The Reality of Rideshare Accident Risk
Though Uber and Lyft claim to promote safety, rideshare drivers aren’t always professional drivers. Many work long hours, juggle multiple jobs, and drive distracted by the app itself.
A University of Chicago study found that rideshare services have increased traffic fatalities by 2-3% since their introduction — that’s roughly 1,100 additional deaths annually in the U.S.
- Contributing factors include:
- Driver fatigue from long shifts
- Distraction from GPS and passenger pick-up alerts
- Increased congestion in urban areas
- Inadequate background checks or vehicle maintenance
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Whether you’re a passenger, another driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, rideshare accidents can cause serious injuries such as:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- PTSD and emotional trauma
These injuries may not be immediately visible but can lead to long-term pain, disability, and lost wages.
Who’s Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Rideshare cases are legally complex because liability depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
1. Driver Was Logged Off the App:
- Personal auto insurance applies — Uber/Lyft is not responsible.
2. Driver Was Logged In (No Passenger):
Uber/Lyft provides contingent coverage:
- Up to $50,000 per person for injuries
- Up to $100,000 per accident
- Up to $25,000 for property damage
3. Driver Was On a Trip or Had a Passenger:
- Uber/Lyft’s $1 million liability policy is in effect.
American SPCC. “Rideshare Accident Claims: Understanding Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Policies.” American SPCC, 11 Feb. 2025, https://americanspcc.org/rideshare-accident-claims-understanding-uber-and-lyfts-insurance-policies/.
Important: Even with coverage, insurance companies will often delay, deny, or reduce payouts — especially if you don’t have legal representation.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident
If you’re hurt in a rideshare crash in Missouri or Kansas, take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 and request a police report.
- Seek medical attention — even if symptoms seem mild.
- Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Get contact info from all drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Screenshot the rideshare trip details in your app.
- Do NOT speak to insurance adjusters without a lawyer.
- Contact Monsees & Mayer as soon as possible for a free consultation.
Deadlines Matter: Statute of Limitations
- Missouri: 5 years from the date of the accident or 3 years for wrongful death claims.
- Kansas: 2 years from the date of the accident
Don’t wait — evidence disappears fast, and the clock is ticking.
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
At Monsees & Mayer, we have experience handling complex rideshare accident cases. We’ll help you:
- Determine which insurance policy applies
- Collect critical evidence and medical documentation
- Negotiate with multiple insurers
- File a lawsuit if your claim is denied or undervalued
You deserve full compensation for your injuries — and we fight to make sure you get it.
Authoritative External Sources:
- NHTSA: Rideshare Safety Data
- University of Chicago Study on Uber & Traffic Deaths
