Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an essential part of daily life in Durham, North Carolina, offering convenience and flexibility to passengers. However, rideshare vehicles are just as vulnerable to accidents as any other on the road, and the aftermath of Uber and Lyft accidents can be complex.
Victims often face medical bills, missed work, and the emotional burden of dealing with insurance claims. At Mogy Law, our experienced Durham rideshare accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims navigate this challenging process. We fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact our Durham car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft accidents happen for many different reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Distracted Driving: Uber drivers must constantly check their phones for navigation, accept rides, and communicate with passengers. This frequent app use can distract them from paying full attention to the road.
- Tired Driving: Driver fatigue is a significant factor. Rideshare drivers often work long hours or drive during late-night shifts, which increases the risk of accidents.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Many Uber and Lyft drivers might not be well-prepared to deal with heavy traffic or challenging road conditions, leading to poor decision-making.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving behaviors like speeding and sudden lane changes are also common when rideshare drivers are in a rush to pick up or drop off passengers.
How a Durham Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help Victims
At Mogy Law, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the process, from determining liability to filing a lawsuit if necessary, so that you can focus on recovering.
Navigating Liability and Insurance
The legal process following a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially with multiple parties involved, including Uber or Lyft, their insurance providers, and sometimes even third-party drivers. A Durham rideshare accident lawyer from Mogy Law can navigate these complexities.
Our attorneys are well-versed in North Carolina laws and understand how to handle the insurance policies involved in rideshare accidents, including the rideshare companies’ policies and those of at-fault drivers. We ensure that all liable parties are held accountable.
Gathering Evidence
By thoroughly collecting and analyzing all available evidence, your lawyer can build a compelling case. A Durham Uber accident lawyer will obtain the police accident report and collect witness statements to support your claim. They will help gather medical records to show the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received.
Your Lyft accident attorney may also work with accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate the other driver was responsible for the accident. Digital data, such as rideshare app records and GPS data, can provide insights into the driver’s actions leading up to the accident.
Advocating for You in Negotiation and Court
Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts and may attempt to pressure you into accepting a settlement offer that is less than what you deserve. An experienced Durham Uber accident attorney knows the true value of your claim. Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
Most claims are settled outside of court. However, your Uber accident lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
Insurance Coverage for Uber Accidents
Uber’s insurance coverage varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of an accident. When the driver is offline or the Uber app is turned off, the driver’s personal insurance policy is responsible for any damages.
If the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, Uber’s insurance policy offers up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Once the driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber’s coverage increases significantly, providing up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Understanding these coverage stages is crucial for determining liability and compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of Uber’s insurance coverage and ensure your rights are protected.
Insurance Coverage for Lyft Accidents
Like Uber, Lyft’s insurance coverage depends on whether the driver has the app turned on and if they’ve accepted a ride request.
- If the app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible for paying.
- If the Lyft driver has the app on and is waiting for a request, Lyft’s insurance policy covers up to:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
- If the rider is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger, Lyft’s liability insurance covers up to $1 million.
Compensation for Rideshare Accidents
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation.
- Medical Bills: Compensation for medical expenses can include the cost of emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any future medical treatment required.
- Lost Wages: Victims can also claim lost wages for time missed from work, as well as loss of earning capacity if the injuries have affected their ability to perform their jobs in the future.
- Property Damage: Uber accident victims can seek compensation for vehicle repair costs or the vehicle’s market value if the car is totaled.
- Pain and Suffering: You can seek financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma endured as a result of the accident.
- Punitive damages: These might be awarded in cases where the driver’s behavior was particularly reckless, such as in a drunk driving accident.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Durham, NC
It’s important to take the right steps after an Uber or Lyft accident to protect your health and your legal rights. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel severely injured. Some injuries may not present symptoms until hours or even days later. Next, report the accident to the authorities and ensure that an official police report is filed. This document will be crucial for establishing the facts of the accident.
Make sure to collect contact information from all involved parties, including the rideshare driver, any other drivers, and witnesses. Also, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Report the accident to the rideshare company via their app. Keep all communications and documents related to the accident, as they may be useful in building your case.
Contact an experienced Durham rideshare accident lawyer soon after a Lyft or Uber accident.
What Is the Deadline for an Uber Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
North Carolina law sets deadlines for filing a lawsuit after a rideshare accident. For personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the accident date. If a lawsuit is not filed within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
In fatal car accident cases, families must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the victim’s death. It is crucial to be aware of these deadlines and take action promptly to protect your legal rights.
How Much Does a Rideshare Accident Attorney Cost?
One of the most common concerns for rideshare accident victims is the cost of hiring a car accident attorney. At Mogy Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not have to pay any upfront legal fees. Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Your Uber accident attorney receives a percentage of the settlement or lawsuit payout.
This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about the cost of legal representation. We believe that everyone should have access to justice, and our contingency fee arrangement makes it possible for you to get the legal help you need without added financial stress.
Contact Our Durham Uber Accident Lawyers Today
Rideshare accidents can be complex, with an intricate web of insurance policies and multiple parties involved. At Mogy Law, our experienced Durham rideshare accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims navigate these challenges.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
