Raleigh Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have changed how people get around Raleigh and other North Carolina cities. But not all of these changes have been positive. Tired or distracted rideshare drivers often cause crashes that injure their passengers or people in other cars. The insurance situation is also more complicated in rideshare accidents, which frequently prevents victims from recovering fair compensation.
The Raleigh rideshare accident attorneys at Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers know these crashes inside out and can protect your rights. We have fought for injured North Carolina residents for over 40 years, recovering millions in meaningful compensation for our clients. We’ll handle the legal work so you can concentrate on healing and rebuilding your life. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
How Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers Fights for You
At Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers, we take on the legal burden for you after a rideshare accident. We can investigate the crash, gather vital evidence, and identify every party that may be responsible. We’ll also handle all communication with the insurance companies and fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved, but never overwhelmed. Our goal is to make this difficult time easier for you while protecting your rights at every stage.
Unique Challenges Involved with Rideshare Accidents in Raleigh
One challenge in rideshare accident claims is figuring out who’s responsible. Was it the Uber or Lyft driver, another motorist, both, or another party entirely? You can’t file a personal injury claim until you know who caused the crash.
Identifying and maximizing the available insurance coverage can also be tricky. Rideshare companies only provide coverage during certain parts of a trip, and it might not apply if the driver wasn’t actively picking up or transporting a passenger. You might also have to deal with multiple insurance companies, each trying to avoid blame.
On top of that, the laws around rideshare services are still evolving, which can affect your ability to recover compensation. All these factors make it harder to get a fair outcome without a clear understanding of your rights. That’s where the help of a Raleigh rideshare accident attorney can be vital.
Who Pays for Your Injuries After a Rideshare Accident?
Who pays for your injuries after an Uber or Lyft accident depends on who caused the crash. If the rideshare driver caused the collision, they or the rideshare company might owe you compensation (depending on whether the driver was logged out of the app, waiting for a fare, or transporting a passenger). If another driver caused the crash, they are responsible for your injuries and must compensate you accordingly.
There are rare circumstances where others might be liable for a rideshare accident. For example, automakers and parts manufacturers can be liable in cases where defective parts cause collisions. Similarly, government agencies might be responsible for an accident resulting from poor road maintenance or design. Your attorney can investigate the crash to identify everyone liable for your injuries and hold them accountable.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance
One reason to hire a rideshare accident lawyer is to make sure you understand and make the most of the available insurance coverage. If you’re a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and another driver hits you, the usual North Carolina insurance rules apply. This means you can demand compensation for your injuries from the at-fault driver.
Things are more complicated when a rideshare driver causes a crash. Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance for accidents their drivers cause. But the coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident:
- The driver is not using the app – If the driver is completely offline (or at least not logged into the app), only their personal auto insurance applies.
- The driver is waiting for a ride request – Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage when a driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride. If the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident, the rideshare company may step in with up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 in total injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- The driver is on the way to pick up or already transporting a passenger – This situation is when the strongest coverage applies. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage during this phase of a trip.
Seeking Full Compensation After a Raleigh Rideshare Accident
No matter who’s responsible for a rideshare collision, you can expect them and their insurance company to downplay your injuries and avoid paying you the full value of your claim. A Raleigh ridesharing accident lawyer can make sure you seek maximum compensation for all the harm you’ve suffered, such as:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical needs
- Lost income while you heal
- Reduced future earnings due to a disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lower quality of life
Time Limit to File a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit
In North Carolina, you only have three years from the date of the rideshare collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. The legal process is lengthy, and your attorney needs plenty of time to build a solid case. When you wait too long, you risk losing critical evidence and making avoidable mistakes. Reach out to a Raleigh rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible to get started.
Contact a Raleigh Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
With over 40 years of experience fighting for North Carolina’s injured, you can trust Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers to protect your interests and hold those responsible for rideshare accidents accountable. We’ve recovered millions for people hurt in car accidents and will use every tool we have to maximize your financial recovery. We’re also proud of the stellar feedback we’ve received from our clients, such as this recent testimonial:
“After my car accident as a passenger, I didn’t know what to do. I was hurt in the accident. After finally deciding to hire a lawyer, I did a lot of research on who to hire. From consultation to finally a settlement, Hardison & Cochran were fantastic to work with. They are professional, kind, and understanding. I hope I am never in an accident again but if I am and require a lawyer I will definitely hire Hardison & Cochran again.” – Jessica W.
When your future is on the line, hire a firm with the experience and skills to help you pursue the fair compensation you deserve. Call Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers now or complete our contact form for a free case review.
