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.