Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft make traveling more convenient and accessible. Unfortunately, this accessibility comes at a high cost, increasing the number of drivers on roadways and the likelihood of car accidents. Pursuing compensation for your injuries can feel like you’re spinning your wheels.
But you don’t have to do this alone. Our Forest City rideshare accident lawyers at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help you recover compensation for your injuries and hold the at-fault responsible for your wreck. So let us get justice for you.
In This Article
- How Much Can I Recover From a Rideshare Accident in Forest City?
- Who Pays if You’re Hurt in a Rideshare Accident?
- Rideshare Insurance Basics
- Timeline for a Forest City Rideshare Accident Case
- What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
- How Our Forest City Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help
- Let Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC Handle Your Forest City Rideshare Accident Case
How Much Can I Recover From a Rideshare Accident in Forest City?
Getting fair compensation is critical to afford your accident-related expenses. How much you can recover will depend on your injuries and other losses related to the car wreck. You may be entitled to damages like:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitative expenses
We’ll help you negotiate a fair settlement and ensure that all of your losses are accounted for.
For a legal consultation with a rideshare accidents lawyer serving Forest City, call 828.286.3866
Who Pays if You’re Hurt in a Rideshare Accident?
Whichever driver caused the accident can be held legally liable for your damages. Once liability is established, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver and their insurer. However, in most cases, you will not be able to pursue a lawsuit against the rideshare company since drivers are independent contractors and not employees.
Insurance companies have lots of resources at their disposal, and they will attempt to deny liability at all costs. However, our team can investigate your accident to uncover evidence that proves liability.
Leading Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents are unique because one party is actively working. Many times this can cause drivers to be preoccupied and inattentive. However, other drivers can also cause rideshare accidents. Some of the leading causes of rideshare accidents are:
- Distracted driving
- Scanning for passengers
- Fatigue
- Following too closely
- Stopping suddenly
- Speeding
All motorists have a duty of care to prevent harming others on the road. When they breach this duty and harm you, they’re guilty of negligence and can be held legally responsible.
Forest City Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
Rideshare Insurance Basics
Rideshare companies provide additional insurance coverage for drivers and their passengers in an accident. However, this insurance only applies under specific circumstances, such as:
- If the rideshare app was off, rideshare insurance does not apply.
- If the rideshare app was on and the driver was waiting for a ride, rideshare insurance applies if personal insurance does not.
- If the rideshare app was on and the driver was fulfilling a ride request, rideshare insurance applies.
You can start by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company first before the rideshare company. Our Forest City rideshare accident attorneys can help you determine how to move forward with your claim and correspond with insurance companies on your behalf.
Timeline for a Forest City Rideshare Accident Case
The facts of each rideshare accident differ, and so do their timelines. While some cases will resolve in weeks, some can take years. By getting your case started right away, we can go over the facts of your case and help you determine how to move forward with your claim.
Most rideshare accident cases will follow a general process:
- Document the facts of your case.
- Investigate the accident and calculate damages.
- Negotiate a settlement.
- Wait for the insurance’s response.
If the insurance company issues an acceptance, you can accept the settlement and conclude the claim. If they deny your claim, however, you may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit and take the case to trial, if necessary.
Keep in mind that in North Carolina, personal injury lawsuits must be made within three years of the date of the accident, according to G.S. § 1-52. After this time, the court may not consider your lawsuit.
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What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
After a rideshare accident, your mind is all over the place and you may forget some important steps. To protect your right to compensation, we recommend following the steps below.
Seek Medical Attention
Have your injuries treated by a medical professional and undergo all necessary rehabilitative care.
File a Police Report
If a police report was not filed at the scene, file one with the Forest City Police Department as soon as possible.
Notify the Rideshare Company
Contact the rideshare company over the phone or through the rideshare app and notify them of the accident.
Avoid Making An Official Statement
Insurance companies and other third parties may pressure you into making a recorded statement. This can be used against you in your claim.
Don’t Admit Fault
Avoid expressing guilt or admitting that you were at fault or partially at fault for the accident. This can hurt your ability to claim compensation.
Consider Working With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accident lawyers are familiar with rideshare insurance, laws, and your rights. We can help you build your case and get compensated for your injuries.
How Our Forest City Rideshare Accident Lawyers Can Help
Personal injury claims aren’t always straightforward. The insurance company’s interests are to keep from paying you what you’re owed. This may look like blaming you for the accident, minimizing the extent of your injuries, or offering you a settlement that won’t cover your expenses.
When you exercise your right to hire representation, you allow qualified attorneys to go to work for you against the insurance companies to demand compensation.
We can help simplify things and speed up your claim by:
- Collecting evidence that puts the driver at-fault
- Establishing negligence
- Calculating your damages
- Communicating with insurance and the rideshare company
- Negotiating a settlement for you
- Taking your case to work
Don’t be railroaded by rideshare companies and their insurers. Instead, let our attorneys fight for justice in your claim.
Can I Afford a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we believe that accessibility to qualified representation is a fundamental right. So, we make it easy to hire the help you need by offering our services at no upfront cost to you. In fact, you won’t pay a dime out of pocket unless we’re successful in your case.
Let Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC Handle Your Forest City Rideshare Accident Case
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we pride ourselves on putting our clients’ best interests first. So if you or your loved one was injured in a rideshare accident, our attorneys want to help you get justice. Contact us today to go over the facts of your case.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form