Lyft accidents happen every day, leaving injured victims behind. In some cases, these crashes are even fatal.

When a Lyft accident happens, victims and the loved ones of those killed in these collisions need to understand how the law works. There may be situations when Lyft’s insurance pays for losses, in addition to the individual driver being held liable for damages.

Since multiple insurers could be liable, those who have been harmed need an experienced advocate on their side to help them determine who is to blame and to pursue a claim to recover for all of their losses.

To find out more about how St. Louis car accident attorneys at Drafahl Law Firm can help you, give us a call today at (314) 300-6260. We work on a contingent fee basis so charge legal fees only if we recover compensation for you, and your consultation is always free so reach out now to learn about the assistance we can offer.

What to Look for in an Attorney After St. Louis Lyft Accidents

After a Lyft accident, you need to find an attorney familiar with the complexities of rideshare accident cases. Drafahl Law Firm has the experience you need. You should turn to our firm for help because:

Our attorneys are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum since we have helped many clients recover millions, including those harmed in rideshare crashes.
We have been named as Rising Stars by Super Lawyers and identified by Best Lawyers among the “Ones to Watch” because of our solid legal skills.
Past clients have praised the “upfront, knowledgeable, and honest” representation we provided them in the aftermath of their accident.

We are not afraid to stand up to big companies, including Lyft and their insurer, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure you are “made whole” or compensated for all crash-related losses following a rideshare accident.

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What Does a St. Louis Lyft Accident Attorney Do to Help You After a Crash?

Lyft’s policies make clear that the company’s insurance will pick up the tab after a crash in certain circumstances.

While Lyft provides no coverage for their drivers who are in their personal vehicle with the app off, Lyft’s insurer does offer third-party liability coverage when the driver is in the vehicle with the app on and waiting for a ride. In these circumstances, Lyft’s third-party coverage offers $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage as well as $25,000 in property damage coverage.

If a Lyft driver is en route to get a passenger or has a passenger in the car, then the insurance coverage provided by Lyft jumps up to $1 million in coverage or more.

Drafahl Law Firm understands how this insurance works and we know how to effectively negotiate out-of-court settlements with insurers responsible for your losses so you can avoid the stress of court proceedings. Our personal injury lawyers in St. Louis are also ready to litigate in court if needed to get you the justice you deserve.

Understanding Ridesharing in Missouri

Ridesharing in Missouri through companies like Uber and Lyft, has changed how people move across cities like St. Louis. With a few taps on your phone, you can get a ride nearly anywhere, often at lower costs and shorter wait times than traditional taxis. This convenience matters to both residents and tourists. However, more rideshare vehicles on the road also means sharing space with drivers who may not always know the area well or follow driving laws closely.

Leading Causes of Rideshare Accidents in St. Louis

As ridesharing continues to grow, so does the number of accidents involving these vehicles around St. Louis. Several unique factors present with rideshare drivers contribute to these collisions.

Driver Distraction

Rideshare drivers rely heavily on nonstop app updates, navigation devices, and phone alerts as part of the job. Constantly switching between their cell phone, app directions, rider messaging, and maps makes distraction almost inevitable. Even when rideshare drivers are being safe, it’s almost guaranteed that they’re going to take their eyes off the road at some point, which significantly increases the chances that an accident will occur.

Unfamiliarity with Routes

Many rideshare drivers operate in new or unfamiliar neighborhoods so they can get more fares or shorter waiting times between rides. Sometimes, they are not familiar with local traffic designs, construction detours, or city driving rules. Wrong turns, missed stop signs, or confusion at intersections increase accident risks that may not affect local drivers as much.

Rushing to Maximize Earnings

Since rideshare company pay structures encourage drivers to complete trips quickly to earn more money, many drivers rush to drop off their passengers and get a new trip as quickly as possible.

Incomplete Background or Safety Checks

Rideshare companies use their own methods to screen drivers, but these background checks can miss recent driving records or overlook other safety issues. This could lead to an unsafe driver being on the road, potentially causing accidents.

Driver Fatigue

Many rideshare drivers also work other jobs or stay awake late to earn extra money during surge pricing and peak demand hours. Driving while tired lowers awareness, slows reaction time, and makes everything a little bit more dangerous.

