If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash, a Salisbury rideshare accident lawyer can help you take the next step. These cases involve app data, layered insurance, and fast-moving deadlines under North Carolina law.
At Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers, we have served the Carolinas for three decades and have recovered over $100 million for our clients. We help injured passengers, rideshare drivers, occupants of other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians after collisions linked to rideshare trips.
Our team handles Uber and Lyft crashes, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, hit-and-run incidents, and wrongful death. To learn more, talk to a Salisbury personal injury lawyer at our firm today.
Why Choose a Salisbury Rideshare Attorney After an Uber or Lyft Crash
Rideshare accidents are not handled like ordinary car crashes. Who pays, how much coverage applies, and which insurer is responsible often depends on the driver’s app status at the exact moment of the collision. Those details are controlled by Uber or Lyft and can change quickly if they are not preserved early.
North Carolina’s pure contributory negligence rule makes these cases even more challenging. If an insurer can argue that you shared even a small amount of fault, your claim could be denied entirely. That is why early investigation is important. Our Salisbury rideshare accident attorneys focus on presenting clear evidence that protects your right to recover.
We handle communications with all involved insurers, explain your options in plain terms, and pursue full compensation tied to medical care, lost income, and long-term impact. If a fair resolution is not offered, we are prepared to move the case forward in Rowan County court.
How We Build Your Case
We begin by gathering the information that matters most in a rideshare claim. That starts with a detailed intake and early preservation efforts aimed at Uber, Lyft, and the applicable insurance carriers. App logs, trip records, and coverage details are secured before they disappear or become disputed.
Next, we build the damages side of the case. Medical records and billing are organized to show the full scope of treatment, and we work with providers when future care is expected. We also document lost income and evaluate how injuries affect your ability to work, whether you are an employee, independent contractor, or business owner.
Once the evidence is in place, we prepare a demand package and negotiate with every responsible insurer. If liability is disputed or the value of the claim is minimized, we file suit and use discovery to obtain the information needed to move the case forward under North Carolina law.
How Rideshare Claims Work in North Carolina
Rideshare claims are governed by insurance rules that depend on the driver’s app status at the moment of the crash. Uber and Lyft drivers move through different coverage phases, and each phase determines which policy applies and how much coverage is available.
- App off: If the driver was not logged into the app, the crash is treated like a regular car accident. Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App on, waiting for a ride request: When the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a trip, rideshare companies provide contingent coverage, typically up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage applies only if the driver’s personal policy does not fully cover the loss.
- Ride accepted or passenger in the vehicle: Once a trip is accepted or a passenger is being transported, a $1,000,000 liability policy is generally available through the rideshare company. This phase also typically includes uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Determining the correct coverage requires access to app logs, trip records, and insurer data that are not always provided voluntarily. Our rideshare accident lawyers in Salisbury can send preservation requests, obtain the necessary records, and verify the driver’s exact app status at the time of the collision.
This step is important to protecting your claim and making sure the proper insurance coverage is applied.
Who Can Be Liable in a Salisbury Rideshare Accident
Liability in a rideshare crash depends on the facts of the collision. The responsible party may be the rideshare driver, another motorist, a commercial vehicle operator, or, in some cases, a manufacturer or maintenance provider if a defect or mechanical failure played a role. Alcohol-related crashes may also involve bars or restaurants under NC’s dram shop laws.
Rideshare company insurance may apply, but coverage does not mean the company admits fault. We identify every available insurance layer, including personal policies, rideshare coverage, UM/UIM, medical payments, and any excess policies, to ensure all potential sources of compensation are considered.
Damages Available in Rideshare Cases
You may pursue medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic losses include pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
For serious injuries, we document future care needs such as surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. We also address scarring and disfigurement, which North Carolina law recognizes.
In a wrongful death case, recoverable damages can include funeral costs, medical bills, and the value of the decedent’s services and companionship. We handle these cases with care and detailed proof of loss.
Time Limits for Rideshare Lawsuits and Claims
Most North Carolina personal injury claims must be filed within three years, while wrongful death claims generally have a two-year window. Missing a deadline can end your case, no matter how strong it might be.
If a government entity is involved, additional immunity and procedural rules may apply. Reach out early so our rideshare accident attorneys in Salisbury can review deadlines and send the right notices.
Talk to a Salisbury Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
You do not have to sort out multiple insurers or app data on your own. Our legal team at Auger & Auger will review your crash, outline your options, and handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
If you were injured as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian in an Uber or Lyft crash in Salisbury, contact us for a free consultation.
