Today, many Americans seek the convenience of using a rideshare service by simply using a smartphone to coordinate pick-ups and drop-offs. In fact, the Pew Research Center found in 2018 that 36% of American adults had used a rideshare service such as Uber and Lyft.
Yet, what happens when you get into an accident while riding in a rideshare and are injured? Furthermore, what happens when you are driving your own personal vehicle and are involved in an accident with a rideshare service?
There are several key elements in car accident claims when involved with rideshare services that have to do with the service’s insurance coverage. However, plaintiffs may still have to prove negligence and liability during these types of car accidents, as well as proving that they suffered real damages.
Cornell Law School defines negligence as “a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.” This means that if the rideshare service acted negligently during an accident, then the plaintiff could file their personal injury claim under the basis of negligence when seeking compensation for their damages.
In order to file under the basis of negligence, the plaintiff would have to prove that they were owed a duty of care from the defendant, such as by not driving safely. Plaintiffs also must prove that the defendant broke this duty of care and directly caused their accident and the subsequent damages, or losses, they have withstood.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a rideshare service recently in Rutherfordton, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866. Following your initial contact, a Rutherfordton Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from our law firm may be able to pursue financial compensation on your behalf.
Uber and Lyft Accident Insurance Coverage Provided
Uber
According to Uber, the company maintains auto insurance for their drivers while they are providing the rideshare service. Uber works with a variety of brand-name insurance providers, such as:
- Allstate
- Farmers Insurance
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Progressive
For both Uber and Lyft ridesharing services, the driver is subject to their own personal insurance coverage when they drive with the app off or are offline.
Uber also provides coverage for their drivers while they are available or waiting for a ride request. According to Uber, this coverage includes:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
However, for these coverages, Uber states the following message for their drivers: “We maintain automobile liability insurance on your behalf if you do not maintain applicable insurance of at least this amount.” This means that Uber uses a third-party liability insurance coverage if the driver’s insurance does not apply.
Additionally, Uber offers insurance coverage while the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or while they are riding together. Uber includes a $1,000,000 third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage (with limits varying by state), and also contingent comprehensive and collision coverage as long as the driver has this coverage personally on their own policy.
Lyft
Similarly, Lyft also offers the same insurance coverages as Uber does while the driver is waiting for a ride request. In addition, Lyft includes third-party liability insurance coverage when the driver’s personal policy does not cover the accident. During rides, Lyft also includes the same types of insurance coverages as Uber.
Lyft works with several major insurance companies, including:
- State Farm
- Progressive
- Travelers
- AXA
For a legal consultation with a uber and lyft rideshare accidents lawyer serving Rutherfordton, call 828.286.3866
Potential Damages Awarded to Victims of Car Accidents
Following a car accident, you may be faced with damages, or losses. When looking to pursue an insurance claim with your own insurance and the defendant’s, you may be required to monetize all your damages in order to determine fair compensation.
Car accident damages may include, but are not limited to:
- Current medical costs
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Missed future wages
- Loss of consortium
- Property damages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
If you or a loved one has been injured by a rideshare service in Rutherfordton, call a Rutherfordton Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866. Our personal injury law firm may be able to help you investigate your accident to determine liability and help you pursue fair compensation for your damages.
Rutherfordton Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
Statute of Limitations in North Carolina to Pursue Compensation for Personal Injuries
In the event that a claimant cannot reach a settlement with the opposing party and their insurance company, a personal injury lawsuit may be required. By filing a lawsuit, the plaintiff may be able to still reach a favorable verdict and receive financial compensation for their damages.
Yet, in order to do so, the plaintiff must file their lawsuit within the statute of limitations for their state. The statute of limitations essentially is a time limit for plaintiffs to file their claim following their accident.
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is within three years of an accident, according to North Carolina General Statutes section 1-52. This means that the plaintiff may be required to gather all of their necessary evidence and file their lawsuit within three years of the car accident.
If the plaintiff fails to submit their lawsuit within the statute of limitations, they may be forfeiting their legal recourse rights in court.
Call the Office of an Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Attorney to Learn More Today
If you have been injured in an accident with a rideshare service recently, contact a Rutherfordton Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC to learn more about your legal recourse options.
To learn more and start building a personal injury case following your accident with a rideshare vehicle, call our law office today at (828) 286-3866.
Call or text 828.286.3866 or complete a Case Evaluation form