Uber rides offer convenience for Charlotte residents on the go. Unfortunately, they can also pose a significant risk to everyone on the road when drivers make dangerous decisions behind the wheel. When a careless Uber driver causes you harm, you deserve accountability.
The dedicated Charlotte Uber accident lawyers at Elrod Pope Accident and Injury Attorneys have extensive experience handling these often-complicated cases, and we’ve recovered millions on behalf of our deserving clients. We will fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for a no-obligation, free consultation so we may discuss your case and review your options.
What Is Uber?
Uber Technologies, Inc., operates a rideshare platform that connects passengers with drivers through a mobile app. Riders request transportation, and nearby drivers accept the trip using their personal vehicles.
Uber describes itself as a technology company rather than a transportation company. It classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. These distinctions play a major role in accident claims, complicating liability and insurance coverage issues.
Does North Carolina Have Regulations Governing Rideshare Companies?
North Carolina regulates rideshare companies through laws governing licensing, insurance coverage, background checks, and driver eligibility.
Specifically, state law requires rideshare companies to do the following:
- Carry specific minimum insurance coverage
- Conduct criminal background checks
- Maintain driver safety standards.
Insurance companies frequently dispute which policy applies and who is responsible for the crash. Our Charlotte Uber accident lawyers know how to push back against insurer tactics and fight for the recovery you deserve.
What Are Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Charlotte?
Rideshare accidents occur for various reasons, many of which stem from the driver’s careless or reckless actions. Some of the most common causes of Uber accidents our firm sees include the following:
- Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel or using a GPS
- Driver fatigue and long hours
- Inadequate driver screening
- Speeding and traffic violations
- Impaired driving.
Our attorneys investigate the crash to determine how it happened, who caused it, and the evidence we will need to build a compelling Uber accident claim.
What Injuries Can Result from an Uber Accident?
A rideshare accident can cause devastating physical, emotional, and financial harm. Some of the most common injuries our team sees include the following:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Wrongful death claims.
Our lawyers can work closely with medical professionals and financial experts to assess the full impact of your injuries on your daily life and finances. Then, we can demand maximum compensation on your behalf from the at-fault party (or parties).
Who Can Be Liable in a Charlotte Uber Accident?
Liability in an Uber accident claim depends on the unique circumstances. Liable parties can include the following:
- The Uber driver, if they acted negligently
- A third party, when another motorist contributes to the crash
- Possibly multiple parties when more than one person contributes to the crash.
What Are Common Challenges in Charlotte Uber Accident Claims?
Uber accident claims can prove complicated and challenging for a variety of reasons, including the following, such as:
- Uber denying responsibility
- Insurance companies employing delay tactics
- Disputes over fault and liability
- Low settlement offers
- Proving the extent of your injuries.
Our Uber accident attorneys understand the various complicating factors in these cases, and we know what it takes to build a winning claim.
Are Uber Drivers Considered Employees of Uber or Independent Contractors?
Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. Uber does this in part as an attempt to limit its exposure to liability for crashes. However, insurance policies tied to the app may still provide substantial coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
How Does Uber’s Insurance Policy Coverage Work?
What insurance coverage applies in rideshare accident claims depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s how it works:
- App off – If the driver was not using the Uber app at the time of the crash, their personal auto insurance policy applies.
- App on, waiting for ride request – When the driver was logged into the app but had not accepted a ride, limited liability coverage through Uber may apply.
- Driver accepted the ride, en route to the passenger – Once the driver accepts a ride request, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- Passenger in vehicle – The same $1 million coverage limit applies if the driver has a fare in their vehicle.
Can I Sue the Driver Who Hit the Uber I Was Riding In?
If another driver caused the crash, you can pursue a personal injury claim against them. You may also access Uber’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Charlotte Uber Accident Case?
Rideshare accident claims can account for the financial losses and personal harm caused by the at-fault party. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses and future healthcare costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage, such as auto repair/replacement
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
If you lost a loved one in an Uber accident caused by someone else’s careless or reckless actions, you may have a valid wrongful death claim. Wrongful death compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills related to the final injury, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship and guidance.
How Long Do You Have to File an Uber Accident Claim in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, including those for Uber accidents. Wrongful death claims typically must be filed within two years of the date of death.
If you miss either of these deadlines, courts will likely throw your case out. By seeking prompt legal guidance, you can protect your claim and allow your attorney to preserve critical evidence.
Contact a Charlotte Uber Accident Lawyer
You don’t have to face the challenges a rideshare accident claim presents on your own. The team at Elrod Pope has protected the rights of injured North Carolina residents for over 45 years. Many of our former clients have shared kind words about the quality of our services and the results we’ve achieved on their behalf.
Our Charlotte Uber accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free, no-risk consultation. Your case review is fully confidential, and you will pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.
