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Rideshare services like Uber are becoming increasingly common. Unfortunately, this also means the number of collisions involving Ubers is rising. You may be entitled to financial compensation if you suffered serious injuries in an Uber accident.
If someone else is responsible for injuring you during an Uber ride collision, you can seek justice with a Forest City Uber accident lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC.
How Do Uber Accidents Happen In Forest City, North Carolina?
Forest City Uber accidents happen in several ways. Generally, Uber accidents occur due to negligent driving. Some examples of negligent driving could include:
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving encompasses various unsafe driving practices, such as road rage, tailgating, failure to stop or use a turn signal, speeding, and other traffic violations.
Driving Impaired
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only a civil issue but a criminal one. So, for example, the liable party could face charges in criminal court if you are injured in an Uber accident caused by drunk or drugged driving.
Distracted driving
Anything that causes a driver to take their eyes or attention off the road is considered a distraction. Distracted driving could include:
- Looking at a cell phone to respond to a text message or email
- Making TikTok videos or Instagram reels
- Reaching for a beverage or eating food
- Using a navigation system
However, unsafe driving is not the only cause of Uber accidents. Uber accidents can occur when road conditions are dangerous, auto parts malfunction or are defective, or weather conditions are inclement. Your lawyer will need to thoroughly investigate the cause of your Uber accident to determine who could be at fault for your injuries.
Liability For Forest City Uber Accidents
The individual or entity responsible for causing your accident will also be found liable for your damages. Generally, the cause of your Uber accident will give your lawyer a clear idea of liability in your case.
For example, if you were driving and a distracted Uber driver struck you, you might assume the Uber driver is at fault for your injuries. And this may be the case. However, if the Uber driver hit a pothole, which caused the collision, a government agency that governs road maintenance may be responsible for your damages.
For this reason, while you might have your assumptions as to who is responsible for causing your Uber accident, it may be in your best interests to seek an attorney. An Uber accident lawyer can accurately investigate who is at fault in your case.
How Uber Insurance Works In North Carolina
When Uber drivers are responsible for causing car accidents, they can be held accountable. However, instead of filing a lawsuit against the other driver, you may have an opportunity to file claims with the insurance company.
North Carolina is a fault state for insurance purposes. So, you will have the opportunity to file a claim with the Uber driver’s insurer. Uber provides drivers with a $1 million auto insurance policy to protect the company and their drivers in situations such as these. However, Uber’s insurance is only in effect when:
- The Uber driver is in driver mode
- The Uber driver is going to pick up a passenger
- The Uber driver is transporting a passenger
Uber’s insurance may not be applicable if the accident occurs outside of these timeframes. However, North Carolina law does require drivers to purchase their own auto insurance coverage. Therefore, an Uber driver should have their own personal insurance policy in place.
Even if the accident occurred outside of Uber’s time limitations, you may still have the opportunity to file a claim with the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance provider.
What Happens When Your Uber Driver Is Liable For An Accident?
When the Uber driver is liable for causing your accident, you will have the opportunity to file a claim with Uber‘s insurance and/or the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance policy. However, there may be cases in which this insurance coverage is not enough to cover your damages.
When this happens, you may need to pursue a civil lawsuit against the negligent Uber driver in your case. By filing a civil claim against them, the types and amounts of compensation you can be awarded are not as restricted as they are through your insurance settlement. In court, you can recover your damages in full, including:
- All your current and future injury-related medical expenses
- Your loss of income and potential loss of future earnings
- Disfigurement, dismemberment, and severe scarring of the skin
- Loss of consortium and diminished quality of life
- Emotional trauma and physical pain related to your Uber accident injuries
- Costs of vehicle replacement or repairs
How Long Do You Have To File An Uber Accident Claim In Forest City?
If you are hoping to pursue your Uber accident claim in the Forest City civil court system, you need to act on your case quickly. The statute of limitations for your claim will expire within three years. If your claim is not filed before this deadline, you will be prohibited from having your case heard in the North Carolina civil courts.
Three years may seem like more than enough time to pursue your case. However, it is more common than you might think for Uber accident claims to be particularly complex. So, get started on your case as soon as possible. Acting fast can help you avoid potential adverse impacts from the statute of limitations.
Why You Should Contact A Forest City Uber Accident Attorney Today
Recovering your entitled compensation from an Uber accident could be challenging. When you are facing Uber or a large insurance company, you need a legal advocate on your side who isn’t afraid to go up against major corporations. In addition, with the clock ticking down on the statute of limitations, you need an attorney who knows what steps you need to take immediately.
Our Forest City Uber accident lawyers at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC are here to help you get the most out of your claim. Schedule your risk-free consultation today. Call our office or fill out our convenient contact form to start on your claim now.
