St. Louis Rideshare Accident Lawyer

St. Louis Rideshare Accident Attorney

Car accidents can happen unexpectedly in various ways, and it is important to realize that if you ride in an Uber or Lyft, you face the same risk of experiencing an accident as you would in any other vehicle. However, the legal issues you will face in the aftermath are likely to be far more complex. An experienced St. Louis rideshare accident attorney can be a tremendous asset for those who have recently experienced this type of accident and need help with their recovery.

If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, you need to contact our St. Louis rideshare car accident lawyers to discuss your options. A collision with a rideshare vehicle can become much more complicated than other car accidents. Who is liable for your injuries may not be the same party that was at fault for the crash. For instance, if the Uber driver was responsible, you may need to file a claim against Uber’s policy as well as a claim against the Uber driver’s policy. While Uber has a significant policy amount, it may be challenging to obtain fair compensation. Uber or another ridesharing business and their insurer will have their own team of lawyers ready to defend against claims. You should have your own.

The Cagle Law Firm is highly experienced in car accident claims, including those related to rideshares. Contact us today through our online form or call (314) 276-1681 to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident lawyer.

Why You Need a Rideshare Car Accident Attorney in St. Louis, MO

If you were in an accident while riding as a passenger in an Uber or a Lyft, and the accident caused injuries, then you need a personal injury attorney to guide you through the claim process. But, don’t contact just any personal injury lawyer in your area. Rideshare collisions entail unique issues that other vehicle accidents do not. You gain the best chance of obtaining the maximum possible compensation if you hire a lawyer with a background handling Uber and Lyft accidents or other rideshare companies.

At The Cagle Law Firm, we have experience filing claims for those injured in crashes involving Uber or Lyft. Whatever the type or extent of your injuries, we will protect you against these sizeable companies and fight hard for your right to compensation.

Common Causes of Rideshare Car Accidents

Rideshare collisions happen for the same reasons as every other car accident. Some of the most common reasons for rideshare car accidents include:

• Distracted driving. This is one of the most common causes of vehicle accidents throughout the United States each year. Anything that distracts the driver’s physical control over their vehicle, their visual focus, and their attention away from operating their vehicle can potentially cause a serious accident.
• Texting while driving. This is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. If you believe your accident happened because of texting while driving, your St. Louis rideshare accident attorney can help you obtain the at-fault driver’s cell phone records to prove their phone was in use at the moment of the crash.
• Drowsy driving. Fatigued or drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as intoxicated driving. When a driver falls asleep at the wheel, they put themselves and others at extreme risk.
• Speeding. Exceeding the speed limit will reduce the time and distance a driver has to slow down or stop to avoid a collision. Accidents that happen at higher speeds have a greater chance of causing catastrophic or fatal injuries.
• Reckless or aggressive driving. Excessive speeding and intentionally aggressive actions behind the wheel are dangerous and illegal. Traffic camera footage and witness statements could be crucial for proving that a reckless or aggressive driver is responsible for your recent rideshare accident.
• Drunk or drugged driving. It is illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in St. Louis each year, and intoxicated driving is one of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in the state. The at-fault driver may face criminal charges along with their liability for your civil damages.
• Work Zones. Drivers are required to use extra caution when driving through or near road work zones. Negligent driving or negligence from a construction crew could potentially cause a serious accident, and your attorney will know how to determine fault.
• Road hazards. Drivers must be vigilant for any road hazards that could cause an accident, and they should know how to respond appropriately to a hazard that suddenly appears in front of them. A startled driver could swerve and crash into another nearby vehicle or obstacle.
• Poorly maintained vehicles. Drivers are required to keep their vehicles in good working order and to have any mechanical issues inspected and addressed as soon as they become aware of them.

After an accident, you may not know what happened. This is particularly true when you are riding in an Uber or Lyft, and suddenly, you are in a crash. When you are not the driver, it is not always obvious to you in the moment as to what happened or who is liable. This is one of the many reasons to contact a St. Louis rideshare car accident attorney. A lawyer will thoroughly investigate the crash to establish what occurred and who caused it. After fault is confirmed, your attorney will work to hold the liable party accountable, which may or may not be the rideshare company.

