Uber and Lyft Drivers in Missouri and KansasCommon Causes of Uber Accidents

Uber accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Some rideshare crashes are caused by Uber or Lyft drivers and other crashes are caused by other drivers on the road. As an Uber passenger, you may be hurt by the following:

  • Distracted driving. Distracted driving includes anything that takes a driver's eyes from the road, hands off the wheel, or mind away from driving safely. All drivers face potential distractions such as texting, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers. Uber drivers have the additional distraction of the Uber app they use to communicate with riders, accept work, and navigate.
  • Fatigued driving. Uber drivers often work long hours and may drive late at night or early in the morning. When drivers are tired, their reaction times may be slower, they may make mistakes, or they may fall asleep at the wheel.
  • Reckless driving. Some rideshare drivers may engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, running red lights or stop signs, or changing lanes without signaling.
  • Inexperienced drivers. Some Uber drivers may be new to driving or may not be familiar with the area in which they are driving. This can lead to mistakes and accidents.
  • Vehicle maintenance issues. Uber drivers are responsible for maintaining their own vehicles, and some may not keep their cars in good condition. Issues such as worn tires, bad brakes, or broken lights can make accidents more likely.
  • Road conditions. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or slick roads, can also contribute to Uber accidents. In some cases, the city or state may be responsible for maintaining safe road conditions and may be liable for accidents caused by poor road conditions.
  • Other drivers. Other drivers on the road can also cause Uber accidents. Drivers may be distracted, intoxicated, reckless, aggressive, or otherwise negligent.

What to Do After a Kansas or Missouri Uber Accident

Uber accidents can be confusing and stressful. If you are hurt in a rideshare crash, you can begin to protect your rights by taking the following actions:

  • Call the police. Call the police to report the accident. The police can create an official report of the accident, make sure everyone gets medical help, and direct traffic to prevent additional accidents.
  • Get medical attention. Getting medical attention is essential, even if you don't think you are seriously hurt. Some injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical attention also creates a record of your injuries, which can be important if you decide to file a personal injury claim later.
  • Collect evidence. If you can, collect information from all the drivers, including their names, contact information, and insurance information. You should also take photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
  • Report the accident to Uber. You can report the accident to Uber through the app or website. This will create a record of the accident with Uber and may be necessary if you need to file a claim with their insurance.
  • Do not speak to insurance companies. If an insurance company contacts you after the accident, do not speak to them until you have spoken with your lawyer. Insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than with fairly compensating accident victims, and they may try to get you to admit fault or accept a low settlement offer.
  • Contact a personal injury lawyer. It is essential to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an Uber accident. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Who Will Pay Your Damages After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Rideshare drivers are independent contractors. In most cases, the Uber or Lyft driver, or another driver, will be responsible for paying your accident damages. In most cases, your compensation will come from one of the following:

  • The rideshare driver's insurance company
  • Uber of Lyft's accident fund
  • Another driver's insurance company

An experienced Uber lawyer will help you identify the proper defendant(s) and pursue a fair recovery.

Contact Kansas City Rideshare Accident Lawyers Michael Foster and Brian Wallace

Michael Foster Brian WallaceIf you have been hurt in a rideshare accident in Kansas or Missouri, you need to speak with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Kansas City office directly at 816.249.2101 to schedule your free consultation.  If you're not ready to talk, but still want to learn more about your rights, allow us to mail you a complimentary copy of Anatomy of a Personal Injury Claim: A Guide to the Legal Process in Kansas and Missouri.

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