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Now, getting a ride is easier than ever. With a simple tap on your smartphone, you can summon a car that will pick you up within minutes. We've all used rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, which connect passengers with local drivers, often offering rates that are more affordable than those of traditional taxi services.
However, along with this convenience and lower cost comes a significant drawback: rideshare drivers aren't always thoroughly screened, which can increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries. Furthermore, since the rideshare industry is relatively new, victims may struggle to understand their legal rights, the details of insurance coverage, and who is responsible in the event of an Uber or Lyft accident.
While rideshare companies often push back against regulations regarding insurance and may deny liability for serious injuries, it's important to know that holding negligent parties accountable is still possible. This underscores the necessity of having an Uber accident attorney in Elizabeth City, NC on your side who is experienced in dealing with rideshare companies and understands the constantly changing laws in North Carolina's civil courts.
The accident lawyers at Nagle & Associates specialize in this area of law and are committed to fighting for you or your loved ones if you've been injured in a crash.
Across North Carolina, the rise in rideshare use with companies like Uber has unfortunately been accompanied by an increase in car accidents involving these vehicles. Our law firm has successfully navigated numerous cases against Uber and Lyft drivers, securing substantial settlements for victims of such accidents. Some of the most common scenarios we've seen in such cases include:
If you or a loved one has been hurt while using Uber or Lyft or is recovering from injuries in Laurel Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Elizabeth City, NC, the first step you should take is to arrange a free consultation at Nagle & Associates ASAP. Even if you decide not to hire an attorney, taking just a few minutes to understand your rights from an experienced car accident attorney can empower you to protect your legal interests and figure out the best course of action moving forward.
When you want unflinching advocacy after getting hurt in a rideshare accident, you call Nagle & Associates.
Carl Nagle and his team of Uber accident attorneys in Elizabeth City, NC know exactly how to identify the insurance provider for the Uber driver involved in a collision. They also know how to determine the driver's legal status at the time of the accident and secure the highest possible compensation for your legal claim. If other parties are involved - such as other drivers and insurance companies - they may bear responsibility for the accident, too. Unfortunately, challenges that arise from such accidents often revolve around insurance coverage and liability. That's where Carl Nagle's unique experience comes into play.
With Mr. Nagle's background as an insurance claims adjuster and defense attorney, he's well aware of the tactics that insurers use to minimize or deny compensation for injured victims. Our firm only focuses on motor vehicle accident cases, provides the lowest legal fees in North Carolina, and is dedicated to assisting crash victims across the Tar Heel State.
Our attorneys specializing in Uber and Lyft accidents operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we receive payment only after your case is settled or the trial ends. The majority of cases are resolved without the need for lawsuits or court involvement. This payment structure motivates your attorney to secure the highest value for your injury claims. Whether your case ends in a settlement or goes to trial, you can anticipate a reduced overall fee.
Most personal injury law firms take a third of the settlement (33.3%) and 40-44% of any amount acquired after a lawsuit is filed. In comparison, our firm charges only a quarter of the settlement (25%) and one-third (33.3%) of any funds secured following the filing. We only pursue legal action when the insurer does not offer fair compensation, as we recognize that litigation often enhances the financial recovery for our clients.
Because of the unique nature of ridesharing apps, determining liability in Lyft and Uber accident cases can be challenging. Unlike "typical" car wrecks, in ridesharing accidents, several parties may be held responsible, including:
It's important for you to understand that companies like Uber and Lyft limit their own liability when accidents occur. They do so by classifying drivers as independent contractors. With that said, these companies still maintain liability car insurance for drivers, which can apply in some circumstances.
Liability in ridesharing accidents often depends on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred. This helps your Lyft accident attorney in Elizabeth City, NC determine who should compensate you for your emotional, financial, and physical losses. An Uber or Lyft driver could be doing one of the following when a crash happens:
Uber drivers are required to have their own auto insurance. In addition, Uber provides its own insurance coverage for drivers; however, accessing this coverage depends on the driver's status at the time of the accident.
If a rideshare driver isn't logged into the app and is off duty, their personal insurance provider will be responsible for covering any accidents they may cause.
When a rideshare driver is logged into the app but doesn't have a passenger and isn't en route to pick someone up, their personal insurance provider will be the primary source of coverage if they get into an accident. Uber and Lyft will step in to cover any damages that exceed the driver's coverage limits up to a specified amount.
When a rideshare driver has a passenger or is en route to pick one up, the insurance coverage provided by Uber and Lyft activates to handle any damages resulting from an accident caused by the driver. In North Carolina, these companies offer up to $1.5 million in total compensation for each accident.
If you or a member of your family has been hurt in a ridesharing accident, but you're unsure who should be held responsible, it's time to work with an Uber accident attorney in Elizabeth City, NC from Nagle & Associates. During your free consultation, we'll discuss who may be liable in your case and what types of compensation you may be entitled to.