Uber Accidents When You Are the Passenger

If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and the vehicle crashes, contact an attorney afterward. You may be asked to give a statement to the rideshare company, an insurer, or in court. Your lawyer will help you prepare for any statement, or if necessary, appear as a witness in a legal proceeding.

If you were injured, your lawyer will guide you through the claims process. Uber and Lyft both have sizeable insurance policies to cover passenger injuries and depending on the situation, you may recover what you need. To discuss the potential value of your claim, do not hesitate to call a St. Louis rideshare car accident lawyer at The Cagle Law Firm.

Accidents When an Uber Hits You

If you were a driver or passenger in another vehicle and an Uber or Lyft hits you and you are injured, then you need an attorney to conduct an in-depth investigation and analysis of your potential claim. If the other driver was at fault, then whether they were on duty with the rideshare company is important. If the other driver was not on duty and was driving for personal reasons, then you will file a claim against their personal insurance. If they had the rideshare app open at the time, you would likely file a claim against Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy.

The policy amount may differ based on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time. The policy limit for when the driver is waiting for a request is typically lower than when a driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle. An attorney will find out where the rideshare driver was in relation to their work and pursue all applicable policies on your behalf.

For more help in dealing with an Uber or Lyft accident, contact a St. Louis rideshare car accident attorney today.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies in St. Louis

Uber ensures their drivers while they are online and waiting for a ride request with third-party liability coverage. When drivers accept a request, are on their way to pick up a passenger, or have a passenger in their vehicle, their third-party liability coverage increases.

Lyft insures their drivers from the time they accept a ride request until the ride has ended with liability coverage, primary automobile liability, contingent comprehensive and collision coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Like Uber, Lyft offers lower policy limits for drivers who are online but have not accepted a ride request. During this time, Lyft drivers are covered by a liability limit for those involved and any property damage.

If you believe an Uber or Lyft driver is at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, contact our St. Louis rideshare car accident lawyers today. After an independent investigation, we will advise you of who was at fault and who may be liable. We can also explain Uber or Lyft’s relevant insurance policy and the potential value of your claim.

The Rideshare Car Accident Claims & Legal Process

Following an Uber or Lyft accident, an attorney from The Cagle Law Firm can guide you through the insurance claims process, and if necessary, the legal process for a personal injury lawsuit.

We are here to help with the following steps:

• Determining fault after a rideshare car accident. Missouri upholds the fault rule for all vehicle accidents, so the driver at fault for causing your rideshare accident will absorb liability for the resulting damages.
• Establishing liability. Fault may fall to more than one party, and a claimant in any personal injury case must not only prove the full extent of their losses but also prove that the defendant is directly responsible for causing them.
• Proving negligence on the part of the at-fault driver. Missouri is a pure comparative fault state, so it is possible for an at-fault driver to claim that a victim shares liability for the accident. If you were hurt while riding as a passenger, it is unlikely that any fault can be assigned to you unless you were directly interfering with the operator of the vehicle. However, it is possible for more than one party to share fault for an accident. Your St. Louis rideshare accident attorney can help prove the truth of the matter to ensure responsibility for the damages in the claim is divided appropriately among all liable parties.
• Demanding compensation from the relevant party or insurer. Dealing with any auto insurance company will be much easier if you have legal representation. An insurance company is far less likely to attempt any bad-faith handling of your case if they see that you have legal representation on your side. Your attorney sends a Demand letter outlining the facts of the crash, liable parties and damages.
• Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf. If an insurance company sends a lowball settlement offer, your attorney can help negotiate a fairer settlement, up to the limits of the policy if your situation demands this level of compensation.
• Complying with all relevant deadlines and statutes of limitations regarding your claim. If you intend to file a suit to recover your damages you must do so within the applicable statute of limitations.
• Filing a complaint in court. To succeed with any personal injury lawsuit, your attorney will submit a complaint to the court that explains the scope of your damages and your evidence showing who is responsible for the accident. Filing a complaint in the court is the first pleading in a lawsuit.
• Actively engaging in the discovery process. Discovery is the process of securing evidence to be used in an active case, and both sides of the case must present their evidence to each other prior to any proceedings. The discovery process usually involves depositions of parties and may include drivers, witnesses, medical providers, and corporate representatives depending on your case.
• Conducting an independent investigation into the crash. You can rely on your St. Louis rideshare accident lawyer to help gather evidence to support your claim, including traffic camera video footage, witness statements, digital evidence like cell phone records, work records, and possibly EMC (black box) downloads.
• Obtaining expert witnesses. Some cases are highly technical and complex, and your attorney may reach out to various professionals in relevant disciplines to be expert witnesses for you. Expert witness testimony may help establish fault for an accident and/or support the plaintiff’s claims regarding the extent and severity of their damages.
• Reviewing documents and records to find evidence to support your case. Building a comprehensive civil claim is likely to be more challenging than the average person expects. Your St. Louis rideshare accident attorney can handle the fact-finding and document recovery that will help form the foundation of your claim.
• Fighting for your rights and compensation in court. Many civil claims are resolved through settlement, but litigation is sometimes required. Your attorney can represent you in the courtroom and deliver compelling arguments for you.

