This means that more than one person can be blamed for an accident. Even if you were partially at fault (for example, if you were driving another car involved in the crash), you might still be able to recover some damages.
We investigate the accident scene, review police reports, and gather evidence to prove liability. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, your case may be filed in the St. Louis Circuit Court. We know the local court system and how to present a strong case to a judge or jury.
Common Injuries and Compensation Types
Rideshare accidents can happen anywhere, from busy downtown streets to accident hotspots like I-64 or I-70. The injuries can be severe, ranging from whiplash to broken bones or head trauma. We help you seek compensation for:
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- Medical Bills: This covers hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical needs. We also help you handle medical liens so you don’t have to pay everything out of pocket immediately.
- Lost Wages:Â If you cannot work because of your injuries, you deserve to be paid for that lost time.
- Pain and Suffering:Â This accounts for the physical pain and emotional stress caused by the accident.
Steps to Take Immediately After an Uber Crash
Protecting your rights starts the moment the accident happens. If you are physically able, try to follow these steps:
- Call 911:Â Ensure the police come to the scene to file an official report. This is a crucial piece of evidence.
- Seek Medical Attention:Â Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Adrenaline can hide injuries.
- Gather Information:Â Get the names, insurance details, and contact info of all drivers involved.
- Document the Ride:Â Take a screenshot of your Uber or Lyft app showing the ride is in progress. This proves the driver’s status.
- Take Photos:Â Pictures of the damage, the street, and your injuries help tell the story later.
- Contact a Lawyer:Â Do not sign anything from an insurance company before speaking to an attorney.
Missouri Rideshare Laws and Regulations
Missouri has specific laws governing transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. These laws dictate background checks, vehicle safety standards, and insurance minimums. Additionally, you must be aware of the Missouri statute of limitations. In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this sounds like a long time, building a case takes time. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence and witnesses forgetting details.
Why Choose The Super Lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us any legal fees unless we win your case. We take the financial risk so you can focus on healing. Our goal is to maximize your settlement and ensure the big insurance companies treat you fairly.
FAQs
First, check for injuries and call 911. Make sure to get a police report. Take photos of the scene and screenshot your ride status in the app. Finally, seek medical attention right away and contact a lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters.
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Yes. If you are a passenger during an active ride, you are generally covered by Uber’s $1 million liability policy. This applies regardless of whether your Uber driver or another vehicle caused the crash.
Most reputable injury lawyers, including us, work on a contingency fee. You pay $0 upfront. We only get paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict we win for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay legal fees.
In Missouri, you typically have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is best to start your claim as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
Liability can be complex. It could be the Uber driver, another driver, or even Uber itself in rare cases of negligence (like hiring a driver with a bad record). We help determine exactly who is responsible.
Suing Uber directly is difficult because they classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. However, you can file a claim against their commercial insurance policy, which is usually where the compensation comes from.
Every case is different. Simple claims might settle in a few months, while cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability can take a year or more. We work to resolve your case efficiently without sacrificing the value of your settlement.
You can recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical care costs related to the accident.
Even in minor accidents, insurance companies often try to underpay. A lawyer can review your case for free to tell you if the settlement offer is fair or if you are leaving money on the table.
If you were driving for Uber and another car hit you, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. If you were at fault, Uber’s insurance might cover your liability depending on which “period” of the ride you were in, but it may not cover damage to your own car unless you have specific contingent collision coverage.
Get Help With Your St. Louis Uber Accident Claim
Don’t let insurance companies push you around after a rideshare accident. Whether you were using Uber or Lyft, you have rights. The team at The Super Lawyer is ready to investigate your crash, handle the paperwork, and fight for the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.
