If you are hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you may know who caused the crash but still be unsure which insurance company should pay. In Missouri, that can depend on whether the rideshare driver was offline, waiting for a request, or already completing a trip. The car accident attorneys at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law help injured people in St. Louis sort through these questions. Founding Partner Dan Brown concentrates on personal injury and workers’ compensation and has handled several thousand cases since 1993.
Which Insurance Coverage May Apply?
Missouri’s rideshare insurance law (opens in new tab) sets different requirements based on the driver’s status in the app.
If the driver is logged in and waiting for ride requests, the law requires minimum liability limits of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage. The policy meeting those requirements may be maintained by the driver, the rideshare company, or both.
Once a request is accepted and a prearranged ride begins, Missouri requires at least $1 million in primary automobile liability coverage. That period continues until the last requesting passenger exits the vehicle.
If the motorist was not logged into the rideshare network, the TNC insurance requirements in the statute do not apply. The person’s private automobile policy would then need to be reviewed.
Does Fault Still Matter in a Rideshare Crash?
Yes. App status helps identify which policy may come into play, but it does not decide who caused the collision. A rideshare driver, another motorist, or more than one person could share responsibility.
An injured rider can still have a claim even though they were not driving. Our article about passenger car accident claims explains that issue in more detail.
If the responsible person has no insurance or leaves the scene, different policy questions can arise. See our resources on uninsured drivers in Missouri and hit-and-run accidents.
What Should You Save After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Keep screenshots or receipts showing the trip, driver, pickup, destination, and timing. These details can help show whether a ride had already been accepted.
When possible, also save photos of the vehicles and scene, witness contact information, police report details, and medical bills or treatment records.
Get Help Sorting Out Rideshare Insurance
Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law can review the crash and help identify which policy or policies may apply. Call 314-333-3333 or contact us for a free case review in St. Louis, MO. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
