Missouri Uber Accident Lawyer
Uber has an estimated 200,000 drivers operating in Missouri. However, Uber accidents in Missouri can result in significant injuries and losses for passengers and drivers. Common causes behind these fatal rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers may be distracted or fatigued driving, inexperienced drivers, and vehicle maintenance issues.
Under Missouri law, victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If you or your loved one has been involved in an Uber accident, seeking the legal assistance of an experienced St. Louis rideshare accident attorney can help navigate the insurance negotiation process and ensure you get the much-deserved justice.
Let us handle your Missouri Uber accident case. Contact our legal team to schedule a free consultation today.
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Contact our Missouri Uber accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Missouri Uber accident lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Recent Statistics on Uber Accidents in Missouri
In 2021, Missouri experienced a total of 1,234 rideshare accidents. The rate of serious injuries and fatalities from rideshare accidents saw a notable increase compared to the previous year.
In 2020, six fatal rideshare accidents were reported in Missouri, a figure that rose to 12 in 2021. Additionally, the number of non-fatal injuries also saw an uptick, rising from 12,345 in 2020 to 14,456 in 2021.
Data from 2023 shows 989 fatalities on Missouri roadways, marking a 6% decrease from 1,057 fatalities in 2022.
Research indicates that rideshare services contribute to roughly a 3% increase in traffic accident fatalities since 2011, which means 987 deaths per day were reported due to the growing usage of rideshare vehicles.
Uber’s 2019-2020 Safety Report reveals that driver fatalities in car accidents are less common than passenger deaths, with one rideshare driver fatality per 140 million rides.
A total of 101 deaths occurred in 91 fatal incidents in 2019 and 2020. Uber attributed these car accidents primarily to speeding (32%) and driving under the influence of alcohol (23%).
In these motor vehicle accidents, pedestrians were the most affected victims (64%), followed by vulnerable road users (42%), motorcyclists (29%), and cyclists (7%).
Why Are Uber Accident Cases Increasing in Missouri?
Uber accidents can occur for various reasons, some involving the actions of Uber or Lyft drivers, while others are due to other road users. Common causes of Uber or Lyft accident cases in Missouri include:
- Uber drivers may be distracted by texting, eating, or using the Uber app while driving.
- Long hours and odd schedules can cause fatigue and impaired reaction times in Uber drivers.
- Speeding, running red lights, and unsafe lane changes can lead to serious car accidents.
- New or inexperienced Uber drivers may struggle with navigation or traffic situations.
- Poorly maintained vehicles, such as those with worn brakes or tires, can contribute to accidents.
- Potholes, slick roads, and other hazards can create unsafe driving situations.
- Other negligent drivers on the road may be distracted, impaired, or reckless, increasing the risk of Uber accidents.
Speaking with a St. Louis Uber accident lawyer can help clarify liability and recover damages from the insurance company of the negligent party.
Missouri Rideshare Regulations and Requirements for Uber Drivers
In Missouri, rideshare companies that operate using digital apps, like Uber and Lyft, are known as “transportation network companies” (TNCs). These companies must register and comply with state laws to conduct business legally within Missouri.
Here are the key applicable regulations and requirements for Uber drivers in Missouri:
- Vehicle Age: The car must be 15 years old or newer.
- Vehicle Type: It must be a four-door vehicle with at least five seats, including the driver’s seat.
- Condition: Vehicles must be in good condition, free from cosmetic damage or commercial branding.
- Registration: Vehicles must have proper registration, whether temporary or permanent. Ownership in the rideshare driver’s name is not necessary.
- Insurance: Drivers must have their own auto insurance that meets Missouri legal standards.
- Driver Qualifications: Drivers must be 21 or older, hold a valid U.S. driver’s license, and have at least one year of U.S. driving experience (three years if under 23). Additionally, drivers need a clean driving record and no criminal history.
