Accidents involving drivers for Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies create additional challenges for crash victims. Not only must they deal with painful injuries and expensive medical bills, but there may also be extra legal hurdles to recover compensation from rideshare drivers and the companies themselves.
The Hickory, NC, rideshare accident lawyers at Ted A. Greve & Associates can guide you through the legal maze and help you secure the money you need for your recovery. As a personal injury attorney and doctor, firm founder Ted A. Greve understands your medical and legal needs after a collision. Our skilled and experienced team can handle the legal work in your case while you rest and heal. You don’t owe any fees unless you win compensation, so call now or complete our contact form for a free case review.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Cases in Hickory, NC
One key reason to hire a rideshare accident attorney is that these cases involve issues you don’t see in other car accident claims. For example, one challenge is figuring out who caused the crash and is liable for your injuries. Was the rideshare driver on the clock when the accident happened? Were they logged into the app, picking up a passenger, or between rides? These details can affect which insurance policy applies and your potential compensation.
Another issue is dealing with rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft. These businesses have large legal teams trained to minimize payouts, and they often deny liability by claiming their drivers are independent contractors, making it harder for victims to get fair compensation. It’s also common for victims to face delays or confusion when filing insurance claims, leaving victims stuck as their bills pile up.
Finally, knowing how rideshare accidents happen is crucial for understanding when you might have a claim against an Uber or Lyft driver. Some common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding to meet ride quotas or complete trips more quickly in hopes of a bigger tip
- Driver fatigue from long hours behind the wheel
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Unsafe pickups or drop-offs in traffic
- Driving under the influence
- Inexperience or lack of training with local roads
Why Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Hickory, NC?
People who hire a lawyer after a car accident usually recover more compensation than those who don’t. This principle is particularly true for rideshare accidents, as most individuals can’t compete with the resources of a company like Uber or Lyft.
Our rideshare accident attorneys in Hickory can simplify the legal process and help you recover maximum compensation. We’ll investigate the crash to collect evidence and identify who caused the accident. Next, we’ll document your losses from the collision, including your lost income, current and future medical bills, and physical injuries. After completing these investigations, we’ll file a claim against whoever is liable for your injuries and begin settlement negotiations. We’ll handle all the communication with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. Finally, we’ll prepare your case for trial in case the driver, rideshare company, or whoever is liable for the crash refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Rideshare Accident
Your actions immediately after a rideshare accident in Hickory can significantly affect your case’s outcome and potential compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical help if anyone is hurt.
- Exchange information – Collect names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance info from all drivers involved in the collision.
- Identify the rideshare driver – Confirm whether the driver was working for Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service.
- Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles in the crash, your injuries, and the road conditions for later use.
- Seek medical attention – See a doctor right away, even if you feel all right. Some injuries might appear later and cause catastrophic health problems without immediate treatment.
- Report the crash to the rideshare company – Use the app or website to file an incident report. However, watch what you say and stick to the essential facts of the crash.
- Avoid making statements – Don’t admit fault or discuss the crash with insurance adjusters before talking to a lawyer.
- Contact a personal injury attorney – A lawyer can protect your rights and deal with the insurance process while you focus on healing.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents
The first potentially liable party to look at in a rideshare accident case is the Uber or Lyft driver. If the driver was distracted, impaired, speeding, or otherwise careless, they might be liable for your injuries. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft aren’t usually directly liable for injuries their drivers cause, but the law requires them to provide liability insurance for these crashes.
Other parties sometimes cause or contribute to rideshare accidents and could be liable for your injuries. For example, if another driver hit the rideshare vehicle and caused it to slam into your car, they could be liable for the accident. The same goes for vehicle or parts manufacturers in cases where mechanical defects cause or contribute to a rideshare accident. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can investigate the crash to identify everyone who is liable for your injuries.
Types of Compensation Available
Your rideshare accident claim could include compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Navigating North Carolina’s Rideshare Accident Laws
North Carolina’s rideshare accident laws are complicated, but here are some essential things to know:
- Uber and Lyft must cover accidents their drivers cause. However, the available coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and if they had an active fare. Uber and Lyft do not cover accidents when their drivers are not logged into the app, provide limited coverage when a driver is logged in but does not have an active fare, and have $1 million policy limit for crashes that occur when the driver has an active fare.
- Liability for rideshare accidents is usually based on which party’s carelessness caused the collision. That party would be responsible for your medical bills and other losses.
- Under North Carolina law, you have only three years from the crash date to file a rideshare accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline will likely mean you lose your chance to recover compensation.
Get a Free Consultation from Ted A. Greve & Associates
Ted A. Greve & Associates is ready to take on your legal burden after a rideshare accident. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
