If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, our rideshare accident lawyers in Lenoir can help you understand which insurance policies apply and what steps may help protect your claim under North Carolina law.
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have represented injured people across North Carolina since 1995. Our lawyers average 19 years of personal injury experience each, and our firm has recovered more than $100 million for clients.
If you would like to discuss your situation with our team, contact our Lenoir personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
Working With Our Lenoir Rideshare Accident Lawyers
At Auger & Auger, we handle the legal and insurance process so clients can focus on medical treatment and recovery. Our attorneys communicate directly with insurance adjusters, review settlement offers, and address attempts to place blame on the injured person.
As a family-owned North Carolina law firm, we believe accessibility and communication still matter. Clients are able to speak directly with our team and receive straightforward answers about the progress of their case.
North Carolina generally gives injured people three years to file most personal injury lawsuits and two years in wrongful death cases. Starting the process earlier can help preserve evidence and strengthen the claim.
Proving Fault Under North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule
North Carolina follows contributory negligence rules, which means an injured person may be barred from recovering compensation if they are found even 1% at fault for the accident. Insurance companies sometimes try to use this rule to reduce or deny claims.
Our attorneys gather evidence aimed at showing how the collision occurred and who was responsible. Depending on the case, this may include rideshare app data, phone records, witness statements, dash camera footage, crash scene evidence, and vehicle damage analysis.
When needed, we also work with accident reconstruction professionals to address disputed liability issues.
How Rideshare Accident Claims Work in North Carolina
Rideshare accident cases often involve multiple insurance policies. The available coverage usually depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the collision, including whether the app was off, the driver was waiting for a ride request, or the driver was actively transporting a passenger.
During an active trip or while driving to pick up a rider, Uber and Lyft generally provide up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage. If the app is on but the driver has not accepted a ride request, lower contingent coverage may apply.
When the driver is not logged into the app, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is usually the primary source of coverage.
Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident
If another party caused the collision, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Passengers in Uber and Lyft vehicles are rarely accused of contributing to the crash, which often allows claims against one or more insurance carriers connected to the collision.
Our Lenoir rideshare accident attorneys help clients report the accident properly, preserve evidence connected to the rideshare app, and identify all available insurance coverage.
If the accident resulted in a fatal injury, North Carolina wrongful death laws may allow surviving family members to pursue compensation through the estate.
What to Do After a Rideshare Collision
After receiving medical treatment, the next steps you take can affect both your recovery and your injury claim. Insurance companies may contact you quickly after an Uber or Lyft accident, sometimes before the full extent of your injuries is clear.
It can help to:
- Continue recommended medical treatment and attend follow-up appointments.
- Keep copies of medical records, discharge paperwork, bills, and prescription information.
- Save screenshots and trip details from the rideshare app.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
- Keep documentation showing missed work and how the injuries affect your daily life.
- Speak with a rideshare accident lawyer about available insurance coverage and possible next steps.
Our attorneys use these records to connect the collision to your injuries, document damages, and address disputes raised by insurance carriers.
Damages Available in a Rideshare Claim
Depending on the facts of the case, compensation may include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or permanent injury
- Property damage
Punitive damages may also apply in cases involving impaired driving or other reckless conduct under North Carolina law. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Lenoir review how the injuries affect your work, finances, and day-to-day life when preparing the claim.
Evidence We Collect and Preserve
Rideshare accident claims often involve evidence that can disappear quickly if action is delayed. Our firm works to preserve records connected to the collision and the rideshare trip itself.
This may include the following:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- App activity and trip records
- Nearby surveillance footage
- Vehicle event data recorder information
- Phone usage records
- Witness statements
When necessary, we send preservation notices to help prevent the deletion of electronic rideshare data and related communications.
The Claims Process From Start to Finish
Our attorneys notify the appropriate insurance companies, gather supporting records, review available coverage, and calculate damages tied to the collision.
Many rideshare accident cases settle through negotiation, but we prepare each claim as though it may proceed to litigation. That preparation often places our clients in a stronger position during settlement discussions.
We also monitor filing deadlines and venue requirements throughout the process.
Contact Our Lenoir Rideshare Accident Attorneys at Auger & Auger for a Free Consultation
An Uber or Lyft collision can leave you dealing with medical treatment, missed income, and insurance questions that are difficult to sort through on your own. Our attorneys investigate rideshare accident claims, identify available coverage, and work to recover compensation tied to the injuries and losses involved.
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident in Lenoir, contact Auger & Auger today for a free consultation.
