Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney in Charlotte, NC
Maybe you are heading out on the town for a night with friends and want to ensure you get home safely, or you need to commute to a meeting downtown. Either way, rideshare services are popular in Charlotte – with Uber and Lyft being the most utilized. As you are on your way to your destination, your rideshare driver causes an accident, and you are injured. What now? That’s where a Charlotte, NC Uber and Lyft accident attorney from Edwards Injury Law can help. If you have been harmed in a crash, we are prepared to take you on as a client, explain your legal rights and options, and ensure you have the opportunity to seek compensation for your losses. Contact us today.
How Common Are Rideshare Accidents?
While no exact data exists, there are an estimated 15 million Uber trips and one million Lyft trips taken across the United States on a daily basis. As a result, thousands of unsuspecting passengers are injured every year as a result of driver negligence. If you have been involved in a crash, consider seeking guidance from a legal professional to learn how to file an injury claim.
While rideshare accidents are common, victims often struggle to determine how best to proceed after a crash because of the insurance complexities and laws. According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, drivers who use their vehicles for a transportation network company or delivery network company, like Uber or Lyft, are not covered by their personal auto insurance policies if they are in an accident while working. If you are worried about your ability to recover after a rideshare accident, you must know what you need to do to protect a future claim.
What Do I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
As with any type of car accident, it is important to take a moment after a crash to evaluate the situation. Remember that even if you don’t see injuries or feel pain, you could have suffered internal damage. Provide the responding officers with your statement and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Once you have had your injuries attended to, it is best to consider reaching out to an Uber and Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible. Pursuing a claim against a rideshare driver or company can be challenging, so you will want to give your attorney as much time as possible to pursue a strong claim on your behalf.
How Is Fault Determined After a Rideshare Accident?
The circumstances surrounding your rideshare accident will play a role in determining who to hold accountable. Rideshare companies categorize drivers’ duties in four periods:
- Period 0 occurs when rideshare drivers are in their vehicle but not yet active on a rideshare app.
- Period 1 starts when an Uber or Lyft driver is logged into the app but has yet to accept a ride request.
- Period 2 begins when a rideshare driver has accepted a ride request.
- Period 3 ends when the rider departs from the rideshare vehicle.
Determining just which stage your accident applies to can be challenging. Fortunately, we’re here to help. We can determine who you should seek to hold accountable for your losses with a thorough investigation.
When Is an Uber or Lyft Driver at Fault for an Accident?
For a rideshare company’s insurance policy to kick in, the Uber or Lyft driver must have been logged into the app and on duty at the time of the crash. Assuming you were a rideshare driver’s passenger at the time of the accident, the company’s liability coverage may apply. Both Uber and Lyft have a one million dollar liability policy to manage accident-related losses and expenses.
When Is a Rideshare Company at Fault for an Accident?
In the event the rideshare driver was not logged into the app or heading to or from a requested location, it is unlikely you will be able to pursue a claim against the rideshare company. In that instance, you will likely file your claim against the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy.
How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a rideshare accident injury claim is dependent on a number of economic and non-economic factors. When valuing your claim, your attorney will start by considering your financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are more challenging to calculate, as they are based on more personal losses like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries will require future care and extended time away from work or lost earning capacity, your attorney can also take those factors into consideration.
How Do I Choose the Best Injury Attorney for My Case?
Uber and Lyft car accidents present unique challenges to crash victims. Not only do they need to focus on healing from their injuries and filing an injury claim, but they also need to consider the ramifications of pursuing a claim against a rideshare company.
At Edwards Injury Law, an Uber and Lyft accident attorney well-versed in North Carolina law can evaluate your situation and help you determine your options for pursuing compensation. Once you know how you want to proceed, your attorney can guide you through the claim process and ensure your rights are upheld.
How Can Edwards Injury Law Help Me Recover?
It only takes a moment or a rideshare accident to upend your life completely. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, an Uber / Lyft accident attorney from Edwards Injury Law is ready to help you understand the legal recovery process and guide you through filing a claim.
As a black- and veteran-owned law firm, Edwards Injury Law recognizes the challenges our clients face. We are no stranger to adversity, which is why we dedicate our practice to helping our clients get their lives back in order and achieve their goals. No matter the extent of your injuries or the complexity of your claim, we are here for you. Contact us today to learn more.
Car Accident FAQs
What is the North Carolina statute of limitations for a car accident injury claim?
Should I go to urgent care after a car accident?
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I was injured by a driver on the job. What should I do next?
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