Greenville, NC Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers
Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney in Greenville, NC
Uber and Lyft have made life more convenient, but they’re not without dangers. According to Forbes, there were 6.9 billion Uber rides taken in 2019, and Uber reported 97 fatalities in 2017 and 2018.
Anytime a passenger uses Lyft or Uber, they are entrusting their safety to the rideshare driver and other motorists on the road, and the consequences can be devastating.
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft or Uber accident, a Greenville Uber accident lawyer at Riddle & Brantley can help.
Our Greenville Uber accident attorneys are ready to meet in person by appointment only in our convenient Greenville office, or we can consult with you anytime, anywhere by phone, email, text, or video conference.
What Causes Ridesharing Accidents?
The introduction of ride-hailing services, such as Lyft and Uber, has significantly impacted traffic safety, leading to an increase in traffic fatalities and accidents. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, a detailed analysis reveals several key factors contributing to this trend:
- Increased Fatal Accidents. Data shows a 2% to 4% rise in fatal accidents and fatalities throughout any given week, with a notable increase during weekends, nights, and weekend nights. This uptick occurs following the entry of ride-hailing services into the market, highlighting their substantial influence on road safety.
- Effects on Vulnerable Road Users. The negative effects of ride-hailing extend beyond vehicle occupants to pedestrians and bike riders, who also experience a similar increase in fatal accidents. This indicates that the presence of ride-hailing vehicles contributes to a more hazardous road environment for all users.
- Urban Impact. The rise in accidents predominantly affects large cities with dense populations and higher income inequality. Interestingly, cities with prior high usage of public transportation witness a more pronounced increase in accidents, suggesting that using a rideshare company may be a substitute for public transport or fulfilling the demand for last-mile connectivity.
- Vehicle Miles Traveled. The expansion of ride-hailing leads to more vehicles on the road, evidenced by increased vehicle miles traveled (VMT), excess gas consumption, and more hours of traffic delay. Additionally, a 3% rise in new car registrations points to ride-hailing as a catalyst for vehicle ownership, further contributing to traffic density.
- Driver Quality and Drunk Driving. Contrary to the expectation that ride-hailing might mitigate drunk driving accidents, the study finds no decrease in incidents related to drunk driving post-ride-hailing. This suggests that the potential benefits of reducing drunk driving are overshadowed by the overall increase in traffic volume and possibly the varied quality of ride-hailing drivers.
What Insurance Coverage Applies in an Uber Accident in Greenville?
These cases can be complicated.
It can be difficult to determine what insurance coverage may apply in an Uber or Lyft accident. Depending on when the accident occurs, different policies may apply. For instance, when an Uber or Lyft driver is “off the clock” and not picking up or transporting passengers, his or her auto insurance applies.
However, when he or she is “on the clock” and actively engaged in picking up, transporting, or dropping off passengers, Lyft or Uber’s liability insurance applies.
In other cases, the insurance policy of another driver may apply.
Both Lyft and Uber carry liability insurance with $1 million policy limits. An experienced Greenville Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help determine liability in an Uber accident and see whose insurance may apply.
If you’ve been injured in a Greenville-area Uber or Lyft accident, contact a Greenville car accident lawyer handling rideshare accidents. There are no attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation. It’s as simple as that.
Damages Available in a Lyft or Uber Accident Claim
For injury victims hurt in an Uber accident, there may be several types of damages (compensation) available in a claim or lawsuit. Damages potentially available include:
- Medical Bills — Compensation is generally available from the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover medical expenses relating to treatment, such as costs of hospital visits, ambulance rides, doctors’ appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, home care, etc.
- Lost Income — You may also recover compensation to make up for lost wages if you’re forced to take time off work during your treatment.
- Loss of Future Income — If your Uber accident was so severe that you cannot return to the work you did previously, you may also qualify for compensation to make up for your loss of future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering — These “non-economic” damages include emotional trauma, loss of consortium (companionship or sexual relations with a loved one), permanent scarring or disfigurement, and more.
- Punitive Damages — In very rare cases, a jury may award these damages to “punish” the at-fault party to discourage similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages in North Carolina are only available in cases where the defendant is proven to have engaged in “gross negligence.”
Uber Car Accident Attorney in Greenville, NC
Our Greenville Uber accident lawyers have a track record of success. In one recent case, we recovered $339,000 in total compensation for the victim of an Uber accident (see disclaimer below).
She was a passenger in an Uber vehicle when another vehicle ran through an intersection and t-boned the Uber. The accident aggravated a previous condition and she required significant treatment. We were pleased to help her get justice in the case.
We’ll review your case, and advise you on your best legal options, and if you decide to hire us, we’ll fight aggressively for your right to justice and compensation.
“If you want a strong firm that fights professionally for your rights and wins, call Riddle & Brantley.”
–Donyelle S., Riddle & Brantley client
Justice Counts and we’re ready to help however we can.
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.