Personal Injury 360

Does Insurance Cover an Uber or Lyft Accident in Charlotte, NC?

Being injured in a Lyft or Uber accident in Charlotte, NC, can leave you wondering who pays for your medical bills and lost wages. Rideshare cases are more complicated than ordinary car accidents because multiple insurance policies may come into play.

If you were hurt in Charlotte, North Carolina, it’s important to learn about how insurance coverage works and when the rideshare company itself may be liable for your injuries and losses.

How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works

Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. Because of this, drivers are required to maintain their own auto insurance. However, both Uber and Lyft also provide liability coverage that applies in certain circumstances.

The level of coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:

Driver not logged into the app: If the driver is off duty, only their personal auto insurance applies. Uber or Lyft will not cover the accident.
Driver logged in but waiting for a ride: The rideshare company provides limited liability coverage. This includes up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Driver en route to pick up or transporting a passenger: Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the car, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in some cases.

Knowing where the driver was in the process is one of the first steps in determining which insurance policy will apply.

North Carolina’s Car Insurance Rules

North Carolina follows an “at-fault” insurance system for car accidents. This means the party responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for paying damages.

However, North Carolina also uses a strict contributory negligence rule. You may be barred from recovering any compensation if you are even one percent at fault for the accident.

Insurance companies often try to argue that the injured person shares blame because of this framework. Having an attorney on your side can help protect your rights if this happens in your case.

What Types of Compensation Are Available in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Charlotte, you may be entitled to compensation for financial and non-financial losses.

These can include economic and non-economic damages for things like:

Medical expenses
Lost income if you miss time at work
Diminished earning ability if your injuries affect your future career
Property damage to your vehicle or belongings
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the at-fault party acted with willful or reckless disregard for others’ safety.

What Should I Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

The steps you take after a crash can have a big impact on your claim.

Protect yourself by doing the following whenever possible:

Call 911 so law enforcement can create an official accident report
Take photos and videos of the vehicles, accident scene, and your injuries
Collect information from the driver, passengers, and any witnesses
Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as this could be used against you later
Seek medical treatment right away, even if your injuries seem minor

From there, contact a personal injury lawyer who can review the facts and guide you through your legal options.

Contact a Charlotte Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Charlotte, NC, insurance coverage may be available to help you move forward. However, navigating the rules and dealing with insurance companies can be challenging on your own.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out for a free consultation today to get started with your claim.

Injuries from Rollover Crashes: Why Truck and SUV Accidents Often Wreck Your Claim

Rollover crashes are some of the most severe you can experience. They typically involve high speeds, large vehicles like trucks or SUVs, or both of these factors. Because Florida is a no-fault state for traffic accidents, suffering minor injuries typically requires filing a claim against your personal injury protection insurance.

But what if your injuries are severe after a truck accident? Here’s what you need to know about the types of injuries you can experience in these kinds of crashes and what they could mean for your claim.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the non-bony parts of your body, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles. You can suffer sprains and strains, including whiplash, that cause pain and stiffness.

Whether you can file a personal injury claim depends on the severity of your injury. With more minor injuries like whiplash, your insurance could cover your related losses, so you might not be able to step outside of Florida’s no-fault laws. Knee ligament injuries, however, could require surgery, the cost of which might allow you to begin a personal injury claim.

Broken Bones

Rollover accidents with vehicles like SUVs and trucks can cause significant impact to your bones, resulting in fractures of all types. In many cases, you would be able to step outside of Florida’s no-fault laws, especially if you require surgery. You may also need to take a substantial amount of time off to heal, which your insurance won’t be able to cover.

Internal Damage

Internal damage involves injuries to your organs, blood vessels, and other structures that aren’t visible. Most of the time, people don’t immediately realize they’ve suffered this type of injury.

For example, internal bleeding is a serious concern that could lead to life-threatening drops in blood pressure and shock. Generally, you’ll be able to sue for these types of injuries because of their severity.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Because your body may be tossed in all directions in an accident with a truck or SUV, your spine can experience twisting motions, which can lead to spinal fractures and nerve damage. You can suffer from loss of sensation up to complete paralysis from spinal injuries.

