In just a few years, ride-sharing has become one of the most popular ways to commute in North Carolina and countrywide. And why not? It’s economical, feasible, and convenient.
Research shows that thousands of people rely on ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber to get to work, do last-minute shopping, or go back home after an outing.
Few people get into a ride-sharing car expecting that they’ll be in an accident. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. If you use ride-sharing services often, then this post is a good read for you. Our ride-sharing accident lawyers in North Carolina shares with you what you need to know about the ride-sharing accident and how you can ensure that you’re legally protected in the event of a collision.
Steps to take After being in a Ride-sharing Accident
Being involved in a crash with an Uber or Lyft driver is like being the driver in your accident. Therefore, the first thing that you should do is move to a safe place away from oncoming traffic to avoid additional injuries.
Once you are in a safe place, call 911 for medical assistance. While you wait for paramedics to arrive, get details about the ride-sharing service driver, such as the driver’s name, license number, and contact information.
Additionally, take pictures of the accident scene, the car’s number plate, and the surroundings with your phone. All this will help you establish a strong liability case.
Who Covers for the Accident?
Insurance coverage is the tricky part when it comes to ride-sharing accidents. Although ride-sharing services are required to have their liability policy covering anyone injured in an accident, there are some requirements and exceptions. So, the ride-sharing service will first assess the case to determine the coverage.
For example, suppose the Uber or Lyft driver was the cause of the accident, and they were on-duty and carrying a passenger. In that case, both the driver and the passenger(s) are covered under the ride-sharing service’s insurance policy.
However, exceptions apply in the following situation:
The driver of the service is not on duty and is not logged into the ride-sharing application. If the driver is in an accident and causes injuries to another person in such a case, then the injured should be covered by the driver’s insurance policy. In other words, the ride-sharing service can’t be held liable.
Likewise, suppose the driver is on duty but hasn’t accepted a ride. The driver has an accident; then, the ride-sharing service will only cover the driver if their insurance is inadequate.
Since insurance coverage is slightly tricky to determine in a ride-sharing accident, it is best to hire an experienced lawyer. A seasoned ride-sharing accident lawyer in North Carolina can help you navigate the legal complexities smoothly and pursue the compensation you deserve for the injuries incurred.
Can I File a Claim for My Injuries against the Ride-sharing Service?
This is the most commonly asked question by victims in a ride-sharing accident. Well, to begin with, filing a lawsuit against a ride-sharing service directly can be difficult because their drivers are not employees. They are independent contractors. Therefore, the service company claims that they aren’t responsible for the driver’s negligent actions.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t receive coverage if the driver’s negligence caused the accident. You may not be able to sue the ride-sharing service directly, but you can still receive coverage for your injuries. For example, Uber has liability insurance of $1.5 million that covers passengers injured during a ride. This insurance comes in as soon as the passenger steps into the Ubers’ vehicle and ends when the ride is complete.
However, the joint and several liability legal concepts may come into play if you were injured in a crash caused by the negligence of the ride-sharing driver and another vehicle. The concept focuses on how the liability should be divided and assigned between two and more parties responsible for the accident. In other words, in such an accident where multiple vehicles are involved, you can potentially obtain compensation from two or more drivers.
Contact us Today For Case Assistance
If you are in a ride-sharing collision, then contact us right away. These companies may be growing rapidly in popularity and number, but many legal aspects related to the customers and service providers must be understood.
In many situations, these companies refuse to accept their liability because the drivers are independent contractors. Still, with an experienced ride-sharing lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that we will fight for you to be lawfully compensated for the injuries incurred.
Even if your claim doesn’t affect the ride-sharing service, it is your legal right to file a lawsuit against the driver by citing negligence in terms of failure to yield, road rage, distracted driving, or speeding. However, this is easier if you seek effective case representation. And this is what we can help you with.
At the Law Office of Jason E. Taylor P.C., our lawyers can evaluate your case, file your claim, and fight for your case in court. Contact us now. Let us help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.
We have helped numerous clients get compensated in ride-sharing accidents. Let us see if we can help you too. Give us a chance to fight your case.
Call us at (800) 351-3008 for an initial consultation.
