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What Can You Do if You’ve Been Hurt in a Collision With a Rideshare Driver?
Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, have rapidly become a key piece of modern transportation, offering accessibility and convenience to millions of users. However, crashes involving rideshare vehicles can introduce challenges that traditional car accidents do not, especially when determining liability and navigating insurance claims. Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, especially in complex cases like rideshare accidents. If you find yourself injured by a rideshare driver in North Carolina, it’s crucial to speak to a compassionate car accident attorney to understand your legal options and essential steps you can take to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
What Actions Should You Take After a Collision Involving a Rideshare Driver?
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, taking careful action immediately after the incident can support your ability to pursue legal avenues and receive compensation. Here are the essential steps to take:
- Ensure your wellbeing: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s wise to seek medical attention, as some serious injuries may not be immediately obvious
- Contact local emergency services: Dial 911 to report the accident and request police assistance. An official police report can be crucial for your claim
- Gather information: Collect as much information as possible from all parties involved, including the rideshare driver’s details and status at the time of the accident, insurance policy information, and any witness contact information
- Document the incident: Snap photos and video of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This documentation can serve as valuable evidence for your claim
- Contact the rideshare company: Notify the rideshare company about the accident through their app or customer service channels. This step can be essential for initiating any applicable insurance coverage
- Reach out to a North Carolina car accident attorney: Determining liability, dealing with multiple insurers, and correctly filing claims after a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can guide and assist you throughout this process
How Do Rideshare Accident Insurance Claims Differ From Standard Car Accident Claims?
Understanding the insurance coverage available in rideshare accidents is crucial for determining your legal options and maximizing your recovery. The tiered insurance structure that applies to rideshare vehicles means that the amount of coverage available can vary substantially depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Determining which insurance policy applies to your situation is key, as this can significantly impact your potential compensation.
Rideshare drivers are required to maintain sufficient insurance on their vehicles as part of their employment. Injured accident victims often file an initial claim with the rideshare driver’s insurance to recover their losses. However, the medical bills and other damages associated with a severe accident can rapidly outstrip these coverage limits. Luckily, rideshare accident victims may have further options for seeking compensation. Under North Carolina law, rideshare companies are required to maintain the following insurance coverage for their drivers:
- When the driver is logged into the app but not actively transporting a passenger: The coverage must include at least $50,000 for bodily injury to a single person, $100,000 for bodily injury to multiple people, and $25,000 in property damage coverage for a single accident
- When the driver is engaged in a ride or is on the way to pick up a passenger: The coverage increases significantly to $1.5 million in liability coverage and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- When the driver is not engaged in rideshare activities: The driver’s personal auto insurance coverage generally applies
What Factors Should You Consider When Determining How to Pursue a Claim Following a Rideshare Accident?
A car crash’s aftereffects can reach almost every area of your life. Financially, you could face costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle, staggering medical expenses, and permanent or temporary loss of income due to your injuries. You may also be coping with severe physical pain, mental health struggles, trauma, and the loss of your ability to do everyday tasks. It’s vital to ensure your claim accounts for the complete impact of the accident on your life so you can receive fair compensation. Your lawyer can accurately calculate your economic and non-economic damages and advocate for your best interests during negotiations with insurers.
Filing a claim is frequently just the first step in recovering full compensation for your injuries. It may be necessary to build a strong case with solid evidence and proof of liability and damages, negotiate a settlement agreement with one or more insurers, or even take the responsible parties to court. When pursuing a legal claim for injuries sustained in a rideshare accident in North Carolina, it’s essential to be aware of the state’s specific laws and procedures that may affect your case.
Statute of Limitations
In North Carolina, victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit or settle a claim for personal injuries. Although this may seem like ample time, initiating your claim as soon as possible is crucial to preserve evidence and allow for thorough investigation and negotiation.
Contributory Negligence
North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence standard, which can significantly impact accident claims. Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This high standard makes establishing clear fault through solid evidence vital.
Punitive Damages
If the rideshare driver was drunk, impaired, or behaving in a grossly reckless manner at the time of the accident, you may be able to seek punitive damages. These damages are rare but may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. They are designed to punish the defendant for egregiously wrongful acts and deter similar behavior in the future. Speaking to a skilled attorney is recommended if you believe punitive damages may apply because these cases are held to a very high standard of proof.
How Can a Dedicated Law Firm Serve You?
Dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be incredibly stressful. Navigating a rideshare accident claim in North Carolina can be challenging, particularly when dealing with multiple insurance policies and potentially resistant insurance companies. Hiring an experienced attorney from Rowland & Yauger Attorneys & Counselors at Law can allow you to focus on your recovery while a legal professional handles the complexities of your case.
Our legal team thoroughly understands the laws governing these services and the intricate insurance policies they use. We are adept at accurately assessing the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We will explore every avenue to recover the full compensation you deserve. Contact us for an in-depth consultation today by calling our Asheboro (336-537-5547) or Carthage (910-621-2991) offices.