As a result, these are typically considered catastrophic losses for which you can begin a personal injury claim against the liable parties.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) involve a force that causes damage to the brain. They can be blunt injuries, which occur if you hit your head and your brain shifts in the skull. It’s also possible to sustain penetrating brain injuries, which involve an object cutting into the skull and brain.

One of the most serious TBIs you can suffer in a rollover crash with a truck or SUV is a diffuse axonal injury. This occurs if your brain twists, damaging nerve fibers, and it often results in widespread damage that can cause cognitive issues.

If you sustain a minor traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, you may only be able to file a claim against your insurance. However, you’ll likely be able to file a lawsuit for more serious injuries.

Psychological Injuries

Being in a rollover accident is a traumatic experience. You may develop depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder afterward. All of these conditions lower your quality of life. Depending on the extent of that impact, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim to address your losses.

Protecting Your Future with Help from an Attorney

The severe injuries frequently associated with truck and SUV accidents in Florida can mean that a standard insurance claim will not be enough to fully address your losses. In these cases, you might need to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. The best way to find out what type of claim is right for you is to seek the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney.

Common Personal Injury Claims and the Importance of Hiring a Lawyer

Personal injury claims take many forms. The right lawyer often determines whether you receive fair compensation or leave without the resources you need. Injuries occur in many situations, and you have legal rights that allow you to hold others accountable. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of personal injury claims and how the process works.

Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

When you think of personal injury cases, car accidents are likely the first thing to pop into your mind. That’s because they are a leading cause of personal injury cases. There are many vehicle accidents every day, leading victims to take legal action to cover vehicle damage, medical costs, and other expenses related to their accident.

Slip and Fall Injury Claims

When a facility is not safe to be in and you are injured as a result, that is a slip and fall injury. They have a responsibility to ensure everyone is safe when they visit. The fact that you were injured may mean you are entitled to compensation. Problems like uncleaned spills, floor damage, and messy areas commonly lead to injuries.

Medical Malpractice Claims

Medical malpractice occurs when the care you receive falls short of what is considered standard in the medical industry. Examples include surgical errors, incorrect diagnoses, or medication mistakes. When malpractice occurs, act quickly to secure your medical records, treatment history, and any correspondence with the provider or facility..

Workplace Accident Claims

Workplace accidents occur in every type of job, from construction sites to office environments. Unsafe machinery, poorly maintained equipment, and inadequate safety measures often cause serious injuries. If you suffer harm on the job, notify your employer immediately and get medical care. Reporting the accident promptly helps protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

Product Liability Claims

Manufacturers and companies that sell products have a duty to ensure they are safe. When a defect causes an injury, they may be held liable. You can file a personal injury case to help you recover compensation.

Product liability cases are complex since multiple companies are involved, and your lawyer has to prove fault. Working with a personal injury lawyer who handles product liability cases can help. A lawyer with experience in this area knows the right way to build a case that will stick while being able to fight back against corporate lawyers.

Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims arise when negligence or misconduct causes the death of a loved one. These cases bring emotional pain and financial hardship to families. If you suspect negligence caused the death, a personal injury lawyer can take immediate steps to protect your family’s interests and begin the legal process.

How a Lawyer Strengthens Your Personal Injury Case

Having an attorney involved in a personal injury claim can provide valuable legal knowledge, investigative resources, and case management experience. An attorney can review the facts, gather physical evidence, analyze medical records, and speak with witnesses to build a well-documented claim. This thorough preparation can help position a case for a favorable settlement or a strong showing in court.

Insurance companies often aim to reduce the amount paid to claimants. A lawyer can handle communications with these companies and assess the full value of a claim, considering medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic losses such as pain and reduced quality of life. Through careful negotiation and, if necessary, litigation, an attorney works to present a detailed and persuasive case.

Schedule a Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney for Legal Help

Injuries caused by other people often lead to legal action as a way of dealing with the problems that those injuries cause. Hospital bills, missing work, and other problems can make it difficult to make ends meet. Fortunately, a personal injury lawsuit can help by giving you access to compensation to help deal with these problems.