Taxicab and Ride-Sharing Accidents

More people than ever are relying on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft to get them from point A to point B. Traditional taxicab services are still popular, especially for passengers traveling to and from North Carolina's Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Passengers rely on ride-share companies and taxis to provide them with safe transport. Unfortunately, some taxicab drivers and ride-sharing service drivers can drive negligently and cause car accidents. Ride-sharing car accident victims can suffer injuries or death in car accidents caused by negligent North Carolina drivers.

If you have suffered from an injury during a car accident as a passenger in a taxicab or ride-sharing car, you may be entitled to compensation. Determining who is at fault in car accidents involving taxicab, Uber, or Lyft drivers can become complicated. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our experienced car accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your taxicab car accident. Our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of North Carolina's evolving laws surrounding ride-sharing and taxicab personal injury claims. We will patiently guide you through the legal process and advise you as to the best way to recover compensation for your injuries under North Carolina law. To inquire about the possibility of seeking compensation for your Uber or Lyft car accident, contact our law firm to set up a free initial consultation.

Passengers are not driving when car accidents occur and are not at fault for the accident. If you suffered an injury as a passenger in a taxicab or a vehicle used as a ride-sharing service, you would need to determine who is at fault. If your Uber or Lyft driver's negligent or reckless driving caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, they might be liable to pay your expenses. Many plaintiffs bring personal injury claims against the driver himself or herself.

Sometimes the driver's liability insurance policy excludes paying for accident claims if the driver is using his or her vehicle for commercial purposes. It may be possible to bring a civil lawsuit against the ride-sharing company itself at the same time. Uber is one ride-sharing app that now has an insurance policy that covers every ride-sharing trip throughout the United States.

If you are in a car or truck accident during an Uber ride that you paid for, Uber’s company insurance can provide up to $1 million in insurance coverage for every accident. The policy covers property damage and injuries and the medical bills of passengers. Uber's insurance policy only covers accidents that take place from the tip a driver clicks yes to accept a trip until the passenger arrives at his or her destination.

The Uber and Lyft applications have an accident reporting feature within the app. Passengers who are involved in a car accident can report the accident themselves and await a follow up from the company's insurance agents. It may be wise to wait to fill out an accident report through the ride-sharing company until you can speak with an attorney. If the accident caused moderate to severe injuries, this is especially true. Our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys can advise you as the best way to approach insurance companies. We want you to receive the most compensation possible for your injuries.

If an Uber or Lyft driver negligently caused an accident with a pedestrian, the pedestrian will likely have a personal injury claim against that driver. If the accident occurred when the driver was logged into the ride-sharing application, the company's insurance company would probably pay out a damages claim. If the Uber or Lyft driver was not logged into the app, the injured pedestrian would likely need to contact the driver's personal insurance company.

The law becomes a bit complicated as to who to seek damages from when ride-sharing applications or taxi services are involved. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our skilled ride-sharing application attorneys have a deep understanding of the law as it relates to ride-sharing car accidents. Were you a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when the accident occurred? Were you a pedestrian who suffered injuries resulting from a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver? If so, we can help you determine your best course of action. Contact our law firm today to set up your initial consultation.