Charlotte Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Charlotte Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you’re searching for a Charlotte rideshare accident lawyer, you’re likely dealing with one of the most confusing and stressful experiences of your life. Getting hurt in a rideshare accident, whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, opens the door to a legal mess involving multiple insurance policies, overlapping liability, and limited help from the companies involved. A personal injury attorney in Charlotte can help you seek justice.

About Us

At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we strive to provide a caring and purposeful legal practice. For over a decade, we have been serving the people of Charlotte and Spartanburg who have been injured in a serious accident. When you come into our office, we treat you like a human being, not just a case file.

We go to battle for you as if you were family. Our office respects you with full honesty, while the courtroom maintains dignity at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse in uptown Charlotte. We only propose a quick settlement when it is most beneficial to you. Our team takes the time to listen to your needs and fight for them with everything we have.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare crashes are not like typical car accidents. When an Uber or Lyft vehicle is involved, the question of who’s financially responsible often depends on whether the driver was on the clock. If they were waiting for a ride, on the way to pick someone up, or actively transporting a passenger, then the rideshare company’s insurance may kick in, but getting access to that coverage isn’t automatic, and the companies behind those apps don’t make it easy.

Understanding how Charlotte’s rideshare accident laws apply is critical. North Carolina uses a contributory negligence standard, which means even being slightly at fault can hurt your ability to recover damages. Early legal guidance can make a major difference in the outcome of rideshare accident cases. We know how to deal with local regulations and corporate insurance teams who aim to settle for less than you’re owed.

While North Carolina does not separate rideshare accident numbers when recording official accident statistics, rideshare vehicles do contribute to the number of accidents occurring in the state. The following statistics could be found regarding crashes in the state in 2023:

• 1,686 people were killed in a car crash
• 284,157 total crashes were reported
• 115,009 people were injured in a crash

What To Do if You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident

The moments after a rideshare accident matter more than you might think. Rideshare accidents typically require more steps than the average car accident. If you are ever injured in a rideshare accident, be sure to take the following steps:

• Get medical help right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries show up later.
• Document everything, including driver details, insurance info, trip IDs, photos, and witness names.
• Report the crash to Uber or Lyft through their app, as this can trigger higher coverage.
• Hire a rideshare accident lawyer before talking to insurance adjusters. There’s often more coverage if the driver was on duty.

What You May Be Entitled to After a Crash

When you’re hurt in a rideshare accident, your recovery could extend far beyond just covering your medical bills. You may be entitled to compensation for long-term treatment, lost wages from time off work, reduced earning capacity, and emotional suffering. In cases of severe negligence, such as a rideshare driver who was distracted or under the influence, additional punitive damages may be available.

The size of your recovery depends on how clearly liability is proven and how strong your supporting evidence is. That’s why choosing the right legal team matters. We know how to analyze rideshare data, subpoena app records, and work with accident reconstruction professionals to build the clearest possible picture of what happened.

When To Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Knowing when to hire a rideshare accident lawyer can be the difference between a fair settlement, a lowball offer, or no recovery at all. If you discover at the scene of a collision that a rideshare driver was involved, especially if he or she was actively working for Uber or Lyft at the time, you should call a lawyer before you consider settling with insurance.

Rideshare drivers have much higher insurance policies than most private auto insurance, but the claims process is more complex and more fiercely contested by corporate legal departments.

FAQs

Q: Can You File a Claim Against Uber if Their Driver Causes an Accident?

A: Yes, you can file a claim against Uber if their driver causes an accident, but it depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Uber often attempts to avoid liability by classifying its drivers as independent contractors. However, if the driver was on duty, you may be able to file a claim under Uber’s commercial insurance policy. An attorney can help determine who’s legally responsible and how to seek compensation.

Q: How Do You File a Claim Against a Rideshare Company?

A: To file a claim against a rideshare company, you first need to establish that the driver was active on the app when the crash occurred. You’ll most likely file a claim against the individual’s insurance carrier, rather than the company itself. If settlement talks are unsuccessful, a claim may be filed in civil court. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can walk you through the process.

Q: How Much Compensation Do Uber Accident Passengers Get?

A: The amount of compensation Uber accident passengers get varies. Damages in Uber accident passenger claims can range from relatively low to very high, depending on the severity of injuries, loss of income, medical bills, and other factors such as pain and suffering. If applicable, the Uber policy may be a source of significant insurance coverage. Each situation is unique, and the settlement value of any given case will vary according to its facts.

Q: How Hard Is It to Win a Rideshare Accident Claim?

A: How hard it is to win a rideshare accident claim depends on the available evidence and witness reliability, as well as a clear liability determination. You have a greater chance if the rideshare driver or company is clearly at fault and your injuries are well-documented. It’s less certain if important facts are in dispute or if liability is unclear. Success is more likely with legal support, especially if you’re up against insurers or corporations.

Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, compensation may be available to you. Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC to get started.