Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how we travel and commute, offering convenient and affordable transportation at the tap of a button.
However, more rideshare vehicles on the road mean a higher risk of accidents with such drivers.
Collisions involving rideshare vehicles can be complicated to resolve. If you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident, contact the Charlotte, NC rideshare accident lawyers at Mehta & McConnell, PLLC.
Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of these types of cases and are here to help you navigate the complicated legal process.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our rideshare accident attorneys to learn more about how we can fight for the compensation you’re owed.
Insurance Coverage for Uber and Lyft Accidents
One of the most frustrating aspects of rideshare accidents is determining whose insurance coverage is primary.
Both Lyft and Uber extend coverage for accidents—but only under certain circumstances. These policies are in place to protect passengers and any other parties their drivers injure.
The specific coverage varies depending on the accident circumstances, the driver’s status, and your position in the collision.
If you’re a ride-sharing vehicle passenger, your primary source of recovery might differ from if you’re driving your own vehicle and get struck by an Uber or Lyft driver.
Coverage for Uber Accidents and Lyft Accidents
For example, if a rideshare driver is on the clock and waiting for a passenger, they will have coverage through Uber or Lyft in most cases.
Uber and Lyft policies cover up to one million dollars per incident for third-party liability. However, this coverage only applies to accidents when a driver is en route to pick up or is transporting a rider.
If the driver has their app on and is waiting for a ride request, Lyft or Uber coverage will apply if the driver’s personal insurance policy doesn’t cover the accident.
However, the limits are lower in this situation. Uber and Lyft maintain coverage of $50,000 for injury or death to one person, $100,000 for injury or death to multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
However, if the driver is off the clock or has the app off, the accident would be covered by their personal insurance policy.
If you’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you can present a claim to the rideshare company for your injuries if their driver was at fault.
However, it might be necessary to file a claim with another driver if the Uber or Lyft driver did not cause the accident.
Things become more complicated if you are driving your vehicle when you get into an accident with a rideshare driver.
If the rideshare driver caused the accident, you might present a claim to the rideshare company. Or you might present a claim to the driver’s personal insurance, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Building a solid case for liability is crucial, especially if you’re not a fault-free passenger in the rideshare vehicle. North Carolina has strict liability laws.
Under contributory negligence, you cannot collect any compensation if you’re even 1% at fault in an auto accident.
So you can be sure the liable party’s insurance company will do their best to try and prove you are at least partly responsible. Your best defense is having a seasoned attorney in your corner.
If you are a passenger involved in a rideshare accident, there are a few steps you should take to protect yourself and your rights.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, having a medical professional check you out is a good idea.
Some injuries might not show symptoms for a few hours or even days after a crash.
Get Contact Information and Evidence
Get the contact information of all parties involved in the accident, including any potential witnesses. If your injuries aren’t too severe, take photos of the scene.
Be sure to get pictures of the damage to all vehicles and any scene details, such as skid marks and debris.
Report the accident to the rideshare company as soon as possible, even if you’re not 100% sure who was liable for the accident. It’s essential to get a claim on file to establish your rights.
Rideshare accidents can involve questions of coverage and complex legal issues. We highly recommend working with an experienced North Carolina rideshare accident attorney.
We can help you understand your rights and discuss legal options for pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Recent Case Settlement
The Case The individual who passed away was a passenger using a rideshare service. While being transported from the airport to his home in Durham, North Carolina, the rideshare car he was in was forcefully struck from behind by an intoxicated driver traveling at a speed of 143 mph. The drunk driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was nearly twice the legal limit in North Carolina. Although the rideshare driver survived the accident, they suffered severe injuries that necessitated multiple surgeries. Due to the limited insurance coverage, the available funds had to be divided between the injured rideshare driver and the deceased passenger. The Result At pre-suit mediation, we were able to recover a total settlement amount of $690,000.00 for our client, the estate of the deceased passenger. This amount represented a substantial majority of the insurance proceeds available.The law doesn’t require you to hire an attorney, but we highly recommend that you do.
After suffering injuries in a rideshare accident, you’re left trying to figure out who will pay your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Don’t try to navigate the challenges of the legal system alone. Let the Charlotte, North Carolina rideshare accident attorneys at Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, help you establish your claim.
Our lawyers have decades of combined legal assistance fighting for clients’ rights in personal injury accidents. We can help you hold the liable parties responsible.
You deserve compensation for your damages. We know how difficult it can be to get insurance companies to pay what they owe—even if you are a fault-free passenger in a rideshare vehicle.
Insurance adjusters will do whatever they can to downplay your injuries and overall claim value.
When you hire Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we’ll handle the legal aspects of your case, so you don’t have to.
We will gather and preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and handle all communication with the insurance adjusters and rideshare company. We’ll also attempt to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Should the rideshare company or insurance adjusters be unwilling to pay what you deserve, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take the case to trial on your behalf.
Please contact our skilled legal team today if you or a loved one sustained injuries in a rideshare accident.
Schedule an initial consultation, and let us review your case. We’re prepared to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.