Charlotte Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys
Help when you’re injured in a rideshare accident in North Carolina
Uber and Lyft are both incredibly popular rideshare services in and around the Charlotte area. In fact, these companies are national and household names our residents and visitors trust. However, with more rideshare vehicles (as they’re called) on our roads, it’s only natural that more accidents happen as well. When your accident and injuries occur because of the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver, it is important the right people and parties are held accountable.
Because of the unique complexities of rideshare companies and their worker classifications, securing compensation for your injuries and property damage can be complicated. At Price, Petho & Associates, our Charlotte Uber and Lyft accident attorneys want to help. We understand what it takes to stand up to the insurance carriers involved in these cases, and our goal is to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
What would you like to know?
- How frequent are Uber and Lyft accidents in North Carolina?
- What are some common causes of Uber/Lyft accidents?
- Who is liable in a Charlotte rideshare accident?
- How does insurance work after a Charlotte rideshare accident?
- How can a Charlotte Lyft and Uber accident attorney help with my case?
- Is there an Uber or Lyft accident attorney near me?
How frequent are Uber and Lyft accidents in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) does not keep statistics about how many accidents occur each year involving Uber and Lyft vehicles. This crash data is typically lumped in with the overall crash statistics for the year. During 2020, however, there were more than 247,214 total car accidents across the state, resulting in over 105,382 total injuries and 1,658 fatalities. One of the reasons states can’t track rideshare accident data is because Uber and Lyft don’t readily share that information with officials or with the public.
However, 2019 research from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business showed that rideshare services are linked to a three percent increase in fatal accidents. Per researchers, “The documented increase in accidents appears to persist and even increase over time, and that rate has stayed steady through weekdays, weeknights, weekend days and weekend nights.”
Drivers for Uber and Lyft typically have no additional driver safety training, aside from the licensing involved in obtaining their regular North Carolina driver’s license. They are just like any other driver on the roadway, using their personal vehicles to transport passengers from place to place.
What are some common causes of Uber/Lyft accidents?
Most of the causes of Lyft and Uber accidents are like other car accidents, including:
- Drunk driving. The NCDOT reports that, in 2020, 7,500 people were hurt and 412 were killed in alcohol-involved accidents on North Carolina roadways. Rideshare companies must vet all their drivers to ensure they do not have a record of drunk or impaired driving.
- Fatigued driving. Sleep deprivation affects driving ability in several different ways. It slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and affects coordination. Many Uber and Lyft workers drive as a second job, which can make them tired or sleepy behind the wheel, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Distracted driving. When people drive without watching what is happening on the road, they are distracted. This includes eating, reaching into the backseat, talking with a passenger, adjusting controls, or texting (which is illegal in North Carolina). Rideshare drivers can easily become distracted by their app or a GPS.
- Speeding or reckless driving. The NCDOT notes that 25.1% of all motor vehicle fatalities were related to speeding. Drivers must abide by the speed limits in and around the Charlotte area. However, motorists can still be driving too fast for conditions even if they are operating at the posted speed limit. If roads are slick or icy or if traffic is particularly bad, drivers must adjust their speed accordingly or risk causing an accident.
The attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates can launch an investigation into your accident to determine exactly who or what was at fault, and then hold them responsible.
Who is liable in a Charlotte rideshare accident?
Injury claims involving an Uber or Lyft can often be difficult to navigate, as there may be more than one liable party. Our legal team determines the scope and nature of your injuries, as well as negotiate with all potentially liable parties. These can include:
- The rideshare driver. If the driver’s negligent actions caused the accident and your injuries, we will first seek compensation through their insurance coverage, which rideshare drivers are required to have for their jobs.
- The rideshare company. In certain circumstances, Uber or Lyft can be held liable for the actions of their drivers. However, they will do everything in their power to avoid liability, and part of how they do so is by claiming their drivers are not employees, but contractors. Our attorneys will work to show liability on the part of rideshare companies if circumstances call for doing so.
- Other at-fault drivers. If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and another driver caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, our attorneys can also seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
As you can see, depending on the circumstances of your accident, any number of parties may be liable for your injuries. The only way to know for sure is to consult with an experienced Charlotte attorney as soon as possible.
How does insurance work after a Charlotte rideshare accident?
When an accident occurs involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, insurance can become complicated and operates on a tiered system.
- Driver is on his/her own time. If a rideshare driver is not logged into the app for work and is on his or her own time, the driver’s personal insurance carrier will be responsible for covering any accident he or she causes.
- Driver is logged on and waiting for a fare. If a rideshare driver is logged on to the app but does not have a passenger and is not on the way to pick one up, the driver’s personal insurance carrier will still be the primary coverage provider if the driver causes an accident. Uber and Lyft will pay for damages that rise above the driver’s coverage limits, up to a certain amount.
- Driver has a passenger or is on the way to pick one up. If a rideshare driver has a passenger or is on the way to pick one up, the insurance provided by Uber and Lyft will kick in to cover damages for an accident caused by the driver. In North Carolina, these companies will provide up to $1.5 million in total compensation per accident.
If you are unsure about who is responsible for your injuries and losses, the Charlotte attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates are more than happy to go through these often complex policies with you.
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I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.
How can a Charlotte Lyft or Uber accident attorney help with my case?
Because the rideshare industry is largely unregulated, securing compensation after an accident with an Uber or Lyft, or as an Uber or Lyft passenger, can be more difficult than other types of motor vehicle crashes. Our attorneys can help collect the necessary information for these types of claims, including:
- Whether there are multiple liable parties
- Which party’s insurance policy is applicable to your claim
- The status of the Lyft or Uber driver at the time of the accident
- Whether you should pursue a legal claim directly against the rideshare company
When you choose us for your injury case, we launch a thorough investigation into your accident, as well as determine the full scope of your injuries to ensure you secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Is there an Uber/Lyft accident attorney near me?
Price, Petho & Associates has offices at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte. We also maintain offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are too injured to come to us, we can visit you at home or in the hospital.
Look to our Charlotte Uber and Lyft accident lawyers for help
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle in the Charlotte area, our experienced attorneys can help. At Price, Petho & Associates, we know what it takes to stand up to the insurance carriers and companies involved. We will put our resources to work to obtain maximum compensation on your behalf, including coverage of your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form today. We proudly serve clients in Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.