Compensation in Uber Accident Claims

After being in a car accident in which someone else is at fault, you need to contact an attorney. A lawyer will thoroughly review your situation, the type, and extent of your injuries, and how these injuries may be impacting your daily life. Through this analysis, your lawyer will determine the potential value of your claim. It may include compensation for your:

• Medical Costs. You can claim the full cost of all medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries.
• Lost Wages. If you cannot work after your accident, the defendant may be liable for the income you cannot earn during this time.
• Pain and Suffering. Missouri law enables plaintiffs to seek compensation for the pain they experienced. An attorney can help their client determine a suitable amount to claim based on the severity of their injuries.
• Emotional Distress. Similar to physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma are also compensable losses according to the local personal injury statutes.
• Physical Limitations. If you have been permanently disabled from your injuries, your attorney will know how to secure maximum compensation for all related damages, including anticipated future losses.
• Some accidents can leave victims permanently disfigured, which is physically challenging and psychologically traumatic. Your attorney can ensure any permanent disfigurement you experience is reflected in your compensation package for pain and suffering that you seek with your claim.
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity. If your earning power has diminished due to your injuries, your attorney can help recover compensation for lost future earning power based on how long you otherwise would have been able to continue working.
• Loss of Consortium and Companionship. You can claim pain and suffering compensation to reflect the loss of a loved one in a fatal rideshare accident. As well, spouses of those with life-changing serious injuries may have a loss of consortium claim.
• Punitive Damages (when applicable). These damages are awarded at a judge’s discretion when a defendant has caused an injury through egregious negligence or illegal misconduct.
• Fatal Rideshare Car Accidents. You will need to file a wrongful death suit in response to losing a loved one in a fatal rideshare accident in St. Louis.

If you lost a loved one in an Uber accident, do not hesitate to contact us at The Cagle Law Firm. We understand your concerns and are highly experienced in fatal car accident claims, including those involving an Uber or Lyft. We will investigate the accident and advise you and your family of your legal options. If you have a valid wrongful death claim, we will fight hard so you and your family receive appropriate compensation for:

• Funeral and Burial Expenses
• Loss of Financial Contributions
• Loss of Care and Support
• Loss of Love and Companionship
• Loss of Inheritance
• Comparative Fault and Liability

An important law to know about during a car accident claim is comparative fault. In Illinois and Missouri, your compensation after a crash can be prohibited or reduced if you were mostly or partly at fault for the accident. This is called comparative fault. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each state upholds a different comparative fault rule.

In Illinois, if a court finds you are more than 50 percent responsible for a crash, then you may not recover compensation under the state’s modified comparative fault rule. If you were partly responsible, though less than 50 percent at fault, then you may receive compensation reduced by your percentage of responsibility. In Missouri, the pure comparative fault rule applies, so the plaintiff loses a percentage of their case award equal to their percentage of fault.

A Skilled St. Louis Rideshare Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you were in an Uber accident or a crash with a Lyft, then you are going to need an experienced attorney’s help. At The Cagle Law Firm, our legal team is ready to discuss your situation and review all your options. We have handled rideshare crash claims before, and we will put our knowledge, skills, and resources to work for you. Our goal will be to obtain the best outcome possible in your case, including maximizing your financial recovery.

Contact The Cagle Law Firm through our online form or by calling (314) 276-1681 to schedule a free initial consultation of your case.