Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how we travel around Kansas City. While these services offer incredible convenience, the increase in Uber and Lyft vehicles on the road has led to a rise in complex rideshare accident cases.
If you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, whether as a passenger, a pedestrian, or the driver of another car, the path to securing fair compensation can be incredibly challenging. You need a Kansas City Uber and Lyft accident lawyer who understands the specific legal and insurance hurdles involved.
Key Takeaways for Kansas City Lyft & Uber Accident Lawyers
- Accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers present unique legal challenges compared to standard car accidents due to complex insurance rules and driver classification.
- Insurance coverage in a rideshare accident is determined by the driver's status within the app at the time of the collision, creating different "phases" of liability.
- Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, which can complicate efforts to hold the company directly liable for a crash.
- Parties injured in a rideshare accident, including passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers, can seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Why Rideshare Accident Claims are More Complex
A car crash is always a traumatic event, but when an Uber or Lyft driver is involved, determining liability becomes much more complicated than in a standard car accident. Several factors make these cases unique:
- Driver Status: Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This is a distinction rideshare companies use to try and distance themselves from liability for their drivers' negligence.
- Complex Insurance Coverage: There are multiple layers of insurance policies at play, including the driver's personal auto insurance and the commercial insurance policies provided by Uber and Lyft. Knowing which policy applies is critical.
- Corporate Legal Teams: Companies like Uber and Lyft have vast resources and powerful legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts on car accident claims.
An experienced attorney from our law firm can navigate these complexities, ensuring the at-fault party is held liable for your injuries.
We Hold Negligent Drivers and Rideshare Companies Accountable
At Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers, our goal is to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Our Uber accident attorneys meticulously investigate every aspect of your ridesharing accident to build a powerful personal injury claim. We frequently handle cases involving:
- Distracted Driving: A Lyft or Uber driver looking at their app instead of the road.
- Drunk Driving or driving under the influence.
- Speeding and other reckless driving behaviors.
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signals.
- Fatigued driving from working long hours.
Whether you were an Uber or Lyft passenger or in one of the other vehicles involved, our aggressive legal strategies are designed to prove negligence and establish liability. We gather crucial evidence like police reports, witness statements, and app data to build an undeniable case.
Understanding Insurance Coverage in a Kansas City Uber or Lyft Accident
A common point of confusion in a Lyft or Uber accident is insurance coverage. Rideshare companies are required to provide insurance coverage, but it applies in different "phases" depending on the Uber or Lyft driver's status at the time of the car crash.
- Offline/App is Off: The rideshare driver's personal auto insurance is the primary coverage. However, many personal policies deny claims if the driver was engaged in commercial activity.
- App is On, Waiting for a Ride Request: Uber and Lyft provide a lower level of third-party liability coverage if the driver's personal insurance doesn't apply.
- En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Trip: This is when the full $1 million liability policy from the rideshare service is active. This policy also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Insurance companies will often exploit these phases to deny or delay claims. As specialists in bad faith insurance cases, our rideshare accident lawyers fight back. We work to close coverage gaps and ensure you receive compensation from the appropriate insurance coverage without delay.
Pursuing Full Compensation for Your Injuries and Losses
Like any serious motor vehicle accident, a Kansas City Uber accident can result in devastating injuries. Our legal team is committed to helping you recover damages for all your losses, including:
- Current and future medical bills and medical expenses
- Lost wages from time off work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your lyft vehicle or car
- And more
Partnering with Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers in Kansas City means you get the innovative, award-winning representation of our boutique firm backed by the resources to challenge even the largest corporations.
FAQ for Kansas City Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
Our legal team has provided answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding Uber and Lyft accident claims in Kansas City.
Is there a time limit for filing a lawsuit after a rideshare accident in Kansas City?
Yes. This is known as the statute of limitations. In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Kansas, the limit is typically two years. Failing to file a claim within this critical window will likely result in your case being permanently barred, making it crucial to consult with an accident lawyer promptly.
What happens if multiple passengers are injured in the same Uber or Lyft crash?
When multiple people are injured, they all may file a claim against the at-fault party's insurance policy. This can become complicated as the available insurance policy limits—often the $1 million commercial policy from Uber or Lyft—must be divided among all injured parties. This situation often requires skilled negotiation by a rideshare accident attorney to ensure a fair distribution of the available funds.
What kind of evidence is crucial for a Kansas City Uber accident claim?
Beyond police reports and medical records, critical evidence includes screenshots from the rideshare app showing the trip status, data from the vehicle’s "black box," witness contact information, and any photos or videos you took at the accident scene. An attorney can also obtain driver history records and internal company reports from Uber or Lyft.
Can I make a claim if the Uber or Lyft app itself malfunctioned and contributed to the crash?
Yes, it is possible to hold the rideshare company liable if a flaw in their technology contributed to the accident. For example, if the app provided unsafe directions, distracted the driver with excessive notifications, or malfunctioned, the company itself could be found negligent. This type of claim requires a highly technical investigation.
What if I were working as a delivery driver for Uber Eats or a similar service during the accident
Accidents involving food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub have their own specific insurance policies and rules that are often different from passenger rideshare services. The same "phase" system generally applies, but the coverage amounts and specifics can vary. It is essential to understand the specific policy in effect for the service you were driving for at the time of the crash.
Schedule a Free Consultation with our Experienced Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer in Kansas City
Don't let insurance companies dictate the value of your claim. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you have rights. The Kansas City Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers are ready to protect them. With a solid track record of successful case results, our skilled rideshare accident attorneys know how to get justice for the injured.
We are never afraid to take a case to trial to fight for the compensation you are rightfully owed. Contact us today at 816.931.4611 or through our online form for your free consultation and learn how we can decisively protect your rights.