lyft accident

Ridesharing services have no doubt led to a dynamic increase in traffic while also increasing the percentage of traffic accidents.

Over the past few years, the rideshare industry has grown by leaps and bounds in terms of the number of rideshare vehicles on the road and the rise in the number of people opting for rideshare services. The advances in technology allow people to hire a car at a swipe or a tap. A 2017 survey showed that 53% of people preferred using ridesharing services and Uber and Lyft are the two main rideshare providers. 

Surprisingly many cities and counties have sought to regulate or restrict ridesharing services from operating in their jurisdiction. Missouri on the other hand recently passed a state-wide regulation for ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, allowing them to expand throughout the state. While ridesharing services have made life easier for a lot of us, it has often created issues determining liability for those injured in ridesharing accidents.

Missouri State Laws Regarding Uber and Lyft

Until 2017, both Lyft and Uber only operated out of a few metropolitan areas like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield and at the same rate as local cab companies. With the passing of the HB130, both companies were allowed to expand their services across the state, but only on payment of a licensing fee and adhered to a non-discrimination policy.

Missouri also requires all drivers including those of ridesharing companies to undergo background checks and purchase vehicle liability insurance. An experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer will be able to give you the right information on any ridesharing liability concerns you may have.

How Ridesharing Services Influence Traffic Accidents

Ridesharing services have no doubt led to a dynamic increase in traffic while also increasing the percentage of traffic accidents. Here’s how:

• Increase in the number of vehicles on the road – an increase in transportation options and an increase in the number of ridesharing vehicles, clogged roads, traffic snarls, and accidents become increasingly frequent.
  
• Different standards and rules – while drivers of vehicles for hire services like cabs and limos are required to hold a commercial driver’s license which requires an intensive licensing process that includes background checks, vehicle-specific tests, a complete examination of the driver’s history, and medical certification as well. Ridesharing companies may have different requirements.

• Speeding in order to get more rides – Many rideshare drivers in their rush to get the maximum number of rides, end up speeding to complete a pick-up and drop. This leads to speeding which results in accidents.

On the positive side, many states have claimed a substantial decrease in drunk driving accidents and deaths since ridesharing services stepped in. A University of California study conducted across 10 different cities also found a significant increase in the number of arrests for DUI since the onset of mobile ridesharing apps.

Despite the pros and cons, ridesharing vehicles like any other vehicle on the road stand the risk of accidents. Compensation claims in such cases are more than complicated, and sorting through the liability and settlement process can be time-consuming and tedious. Reach out to an attorney with experience handling ridesharing accidents in St. Louis, Missouri if you or a loved one has been recently involved in a car accident while using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft.

It’s been estimated that Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services have caused road deaths – including pedestrian deaths – to jump by up to 3%.

Drivers who work for Uber or Lyft often drive in highly-trafficked downtown locations where it can be difficult to drive safely, and this can result in serious injuries or even deaths if they hit a pedestrian.

So, what should you do if you’re ever hit by a Lyft or Uber driver as a pedestrian in St. Louis? 

1. Call 911 Immediately 

You may need medical help if you’ve been hit by a Lyft or Uber driver. Even a low-speed accident could result in broken bones, head injuries, scrapes and cuts, and internal bleeding or even organ damage. Don’t assume you’re okay – adrenaline may make you think you’re fine when you’re actually very hurt.

You also need to talk to the police and file an incident report. Tell them everything you can about the incident, and make sure they interview witnesses and passersby so that they have a full account of how the accident occurred. 

2. Gather As Much Information As You Can About The Incident

The police will gather this information, but you should collect it yourself to be safe. Get the name of the driver, find out which service they were working for, note the make, model, and color of their car, and write down their license plate number.

3. Take Photos

Documenting the incident area with photos can help you build your case in court and protect yourself. You can take photos of your injuries, the crosswalk or other area where you were hit, and any other evidence that may help you in the future. 

4. Get A Copy Of The Police Report

The police report should have a comprehensive overview of the incident and will be valuable throughout the claims process. Getting a copy of the report can also help you determine if there are any accuracies or inconsistencies that need to be addressed.

5. File A Claim With Lyft, Uber, or The Driver’s Personal Insurance Policy

The way insurance works with Lyft and Uber is a bit complicated. Drivers are covered by Lyft or Uber policies when driving and picking up/dropping off passengers. 

However, when they are not actively driving for Uber or Lyft, they are covered by their own auto insurance policy. In some cases, they may also not have informed their auto insurer that they are driving commercially and they may lack the proper coverage, making the situation even more complex. 

This can make it hard to know who you should file your claim with. That’s why we recommend you work with an experienced Lyft accident lawyer or Uber accident lawyer. Your lawyer can help you navigate this process – and work to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Get Help From a Ride-Sharing Accident Lawyer In St. Louis 

Due to the complexity of accidents involving rideshare drivers, it’s hard to navigate the process on your own. Get in touch with an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in St. Louis now to get the help you need, and make sure you’re properly compensated for your injuries and your pain and suffering.