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WERE YOU HURT IN A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT? OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP.

Charlotte Rideshare Accident Attorney

Injured in an Accident with an Uber or Lyft? We Can Help!

As the popularity of Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing apps grows, so too does the risk of being involved in an accident with one of these vehicles. Unlike taxi drivers, truck drivers, bus drivers, and other commercial vehicle operators, rideshare drivers are not trained professionals—they can simply be anyone with a valid driver’s license who has passed Uber, Lyft, or another ridesharing company’s background check. Believe it or not, Uber only requires a one-year licensing history for drivers over the age of 23.

Unsurprisingly, Uber and Lyft accidents are relatively common. What is less common, however, is navigating a successful rideshare accident claim without the help of an experienced attorney. These types of accidents are not like typical car accident claims; they are vastly more complex and require the skill of an adept, knowledgeable attorney.

If you were involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft, contact our Charlotte rideshare accident lawyers right away. At Payne Law Firm, we have a proven record of success and are ready to fight tirelessly for the maximum recovery you are owed.

Call Payne Law Firm at (713) 999-4801 or contact us online to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation. Se habla español.

What Insurance Coverage Is Available after an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Uber Driver Going To Pick Up A Passenger

One of the key elements that makes rideshare accident claims more complex than other types of motor vehicle accident cases is that Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This, in effect, may limit both rideshare companies’ liability in the event of an accident. In most cases, you cannot directly sue Uber or Lyft after an accident. However, that does not mean you do not have options when it comes to seeking compensation for your damages.

Both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for those involved in accidents caused by rideshare drivers. This coverage varies depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and is typically available only after the at-fault driver’s insurance has been exhausted or once a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider has been denied.

Below, we have outlined Uber and Lyft’s available insurance coverage in various applicable circumstances:

Before Accepting a Ride

When the driver has the app turned on and is looking for a ride but has not yet accepted one, Uber offers contingent coverage. During this period, Uber offers $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $30,000 in property damage. Lyft’s coverage for the same driving period is comparable.

After Accepting a Ride

If the driver has the app turned on and has accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft both offer $1 million in bodily injury and death coverage. This is true whether the driver is on the way to pick up the passenger or has the passenger in the vehicle. In this scenario, Uber and Lyft also offer $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

The laws regarding rideshare insurance coverage are frequently changing, which could affect your ability to file a claim and/or recover compensation. Additionally, the rideshare company might argue that the driver was fully at fault, and therefore the company is not liable, or they may argue that another person (even including you) were negligent and that this excludes them from having to pay out a claim.

What If Someone Else Was at Fault?

If someone else—such as another motorist, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or even an Uber or Lyft passenger—somehow contributed to or caused the accident, your claim becomes even more complex. Under North Carolina’s rule of contributory negligence, anyone found to be even slightly at fault for an accident is prohibited from seeking financial compensation after the crash. This means that if the rideshare company or its insurance provider tries to argue that you contributed to the accident, you could have a very difficult time recovering compensation for your damages.

Third-Party Liability

Additionally, if you were involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle and another vehicle, whether as the passenger of the rideshare vehicle or as the occupant of a third vehicle, you may need to file a claim with the third party’s insurance company.

Our Charlotte Uber accident lawyers are extremely knowledgeable and up to date on all current rideshare accident laws in North Carolina. They can assist you in determining who was at fault for the accident, who can be held liable, and what steps to take next.

Common Causes of Uber or Lyft Accidents

Rideshare drivers face a unique challenge when it comes to navigating, searching for and accepting rides, and getting passengers to their destination in a timely manner. Because of this, some of the most common forms of negligence leading to rideshare accidents include:

  • Speeding or running red lights in an effort to get somewhere quickly
  • Disregarding traffic laws in situations where it may save them time
  • Distracted driving (texting, calling, looking at GPS, etc.)
  • Drowsy driving as a result of driving for multiple hours a day
  • Inexperienced driving, especially when the Uber or Lyft driver is young

There are no fees unless we win! Call (713) 999-4801 or contact us online for a free initial consultation with our rideshare accident attorney in Charlotte, NC.

Client Testimonials

  • I am very pleased with my experience, Falon was very helpful throughout my case and was able to put the most back into my pockets in a timely manner. I highly recommend choosing this law firm to take care of you the best way possible!
    - Chris W.
  • Payne Law Firm was invaluable in helping my family navigate the most difficult situation we had ever experienced. Mr. Payne and his entire staff were professional, responsive, and empathetic throughout the entire process.
    - Fatimar J.
  • My experience with "Payne Law Firm" was extraordinary! They were efficient, professional, and persistent. I have and will continue to recommend “Payne Law Firm” because you are treated like family!
    - Sheori S.
  • My experience at Payne Law Firm was very pleasant. I had no worries at all. He was there for everything I needed help with.
    - Gloria J.

Put Our Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Charlotte on Your Side

Navigating the personal injury process after a rideshare accident can be incredibly complex, stressful, and overwhelming. At Payne Law Firm, we believe that you should be using this time to focus on your physical recovery—not agonizing over how you will be able to afford medical treatment, keep up with day-to-day expense while out of work, and pursue a successful personal injury claim.

Allow our team to handle the legal aspects of your situation so that you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet. We strive to maximize our clients’ cases and will do everything in our power to achieve a successful outcome on your behalf.

What Sets Us ApArt

serious lawyers for serious accidents
  • Client-Focused
    We will help you every step of the way, providing answers to your questions and continuing to update you on the status of your case.
  • A History of Success
    We have helped over a thousand injured individuals and families get the compensation they deserved.
  • Battle-Tested
    We not only understand the complexities of insurance companies but know how to fight them.
  • Full Transparency
    Our team knows the importance of your case and is committed to doing what is best for you.

Get Serious WIth A Free Consult

WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED, YOU NEED A SERIOUS LAWYER. CONTACT US TODAY.

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