Rideshare services in Independence, Missouri, like Lyft offer convenience, but they don’t guarantee safety. Unlike licensed commercial drivers, Lyft operators aren’t subject to strict qualifications.
Many have little training, limited driving experience, and no meaningful oversight. When an accident happens, passengers and other drivers are often left dealing with serious injuries—and even more serious legal complications.
That’s where our experienced Independence Lyft accident lawyers come in. Our skilled legal team focuses completely on Missouri car accident law, and has recovered over $105 million for our clients.
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Have you been involved in an accident involving Lyft or Uber in Independence, Missouri? Our expert legal team is available 24/7 to assist you. Call (816) 382-6915 to speak with our experienced Lyft accident attorneys in Independence, Missouri, today.
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What Our Lyft Accident Lawyers in Independence, Missouri, Will Do To Help
Since 1990, we’ve helped Missourians recover over $105 million in compensation for motor vehicle accidents. This is what we do to build you a winning case:
1. Investigating the Crash and Proving Liability
We will conduct a thorough investigation—analyzing the police report, collecting trip logs, employment records, witness testimony, and video evidence.
If Lyft withholds its data, we secure subpoenas to compel disclosure. Early access to these facts reveals how fatigue, distraction, or poor training caused the crash and helps us establish liability.
Many Lyft accidents are caused by systemic issues: drivers often work long hours, operate without formal training, and rely heavily on their phones while behind the wheel.
Our objective is to document those factors, establish fault early, and build a case strong enough to hold every responsible party accountable.
2. Identifying All Available Insurance Coverage
Several insurance layers can come into play after a rideshare crash. Lyft’s commercial policy covers the accident only if the driver was logged into the app and either waiting for a request, on the way to a pickup, or carrying a passenger.
When that policy doesn’t apply, we look to the driver’s own auto coverage, any supplemental or umbrella policies, and the insurance carried by other motorists involved.
We also examine your health plan and other benefits to be sure no source of compensation is missed.Â
3. Filing Strategic Insurance Claims
We send a complete, timely claim to every insurer involved, including Lyft’s and the driver’s personal policy. Once they get that notice, they must open a file and earmark funds for your claim, which often speeds up fair negotiations.
4. Securing Medical and Legal Evidence
We strive to maximize your settlement by including medical records and expert reports that detail the accident and your injuries. In these cases, it’s important to show not only what happened but also to provide a clear link that shows the accident was the reason.
To prove this connection is essential, particularly when several parties are engaged and liability becomes more complex to establish.
5. Demanding Full Compensation
Once the evidence is in, a formal demand goes to Lyft’s insurance company—and any other insurer that may owe coverage.
We attach the key records: medical documentation, a clear explanation of fault, totals for medical expenses and lost wages, and estimates of future losses.
6. Negotiating and Preparing for Trial if Needed
Insurance companies rarely offer fair compensation without pressure. We negotiate directly with adjusters, supervisors, and legal counsel. If they don’t cooperate, we are fully prepared to litigate.
That includes filing suit, pursuing discovery, and representing you at trial or mediation.
7. Committing Our Full Legal Resources to Your Case
We only accept Lyft accident cases when we know we can provide real value to the client. Our attorneys and legal team handle every detail—from identifying liens to ensuring all damages are accounted for.
Attorneys Paul Beck and John Beck bring over three decades of experience and the full weight of our firm’s resources to every case we take.
Accidents Involving Rideshare
Rideshare crashes can happen suddenly and without warning—often caused by distracted or overworked drivers trying to rush between fares. When they do, your actions in the minutes and days that follow can directly affect your ability to recover damages.
Call 911 immediately and make sure anyone injured receives medical attention. If it’s safe, document the scene: take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, license plates, and any road signs or conditions that may be relevant.
When the police arrive, provide a clear statement for the accident report. Even little details—such as whether the driver was looking at their phone or the flow of traffic at the time—can aid in determining guilt.
Within seven days, see a doctor, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt. Some injuries take time to surface, and delays in treatment can weaken your claim.
Request copies of all medical records, bills, and diagnostic findings. These documents are necessary for demonstrating the severity of the accident and the expense of recovery.
Can I Sue Lyft For a Car Accident?
As Lyft drivers are not employees of the company, but independent contractors, this distinction limits the situations in which Lyft can be held directly liable for an accident. The company avoids responsibility for most driver negligence by relying on this classification.
Unlike traditional taxi services, Lyft does not require professional training or commercial licensing. Drivers only need to meet age and vehicle standards, pass a background check, and maintain a clean driving record.
The lack of oversight does not excuse them from harm, but it complicates accountability.
In most situations, claims are made against the driver rather than Lyft. However, Lyft does offer third-party liability insurance, which may cover injuries and damages depending on whether the driver was linked into the app or actively performing a ride at the time of the accident.
Our experienced Lyft accident attorneys will determine the scope of insurance policies and follow the necessary steps to secure compensation through the appropriate avenues.
Proving Liability After an Accident Involving Lyft
To hold someone responsible, you have to show four things: the Lyft driver had a duty to drive safely, broke that duty, caused the crash, and you were actually harmed. This applies whether you were a Lyft passenger or in another car that was hit.
Missouri law under RSMo Section 387.414 requires transportation network companies (TNCs) like Lyft to maintain third-party liability insurance coverage for their drivers. The level of coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
When a driver is off duty, only their personal insurance applies. If they’re logged into the app but haven’t accepted a ride, limited coverage may be available. Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is on board, Lyft’s policy can provide up to $1 million in coverage.
These distinctions can have a substantial influence on your argument. Our experienced Independence car accident lawyers will determine what policy applies, identify all responsible parties, and pursue compensation from all available sources.
Types of Rideshare Car Accident Claims We Handle
Rideshare accidents can quickly become complicated, especially when several parties are involved. Our attorneys carefully investigate each crash to determine who should be held responsible.
That might include the Lyft driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company. We handle all types of claims involving Lyft and Uber, such as:
- Passengers injured while riding in a Lyft vehicle
- Drivers and occupants of other vehicles struck by a rideshare driver
- Lyft drivers injured due to another driver’s negligence
- Pedestrians and bicyclists hit by rideshare vehicles
- Victims of hit-and-run accidents involving Lyft or Uber drivers
Even though passengers typically hold no responsibility for causing the crash, insurers frequently delay or dispute these claims.
If you were injured while riding as a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, you may be covered by Lyft’s commercial liability insurance, which provides coverage as high as $1 million, depending on the facts of your accident.
This policy can apply whether your Lyft driver or another motorist was at fault.
However, to receive compensation, you’ll need clear documentation of your injuries and a claim filed with the right insurer. Our skilled Independence Lyft accident lawyers handle the details, gathering trip records, medical reports, and insurance documents to build a solid claim.
Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Missouri
According to RSMo Section 516.120, you normally have five years to initiate a personal injury claim following a Lyft accident in Missouri. This deadline applies whether you were a passenger, driver, or another person wounded in the accident.
If the accident resulted in a fatality, the deadline is shorter. Missouri law allows only three years to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased family member.
Failing to meet these deadlines results in losing your opportunity to seek compensation—regardless of the strength of your case.
Consult With Our Rideshare Accident Law Firm in Independence, Missouri
Rideshare crashes bring a tangle of issues—multiple insurers, corporate defense teams, and hazy fault lines. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we sort it all out from day one.
Whether you were in the car, behind the wheel, or caught in the crossfire, we’ll manage every legal step so you can rest and recover. Call (816) 382-6915 now for a free consultation and let us guide you forward.
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