Over the past decade, rideshare services have completely changed how Americans travel. Many North Carolinians rely on them frequently for quick trips to the airport, to navigate new cities, and to get home after nights out with friends and family.
It’s hard to beat the convenience of booking a ride with a simple click on your smartphone, but as some riders know, that convenience can sometimes come with a cost—accidents and injuries. Anytime you’re on the road, there’s a chance you’ll be involved in a crash, and rideshare vehicles are no exception. But in addition to injuries, many rideshare passengers also have to deal with confusion and uncertainty about the legal process.
In this blog, we’ll explain how rideshare accident claims are handled in North Carolina, and we’ll provide helpful, actionable tips you can follow to protect your rights if you were recently involved in a crash with the help of Winson-Salem rideshare accident lawyers.
Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident
One of the most complex aspects of rideshare accident cases is figuring out who is financially responsible for your damages. Liability may fall on:
- The rideshare driver, who may be held liable if they were distracted, speeding, or otherwise negligent at the time of the crash
- Another motorist, who may be assigned blame if they caused the crash
- The rideshare company, which may pick up the tab for the crash through their insurance policy depending on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident
North Carolina follows an at-fault insurance system. This means the party that caused the crash is responsible for paying damages. However, since multiple parties may be involved in a single rideshare accident, liability disputes can become complicated quickly. This is why it’s so important to have an experienced rideshare accident lawyer on your side as soon as possible.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage in North Carolina
Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage for their drivers, but the amount of available coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
Driver Not Logged Into the App
- Only the driver’s personal auto insurance policy applies. These crashes are viewed the same as if the driver doesn’t work for the rideshare company.
Driver Logged Into the App but Hasn’t Accepted a Ride
- Limited coverage may apply from the rideshare company (usually up to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage).
Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Transporting a Passenger
- The rideshare company’s full $1 million liability policy generally applies.
It’s important to note that North Carolina law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, but the rideshare-specific policies can be much higher than the state minimums.
Challenges Unique to Rideshare Accident Claims
Rideshare accident cases differ from standard car accidents in several ways:
- App Status Disputes: The rideshare company may argue the driver wasn’t “active” in the app, limiting their responsibility after a crash.
- Multiple Insurance Carriers: You may need to pursue claims against both the driver’s insurer and the rideshare company.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
If you are involved in a rideshare accident in North Carolina, protect your rights by taking the following steps:
- Call 911. This not only dispatches emergency medical responders, but it also ensures a police report of the crash will be created.
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at the time. Injuries can worsen after leaving the scene of an accident, so get treated as soon as possible.
- Document the scene with photos, witness information, and rideshare app details.
- Report the accident in the rideshare app, but do not give a detailed statement until you speak with a lawyer.
- Consult with an experienced North Carolina rideshare accident attorney to help you navigate the insurance claims process.
How Our Winston-Salem Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help
Because of the layers of insurance and strict contributory negligence laws in North Carolina, rideshare accident claims can be especially challenging for victims. An experienced lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly and gather evidence
- Identify all possible sources of insurance coverage for you
- Negotiate with insurers to pursue the maximum compensation available
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
At Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers, we fight for victims of rideshare accidents to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident in North Carolina, you don’t have to take on Uber, Lyft, or their insurers alone. At Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers, we have the experience, resources, and determination to stand up to big companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
