Uber and other rideshare services are convenient, but choosing to use them does not make it any less likely that you will experience an accident. Rideshare workers are not necessarily professional drivers, and there is always the possibility of negligence on the part of an Uber driver or other motorists on the road.
At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, our team of Uber accident lawyers in Gastonia, NC, understand the complicated circumstances of rideshare collisions. We are ready to support you in getting the compensation you deserve from the multiple parties involved.
Our Roles as Uber Accident Lawyers in Gastonia, NC
In the aftermath of a devastating rideshare accident, your focus should be on recovery rather than complex legal matters. Liability is especially complicated in an Uber accident, where multiple drivers and the rideshare company itself might share in the blame. Our team at Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys takes an active role in pursuing every possibility so you can achieve the best outcome possible for your personal injury claim.
Our Gastonia Uber accident lawyers can help you by:
- Investigating the circumstances around your rideshare accident
- Collecting evidence that establishes liability for one or more at-fault parties
- Filling out paperwork and submitting it on your behalf
- Negotiating with insurers and other lawyers
- Taking your case to court if you so choose
Keeping in mind how many parties can be partially liable in a rideshare accident, it is all too easy to overlook the possibility of a settlement you rightfully deserve. Working with an Uber accident lawyer in Gastonia, NC, ensures no stone goes unturned and that you can discuss compensation with the liable parties on even terms.
How Can Uber Be Dangerous for Passengers?
There is always a certain amount of risk when you take to the road as either a driver or passenger. It is important to keep in mind, though, that using a rideshare service comes with its own unique risks.
Uber drivers frequently expose themselves to possible safety hazards such as:
- Being distracted by GPS apps or rideshare apps on their smartphones
- Being distracted by conversations with passengers or phone calls
- Driving in unfamiliar areas
- Stopping in unsafe locations to pick up or drop off passengers
- Driving while exhausted from long hours of work
These conditions make Uber rides potentially dangerous for passengers. Rear-end collisions are a particularly common result, especially when involving rideshare drivers who drive while distracted or park unsafely.
Accidents in which a rideshare vehicle sustains a rear end can be notably catastrophic for passengers riding in the backseat. Injuries from this type of collision can include whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries or even paralysis in extreme cases.
Our Uber accident lawyers will help you evaluate the extent of your injuries and other damages so you can know exactly how much compensation to expect from your insurance settlement.
Does Uber Have Its Own Insurance Policies?
In a typical motor vehicle accident, you would simply seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance provider. If you sustain injuries in an Uber accident, though, Uber’s own insurance policies might cover some of your damages. Rideshare companies like Uber carry supplemental insurance coverage that applies to accidents that happen during the course of a ride.
Uber’s rideshare insurance covers you while you are in the rideshare driver’s vehicle, so long as the ride is officially in progress and the driver remains connected to the Uber app for the duration. Coverage may not apply when the ride comes to a conclusion, even if you are still in the vehicle or in the process of exiting.
Uber offers $1 million in third-party liability coverage with its policy, but the onus may be on you as a damaged passenger to pursue compensation and prove liability. Our rideshare accident lawyers can advocate for you and make sure the rideshare company does not evade their responsibility toward you.
What Does Uber Accident Compensation Cover?
Uber accident compensation coverage differs based on whether the rideshare app considers the driver to be on a trip. If the Uber driver is online and available but not actually transporting a passenger, then Uber’s insurance policy covers at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries. This accident compensation also covers at least $25,000 in property damage.
If the Uber driver is en route to a rider or transporting a passenger at the time of an accident, Uber’s insurance covers at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties. The insurance company might try to insist that the accident did not actually occur during the course of a ride. Our personal injury lawyers in Gastonia, NC, can use evidence, including records from the Uber app itself, to prove that you are eligible for the full amount of compensation offered through Uber’s accident insurance.
Horton & Mendez Can Help With Your Uber Accident in Gastonia
Dealing with the legalities of an Uber accident entails navigating a labyrinth of liability. The sequence of events can be very particular, with the smallest of details determining if the rideshare company, the Uber driver or another driver altogether is responsible for your damages.
At Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys, we leverage our experience and knowledge in sorting out your claim for you so you can be comfortable as you recover from your accident. Contact our Uber accident lawyers by calling our offices today to learn more.
Uber Accident Claim FAQs
What is the statute of limitations to sue for Uber accident injuries?
North Carolina law places a three-year statute of limitations on all personal injury lawsuits. This includes lawsuits and claims filed for damages sustained in an Uber accident. After three years from the date of the accident, it will no longer be possible to initiate a claim for compensation even if you can show that your injuries were due to the negligence of someone else.
What are the at-fault laws in Gastonia, NC?
North Carolina is an at-fault state when it comes to matters of accidents and insurance. The party responsible for causing an Uber accident, for example, is also responsible for all injuries, damages and other losses that someone else incurs as a result. The at-fault party’s insurance company has an obligation to compensate affected individuals who sustained recoverable damages.
It is important to also understand that North Carolina at-fault laws follow a principle of pure contributory negligence. This means that any party that contributes to the occurrence of an accident is ineligible to receive compensation.
Can I go after a driver’s insurance company in an Uber accident?
While Uber does have insurance policies in place to cover both drivers and passengers in the event of an accident caused by rideshare drivers themselves, this coverage does not apply to all situations.
If the Uber driver did not have their rideshare app on at the time of the accident, or if they were not in the process of transporting you as a passenger, then you will most likely pursue compensation from their auto insurance provider rather than Uber’s insurance policy.
We can help you navigate the complexities of the situation and determine who is responsible for compensating you for your damages.