Passenger Pick-up and Drop-off Hazards

Rideshare trips begin or end where passengers choose, so drivers often double-park, stop suddenly while traffic is moving around them, and block bike lanes to let passengers out of their vehicle. These stops and sudden lane changes – especially when it’s dark or the weather is bad – create additional dangers for everyone around.

These issues don’t mean using rideshare is always dangerous; most trips still end safely. Still, being aware of these added risk factors is important for riders and drivers.

Different Types of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents are increasingly common, as these services continue to be popular. Even careful rideshares that might occur include:

Rideshare Driver Hits Another Vehicle

One common scenario is when a rideshare driver causes a crash by rear-ending or sideswiping another car. This can happen if the driver is glancing at their phone for a pickup at the wrong moment or racing to a new fare during rush hour. Speeding to stay on schedule or navigating unfamiliar routes can result in abrupt lane changes or poor decisions about merging, causing accidents.

Another Vehicle Hits the Rideshare Car

Sometimes, another motorist hits the rideshare vehicle while a passenger is onboard. This might occur at night, during double parking for a pickup, or because the other car violates traffic laws.

Pedestrian-Related Rideshare Accidents

It’s also possible for a rideshare driver to hit a pedestrian, which is an incredibly dangerous situation due to the lack of protection these victims have compared to vehicles. Even careful rideshare drivers have a lot going on and may be distracted, leading to a pedestrian accident.

Multi-Car or Chain Reaction Collisions

Rideshare accidents sometimes involve multiple vehicles. This can happen if traffic is heavy or when a rideshare driver unexpectedly stops or pulls over for a pick-up. The sudden move could lead to one car bumping into another, which starts a chain reaction crash involving several vehicles.

Accidents During Passenger Pick-Up or Drop-Off

It’s common for rideshare drivers to pick up or drop off passengers in places that aren’t meant for stopping, such as busy streets or intersection corners. Sudden stops or last-minute lane changes to reach a passenger can startle other drivers, leading to rear-end collisions and side-swipes.

Collisions Involving Cyclists or Scooters

Rideshare vehicles frequently share crowded roadways with bicyclists and scooter riders, especially downtown or in college areas. A rideshare driver opening a door or merging too quickly in bike lanes can cause serious injuries to cyclists and scooter users, since they’re not protected the way those in cars are.

Ridesharing has changed transportation across St. Louis and other Missouri cities, but it has also introduced new dangers. Being aware of the different ways these accidents can happen helps drivers, passengers, and everyone else on the road make safer choices.

Compensation Available After a St. Louis Rideshare Accident

If you are hurt in a rideshare accident in St. Louis, whether as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, you might be entitled to receive monetary damages. To better understand how this works, it’s helpful to know the types of damages you could be entitled to.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are meant to cover actual and measurable costs that come from your injury. These losses should be relatively easy to prove or present with bills and receipts. Common types include:

Emergency room and medical bills
Future care and doctor visits
Physical therapy and rehab costs
Lost pay from missing work
Lost earning ability if the injury keeps you from working at the same job or making as much money as before
Property damage

The ultimate goal of these damages is to reimburse you for any out-of-pocket expenses you experience as a result of the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Not every loss is visible on a statement or in your paycheck. Non-economic damages recognize the emotional and physical strain your injury has on your well-being. This may include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress or trauma
Long-term disability
Disfigurement and scarring
Reduced quality of life
Inability to enjoy usual activities or hobbies

This compensation provides money to people for the lasting changes the accident has on a person’s life in a negative way.

Punitive Damages

In some situations, Missouri law also allows for punitive damages. These aren’t about repaying medical costs or lost work, but about punishing especially dangerous behavior. A St. Louis court may award punitive damages if the defendant showed clear intention to harm you, or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others, such as drunk driving or street racing.

510.261. Punitive damages, restrictions on award of — proper award, when — civil actions, initial pleading not to contain claim for punitive damage award. — 1. Except as otherwise provided by statute, punitive damages shall not be awarded unless the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant intentionally harmed the plaintiff without just cause or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others.