One of the most common questions we get from clients injured in Uber and Lyft accidents is what sort of compensation they may be entitled to. Settlements in ridesharing claims can vary depending on how serious your injuries are and how long your injuries last. Most often, victims can recover compensation related to the following:
Ridesharing accidents can be both overwhelming and traumatic, often leaving you with a host of unanswered questions and financial concerns. They can also happen when you're least expecting them to. One moment, you're hopping in the car of an Uber driver to visit Waterfront Park near Elizabeth City, NC. And then, in the blink of an eye, your driver rear-ends another driver, causing you to hurt your neck.
If you've been in an accident involving a Lyft driver, the situation becomes even more complex, particularly when it comes to figuring out which insurance carrier is responsible and understanding the Lyft driver's status at the time of the incident.
When one of the parties involved in the crash was driving a rideshare vehicle, you need to answer two key questions: first, which insurance policy should you claim from—the driver's personal insurance or that of the rideshare company? Second, what was the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the accident—were they waiting to accept a new ride, or were they in the middle of a journey?
Working with a qualified Uber or Lyft accident attorney in Elizabeth City, NC means you don't have to tackle these confusing issues on your own.
There are specific situations where gross negligence might come into play, particularly if a driver is behaving erratically or speeding excessively at the time of the accident. This can also apply if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the collision. When gross negligence is established, it can lead to punitive damages, but such awards usually occur only if a jury finds in favor of the injured party and determines the amount of those damages. Additionally, the prospect of facing a punitive damage trial often influences negotiations, as defendants may seek to avoid a trial altogether.
Our recommendation is this: Never try to handle your own injury claim from an Uber or Lyft accident. There may be significant financial compensation at stake that a seasoned and assertive North Carolina rideshare accident lawyer can help you secure. You typically have just one chance to seek justice, and having professional legal representation is the best way to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how we travel from one location to another. However, both companies have encountered issues, primarily due to a small number of drivers who have committed assaults against passengers or caused accidents through reckless driving. If you plan to use one of these services, prioritizing your safety is essential to minimize any potential problems. The information below will guide you in making your experience safer and more enjoyable.
If you ever feel your Lyft or Uber driver is putting you at risk, don't hesitate to speak up. Should the driver be swerving or otherwise driving unsafely, it's important to voice your concerns. If the situation worsens, request that they pull over at the next safe spot, like a gas station or convenience store, so you can get out. Once the trip is over, make sure to report the driver's unsafe behavior through the rideshare app.
Both Uber and Lyft take the matter seriously and are committed to removing untrustworthy drivers from their platforms. Giving a driver pushback on their unsafe driving may be useful in court. At the very least, you could help prevent another passenger from having a harrowing ride.
When you're waiting for a ride from Uber, Lyft, or any other ridesharing service, it's important to avoid standing around outside. Look for a well-lit area, ideally one bustling with people. This way, anyone with ill intentions will likely think twice. If potential wrongdoers see that plenty of witnesses are around when you get into a vehicle, they'll be discouraged from making a move.
Both the Uber and Lyft apps allow you to easily look up information about the driver who's on their way to pick you up. Both drivers and passengers can be rated on a scale of 1 to 5. Each rideshare company asserts that they deactivate drivers who consistently receive low ratings, but if something feels off—whether it's the car, the driver's appearance, or anything else—don't hesitate to cancel the ride and choose someone else.
When reviewing the ratings, pay special attention to how safely the driver handles their vehicle. The last thing you want to worry about in an Uber or Lyft is whether or not your driver can handle inclement weather appropriately.
We sincerely hope you're never involved in a car accident, whether it involves a rideshare service or not. However, if you do find yourself in such a situation and sustain injuries, you'll likely need to file a claim against the negligent driver, which could be the Uber or Lyft driver who picked you up.
To secure the compensation you need for medical expenses and to account for lost wages due to time off work, you must demonstrate that the driver is liable for your injuries. Without solid evidence, your chances of winning your case could be slim.
If you're in an accident, one of the first things you should do is take photos and videos of the scene with your smartphone. It's also very important to contact the police and emergency medical services if you or anyone else is seriously hurt. An officer will write a police report, which can serve as a significant piece of evidence. To increase your chances of a reasonable payout, you should consult with a Lyft or Uber accident attorney in Elizabeth City, NC. An experienced legal professional will help gather further evidence, such as surveillance footage from nearby cameras that may have captured the incident.
At Nagle & Associates, our team of rideshare accident attorneys brings decades of combined experience in handling personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against drivers, insurance companies, and other negligent parties involved in crashes. With the rise of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, we have witnessed a notable increase in such accidents. Our firm is well-versed in effective legal strategies tailored to advocate for victims and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
