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What to expect
What you can recover after an Uber or Lyft accident
Uber and Lyft both carry third-party liability coverage of up to $1 million for injuries and damages — coverage that also protects you as a passenger. Rideshare is convenient, but when a crash happens, the question of who pays can get complicated fast. Here’s how it works in Missouri.
It depends on who is liable
In Missouri, all drivers must carry auto insurance, and rideshare companies require their drivers to carry it as well. When you’re injured in a crash, you’re entitled by law to compensation from the party who caused you harm. In a rideshare accident, that’s usually one of two parties:
- The Uber or Lyft driver, if they caused the crash
- Another driver who caused the accident
If the rideshare driver is at fault, their personal auto policy often won’t cover a crash that happened during a business ride — many policies only cover personal use. The good news: Uber and Lyft both carry third-party liability coverage up to $1 million that protects passengers. If another driver caused the crash, you’d typically file with that driver’s insurer instead.
What if the other driver is uninsured?
Even though insurance is mandatory in Missouri, you can still be hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist whose coverage isn’t enough for your injuries. In those cases, Uber and Lyft carry uninsured/underinsured coverage — also up to $1 million per accident — that can pick up the slack. This coverage generally applies when the at-fault driver is uninsured, underinsured, or flees the scene.
How much you can recover depends on the extent of your injuries, the cost of your property damage, and other hardships the crash caused — lost work, pain, and emotional distress among them.
What happens in a St. Louis rideshare accident settlement
About 95% of personal injury cases settle out of court, so an Uber or Lyft accident claim will most likely end in a settlement rather than a trial. Here’s the general path it follows.
Investigation and fault determination. Before any settlement, the insurers investigate to determine fault and understand what happened — examining evidence, police reports, eyewitness accounts, and the injuries each party suffered.
Settlement negotiation. Once a claim is filed against the at-fault party, negotiation begins. A settlement is a legal agreement that resolves the claim for a set amount of damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost income from missed work and disability
- Pain, suffering, and anguish from the injuries
- Punitive damages, in cases of reckless or outrageous conduct
Your attorney requests an amount from the at-fault party, who typically counters lower. That back-and-forth can continue until both sides reach an acceptable figure. Working with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney matters here — it’s often the difference between a first lowball offer and a fair recovery.
Signing and getting paid. The final agreement spells out the payment amount and timing, the rights you give up by accepting, and any other terms. It’s important to understand that once you settle, you generally can’t pursue further claims for the same accident — a settlement closes the door on future legal action. Your lawyer then helps you arrange payment.
Why The Hoffmann Law Firm
A local firm that handles rideshare claims directly
Rideshare claims have layered insurance and multiple potential parties — exactly the kind of case where working directly with an attorney matters. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, you work with Attorney Christopher Hoffmann himself, not a case manager. For 25 years, this firm has focused on car accident injury cases in St. Louis and the surrounding metro, and that focus is what lets us find every policy that applies and push for the full value of your claim.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about Uber & Lyft accidents
What should I do immediately after an Uber accident in St. Louis?
After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, document the accident scene with photos and notes. Exchange contact information with all parties involved and report the accident to Uber through the app. It’s also wise to contact a local St. Louis car accident lawyer experienced in rideshare accidents to understand your rights.
Does insurance cover me if I’m hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft?
Uber and Lyft each provide a $1 million liability policy that covers passengers from the time a trip is accepted until it ends. The coverage that applies depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. A lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of filing a claim.
How is a rideshare accident different from a regular car accident?
While similar in many ways, rideshare accidents involve the company’s insurance policies, which can make the claims process different. Determining liability can be more complex because of the multiple parties involved — the rideshare driver, the company, and any third-party drivers.
Who is liable in an Uber or Lyft accident?
Liability can rest with the rideshare driver, another driver, the company, or a combination of parties. The specific circumstances of the crash determine who is at fault.
How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for a car accident claim is typically five years from the date of the accident. Even so, it’s best to begin the process as soon as possible so evidence stays fresh and available.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft after an accident?
It may be possible to sue Uber or Lyft if it can be shown that the company’s actions or inactions contributed to the crash. Each case is unique, and an experienced lawyer can advise whether that’s an appropriate course of action.
What compensation can I recover from a rideshare accident?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The amount depends on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the details of the accident.
How can a St. Louis car accident lawyer help after a rideshare accident?
A lawyer can navigate the complex insurance policies involved, investigate the crash, negotiate with the insurers, and, if necessary, represent you in court to fight for fair compensation.
Every case is different; results depend on the facts.
Related
Related St. Louis car accident topics: Uninsured & underinsured motorist claims · Car accident settlements · Pedestrian accidents.
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