These damages are designed to send a message that reckless conduct will not be tolerated, and help prevent similar behavior in the future.

Knowing what kinds of compensation exist makes it easier to get the support needed to move forward.

How Insurance Coverage Works in Rideshare Accidents

Getting into an accident as part of a rideshare trip comes with its own unique insurance challenges. For anyone hurt in one of these crashes – whether you are the passenger, the rideshare driver, or someone in another vehicle – knowing how coverage works is crucial. These details can change who pays your bills, who can be held responsible for damages, and how your claim moves forward. If you don’t fully understand the process, you might not get the compensation you’re entitled to. Here’s how the coverage operates:

The Rideshare App Is Off

Whenever the driver’s rideshare app is completely off or not in use, they are considered a private driver, not a commercial one. At this stage, only that driver’s personal auto insurance would apply, even if the accident happens in what would otherwise be their “work car.” This makes recovering damages difficult if their private insurance has low limits or denies the claim, which could happen for many different reasons.

The App Is On, But No Passenger Matched

When the app is turned on and the driver is waiting to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company (like Uber or Lyft) provides only limited liability coverage. This insurance usually covers some injuries and damages if the driver causes a crash and their personal insurance coverage is insufficient. However, the limits are lower than if the driver was actively transporting a customer.

En Route to Pick-Up or Passenger in the Car

Once a passenger request is accepted and up until passenger drop-off, rideshare companies extend the highest form of insurance coverage. This typically includes:

Third-party liability: Covers anyone the rideshare driver injures or whose property they damage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This protects everyone in the rideshare if the at-fault party either has no insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for all injuries or property damage.
Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage: Uber and Lyft often help with the rideshare driver’s vehicle damages after an accident, but only if that driver already carries those coverages on their own policy.

Anyone involved can usually file a claim against these policies when the driver’s personal insurance coverage doesn’t cover all of their losses.

What You Should Do If You’re Hurt in a Lyft Accident in St. Louis

Finding yourself in an accident while taking a Lyft can leave you disoriented and worried about the next steps. Knowing what to do can help protect your health and make sure your rights are covered. Here’s what you need to remember if this happens to you:

Call 911 and Get Checked by a Doctor

Even if you aren’t sure how badly you’re hurt, it’s smart to call 911. Certain injuries, like whiplash or head trauma, can hide until hours – or even days – after the crash. Medical records from right after the accident can also serve as clear proof that your injuries were caused by the crash.

Just as important as getting medical help is waiting for 911 to arrive on the scene so they can create a police report for the accident. The police will write down the basics – when and where the crash happened, who was involved, and sometimes, who might be at fault. Insurance companies and lawyers often rely heavily on these details.

Gather Photos and Information

If your injuries don’t stop you from moving around safely, use your phone to snap pictures of everything you can. This should include the cars, the street or intersection, any skid marks, and visible injuries you have. Write down or take a photo of driver information, like their driver’s license and insurance card. Also take a screen shot of their profile on the app and of your active trip. Ask for contact info from any witnesses willing to share so your lawyer can talk to them later on.

Report Your Accident to Uber or Lyft But Avoid Adding Unnecessary Details

Make sure you report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app or on their website, but stick to the basics. Don’t say more than you have to, guess who caused the crash, or say anything about your injuries too soon. You always wait to wait for a healthcare professional to examine you and speak with a lawyer before you share too much about the incident.

Don’t Sign Anything Right Away

You may get a quick call from insurance companies or receive paperwork asking for a recorded statement or signature. Don’t feel rushed or pressured to cooperate right away. You should always speak with a lawyer first to make sure you’re protecting your rights and your own best interests, because no one else that you hear from will be looking out for you. Anything you say or agree to might come back to hurt your case in the future.

Talk to a St. Louis Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer Soon

Reach out to a lawyer who deals with Uber and Lyft accidents in Missouri sooner rather than later. An experienced attorney understands how the insurance policies work and how quickly evidence can disappear if they don’t start investigating the case right away. Getting help early means someone is protecting your case while you focus on healing.

Dealing with an injury from a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, but following these steps will give you a good chance of recovering and getting the help you need.

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