St. Louis Lyft Accident Lawyer

What to expect

You don’t have to face a rideshare injury claim alone

Ridesharing options like Lyft have become commonplace in today’s society. And it’s easy to see why: these services provide affordable and convenient transportation. There are over 23 million Lyft users and about 1.4 million drivers, which will likely increase in the following years.

However, as more and more people use ridesharing apps like Lyft, the risks of getting into a car accident increase significantly.

The problem with Lyft accidents is that victims often have no idea how to proceed. Negotiating with insurance companies and understanding the intricacies of the laws can feel overwhelming. You should consider working with a St. Louis Lyft accident attorney to help you through this challenging moment. Attorney Christopher Hoffmann understands the unique challenges these cases present and can help you navigate the legal landscape of rideshare accidents.

Common causes and risks of Lyft accidents in St. Louis

As ridesharing becomes more prevalent in St. Louis, understanding the common causes of Lyft accidents is crucial for passengers and drivers. We have experience handling cases involving unsafe driving conditions and driver negligence.

Driver fatigue and distracted driving

Many Lyft drivers experience driver fatigue and driver drowsiness from working long hours or driving for multiple rideshare services. Additionally, distracted driving has become increasingly common as drivers must monitor their app, navigate unfamiliar routes, and respond to passenger requests while maintaining safe driving practices.

Aggressive and reckless driving behaviors

The pressure of the rideshare platform often leads to aggressive driving and reckless driving behaviors. Drivers may feel compelled to maintain high ratings and complete rides quickly, resulting in high speeds and unsafe maneuvers, particularly when dealing with excessive traffic.

St. Louis-specific challenges

Our city presents unique hazards, including numerous dangerous intersections and areas prone to heavy traffic congestion. Driver inexperience with local traffic patterns can make these challenges even more dangerous, especially during peak hours or adverse conditions.

The impact of time pressure

During peak hours, we often see accidents resulting from:

• Unsafe maneuvers at dangerous intersections
• Aggressive driving to complete more rides
• Reckless driving behaviors in heavy traffic
• High speeds to meet time expectations

Vehicle safety concerns

Continuous rideshare operation can lead to serious vehicle maintenance issues. While Lyft requires basic inspections, the demands of constant service can result in mechanical problems that compromise safety and increase accident risks.

Weather and road conditions

Poor road conditions combined with driver inexperience or aggressive driving create particularly dangerous situations. We have handled numerous cases where these factors contributed to serious accidents.

Common risk factors

In our experience handling Lyft accident cases, we frequently encounter:

• Poor road conditions, especially during severe weather
• Vehicle maintenance issues from continuous operation
• Driver inexperience with certain routes or areas
• Distracted driving incidents involving app management
• Unsafe driving practices at dangerous intersections
• Accidents caused by driver drowsiness during extended shifts

Understanding these common causes is crucial when building your case. We know how to investigate all aspects of Lyft accidents, from unsafe driving practices to vehicle maintenance issues, and we pursue the maximum available compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident involving any of these factors, whether distracted driving, poor road conditions, or driver fatigue, contact us today for a free consultation.

What to do immediately after a rideshare accident

Lyft has created a step-by-step process to assist riders in reporting an accident:

1. Open the Lyft app: If you’re a rider involved in an accident, open the Lyft application on your phone.
2. Navigate to the Safety Center: Locate and access the in-app Safety Center.
3. Use Safety Center features: The Safety Center allows you to dial 911 directly from the app, and you can alert the Lyft platform that an accident has occurred.
4. Call 911: Use the in-app feature to contact emergency services if you haven’t already done so.
5. Wait for Lyft guidance: After you’ve accessed the Safety Center and called 911, the Lyft rideshare team will guide you through the next steps.
6. Follow Lyft’s instructions: Lyft will provide specific guidance on how to report the accident or collision.

Following these steps provided by Lyft, you can make sure you take the proper actions immediately after a rideshare accident in St. Louis. Remember, after addressing immediate safety concerns and reporting the incident, it’s advisable to contact a St. Louis Lyft accident attorney for legal guidance.

Who is liable?

Determining liability after a Lyft car accident can be challenging. The drivers are generally considered independent contractors, so you likely can’t hold the company liable by default. The company won’t be considered responsible if the driver wasn’t logged into the app and collided with you. Rideshare drivers must carry personal injury insurance and uninsured motorist coverage for these events.

If the driver was logged into the app but hadn’t accepted a ride yet when the accident occurred, the company might take the blame. Lyft carries policies of $50,000 for injuries, $25,000 for property, and $100,000 total.

Lastly, the company will claim liability if the driver was on their way to pick someone up or got in a collision while they had a passenger in the car.

Does my insurance cover me when I’m a passenger in a Lyft car accident?

The legal world of ridesharing can be complex, particularly regarding insurance. For example: are you covered by your own medical insurance policy, or even your car insurance policy, if you’re injured while riding in a Lyft?

Lyft’s insurance policy generally covers you during your ride

The way insurance works for Lyft and Uber drivers is quite complex; they have different coverage levels depending on whether they’re driving to pick up a rider, have a rider in their car, and so on.

However, all you need to know is that during your Lyft ride, you are generally covered directly by Lyft’s insurance policies. Even if your driver has auto insurance, Lyft typically covers the ride.

