When someone is injured or killed in a crash involving an Uber, it’s important to understand who can be held liable for losses.
Drafahl Law Firm can help. Our firm’s St. Louis car accident lawyers regularly represent victims of rideshare crashes and we’ve made it our mission to help those who have been harmed to get justice.
Give us a call today at (314) 300-6260 to schedule a free consultation and find out more about how we can represent you when a rideshare accident occurs.
Trust Our St. Louis Uber Accidents Attorneys
There were 153 fatalities in Uber vehicles from 2021 to 2022, according to the rideshare company’s safety data.
Finding the right Uber accident attorney is complicated because you need a lawyer familiar with the regulations related to rideshare vehicles, but who also has solid negotiating skills and strong experience representing clients in a court of law.
Drafahl Law Firm is the firm you are looking for. Some of the many reasons to work with us to pursue your Uber accident claim include:
- Our long history of success representing clients in rideshare accident cases and recovering large verdicts.
- Our trial experience, including the litigation skills led to our team members being recognized among the Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers.
- Our track record of successfully settling claims for large sums outside of court.
- The testimonials from past clients, many of which include statements similar to this one: “Not only did I receive more than I thought possible, Nolan had the insurance company pick up all the mediation fees.”
We bring all this and more to your case as we offer compassionate advocacy throughout your Uber accident claim.
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An Experienced Lawyer Will Fight for Your Full and Fair Compensation After an Uber Accident Causes Harm
Uber provides insurance but the coverage that it offers depends on what was happening at the time the accident happened.
- When an Uber driver is not on the app but in their personal vehicle, Uber doesn’t offer any coverage.
- If the driver is on the app and waiting for a ride but not actively engaged in picking up or transporting a passenger, Uber offers up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage as well as $25,000 in accidental property damage coverage.
- When the driver has someone in the vehicle or is en route to get a passenger, then Uber offers up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
Drafahl Law Firm can help you determine the status of your Uber driver at the time of the incident, and can also assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to prove that the driver (or another motorist on the road) was the cause of the crash. Our legal team does more than just that, though. We also:
- Find experts to testify on your case.
- Negotiate with the insurer representing the driver or Uber to try to get a fair settlement offer
- Represent you in court if no settlement is reached so you can get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other losses you endured.
Any car collision can be serious, and one in an Uber ride is no different. If you sustained any bone fractures, contact a St. Louis broken bone attorney today to pursue compensation for your injuries.
What Should I Do After An Uber Accident In St. Louis?
Injured in an Uber Accident?
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Being in an Uber accident can leave you shaken up and confused about what to do next. The decisions you make after a crash will shape your ability to recover medically, emotionally, and financially. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your case.
Call 911
If anyone is injured, or if there’s major property damage, call 911 right away – even if others say it’s not necessary. Making sure the police and medical professionals show up to the scene ensures everyone gets the medical attention they need, and it makes sure that there’s a formal police report documenting what happened.
Record Your Memories and Document The Scene
When you can, take a moment to write down everything you remember about the crash – what the Uber driver was doing, what you saw outside, sounds you heard, and the general road conditions. These details can fade quickly, so document them right away. You also want to take photos of as much as possible at the scene, including the cars involved in the accident, license plates, road conditions, and any injuries you’ve experienced.
Exchange Information
Make sure you get information from everyone involved in the accident. You should always get their names, phone numbers, and insurance information. Also try to get contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident.
See a Doctor Promptly
Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries worsen after that initial rush wears off. Whether you need an ambulance, visit urgent care, or schedule a check-up right after, make sure you get medical care as soon as possible after the accident.
Make a Report Using the App
After leaving the scene and once you’re safe, use the rideshare app to report the accident. Save screenshots or notes about your app submissions and any follow-up communication with their support team.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Speaking with a qualified St. Louis personal injury lawyer early makes the process less overwhelming, especially when insurance companies start calling. A lawyer can gather evidence and help you protect your rights, ultimately improving your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
The steps you take right after an Uber accident in St. Louis can protect your health and put you in a much stronger position to hold the right parties accountable.
What Compensation Can I Receive From An Uber Accident in St. Louis?
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident in St. Louis, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. The amount and kind of damages you can recover depend on your injuries, costs, and how the accident happened. Here’s what you should know about the different kinds of damages you might receive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are meant to cover the out-of-pocket costs you face after a rideshare accident. These financial losses can quickly add up, and the law entitles you to be made whole. Typical economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, follow-up visits, surgeries, and prescription medications
- Costs for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and mental health counseling
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working during recovery
- Reduced earning ability if your injuries mean you cannot return to the same job or work the same number of hours long-term
- Travel expenses for doctor trips or special care related to your injuries
- Car repairs, vehicle replacement, or property damage if the crash affected your personal property
Economic damages are based on actual bills, receipts, and loss calculations, making them somewhat straightforward to claim and prove.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all harm after an Uber accident is captured on receipts. Non-economic damages recognize the pain and negative life changes an accident can create, beyond what can be shown by how much money is spent. This could include:
- Physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress after the crash
- Loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer do hobbies, exercise, or activities you enjoyed before
- Loss of companionship or strain on relationships because of your injuries and recovery
- Disfigurement or permanent scars that change your appearance or self-confidence
These damages are naturally harder to value since every person’s experience is unique, but they should always be considered and can add a lot of value to the case.
Punitive Damages
Under Missouri law, punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence that the defendant either deliberately tried to harm you or acted with a conscious, reckless disregard for your safety.
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.
For example, if an Uber driver was intentionally dangerous, such as driving under the influence, racing, or ignoring known safety issues, these damages may come into play.
