St. Louis Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation for many people, making it easier and more convenient than ever to get around St. Louis. However, with the rise in rideshare usage, there has also been an increase in Uber and Lyft accidents. Researchers link the rideshare services to a 3 percent increase in fatal accidents alone.
As St. Louis rideshare accident attorneys, the team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC wants victims to understand their legal rights after these complex crashes. You could be entitled to money for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more from the at-fault party, though getting it could prove challenging. Let us help you seek maximum compensation for your losses.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our award-winning personal injury lawyers, and let’s put our decades of experience to work for you.
Why Our Firm Is the Right Choice After a Rideshare Crash
Traffic accidents involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle are rarely simple to resolve. Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC has the experience and resources necessary to handle complex rideshare accident claims. Since 1999, we’ve been committed to providing personalized service and aggressive representation to the people who need it most.
Here’s what you get when you work with our firm:
- Extensive knowledge – Our St. Louis rideshare accident attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the specific laws and regulations governing rideshare services. We can handle your case effectively and pursue compensation from every available source.
- Results-oriented representation – Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our past successes demonstrate our ability to win complex cases and secure substantial settlements or verdicts for our clients.
- Client-centered advocacy – We prioritize your needs and keep you informed throughout the legal process. You will get your attorney’s personal cell phone number, and we will always return your calls promptly.
- Accessible representation – Our rideshare accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. We do not think your financial means should be a barrier to securing justice.
Complicating Factors in Rideshare Accident Cases
Several factors can make rideshare accident cases more complicated than other injury claims, including:
- Multiple parties – In addition to the driver, the rideshare company, other drivers, and even third-party companies could be involved. That can complicate the process of determining liability and requires thorough investigation and legal knowledge.
- Company liability – Rideshare companies are rarely directly liable for car accidents, as they classify their drivers as independent contractors. However, there are situations where they might share blame, such as by letting drivers with a history of collisions work in their networks.
- Complex insurance policies – Rideshare companies have their own insurance policies that interact with the driver’s personal auto insurance. Navigating how these overlap to determine which applies and when can be challenging without the help of a knowledgeable attorney.
Determining Liability for a Crash Involving a Rideshare Driver
Who should pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other bills after an Uber or Lyft accident? The answer could involve one or more liable parties, including:
- Rideshare driver – The Uber or Lyft driver could be liable for your injuries if their negligence led to the crash. Examples include speeding, becoming distracted by GPS instructions, or making lane changes without signaling.
- Rideshare company – While rideshare companies attempt to avoid employer liability by classifying their drivers as independent contractors, there are situations where they might be to blame for an accident. For example, rideshare companies that fail to properly vet drivers or enforce safety standards could be liable for a crash.
- Other drivers – In some cases, liability rests with people other than the rideshare driver or the rideshare company. Another driver might be to blame if their negligence initiated the car accident.
Insurance Coverage for St. Louis Rideshare Accidents
The extent of a rideshare driver’s insurance coverage depends partly on what they were doing at the time of the accident. When the driver isn’t logged into the app, their personal auto insurance policy applies. However, if the app is on, but they have not accepted the ride, the rideshare company’s insurance may augment the driver’s coverage.
Uber and Lyft have comparable liability coverage if the driver is logged in but has yet to accept riders. Both companies provide:
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- Up to $25,000 for property damage
Note that the rideshare company’s policy will only apply if the driver does not have personal insurance meeting at least those minimums.
Uber and Lyft have $1 million liability coverage that applies to rides in progress or when rideshare drivers are en route to pick up a passenger.
Types of Compensation Available for People Hurt in Rideshare Crashes
You could recover compensation after a rideshare accident to pay for such expenses as:
- Current and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment
- Lost wages and loss of potential future earnings due to injuries
- Pain and suffering for physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage expenses to repair or replace personal property
Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit over a Rideshare Accident in St. Louis
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is five years from the date of the accident. However, it’s crucial to act quickly because waiting too long could result in losing critical evidence and fading memories of witnesses. Talk to our St. Louis rideshare accident attorneys now so we can start investigating your accident and building a strong claim for compensation.
How Our St. Louis Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Help
Working with an attorney removes the burden of dealing with the insurance company and filing confusing legal paperwork. By entrusting your case to our skilled legal team, you focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities and fight for the best possible outcome for you.
Our St. Louis rideshare accident lawyers are ready to:
- Investigate the accident – We thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. The investigation could include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, accessing driver records, obtaining onboard data, and analyzing police reports, for example.
- Negotiate with insurance companies – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but our experienced attorneys know how to counter their tactics. We use our negotiating skills to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and expenses.
- Take your case to court – If negotiations with the insurance company fail to yield a fair settlement, we will be ready to take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and can present compelling arguments on your behalf.
Don’t wait to get the help you need with your personal injury claim. Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today for a free consultation with a St. Louis rideshare accident lawyer.