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Rideshare services are meant to offer convenience and safety, but accidents happen often. If you were injured in one, a Hickory personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim.
After a rideshare accident, you may be left with questions about insurance coverage, unexpected medical bills, and pressure from both the rideshare company and insurers to settle quickly.
A Hickory rideshare accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Hickory Rideshare Accident Attorney Help Me?
After a rideshare accident, it can be tough to know where to turn. An experienced attorney can take the pressure off you and handle every part of your case.
More specifically, a rideshare accident lawyer in Hickory can:
- Investigate the crash: A lawyer can collect evidence such as police reports, driver records, rideshare app data, and witness statements to establish exactly what happened.
- Determine liability: An attorney can identify all responsible parties—whether it’s the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the company itself.
- Deal with insurance companies: A lawyer can negotiate with insurers on your behalf to prevent you from saying something that could reduce your payout.
- Represent you in court: If insurers refuse to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney can take your case to trial.
How Much Should You Expect from a Rideshare Accident Settlement?
The value of a rideshare accident settlement in Hickory depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, and who is found liable. In North Carolina, settlements for rideshare accidents can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars.
A rideshare accident attorney in Hickory can review your medical records, lost income, and other damages to determine a fair settlement range for your case.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover?
Victims of rideshare accidents in Hickory can pursue both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care you will need.
- Lost wages: You can recover income lost while you were unable to work, as well as future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
- Property damage: You can receive payment for the repair or replacement of your vehicle or personal belongings damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can recover compensation if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, you can pursue additional damages meant to punish the responsible party.
Your attorney will carefully document all your losses and work to make sure that nothing is overlooked in your claim.
How Does Rideshare Insurance Work?
Uber and Lyft provide tiered insurance coverage that depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Their tiers are as follows:
- Driver is offline: If the rideshare app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- Driver is online but hasn’t accepted a ride: The rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage, usually up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, plus $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger: This is when the rideshare company’s $1 million liability coverage applies. It also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Determining which phase the driver was in can make or break your claim, and rideshare companies often dispute these details. A lawyer can obtain the app records to confirm the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in NC?
In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can cause you to lose your right to recover compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.
You should contact a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible so that crucial evidence isn’t lost and you have plenty of time to put together your claim.
Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?
Liability in rideshare accidents isn’t always straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties could be held responsible for your injuries, including:
- The rideshare driver: If the driver was distracted, speeding, or otherwise negligent, they can be held liable for the crash.
- Another motorist: If another driver caused the collision, their insurance company may be responsible for your damages.
- The rideshare company: In certain cases, Uber or Lyft may share liability, such as if they failed to properly vet the driver.
- Vehicle manufacturers or parts suppliers: If a defective vehicle component contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could also be at fault.
Since North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, you cannot recover damages if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident. Your lawyer can push back against any claims that you are to blame.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
What you do immediately after a rideshare crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the accident: Call 911 to report the crash and file an official police report.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Get the names, contact information, and insurance details of the drivers involved. If any witnesses are present, get their contact information too.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation also creates a vital record for your claim.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurer of the crash, but avoid making detailed statements until you have spoken with a lawyer.
- Reach out to a rideshare accident attorney: A lawyer can advise you on next steps and begin developing your claim.
Consult a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Hickory
Rideshare accidents can leave you struggling with painful injuries and mounting medical bills. A Hickory rideshare accident attorney from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can investigate your case, negotiate with the insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Don’t let Uber, Lyft, or their insurers minimize your claim. Book a free case review to find out how you can obtain the maximum possible payout for your rideshare accident.
