Missouri Court Ruling: Can Lyft Be Held Liable in Wrongful Death Cases?

The rise of ridesharing apps like Lyft has revolutionized transportation, offering convenient and affordable alternatives to traditional taxis. However, this convenience comes with inherent risks, and accidents involving Lyft vehicles are, unfortunately, a reality. When these accidents result in fatalities, the question of liability becomes paramount. Can Lyft, the company, be held responsible in wrongful death cases? A recent Missouri court ruling is reshaping the legal landscape and could have significant implications for future cases.

The Central Question: Lyft’s Liability in Wrongful Death Cases

In Missouri, as in many states, determining liability in a rideshare accident is complex. It hinges on several factors, including the driver’s status at the time of the accident and whether the company’s policies or actions contributed to the incident. Missouri operates under a comparative fault system, meaning that responsibility can be divided among multiple parties.

So, who could be held liable in a Lyft-related wrongful death case in Missouri? Potential parties include:

The Lyft driver (if their negligence caused the accident)
Lyft (if the driver was actively engaged in a ride or if company policies contributed to the accident)
Another driver (if a third-party driver caused the collision)
Vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers (if a defect or mechanical failure played a role)

The Landmark Ameer Case: A Turning Point

A recent Missouri Court of Appeals ruling in the case of Ameer v. Lyft, Inc. has brought this issue to the forefront. The case involves the tragic death of Andrew Ameer, a Lyft driver who was lured to a location in St. Louis in September 2020 and killed during a carjacking. The lawsuit alleges that Lyft failed to implement adequate safety measures to protect its drivers, particularly regarding passenger verification and fraud prevention.

On March 3, 2025, the Missouri Court of Appeals reversed a trial court’s decision to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit against Lyft. In a landmark decision, the court ruled that a rideshare app can be considered a “product” and is therefore subject to Missouri’s product liability laws. This ruling is significant because it opens a new avenue for holding rideshare companies accountable for injuries or deaths resulting from defects in their apps.

The lawsuit alleges that Lyft’s app was defective because it allowed the individuals who murdered Andrew Ameer to create a fake account using a false name, email address, and anonymous payment method. The lawsuit further claims that Lyft does not use its technological capabilities to screen or implement safety mechanisms that mitigate the risk of violence against drivers.

What Does This Ruling Mean for Future Cases?

The Ameer v. Lyft, Inc. ruling could have far-reaching consequences for future wrongful death and personal injury cases involving rideshare companies in Missouri. By classifying the Lyft app as a “product,” the court has paved the way for plaintiffs to pursue product liability claims against Lyft, arguing that defects in the app contributed to the incident.

This ruling could also encourage rideshare companies to implement stricter safety measures to protect their drivers and passengers. This includes improving passenger verification processes, enhancing GPS tracking and monitoring capabilities, and implementing data analysis techniques to identify potentially fraudulent or violent riders.

Insurance Coverage and Liability

Navigating insurance coverage in rideshare accidents can be complex. Lyft maintains insurance policies that provide coverage in certain situations, but the extent of coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Driver not logged into the app: Lyft provides no coverage; the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Driver logged in but without a passenger: Lyft provides contingent liability coverage up to \$50,000 per person for injuries, \$100,000 per accident, and \$25,000 for property damage.
Driver engaged in a ride: Lyft offers \$1 million in liability coverage, which can be used for injury claims if the driver was at fault.

In addition to the driver’s status, Lyft can be held directly liable if its own negligence contributed to the accident. This could include failing to properly vet drivers, app malfunctions leading to unsafe driving behavior, or inadequate safety policies.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Missouri

In Missouri, a “wrongful death” is defined as a death resulting from negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts. A wrongful death claim can be filed against a person or company whose actions caused the death.

Missouri law specifies who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The order of priority is as follows:

The deceased person’s surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren.
The deceased person’s parents or siblings.
If no one from the above categories survives, the court will appoint a “plaintiff ad litem” to handle the claim.

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Missouri is three years from the date of death.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

In a successful wrongful death case, the plaintiff may be entitled to recover various damages, including:

Economic damages, such as funeral expenses, medical expenses, and loss of income.
Non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship, pain, and suffering.

It’s important to note that Missouri law does not allow damages for “grief and bereavement.” There is also no cap on damages in wrongful death cases unless the case is based on medical malpractice.

Seeking Legal Assistance

The Ameer v. Lyft, Inc. case highlights the complexities of determining liability in rideshare accidents and the potential for holding companies like Lyft accountable in wrongful death cases. If you have lost a loved one in a Lyft-related accident, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal process, investigate the accident, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.