Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed how many people get around. They have become a major method of transportation, especially as car and gas prices have hit record highs. However, the abundance of rideshare drivers on the road means more car accidents.
A Huntersville car accident lawyer from DeMayo Law Offices can assist if you’ve been in an accident with a rideshare driver. Rideshare collisions are complicated due to differing insurance rules, so filing a claim may not be as straightforward as a typical accident.
Our firm has been representing victims for over 30 years and has extensive experience handling rideshare insurance disputes. Contact our offices today for a case consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in Huntersville.
Why Choose DeMayo Law Offices for Legal Representation?
Rideshare accidents raise difficult questions about insurance coverage, especially if the accident happened while the driver was on the clock. Making an insurance claim after a regular car accident is frustrating enough, but the additional complexities of rideshare accidents can make it a veritable nightmare.
That’s where we come into the picture. The Huntersville personal injury lawyers from DeMayo Law Offices have the skills and resources to manage every aspect of your claim, from case preparation to evidence gathering. We will also represent you in insurance negotiations and, if necessary, in court.
Insurance companies will likely fight your rideshare claim, but we can push back against their tactics. Let us build a robust case that protects your interests and secures the compensation needed to make up for your losses.
For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer serving Huntersville, call (877) 333-1000
How Does Insurance Work in Rideshare Driver Accidents?
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but this coverage only applies at certain times and under specific circumstances. The rideshare process can be split into three distinct periods, where during each a different type of insurance coverage is active:
- App Not Turned On: When the app is off and the driver is not logged in, their personal auto insurance policy applies. This policy must meet the state’s minimum vehicle insurance requirements. If a rideshare driver strikes you while off the clock, the claims process would be the same as a typical car accident.
- App On, Not Accepted a Ride: When the app is on but the driver hasn’t accepted a ride, the rideshare company might offer limited liability coverage. Drivers usually cannot use their personal auto policy when using their vehicle for commercial purposes, so they may have to get a policy endorsement for coverage during working hours.
- Accepted a Ride or Passenger in Vehicle: Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, the rideshare company usually provides enhanced liability coverage. For example, both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage while the driver is en route or is actively transporting a passenger.
The main difficulty of rideshare accidents is figuring out when the accident happened and which insurance coverage applies. The rideshare company might try to say the driver wasn’t on the app when the accident occurred and that only minimal coverage applies.
A Huntersville rideshare accident lawyer can obtain driver records and timesheets to determine when the accident happened and which coverage is relevant. We can also manage the process of making multiple claims if more than one insurance policy is applicable.
Huntersville Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me (877) 333-1000
What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Huntersville?
If you are in a collision with a rideshare driver, taking the following steps can lay the foundation for a strong insurance claim:
- Document the accident and your injuries by taking photos and video recordings. Make a note about any contributing circumstances as well (e.g., weather, road conditions, etc.).
- Get the rideshare driver’s personal contact and auto insurance information. You will need to contact the rideshare company about their commercial driver policy.
- Get medical attention for your injuries. Even if you feel ok, you need a paper trail of medical treatment to prove your losses during the claim process.
- Lastly, contact our car accident attorneys at DeMayo Law Offices. We can guide you on the next steps and contact the rideshare company to gather information about the driver and whether they were on the clock.
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Can I Sue the Rideshare Company After a Car Accident?
You generally cannot directly sue the rideshare company after an accident because drivers are contractors. Since drivers are not considered employees, vicarious liability rules do not apply. Compensation from your claim will come from a claim with the applicable policy, not suing the company.
However, there are rare circumstances where you may be able to directly sue the rideshare company. If they were negligent in hiring a driver or negligently contributed to the accident in some way, there may be grounds for a direct lawsuit.
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Contact Us Today for a Case Consultation With Our Huntersville Rideshare Accident Lawyers
The rules governing ridesharing services and insurance coverage present unique challenges, but the team at DeMayo Law Offices is more than equipped to handle them. We have an established track record of success and the legal acumen necessary to hold insurance companies accountable for their obligations.
Contact our offices today to see how our rideshare accident lawyers in Huntersville can help. You can count on us to fight for what’s right when needed most.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