The coverage limits for Lyft insurance are relatively high, too. Both companies insure riders for up to $1 million in coverage. If you have been injured in a serious Uber or Lyft accident, you can typically pursue a settlement from Lyft, thanks to this policy.

Covering medical expenses

If you are ever injured while riding in a Lyft, you may wonder if the rideshare company will cover your medical costs immediately. The answer is usually “no.” Whether or not you have medical insurance, you will usually have to pay the costs of your medical care.

After your injury and accident, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced Lyft car accident attorney as soon as possible and begin negotiating with Lyft insurance companies for a settlement; about 97% of civil cases are resolved with a payment.

This is generally how you will obtain the money to pay off the medical costs incurred during your accident and get compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages.

Note, also, that part of your settlement may have to go toward paying medical expenses due to a process known as “subrogation.” Your medical insurance company may have a claim to part of your settlement after it’s been issued as compensation for the costs incurred during your medical treatment.

Common injuries in Lyft accidents

Each accident is unique. In some cases, those involved in a St. Louis Lyft accident may only face seemingly minor injuries. However, others often face severe injuries requiring ongoing treatment and surgery. Common Lyft car accident injuries include:

• Broken bones and fractures: Broken bones often require time off work and surgery.
• Whiplash: Whiplash generally refers to an injury to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments found inside the neck. It is common in rear-end collisions and may require costly surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
• Traumatic brain injury: A traumatic brain injury is a head injury that disrupts the brain’s normal function. While some brain injuries are relatively minor, others are life-changing. Even seemingly minor car accidents can cause severe brain injury.
• Herniated disc: A herniated disc is often the result of back trauma in a car accident. It can cause severe pain and complications and may require surgery.
• Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury is among the most devastating injuries a car accident victim may suffer and may even result in permanent paralysis.

While some injuries are readily apparent after an accident, others may seem minor at first but worsen if left untreated or undiscovered. Even if you feel okay after an accident, seeking medical attention is a good idea.

A Lyft accident attorney can help you pursue what you are legally entitled to

Because there’s typically no way to challenge a settlement, the Lyft insurance company will generally lowball you when providing you with your first compensation offer. Therefore, working with a St. Louis Lyft accident attorney will significantly benefit you.

An experienced car accident injury attorney can learn the specifics of your case, make sure you have all the documentation you need to prove your injuries, and seek adequate compensation from Lyft’s insurance company.

Your lawyer will walk you through every step of the process, work to submit counteroffers, and pursue the compensation you are legally entitled to. If the settlement is unacceptable, your attorney can assist you as your case goes to trial.

Get legal help now

Ridesharing laws are still developing, and the process can get quite confusing. You will get a call from Lyft representatives, and if you are not working with a lawyer, you may unintentionally hurt your case. These adjusters seem well-intentioned, but their job is to look for any detail that might help them lower the amount of compensation.

We have paid close attention to how these cases develop and have handled Lyft accident claims successfully.

We can help you pursue compensation for the following:

• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Present and future medical bills
• Loss of income
• Loss of normal life

While $1 million may sound like a lot, there’s no guarantee you’ll get that much after a severe Lyft accident. So, you should protect your rights by speaking with an attorney who has experience with Lyft car accident cases.

Your attorney can help you understand the process of getting a settlement, negotiate a settlement that makes sense for your situation, and maximize your recovery after a serious Lyft injury.

Stay safe when hiring a Lyft

Ridesharing has become a mainstream alternative to expensive taxis, inconvenient public transportation, and the costs and hassle of driving a car. It is quite popular among the young but appeals to anyone who wants an affordable ride.

While ridesharing through well-known apps like Lyft has been relatively safe so far, there are still risks to be considered when deciding to be driven by a stranger. As a ridesharing user, you must know about specific safety concerns and ways to prevent dangerous situations.

Checking your driver’s information before getting in the car

Ridesharing apps connect drivers and passengers through a mobile app that allows them to exchange identifying information. You will get the driver’s first name, the car’s model, and license plate, and they will get details about you. This should become a habit, as tragic events like the murder of Samantha Josephson in March 2019 have shown.

Drivers are equally preoccupied with their safety, so don’t be surprised if you have to say who the ride is for when approaching the car.

Sharing your ride’s details with a close person

When taking a ride, it’s a good idea to let someone know where you are and the car’s license plate and model. This may seem extreme, but documenting details like that can make a huge difference if something terrible happens.

Be prepared to call 911 when you notice something suspicious

If you feel threatened or consider the driver a danger to themselves or others, don’t hesitate to call 911. Some ridesharing apps have a “panic button” integrated into them, which helps you dial the emergency number faster and share location details with the responding teams.

Wear your seatbelt with no exception

Always wear your seat belt no matter where you sit in your ride, how short of a distance you will go, or how free the road seems. If children accompany you, make sure you order a car fitted with a proper child restraint system or that you have one with you. Road safety is crucial for any car passenger, and it’s your responsibility to use the safety features in the car.

Ride in the backseat of the car

Generally, when riding with a stranger, riding in the backseat of the car is most cautious. This way, you will be more protected in an eventual attack. It’s also safer to choose the back seat in case of an accident.

When using a ridesharing service, consider two safety issues: road and personal safety. Make cautionary steps part of a routine and never have second thoughts about being “over the top”: you never know when these rules will save you.