Rideshare Accident Lawyer Charlotte, NC

Are You Entitled To Compensation In An Uber Or Lyft Crash

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have rapidly become a popular transportation alternative for millions of people worldwide. While they offer convenience and often a cost-effective mode of transport, accidents can and do happen. If you’re involved in an accident while using one of these services, it’s essential to know your rights and whether you’re entitled to compensation. Moreover, it’s crucial to understand how a firm like Schehr Law, PLLC can assist you in such cases.

Your Rights in an Uber or Lyft Accident:

• Passenger Rights: As a passenger, if you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you are generally entitled to compensation regardless of who is at fault. Both Uber and Lyft have million-dollar liability insurance policies that cover passengers in the event of an accident.
• Driver Rights: If you’re driving for Uber or Lyft and get into an accident, your compensation rights can be a bit complex. It depends on whether you were “on the clock,” if you had a passenger, or if you were waiting for a ride request. The specific circumstances will dictate which insurance policy – yours, Uber’s/Lyft’s, or the other party’s – will cover the damages.
• Third-party Rights: If you’re a third party, like another driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, and an Uber or Lyft driver hits you, you could be entitled to compensation either from the driver’s personal insurance or from the rideshare company’s policy, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

How Can Schehr Law, PLLC Help?

• Expertise in Rideshare Accidents: Law firms that specialize in rideshare accidents, like Schehr Law, PLLC, are well-versed with the intricacies of rideshare insurance policies and can guide you through the complexities.
• Claim Negotiation: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Schehr Law, PLLC can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Gathering Evidence: Establishing fault and determining liability can be complicated. The firm can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and use professional resources to reconstruct the accident scene if necessary.
• Legal Representation: If your case goes to court, you’ll need experienced legal representation. Schehr Law, PLLC can advocate for your rights, presenting your case with the utmost professionalism and ensuring that you’re adequately represented.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that a professional and experienced firm is handling your case can offer peace of mind during an undoubtedly stressful time. With their guidance, you can focus on recovery and rehabilitation.

If you find yourself involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s essential to be aware of your rights and to seek professional assistance. Schehr Law, PLLC, with its expertise in rideshare accidents, can provide the necessary legal support to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. Always remember to prioritize safety, but know that in unfortunate circumstances, there are professionals ready to help.

Common Causes of Uber or Lyft Accidents

The introduction of ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft has revolutionized the way people commute. However, with the increase in rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents involving them have also seen a rise. It’s essential to understand the common causes behind these accidents to create awareness and potentially reduce their occurrence. Here are some prevalent reasons:

Distracted Driving

• Given the necessity for rideshare drivers to frequently use their smartphones for navigation and accepting rides, there’s an increased risk of them getting distracted.
• Texting, making calls, or even adjusting the app can divert a driver’s attention from the road.

Fatigue

• Rideshare drivers often work long hours, sometimes after their regular jobs, to earn extra income. This can lead to fatigue, reducing their reaction time and decision-making abilities.

Inexperience

• Not all rideshare drivers are experienced. New drivers might not be familiar with certain routes, traffic patterns, or how to handle the pressure of driving with passengers.

Speeding

• To maximize earnings, some drivers might speed to complete rides quickly and take on more passengers. Speeding reduces the driver’s reaction time and can lead to severe accidents.

Impaired Driving

• While Uber and Lyft have policies against driving under the influence, there have been instances where drivers, unfortunately, break these rules, putting passengers and other road users at risk.

Vehicle Maintenance Issues

• Regular maintenance is crucial for vehicle safety. Some drivers might neglect this due to cost concerns or lack of time, leading to mechanical failures that can cause accidents.

Aggressive Driving

• Whether due to personal stress, road rage, or the desire to complete more rides, some drivers might exhibit aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving between lanes, or not yielding the right of way.

Poor Road Conditions

• Potholes, unclear road signs, and malfunctioning traffic lights can contribute to accidents, especially if the driver isn’t familiar with the area.

Lack of Training

• Traditional taxi drivers usually undergo specific training, but rideshare drivers might not receive the same level of preparation, leading to mistakes on the road.

Other Drivers

• It’s essential to remember that not all rideshare accidents are the fault of the Uber or Lyft driver. Other reckless or negligent drivers can cause accidents involving rideshare vehicles.

Understanding these common causes can help both drivers and passengers be more vigilant and take preventive measures. For riders, it emphasizes the importance of always checking driver reviews and ensuring that the chosen vehicle seems well-maintained. For drivers, awareness of these factors can help them take steps to ensure their safety and that of their passengers.

Common Injuries from Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an integral part of urban commuting. However, as with any vehicle on the road, accidents involving these services can happen, leading to various injuries. The severity and type of injury often depend on factors like the speed at which the accident occurred, the type of collision, and the safety features of the vehicle involved. Here’s a look at some common injuries that individuals might sustain from such accidents:

Whiplash

One of the most common injuries resulting from rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly and forcefully jerked backward and then forward. It can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the neck.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A sudden jolt or blow to the head can result in a concussion. More severe impacts can lead to traumatic brain injuries, which can have long-term cognitive and physical implications.

Broken Bones

The force of a collision can lead to fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Beyond just whiplash, other muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be strained, sprained, or torn in an accident.

Cuts and Abrasions

Broken glass, metal fragments, or even the impact with the vehicle’s interior can lead to cuts and abrasions.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma from an accident can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding. Such injuries can be life-threatening and might not be immediately apparent.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. This can have life-altering implications for the victim.

