Charlotte Zipcar Accidents

Charlotte is home to many different colleges and universities, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Queens University of Charlotte. With many college campuses here, sharing motor vehicles has become even more common. Companies like Zipcar provide rental cars for students on college campuses. Zipcar defines itself as the world's leading car-sharing network, allowing people to drive various cars on demand. Zipcars are also becoming more popular in urban areas and at airports. If you have been a victim of a Charlotte Zipcar accident, you may be concerned about how you will seek compensation for your injuries.

First, we need to understand how Zipcar works. Customers can use the Zipcar app to sign up for an account in just minutes. They only need a valid driver's license, and Zipcar approves most people instantaneously. After signing up, the person can book a trip in a Zipcar, either by the day or by the hour. The Zipcar app locks and unlocks the vehicle during the driver's trip. They also can send the driver a physical zip card to use to get into their vehicles. Once the driver is done, he or she can park the car in the location where they picked it up, ending the trip. Depending on the customer's paid plan, a one-hour trip might cost $10.

Zipcar promotes itself by claiming that drivers will save money by not paying for a car loan, gas, insurance, or to park a vehicle in a busy location like a university. The company allows international drivers to apply and only requires that a driver be over 18 and have a valid driver's license. Zipcar does require applicants to submit a photo of themselves and their driver's license. They also offer business plans for people who want to rent out their personal vehicles. As with any innovative product or service, there are legal issues still being worked out, such as the question of who is at fault in an accident involving a Zipcar.

If you have been injured in a car accident involving a Zipcar driver, you may be concerned about how to recover compensation for your injuries. While the Zipcar program may seem ideal, it can make it difficult for those injured in a car accident to recover damages. Zipcar drivers can be some of the worst drivers on the road, mainly because they are drivers who only drive once in a while. They are often young drivers who lack experience and may not drive safely.

If you have suffered an injury caused by a Zipcar driver, the first place you will want to look at is the Zipcar driver’s insurance policy. Unfortunately, many Zipcar drivers lack decent car insurance coverage. According to Zipcar’s website, drivers who are over the age of 18 and have not had any car accidents in the last 12 months can purchase additional damage protection. This program does not change the driver’s car insurance coverage, it just covers some of the deductibles. For example, if the driver purchases premium protection, they will pay no deductible after a car accident in exchange for a $79-per-year fee. This program assumes that the driver’s insurance will cover the bulk of the costs associated with the accident.

Zipcar assumes that all of their drivers already have car insurance. Unfortunately, many young drivers and college students do not have excellent car insurance. We must ask ourselves why a student driver, who only drives on occasion, would even carry an inexpensive car insurance policy. If the driver who causes your injuries does have a car insurance policy, our law firm can help you file a compensation claim. When the driver does not have a policy, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the driver, or possibly against Zipcar. Zipcar has a legal duty to screen out dangerous drivers and not permit them to drive their vehicles. If they negligently allow a driver with a history of car accidents or DUI charges to use their vehicles, they may be liable for any accidents caused by that driver.

As with any car accident, the most important thing you can do after suffering an injury is to speak with an attorney. Accidents involving Zipcars are somewhat complicated, and the sooner you reach out to an attorney, the better. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn how we will advocate for your rights.

For your convenience and safety, we offer video and phone conferencing. If you prefer an in-person consultation, we have three easy to reach offices in Uptown Charlotte, Monroe, and Mooresville.