Were you injured in an Uber accident in Charlotte, North Carolina? Uber insurance policies provide considerable protection for rideshare passengers, but securing fair compensation can be difficult without legal support. You deserve someone who can fight for your rights and handle the paperwork, negotiations, and legal challenges that often arise in Uber accident claims.
At Bradford Law, we know what it takes to handle Uber accident cases and demand fair compensation for rideshare passengers. When you come to us for help, we will review your situation, explain your options, and pursue the financial recovery you are due. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
Common Causes of Uber Accidents in Charlotte
Rideshare drivers must go through background checks and meet specific standards to drive for Uber, but they can still make mistakes on the road that lead to traffic collisions. Other drivers can also cause Uber accidents if they are distracted, impaired, or careless. Below are some examples of common causes of Uber accidents in Charlotte:
- Distracted Driving: Uber drivers often rely on GPS and the Uber app to navigate and manage rides, which can distract them from the road. Looking at a phone to check directions or accept rides can divert their attention from traffic and lead to accidents.
- Fatigue: Many Uber drivers work long hours or drive after working other jobs. Driving while tired reduces reaction time and can cause drivers to miss critical signs, respond less quickly to sudden hazards, or even fall asleep at the wheel.
- Speeding: In an effort to complete more rides in less time, some Uber drivers exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop quickly and increases the risk and severity of accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Although rare, some Uber drivers might drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs while providing rideshare services. Impaired driving slows reaction time and worsens judgment, significantly increasing the risk of causing an accident.
How Does Insurance Work After an Uber Crash?
Robust insurance policies cover rideshare passengers who suffer injuries in North Carolina Uber accidents. Uber’s insurance policies offer significant coverage for passengers from the moment they start a ride until they exit the Uber. When an Uber driver is actively providing a ride, Uber’s insurance provides up to $1 million in coverage for bodily injuries, property damage, and other losses resulting from accidents. This coverage applies whether the Uber driver or another party is responsible for the accident.
If the Uber driver is at fault, the $1 million policy will cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If the other driver causes the accident but lacks enough insurance, Uber’s policy can still protect injured passengers through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. North Carolina law requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for Uber drivers that matches the limits of Uber’s liability insurance when a driver is actively providing a ride. This means that Uber’s uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance covers up to $1 million per accident. This coverage kicks in if the other driver involved in the accident has insufficient insurance or no insurance at all.
Even with Uber’s $1 million insurance policy, getting fair compensation after an accident can be challenging for rideshare passengers. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by disputing the severity of injuries or shifting blame between drivers. If you get hurt in a North Carolina Uber crash, an injury attorney can help you by negotiating forcefully with insurers and gathering helpful evidence to support your claim.
Steps to Take If You Get Hurt While Riding in an Uber
If you are involved in an Uber accident as a rideshare passenger, there are several essential steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights:
- Document the accident scene: Take pictures of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the overall accident scene. If you cannot do so because of your injuries, ask someone else to help.
- Get driver and witness information: Request names, contact information, and insurance details from the Uber driver and any other drivers involved in the crash. If any witnesses are present, ask for their contact details as well.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not show symptoms right away, and timely medical records can support your accident claim.
- Report the accident to Uber: Go online or use the Uber app to report the accident. Uber’s insurance coverage applies to rideshare passengers during the ride, but you’ll need to notify the company about the crash before you can file a claim.
- Speak with a lawyer: Contact a North Carolina Uber accident attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can handle the claims process on your behalf and demand fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
How a Charlotte Uber Accident Attorney Can Help You
Dealing with insurance claims and legal issues can be overwhelming after an Uber accident, especially if you’re recovering from painful crash injuries. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can make the process smoother and increase your chances of getting fair compensation by:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence to support your claim
- Calculating the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost wages
- Identifying liable parties and possible sources of compensation
- Reviewing medical records and accident reports to strengthen your case
- Managing claim documents and meeting all relevant filing deadlines
- Negotiating with insurance companies to get a fair settlement
- Representing you at trial if the other side won’t agree to a fair settlement
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, North Carolina
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident in North Carolina, remember you don’t have to handle the claims process alone. The team at Bradford Law is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let us guide you through your next steps.
