Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how people in Charlotte get around. With just a few taps on a phone, you can catch a ride across town without the hassle of parking or navigating traffic. However, as convenient as these services are, accidents still happen. When they do, the aftermath can get complicated quickly.
If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver—you could be facing painful injuries, missed work, and growing medical bills. Knowing your rights and getting the proper support can make all the difference. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we know how to pursue compensation for people who were injured in rideshare accidents. Call us today at 1-800-693-7833 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in Charlotte.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Charlotte, NC
As traffic congestion continues to rise in Charlotte, rideshare activity has surged. While Uber and Lyft drivers must meet specific standards, they are still everyday drivers who are just as capable of making mistakes.
The number of parties involved makes rideshare accidents more complex than typical car crashes. Beyond the drivers, you are also dealing with massive corporations backed by layered insurance policies. That alone can make filing a claim or pursuing legal action feel overwhelming.
Rideshare accidents usually fall into one of several common scenarios:
- You were a passenger injured during a rideshare trip.
- You were the occupant of another car who was injured by a rideshare driver.
- You were struck by a rideshare driver while walking, biking, or driving.
- You were driving for a rideshare company when the accident occurred.
Each scenario comes with legal challenges. Since North Carolina’s rideshare laws are still evolving, getting legal help early is key to protecting your rights.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Figuring out who is legally responsible after a rideshare accident is not always straightforward. Liability often hinges on what the rideshare driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. That detail can completely change whose insurance applies.
Here’s how it usually breaks down:
- If the driver was off duty and not using the Uber or Lyft app, their auto insurance is responsible for covering damages.
- If the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride, the rideshare company may provide limited liability coverage, usually as a backup to the driver’s own insurance.
- If the driver was actively en route to a pickup or transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in liability coverage—but even then, coverage is not guaranteed without proof.
Rideshare companies often fight claims by disputing timelines, denying fault, or arguing that the driver wasn’t on duty. To push back, you’ll need strong evidence like app data, trip records, and accident reports to prove liability and protect your claim.
Things can get even more complicated if multiple cars were involved or another driver caused the crash while the rideshare driver was on duty.
Because North Carolina follows strict contributory negligence laws, even a small degree of fault on your part can prevent you from obtaining compensation entirely. That’s why working with someone who can uncover all the evidence and build a strong case matters.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
The minutes and hours after a rideshare accident can significantly impact your health and ability to file a strong legal claim. Acting quickly and carefully is essential.
Start by calling 911 right away.
Emergency responders can treat injuries on the scene and create an official police report, which becomes a key piece of evidence.
Next, gather as much information as possible.
Get the names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance details of every driver involved, including the rideshare driver. If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information too.
Take plenty of photos and videos at the scene.
Capture the position of the vehicles, damage to all cars, visible injuries, street signs, traffic signals, and any conditions that may have contributed to the crash.
If you were using Uber or Lyft, report the crash through the app.
This creates a timestamped trip record, which may help establish liability.
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters on your own.
They are trained to protect company interests and may try to get you to settle quickly. Instead, consult with an attorney first.
Finally, do not delete the rideshare app or any related messages.
Those digital records can be incredibly valuable in building your case.
Taking these steps protects your well-being and strengthens your ability to hold the right parties accountable.
Legal Aspects and Compensation
After a rideshare crash, you can seek compensation for your losses. North Carolina law allows injured victims to pursue claims through insurance settlements or lawsuits when necessary.
Unlike traditional car accident claims, rideshare claims can involve multiple layers of insurance—yours, the driver’s, and the rideshare company’s. A skilled attorney will sort through those layers and identify the best path forward. You could claim two different types of compensation, or “damages.”
Economic Damages
These are the measurable costs you have faced since the crash. They may include:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Physical therapy and follow-up care
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning potential if you can’t return to your job
- Property damage, like a totaled vehicle or destroyed personal items
Non-economic Damages
In some cases, you may also be eligible for non-economic damages, such as compensation for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. However, proving those losses can be tough without an attorney to present a compelling case.
Get a Free Consultation from Ted A. Greve & Associates Today
You do not have to handle this alone. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, our team knows how to deal with powerful insurance companies and untangle the legal mess of rideshare accident claims. We have represented clients across Charlotte who were injured in crashes caused by careless Uber and Lyft drivers, and we are ready to help you, too.
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us walk you through your options and give honest guidance based on your case.
