Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Raleigh, NC

After an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, determining who is legally liable for damages can be tricky. The potentially liable parties depend upon the circumstances of the crash. If you were a passenger being transported in a rideshare vehicle, the rideshare company may be financially liable as well as the rideshare driver.

Potentially liable parties could include:

• The rideshare driver
• The rideshare company
• The other driver involved in the crash
• The municipality responsible for maintaining the roads, if a road defect caused the crash

What Happens When The Rideshare Driver Is To Blame in an Accident?

Your ability to pursue compensation for a rideshare accident injury will depend on the individual circumstances of the accident. Uber and Lyft have substantial commercial liability insurance policies that cover losses caused by their drivers while actually driving for the company. The coverage limits vary depending on the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident.

When a rideshare driver is actively transporting a passenger or is en route to pick up a fare, the full coverage of an Uber or Lyft insurance policy is typically available. Uber and Lyft each carry $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage for damage to the car, and uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury.

When a rideshare driver causes a crash while the rideshare app is turned on and the driver is waiting for a fare, the driver’s personal auto insurance may cover the accident losses up to the policy limits. Uber and Lyft may offer limited liability coverage in these cases of up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries, plus $25,000 for property damage.

When an Uber or Lyft driver is not on duty at the time of an accident, they are covered by the driver’s personal auto insurance. The minimum insurance coverage required in North Carolina is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.

Most Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services provide a convenient, economical way to travel, but traffic accidents can happen. Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents include the following:

• Distracted driving: When a rideshare driver’s attention is diverted from the road due to a distraction such as texting or changing the radio, it increases the risk of an accident.
• Speeding: Excessive speed significantly reduces a driver’s ability to stop safely and increases the likelihood of a serious collision.
• Driver fatigue: When drivers don’t get enough rest, they can get drowsy behind the wheel and fail to recognize and react to unexpected events on the road.
• Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can cause slippery roads and reduce a driver’s ability to control their vehicle, increasing their chances of getting into an accident.
• Intoxicated driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to make mistakes and put other drivers at risk.

Most Common Injuries of Rideshare Accidents

Being involved in an accident while riding in a rideshare vehicle can be a traumatic experience and cause serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries we’ve seen in North Carolina rideshare accident claims include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from car accidents, including those involving rideshares. It occurs when the neck is jerked backward and forward, resulting in severe pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
• Back injuries: Back injuries are prevalent in car accidents, especially for those riding in the backseat of a rideshare vehicle. These injuries can range from muscle strains to herniated discs and cause chronic pain and discomfort.
• Broken bones: Broken bones can include fractured skulls, broken ribs, and shattered arms and legs, which may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Head injuries: Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are among the most serious injuries that can occur in a car accident. Even a minor head injury can cause long-term neurological problems.
• Internal injuries: Internal injuries may not be visible from the outside but can cause serious health problems if left untreated. These can include organ damage, internal bleeding, and other types of internal trauma.