In St. Louis, it’s common to need a ride from place to place so you don’t have to worry about driving to an event or finding parking. Although rideshare companies like Uber are safer options than driving under the influence, and have added benefits like carpooling, taking an Uber still has the typical dangers of riding in a car. Uber drivers are typically cautious because the riders will rate their driving, but sometimes they are not as safe as we might expect them to be.
Just like any other driver, Uber drivers can be negligent and make mistakes behind the wheel. When your Uber driver gets into a car accident from their own negligence that causes personal injury or property damage to you, then you can file a claim against your driver. A St. Louis Uber accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can help you determine your legal options and ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
What Are Some of the Risks of Taking an Uber in St. Louis?
Taking an Uber can be a safer alternative to driving in some regards, but it can pose other risks. In St. Louis, Uber is the preferred rideshare method, but some issues have been reported by its customers. These issues, of course, are not unique to St. Louis and can happen anywhere Uber is available. Here are some of the dangerous situations that could’ve happened while riding in an Uber:
- Collision with another vehicle, object, or pedestrian
- Harassment
- Sexual Assault
- Discrimination
In 2018, a St. Louis Uber driver, who was also driving for Lyft at the time, was caught recording and streaming videos of his passengers without their knowledge or consent. Not only were the passengers’ faces on display in the videos, but sometimes their full names were amentioned. Riders felt violated when they later learned about the videos. In response, Uber banned drivers from broadcasting recordings of their passengers.
When your Uber driver drives distracted and causes an accident, harasses you during your ride, or harms to you in any other way during your trip, you deserve to get justice for the wrongful actions and injuries that you endured. Hiring a St. Louis Uber accident attorney from Thomas Law Offices grants you peace of mind knowing that experienced lawyers are investigating every part of your case. Our attorneys understand that some of these situations can be sensitive, so we will fully support you through your case so that you can feel strong enough to seek justice.
What is Required of Uber Drivers in St. Louis?
As with regular drivers, Uber drivers are required to carry their own insurance policy that is up to par with Missouri’s auto insurance laws in case of a collision with another vehicle, object, or pedestrian. That means that Uber drivers in St. Louis must carry an insurance plan that covers at minimum:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $10,000 per accident for property damage
- Uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- Uninsured motorist coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
When an Uber driver is on the clock, though, Uber’s insurance covers their accident. When an Uber driver is listed as available or is waiting for a ride request, Uber has third-party liability insurance that covers them if their own insurance does not apply:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
If the Uber driver is en route to pick up riders or has riders in the car when they get into an accident, then Uber has this coverage:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury
- Contingent comprehensive and collision up to the actual cash value of the car and $1,000 deductible
It’s important to note that these are all coverage minimums for the drivers, but if your driver is in an accident while you are riding in the car, then you are also covered under all of these same parameters. If your accident doesn’t fit under one of the categories, you still might be eligible for compensation. A St. Louis Uber accident attorney will be able to answer your questions and will know what legal action you can take after a collision while riding in an Uber.
Other than insurance requirements, Uber drivers must meet other specifications in order to drive for the company. When we investigate your claim, we will look into their qualifications to see if they were eligible to drive for the company. As listed by Uber, the requirements for their St. Louis drivers are:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have at least one year of driving experience, or three years if you’re under 23 years old
- Have a valid Missouri driver’s license
- Clean driving record
- Must pass a background check
- 15-year-old vehicle or newer
- 4-door vehicle
- Vehicle is in good condition
- No cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding on the vehicle
- Official or temporary registration
If your Uber driver did not meet these requirements when they were involved in an accident that caused you injuries or property damage, then you could be eligible for more compensation based on your damages. Your St. Louis Uber accident lawyer knows what Uber drivers need in order to stay legal and fully covered, so we know exactly what to look for while investigating your accident.
Thomas Law Offices Can Support You in Your Legal Claim
As a city with various forms of public transportation, many people in the city choose to use Uber for the added comfort and privacy while getting from one place to another. Unfortunately, sometimes Uber drivers are negligent and get into accidents, or they act recklessly and put you and other riders in harm’s way. You deserve complete safety while riding in an Uber, and when that doesn’t happen, you have the right to take legal action.
Our experienced St. Louis Uber accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices will be able to guide you through the legal process of filing an accident claim against the responsible party. We know it can be intimidating going up against a company like Uber, but we will fight to make sure that you get the justice you deserve. Reach out to our office today so that we can get started on your claim.
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