Burn Injuries

Though less common, in cases where there’s a fire or explosion post-collision, occupants can sustain burns.

Facial Injuries and Dental Damage

The face is vulnerable in a car crash, especially if an airbag deploys. This can lead to broken noses, fractured jaws, lost teeth, and eye injuries.

Psychological Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, many accident victims suffer psychological trauma. This can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or phobias related to driving or traveling in vehicles.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic of circumstances, accidents can result in fatalities.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries might not present symptoms right away but can have severe repercussions if left untreated. Additionally, consider consulting with a legal professional to understand your rights, especially if the accident was due to the negligence of another party.

What Compensation Can You Receive for Your Injuries?

If you’ve been injured in an accident, whether involving a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft or under different circumstances, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Compensation aims to restore the injured party, as much as possible, to the position they would have been in had the injury not occurred. Here’s a breakdown of the types of compensation (or “damages”) you might be eligible for:

Medical Expenses:

• This encompasses costs for immediate medical care, hospital stays, surgeries, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any future medical expenses related to the injury.

Lost Wages:

• If your injury forces you to miss work, you can be compensated for the wages you would have earned during that time.
• Additionally, if your injury affects your capacity to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning potential.

Pain and Suffering:

• This is compensation for the physical pain and discomfort experienced due to the accident and the injuries sustained.

Emotional Distress:

• Traumatic accidents can lead to psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Victims might be compensated for the emotional and psychological toll of the accident and its aftermath.

Loss of Consortium:

• If injuries adversely affect the relationship between the injured party and their spouse or partner, they might be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, affection, and other relational benefits.

Property Damage:

• If personal property, like a car or other belongings, was damaged in the accident, compensation might cover repairs or the replacement value.

Punitive Damages:

• In cases where the responsible party’s actions were particularly reckless, malicious, or intentional, the court might award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Rehabilitation and Therapy:

• Accidents can lead to a need for long-term physical or occupational therapy. Costs associated with such treatments can be claimed.

Wrongful Death:

• If the injury results in death, the family of the deceased may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost future income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

• This covers any miscellaneous expenses directly related to the injury, such as hiring help for household chores, transportation to medical appointments, or any adaptive equipment required due to the injury.

To maximize the compensation you receive and ensure that all potential sources of recovery are explored, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. They can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Remember, the specific compensation you might receive will depend on the details of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and the jurisdiction in which you’re making the claim.

FAQ’s:

What Insurance Coverage Is Available after an Uber or Lyft Accident

Both Uber and Lyft carry insurance policies to cover accidents involving their drivers. The coverage level, however, depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. When the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance is the primary coverage. When the app is on, and the driver is waiting for a ride request, a contingent liability coverage might apply, which usually offers lower limits. Once a ride request is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, a more comprehensive $1 million liability insurance coverage is activated. This policy covers passenger injuries, damages to third parties, and, under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, incidents where another at-fault driver is not adequately insured. It’s essential for victims to consult legal experts to navigate these insurance intricacies effectively.

What is Third-Party Liability

Third-party liability refers to the legal responsibility one party has for injuries or damages sustained by another party, typically someone not directly involved with the liable party’s actions or products. In the context of insurance, third-party liability coverage protects the insured against claims made by someone outside of the insurance contract due to the insured’s negligence or actions. For example, in auto insurance, if a driver causes an accident injuring another driver, the at-fault driver’s third-party liability insurance would cover the injured party’s medical expenses and property damages.

Who Is At-Fault For A Rideshare Car Accident

Determining fault in a rideshare car accident involves assessing which party’s negligence or actions directly led to the collision. This could be the rideshare driver, another motorist, a pedestrian, or even the company’s operational factors. Fault is not always attributed to a single party; sometimes, multiple parties share responsibility. Factors like distracted driving, impairment, speeding, or disobeying traffic rules play into these determinations. Additionally, in the context of ridesharing, the status of the driver—whether they were actively transporting a passenger, waiting for a ride request, or using the app off-duty—can influence liability coverage and claims. It’s crucial to have a comprehensive accident investigation to establish fault accurately.

What Should I Do After Being Hurt In A Rideshare Accident

If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, prioritize your safety by moving to a safe location if possible. Immediately call 911 for medical attention and police assistance. Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles involved, injuries, and surroundings. Gather contact and insurance information from all parties involved, including the rideshare driver. Additionally, note down details about the rideshare service, like the driver’s name, car model, and trip details from the app. Inform the rideshare company of the accident through their app or customer service. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may appear later. Finally, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate any subsequent insurance claims or legal processes.

Securing Justice with Charlotte’s Premier Rideshare Accident Lawyers: Schehr Law, PLLC

In the bustling streets of Charlotte, NC, as rideshare services continue to thrive, so does the complexity of legal cases surrounding potential accidents. Navigating the maze of legalities post-accident can be daunting, and that’s where the expertise of Schehr Law, PLLC comes into play. As Charlotte’s premier rideshare accident lawyers, they bring unparalleled knowledge, experience, and dedication to the table. With a track record of vigorously advocating for their clients’ rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve, the team at Schehr Law, PLLC stands out as a beacon of hope for those embroiled in rideshare-related incidents. When faced with the aftermath of an accident, it’s crucial to have a steadfast legal ally, and Schehr Law, PLLC promises just that. Secure justice the right way; let their expertise guide you.