Wildwood Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Wildwood Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are popular in Wildwood and throughout the state, but when accidents happen involving rideshare drivers, these situations can be more challenging to resolve than standard vehicle accidents involving private drivers. A Wildwood rideshare accident lawyer can be a valuable resource for anyone who has experienced a rideshare accident and can help the injured victim maximize their recovery.

Understanding Rideshare Accident Claims in Wildwood

Rideshare accidents happen for the same reasons that other car accidents happen. It is important to remember that when you get in a rideshare driver’s vehicle, you face the same risk of experiencing an accident as you would in any other vehicle. Rideshare drivers are not specially trained professionals; companies like Uber and Lyft generally hire most driver applicants who have clean driving records and adequate experience, but they receive no special training.

Whenever a rideshare accident happens, the fault must be determined just as it would after any other vehicle accident. State law dictates that the driver’s insurance carrier responsible for causing an accident absorbs liability for the damages they caused to others. This same rule applies after a rideshare accident, but the rideshare company’s auto insurance may come into play based on the timing of the accident.

Uber and Lyft are the most popular rideshare services in Missouri and have relatively equivalent insurance coverage that functions on a tier system based on when an accident happens. Rideshare drivers are required to have the same minimum coverage as any other driver in the state, and this insurance is used to compensate for damages a rideshare driver caused.

If the driver was not logged into their app when they caused an accident, their insurance applies, and the rideshare company’s policy does not factor into the case. If the driver was logged into their driver app but had not yet picked up a passenger, the first tier of the rideshare company’s insurance may come into play to compensate for the resulting damages. Once the driver has picked up a passenger, the second tier of coverage lasts until they drop off the passenger.

Therefore, if you are a rideshare passenger involved in an accident, the rideshare company’s insurance will likely apply. It’s very important to have a police report made at the crash site after a rideshare accident.

How Your Wildwood Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with insurance-related issues after any motor vehicle accident can be very challenging without an attorney’s help. It’s common for insurance companies to look for all the reasons they can find to justify denying a claim or offering the lowest possible settlement to an injured claimant, hoping the claimant is desperate enough to take the first offer they receive without a fight.

However, an insurance company is more likely to process a claim for coverage expediently and in good faith when they see that a claimant has legal representation. Your rideshare accident lawyer in Wildwood can be a valuable asset, assisting you in navigating all the complex insurance-related issues you face in the aftermath of your Uber or Lyft accident in Wildwood.

The Cagle Law Firm has extensive professional experience helping our clients in Wildwood and surrounding areas of the state with a wide range of vehicle accident cases, including those arising from rideshare accidents. With our assistance, you can approach the recovery process with confidence and peace of mind. We can do everything possible to maximize your recovery.

Uber & Lyft Accident FAQs

Q: Is Missouri a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: No, Missouri is not a no-fault state for car accidents. The fault rule applies to all motor vehicle accident claims, meaning you must prove fault for an accident before you can recover any recompense for your damages. The at-fault driver’s insurance can pay for the damages they caused, and rideshare company insurance may also apply if a rideshare driver is responsible for causing the accident.

Q: What Happens if I Share Fault for a Rideshare Accident in Wildwood?

A: If you are found partially liable in court for a rideshare accident in Wildwood, you can expect the state’s pure comparative fault rule to apply to the situation, and you may lose a percentage of your verdict to account for your shared liability. Whatever percentage of fault is assigned to you will be the percentage taken from your verdict if your case is decided by a judge or jury. Your attorney can potentially help you reduce the fault percentage assigned to you, preserving your recovery as much as possible.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer to File an Auto Insurance Claim in Wildwood?

A: You are not required by law to use an attorney to file an auto insurance claim in Wildwood, but doing so can make the process significantly easier and more likely to yield the results you hope to see. Your Wildwood personal injury attorney can ensure that your claim is processed efficiently and in good faith, and they will be ready to address any disputes the insurance company might raise against your claim.

Q: How Long Will It Take to Resolve a Rideshare Accident Case?

A: The time it could take to resolve a rideshare accident case depends on multiple factors, such as the severity of your damages and whether the at-fault driver admits liability. Dealing with insurance companies can be very difficult, but with an experienced Wildwood rideshare accident lawyer on your side, you can be prepared to face any challenges you encounter as you attempt to secure compensation for your losses.

Q: How Do I Prove Fault for a Rideshare Accident in Wildwood?

A: You can prove fault for a rideshare accident in Wildwood by securing evidence such as photos of the scene of the crash and drivers’ cell phone data. The most important evidence is the police report, so be sure to call 911 immediately after an accident. If anyone saw the accident happen, their witness statements could also prove invaluable to your case. An experienced Wildwood rideshare accident lawyer can be an invaluable asset for helping you prove liability for your accident.

The Cagle Law Firm has years of experience representing clients in all kinds of motor vehicle accident claims, and we know the unique legal challenges that a rideshare accident case may present to an injured victim. You have a limited time to pursue your recovery, so contact our team today and schedule your free consultation with an experienced Wildwood rideshare accident lawyer about your case.