Kansas City Rideshare Accident Attorney

When getting into a Lyft or Uber, you have a reasonable expectation of safety. Unfortunately, that ride can quickly turn dangerous if the driver behind the wheel is distracted, speeding, or driving for hours without a break. 

If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe can help you seek justice. Whether you were a passenger in the vehicle or encountered a negligent rideshare driver on the road, our Kansas City rideshare accident attorneys can help you find out what happened and pursue the compensation you are owed. Call (816) 876-2600 today for a free consultation from our specialized car accident lawyers in Kansas City, MO. 

Why Do Kansas City Rideshare Accident Victims Choose Us?

• Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe has recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we will do everything in our power to secure the maximum compensation available for your case.
• Rideshare cases often involve more than one insurance company. Our attorneys sort out which policy applies to your situation and pursue every party who may be responsible for your injuries.
• Your financial situation should never prevent you from getting the legal help you need.  There is no upfront cost to hire our firm, and our attorneys are paid only if we recover compensation on your behalf.

The Benefits of Hiring a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Kansas City

Uber and Lyft’s insurers handle rideshare claims every day and are trained to limit what they pay out. Without legal help, you may be asked to give a recorded statement that gets used against you later, or offered a quick settlement before your medical treatment is even finished.

Rideshare cases also involve more moving parts than a standard car accident, since a claim might touch the driver’s personal insurer, Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy, or both at once. When you are hurt, it can be very challenging to sort through these policies and identify the best path to compensation for your situation.

This is where a Kansas City Uber and Lyft accident attorney steps in. An attorney can request trip and GPS data from Uber or Lyft to identify exactly which insurance period applied at the time of your crash. From there, we find every policy that may owe you compensation and handle communication with the adjusters on each side. If a fair settlement is not offered, we prepare your case for negotiation or litigation.

How Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Works in Kansas City

Uber and Lyft insurance coverage doesn’t work like a typical liability policy. Instead, the amount of coverage available after a crash depends on what the driver was doing in the rideshare app at the time of the accident. Rideshare companies divide a driver’s activity into three periods, and each period carries a different level of insurance protection:

• The app is off: Only the driver’s personal car insurance will apply to the accident, similar to other collisions that do not involve rideshare vehicles.
• The app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request: The rideshare company offers limited liability coverage in the amounts of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $25,000 in property damage.
• The app is on and the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or a passenger is in the vehicle: The rideshare company offers $1 million in liability insurance coverage. 

Common Causes of Kansas City Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare drivers spend long hours behind the wheel while relying on a phone for navigation, ride requests, and passenger messages at the same time. Additionally, an Uber or Lyft driver’s pay is often tied to the number of rides they can accept in a day, which can lead to rushed, aggressive driving. This combination of factors can often lead to a serious collision. 

Some of the most common contributors to Uber and Lyft accidents include:

• Checking the app for ride requests or directions while driving
• Speeding between fares to complete more trips per shift
• Driving while fatigued after long or back-to-back shifts
• Making unsafe or sudden lane changes to reach a pickup or drop-off spot
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Following too closely in heavy Kansas City traffic

Common Injuries Suffered in Uber and Lyft Accidents

A rideshare crash can happen at highway speed or in stop-and-go traffic, and the injuries that result vary just as widely. Passengers, drivers, and people in other vehicles who are hurt in these accidents often deal with:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries
• Cuts and lacerations from broken glass
• Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash

Some of these injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and others can be masked by the shock and adrenaline of the collision. This is why you should seek medical care immediately after the collision, even if you feel fine initially. A thorough medical evaluation protects your health and creates important evidence for your future claim. 

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident as a Passenger, Driver, or Third Party

In the minutes after an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s easy to focus on the shock of what just happened and overlook what to do next. However, these moments are critical for your future health and your claim afterward. Take the following steps if you are physically able:

• Call 911 to report the accident to the police and seek medical attention.
• If you are a passenger, take screenshots of your trip details, including the driver’s name, photo, and the time of the ride.
• Photograph the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
• Exchange information with everyone involved, including any other drivers.
• Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app.
• Contact a Kansas City rideshare accident attorney before speaking with an insurance adjuster.

Contact Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe for a Free Consultation

When a rideshare accident happens, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe will guide you on the path to recovery, from investigating the cause of the collision to negotiating with every insurance company involved. Contact our attorneys today for a free consultation, and let us pursue the compensation you are owed.