Failure to comply with Missouri rideshare regulations can lead to Uber accidents due to inadequate vehicle maintenance, inexperienced or unsafe drivers, and lack of proper insurance coverage. This increases the risk of car accidents by Uber and Lyft drivers and potential harm to passengers.
Important Steps to Take After an Uber Accident in Missouri
Uber accidents in Missouri can be distressing, but there are practical steps you can take to safeguard your rights and seek compensation for your losses. Follow these important steps on how to handle the situation:
Step 1: Notify the Police
Report the accident to the local police to create an official record. They can assist with medical aid and manage traffic to prevent further incidents.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think you are fine, get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately noticeable.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Collect evidence from involved parties in the accident, including their names, contact details, and insurance information. Take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
Step 4: Report to Uber
Report the accident through the Uber app or website to create a record with the company, which may be necessary for future claims.
Step 5: Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies
Until you have legal representation from a reputed Uber or Lyft accident lawyer, avoid speaking with insurance companies. They may attempt to offer low settlements or elicit statements that could harm your case.
Step 6: Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
Contact a Missouri Uber accident lawyer promptly. An experienced personal injury attorney can advocate for fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
What is the Time Frame to File a Missouri Uber Accident?
In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the Uber accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For minor children injured in a rideshare accident, the Missouri statute of limitations begins only after their 21st birthday. Failing to bring a claim before this deadline could prevent you from recovering damages.
While five years may seem like plenty of time, acting quickly is important. Starting your Uber accident claim early allows you to investigate the accident and gather evidence while the details are still fresh. Delaying could weaken your case and reduce your chances of receiving compensation.
To protect your rights and build a strong case, consult an experienced Missouri Uber accident attorney as soon as possible.
What is the Insurance Coverage for Drivers Involved in a Missouri Uber Accident?
If you are injured in a Missouri Uber accident, determining who to sue depends on who is at fault. When the Uber driver is responsible, you may file a claim against their insurance policy. If the rideshare driver is logged into the Uber app, the company’s insurance may offer coverage depending on the situation.
Uber’s liability insurance varies based on the driver’s app status. For instance, if a rideshare driver is logged on and waiting for a ride request, the basic coverage provides up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
When a driver is en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip, Uber’s insurance can provide up to $1 million in coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
Since Uber or Lyft accident cases involve multiple insurance policies, an experienced Missouri Uber accident lawyer can help you prove liability and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Compensation Can I Seek for an Uber Accident in Missouri?
If you have been involved in a Missouri Uber accident, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages. An experienced Uber accident lawyer can guide you through the process and fight for your full recovery, including:
Medical Expenses: This includes all medical bills from doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and medications related to the accident. Keeping thorough records is essential.
Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future income.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Reimbursement for transportation, home care, and other related expenses.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress due to the car accident.
Punitive Damages: In cases of reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.
Wrongful Death: If the accident resulted in a loved one’s death, you may recover funeral and burial costs, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, etc.
Contacting an experienced Uber accident lawyer can assess your personal injury claim, calculate high economic and non-economic damages, and maximize your financial compensation through negotiations.
How to Recover Compensation if I’m Blamed for an Uber Accident in Missouri?
In Missouri, a pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation even if you are 99% at fault for an Uber accident. However, your amount of compensation will be reduced based on your share of the percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $10,000 and you are found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $8,000 in compensation.
Insurance companies may try to shift blame to reduce their liability. Experienced Missouri Uber accident lawyers can help defend your claim and counter these tactics, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
Book a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Missouri Uber Accident Attorney
Suffering from a Missouri Uber accident can result in long-term damages from injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries to expensive medical bills for treatment. Victims may even face loss of income, ongoing pain, and loss of companionship.
An experienced Missouri Uber accident lawyer at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, can guide you through the legal process to seek compensation for these damages. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, a skilled personal injury lawyer will advocate for your rights and strive to secure the best possible outcome.
Contact our law firm at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis Uber accident attorney. All shared confidential or sensitive information you share remains private through an attorney-client relationship.