Punitive damages are meant to punish especially harmful conduct and to send a message so similar actions don’t happen again. They are separate from economic and non-economic compensation and aren’t meant to make the injured party whole or make up for actual losses they’ve experienced.
To best understand what damages you could be entitled to, you should always speak with an experienced ridehsare accident lawyer.
How Long Do I Have To File an Uber Accident Lawsuit in St. Louis?
If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit after an Uber accident in St. Louis, it’s important to know that you usually have 5 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations.
516.120. What actions within five years. — Within five years:
(4) An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated
If you miss the deadline, you likely won’t be able to recover compensation for your injuries later, even if you have a strong case. There are a few situations that can change this 5 year limit, making it either longer or shorter.
For example, if you didn’t realize right away that you were injured, you could fall under what’s called the “discovery rule,” which sometimes starts the clock when the injury is discovered rather than when the accident happened.
On the other hand, if your accident involves a government-owned vehicle or government employee, you might face a much shorter timeline to file a claim, sometimes just a matter of months. Even though five years sounds like plenty of time, certain circumstances can affect your right and the timeline to sue, so you should always reach out to a lawyer right away.
Determining Fault After a St. Louis Rideshare Accident
Determining who is at fault in a St. Louis rideshare accident can quickly get complicated, especially when multiple parties or insurance companies are involved. Proving fault is done by gathering evidence and analzying what occurred. Common types of evidence include:
Police Reports and Witness Statements
When an accident occurs, police officers usually arrive on the scene to create an official report. This report documents important details like traffic violations, location, weather, road conditions, and sometimes who the officer thinks was at fault. Officers will also collect statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses. These statements and reports can highlight reckless behavior that may have led to the accident.
Scene Photographs and Videos
Visual evidence often plays an important role in assigning fault. Photos of skid marks, traffic lights, stop signs, vehicle damage, and accident debris can help explain what happened to cause the accident. Sometimes dash cam videos, security footage from nearby businesses, or video recordings made by witnesses can also help show what occurred and who was at fault.
Mechanical and Maintenance Records
Evidence isn’t limited to the moment of the accident. If one of the vehicles had maintenance problems, a review of repair records or inspection logs can reveal whether a lack of upkeep contributed to the crash. Drivers using cars in poor shape may bear some or all of the fault.
Cell Phone Evidence
Phone records revealing calls, texts, or app usage help determine whether a driver was inappropriately using their phone in the moments leading up to the accident. Both rideshare drivers and other drivers involved in the accident may have been distracted by their devices, and a review of phone activity can show if this is the case.
Black Box (Event Data Recorder) Evidence
Many rideshare vehicles are equipped with black boxes, or event data recorders (EDRs). These devices automatically log important information right before and during a crash, such as speed, braking, and steering movements. Black box data can show how the car was being driven at the moments right before the accident, which is especially helpful if drifvres and witnesses have different versions of what occurred.
These types of evidence can help your attorney prove that someone else was responsible for the accident and should therefore be the person who has to pay your damages.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in St. Louis
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to get around St. Louis. Unfortunately, rideshare accidents occur frequently on city streets, often when people least expect them. Taking a closer look at what usually causes these crashes can help you understand when riders and drivers might be most at risk.
Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers regularly use smartphones to navigate, pick up passengers, or communicate through the app. This split second of taking their eyes off the road, even for a seemingly important update from the app or their passenger, can easily result in a collision. Distractions come not just from the app, but also from texting, looking up directions, or changing playlists. In a busy city, even a slight lapse in focus can make it hard to react to sudden stops, turns, or pedestrians crossing unexpectedly.
Fatigue and Long Shifts
Many rideshare drivers work long or odd hours, especially during late nights or early mornings when demands are highest. It’s common for a driver to finish another job and then get behind the wheel for rideshare work, leading to fatigue. Exhausted drivers have a slower reaction time and are at greater risk for missing hazards on the road. The effects of fatigue aren’t always obvious – even to the driver themselves. Drivers sometimes don’t realize how much their focus and judgment have been impacted until it’s too late to avoid an accident.
Unfamiliarity with Local Roads
Not all rideshare drivers are long-time St. Louis residents. Some may have only a basic understanding of city streets, relying heavily on GPS. This uncertainty can lead to last-minute turns, missed exits, or abrupt stops. When a driver isn’t confident about their route, there’s a higher chance they’ll make errors under pressure, driving unpredictably in traffic or accidentally violating right-of-way rules.
Pressure to Pick Up Passengers Quickly
The urgency built into ride-hailing apps often pushes drivers to hurry from one trip to another. This pressure can make it tempting to speed, make unsafe lane changes, or roll through stop signs, all in an attempt to boost ratings or increase earnings. Passengers waiting on curbs may also encourage unsafe pick-up maneuvers, especially in high-traffic areas or during poor weather, increasing the risk of an accident.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Rideshare drivers use their own vehicles, so maintenance depends on individual time and resources. Worn tires and brakes or delayed servicing can create serious hazards, putting both passengers and others on the road at risk. When corners get cut to save money or time, seemingly minor issues sometimes lead to major accidents.
Passengers Distracting the Driver
Another cause of rideshare accidents that you might not consider is passengers distracting the driver. Drivers might be pulled into conversation by chatty passengers or distracted by requests to adjust music, temperature, or make quick stops that aren’t in the app. Additionally, sometimes passengers are drunk and belligerent, making it hard for the driver to focus on the road.
Uber and Lyft rides can be a safe way to get where you’re going, but accidents happen. Understanding how rideshare accidents can give you an idea of who could be responsible for your damages.
Reach Out To A St. Louis Uber Accident Lawyer Today
To find out more about the representation we can offer, give us a call at (314) 300-6260 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a compassionate St. Louis Uber accident lawyer who you can trust.