When you need something, but you don't have it and don't want to buy it, you can always rent it in the new “sharing economy.” From renting a desk in a community workspace, a home away from home, and a car that takes you where you need to go, it’s easy. Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft) is a relatively new and uncharted industry that quickly became a part of daily life for millions of Americans who need a ride.
Also known as “transportation network companies” (TNC), these companies can offer quick rides for people who either don’t own a car or just need a ride somewhere whenever they can’t or don’t want to drive themselves. Whether you need an airport ride, a ride home after a night out, or just don’t feel like driving, you can call a car with an app, pay on the app, and be on your way as soon as the driver arrives.But no matter who's driving, a car accident is always possible, even ridesharing accidents!
Ridesharing In The State Of Missouri
Missouri’s HB 130 became law in 2017, making it legal for rideshare companies to operate in The Show-Me State.All drivers in Missouri are required to have minimum liability insurance. If they decide to become rideshare drivers, they must also purchase an additional specific policy that covers them while they are carrying passengers. This is in addition to Uber and Lyft’s accident-specific policies of up to $1M per incident.
Dissecting Insurance Coverage
Ridesharing accidents are much more complicated than a standard car crash.When you call for and accept a ride from a rideshare driver, there are multiple insurers involved. Everything hinges on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.1. Whether the driver was actually “on the clock,” logged in or out of the rideshare app.2. Whether the driver or another party was at fault.3. Whether the driver was following the rules and covered by the rideshare company’s insurer or their own.When the driver is en route to a passenger or has picked up a passenger and started a ride, the rideshares company’s insurance policy is in force.When a driver is logged into the rideshare app but in between passengers, the driver’s personal rideshare policy is in force.When a driver is logged out, and on his or her own time, their own personal liability insurance is enforced. At this point, you will have to file a claim against the driver's personal insurance policy, just as you would if they were not a rideshare driver.
Can You Handle Your Claim Without An Attorney?
You can, but it's not a wise idea, especially if you suffered injuries in the ridesharing accident. Most people don’t have legal cases very often and will not understand the laws involved in a car or a rideshare accident.Even though the ride-sharing insurance has a high coverage limit, that doesn't mean you'll receive that much. Like other insurance companies, Lyft and Uber's insurers will offer you the least amount they can. Their plan is to convince you to accept their immediate lowball settlement offer.The problem comes in when they don't offer you enough to cover everything. If you've been injured, will you have enough to call cover all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses?Once you accept their settlement offer, no matter how much it is, that's the end of your compensation. If you accept an offer that doesn't cover everything, just because they were quick to offer it, you could leave thousands of needed dollars on the table when you need it the most.Working with a personal injury attorney who understands rideshare accidents can make sure you receive the compensation you need.
Kansas City’s Oldest Accident Firm
The ever-changing legal landscape for ridesharing means that what works today may not work tomorrow. Coupled with insurance companies who want to keep from paying your claim, you need help to navigate the legal process to get the compensation you need. That's why it's best to work with a personal injury attorney who understands rideshare accidents.Since 1918, The Popham Law Firm has helped hundreds of people in all kinds of accident cases. We’ll be happy to review your ridesharing accident case, and how to proceed. Contact us at (844) 243-2288 or (use our online contact form) to get started.
