Fighting for Justice When Your Uber Ride Turns Tragic
The rise of ridesharing services like Uber has transformed transportation, offering convenience and affordability. However, when you step into an Uber vehicle, you are placing your safety in the hands of a driver who may not have the proper training, experience, or insurance coverage. If you have been injured in an Uber accident, you may be facing a complex legal battle to determine liability and secure fair compensation.
At Meyerkord & Kurth, our St. Louis car accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources to tackle these cases head-on. We will work tirelessly to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. We will protect your rights and advocate for maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today.
Why Trust Meyerkord & Kurth with Your Uber Accident Case?
- Our Uber accident lawyers in St. Louis can navigate the complex liability issues that arise when rideshare companies like Uber are involved in accidents. We know how to determine the driver’s status, reconstruct the events leading up to the crash, and more.
- We will keep you informed throughout every phase of your rideshare accident claim process. You will receive personalized attention from lawyers with decades of experience who will always be available to answer your questions.
- Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple insurance policies and corporate entities. Your lawyer will aggressively pursue all possible avenues of compensation, including Uber’s corporate insurance and the driver’s personal coverage.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in St. Louis
Uber accidents happen for many of the same reasons as other traffic collisions, but several factors specific to rideshare driving increase these risks. Uber drivers often work long hours to maximize earnings, leading to fatigue that compromises reaction time and decision-making abilities. Additionally, the pressure to complete rides quickly to earn more fares can result in speeding, aggressive driving, and other risky behaviors.
Common causes of Uber accidents in St. Louis include:
- Distracted driving due to GPS navigation, checking the Uber app, or communicating with passengers
- Driver fatigue from working excessive hours
- Speeding to complete more rides in less time
- Unfamiliarity with certain areas of the city, leading to sudden stops or lane changes
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Picking up or dropping off passengers in unsafe locations
- Poor weather conditions combined with pressure to continue driving
- Inexperienced drivers who have not undergone rigorous training
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Uber Accident?
Determining liability in an Uber accident is often more complicated than in typical car accidents. Multiple parties may share responsibility, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
Uber drivers may be liable if they were negligent, reckless, or had violated traffic laws at the time of the accident. This includes situations involving distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to maintain their vehicle properly.
Uber itself may share liability, particularly if the accident occurred while the driver was actively using the app and either transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up. The company’s responsibility may extend to inadequate driver screening, insufficient safety policies, or app design that encourages unsafe driving practices.
Other motorists who contributed to the accident through their own negligence can also be held liable. This might include drivers who were speeding, running red lights, or driving while intoxicated.
In some cases, vehicle manufacturers may bear responsibility if a defective part or system contributed to the crash. Similarly, government entities responsible for road maintenance could face liability if poor road conditions or inadequate signage played a role in causing the accident.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage in Missouri
In cases where an Uber driver is involved in an accident, the company will provide some insurance coverage to help cover the damages suffered by the passengers. This coverage follows a three-phase system:
- When the driver is offline (not using the Uber app), only their personal auto insurance applies to any accidents. This coverage typically excludes commercial activities, which may create coverage gaps if the driver has not disclosed their rideshare activities to their insurer.
- When the driver is online but hasn’t accepted a ride request, Uber provides limited liability coverage that only activates if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim. This coverage includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- The most substantial coverage applies when the driver has accepted a ride and is either en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one. During this phase, Uber’s $1 million liability policy takes effect, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
Benefits of Hiring an Uber Accident Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
When you are injured in an Uber accident, you need someone who truly understands these cases in your corner. Rideshare companies and their insurers have teams of attorneys working to minimize their liability and reduce payouts to accident victims like you. Meyerkord & Kurth can help you navigate the insurance system and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
We will immediately work to determine the driver’s status at the time of your accident—a critical factor that affects which insurance policies apply and the coverage limits available to you. We will also move quickly to preserve essential digital evidence before it disappears. This includes securing the driver’s app activity log, GPS data, and electronic communications that can prove negligence and establish liability.
Uber crashes often involve multiple insurance companies simultaneously—the driver’s personal policy, Uber’s corporate coverage, and possibly other involved vehicles’ insurance. We handle all communication with these parties, preventing you from making statements that could be used against your claim while managing the complex web of adjusters.
Throughout your case, we provide clear explanations of your options and regular updates on progress. While you focus on physical recovery, we handle the entire legal process, from filing required documentation to negotiating with insurance representatives and preparing for trial if necessary. You will never fight this battle alone.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery and Justice Now
When you are injured in an Uber accident, you are facing a multi-billion-dollar corporation with powerful resources. The rideshare company won’t fight for you, but we will. At Meyerkord & Kurth, our Uber accident attorneys in St. Louis have successfully navigated complex accident claims and won substantial settlements for our clients. Contact us at (800) 391-4318 for a free consultation and discuss your next steps with our St. Louis Uber accident lawyers.