Kirkwood Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Kirkwood Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

An increase in rideshare service usage has also increased the number of motor vehicle collisions involving these vehicles while their drivers are working. As with other car accidents, injured individuals in a rideshare collision can pursue compensation with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. In some rideshare collisions, this is the rideshare company’s commercial insurance carrier. This can make the situation complicated, but a Kirkwood Uber and Lyft accident lawyer knows how to navigate these cases.

When you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or a driver involved in a collision with a rideshare driver, the representation of a personal injury attorney through each step of pursuing compensation is crucial. An attorney could procure you the most compensation available, which can help immensely with your physical recovery.

The attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm have handled numerous rideshare accident cases, successfully securing injured individuals the settlement or verdict that fairly compensates their injuries. We can investigate the accident, determine fault, and pursue a case against a commercial insurance carrier on your behalf to hold them accountable.

Insurance adjusters want to provide as little compensation as possible, even though commercial insurance limits are much higher. Our attorneys build a strong case to get you as much financial recovery as possible.

What Are the Potential Causes of Rideshare Collisions?

Rideshare accidents can happen for many of the same reasons as other motor vehicle collisions. Determining the cause of the crash is an essential first step to finding which insurance carrier is liable. Some of these causes may include:

• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Driving too fast for the road conditions
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Aggressive driving
• Ignoring stop lights and stop signs
• Driving under the influence
• Poorly maintained roads
• Missing, damaged, or obscured road signs
• Dangerous weather and visibility conditions
• Improperly maintained vehicles
• Vehicle component defects

The cause of a collision may not be immediately clear, particularly when you are a passenger in the backseat of a rideshare. This is why an investigation is crucial. The rideshare driver or another driver may have acted negligently, and the investigation can determine the cause and hold the relevant insurance carrier liable for your injuries.

Understanding Rideshare Accident Coverage

The coverage of the rideshare company’s insurance carrier is not always applicable in a collision, as it is only engaged when the rideshare driver is actively working. The level of liability insurance changes depending on whether the driver actively has a ride or is between trips. If you are a passenger when the accident occurs, this will always cause the rideshare company’s insurance to be involved.

Your case as a passenger is only pursued with the commercial insurance carrier when the rideshare driver or rideshare company is determined to be negligent and at fault. If a third-party driver is at fault, then you can pursue compensation from their insurance carrier. This type of case would proceed similarly to any motor vehicle accident.

If you are a driver who is in a crash with a rideshare driver, you could pursue compensation from the relevant insurance carrier if you were not at fault. This may be the rideshare driver’s personal coverage or the commercial carrier. It’s important to work with an attorney to determine which coverage applies.

An attorney in Kirkwood is also crucial for determining which party was at fault. A commercial insurance carrier will work to limit their liability by blaming other parties for the crash. An attorney can protect your interests and hold the insurance carrier accountable.

FAQs About Kirkwood, MO Uber and Lyft Accident Laws

How Long Does a Person Have to File an Accident Report in Missouri?

When drivers are in an accident that injures someone or causes a certain level of property damage in Missouri, they have a responsibility to file an accident report within 30 days. However, no driver should ever wait this long, and they should provide information to a police officer on-site immediately after the accident. Always call the police to the scene of the crash.

When you are a passenger in a rideshare accident, this is even more important. Making a police report yourself is only your statement, and it does not give any third-party verification like an on-site report does.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Car Accident in Missouri?

The statute of limitations on any car accident in Missouri that causes an injury, including rideshare accidents, is five years from the date of the incident. A personal injury case must be pursued before the statute of limitations ends, or you will be unable to recover compensation, regardless of the merits of your case.

After an accident, like a rideshare collision, you should not wait. Much of the important evidence and information requires immediate investigation to properly support your case. Find an attorney quickly to pursue compensation.

What Evidence Can Support a Rideshare Accident Case in Missouri?

The evidence that can support a rideshare accident case in Missouri depends on the exact nature of the incident. However, useful evidence can include:

• The official police report
• Driver logs
• Traffic camera footage
• Dashcam footage from other vehicles or your own
• Witness statements
• Your own photos and videos of the accident scene

Contact Expert Legal Representation in Kirkwood

If you were in a crash involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle, finding the right attorney is important. There can be numerous challenges in a rideshare collision, and The Cagle Law Firm is equipped to navigate them. Contact our firm today if you were injured in a rideshare accident.