Rideshare services, such as Lyft and Uber, have become increasingly popular over the past seven years. The convenience of being able to catch a ride within 5-10 minutes of submitting a request in the app has made Uber/Lyft transportation staples, especially in large cities that can be difficult to get around/find parking in. But, with this sudden surge in rideshare services comes an influx of vehicles on the road.
According to a recent study published by NPR, the number of registered rideshare drivers in Chicago, IL, alone was 117,000 as of 2017. How does this increase in drivers on the road affect accident rates? And, if you are involved in a rideshare accident, who can you sue?
In this FAQ, we'll discuss rideshare accidents, Uber/Lyft's insurance policies, and how to file a rideshare accident claim if you are injured in an Uber/Lyft accident. If you have questions about suing after a rideshare accident, or want to learn more about our firm, Burger Law, call 314-542-2222 or 618-272-2222 for a free case review. Our rideshare accident lawyers in St. Louis are committed to recovering the most compensation for your claim, don't charge any fees for consultations, and never ask for attorney fees unless we recover damages for your case.
Rideshare Accident Liability
If you've been injured in an Uber/Lyft accident, you are probably wondering what each rideshare company's insurance policy includes. Unfortunately, if you've been injured as a rideshare driver, technically, you are considered an independent contractor if you work for Uber or Lyft. Both rideshare companies require drivers to carry their own full-coverage insurance in case of an accident, but there are some circumstances where Uber/Lyft's insurance policy will kick in. The following are the most common types of rideshare accidents, and details about whether or not Uber/Lyft will pay for the cost of the accident:
- Driver mode off - if the app is closed, and you get into an accident, you should file a claim under your own insurance policy
- Driver mode on, but no ride - after trying to make a claim with your own insurance policy for the accident, but not getting a response, Lyft/Uber primary liability coverage covers the following: $50,000 maximum limit per person, $100,000 maximum limit per accident, and a $25,000 maximum limit for property damage
- Driver mode on, in transit - Uber/Lyft's primary liability coverage applies, in excess of your own insurance coverage, but has a $1,000,000 limit per accident
- Driver mode on, with passenger - $1,000,000 primary liability coverage per accident, after your own insurance coverage is applied
It is unlikely that you'll be able to sue a rideshare company for damages in excess of the coverage amounts above, but in limited circumstances, such as rideshare accidents involving wrongful death, the family of victim could file a wrongful death claim against Uber/Lyft and sue for damages with help from a wrongful death lawyer in St. Louis.
Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim
When you've been the victim of a rideshare accident, it can be overwhelming to think about filing a claim with your own insurance company or Lyft/Uber, but hiring an attorney makes the process seamless. A rideshare accident lawyer in St. Louis knows Missouri's traffic laws, how to sue for accidents involving an independent contractor of a company, and has the aggressive negotiation tactics needed to recover the most damages for your rideshare accident claim.
If you suffered injuries in a Lyft/Uber accident and need help exploring the options available to your case, our rideshare accident lawyers in St. Louis can help. Burger Law has fought for, and won, countless injury claims in Missouri and Illinois, and is passionate about making sure that victims and their families are taken care of in the wake of a rideshare accident. Call 314-542-2222, 618-272-2222, or contact Burger Law today for a free, no-risk case review. We don't charge any fees for our consultations, and we never ask for any attorney fees unless we win your personal injury claim.