Understanding the Role of Negligence in Rideshare Accident Cases in North Carolina

If you’ve recently been involved in a rideshare accident, we understand that you are likely feeling confused and overwhelmed. At this moment, it may seem difficult to figure out what your next steps should be. Navigating through the aftermath of an accident involving a rideshare service, like Uber or Lyft, can be tricky, and you might have questions about who is responsible and what legal actions to take. Our firm is here to help you with these concerns, offering clear guidance every step of the way. In this page, we’ll explain the role of negligence in rideshare accident cases in North Carolina, and how understanding this concept can make a difference in getting you the compensation you deserve.

What is Negligence and How Does it Apply to Rideshare Accidents

Negligence is a key concept in many personal injury cases, including those involving rideshare accidents. When we talk about negligence, we are referring to the failure to act with reasonable care, which leads to harm or injury to another person. In the case of a rideshare accident, negligence could involve various parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, or even other drivers on the road.

For example, if a rideshare driver runs a red light and causes a crash, that could be seen as negligent behavior. The same is true if the rideshare company did not properly screen or train their drivers, leading to unsafe driving. To hold someone accountable for the accident, it is important to demonstrate that their negligence directly led to the injury or harm you suffered.

Determining Fault in Rideshare Accidents in North Carolina

In North Carolina, the state follows a system called comparative negligence, which plays an important role in rideshare accidents. This system means that more than one party can be at fault for an accident, and each party’s level of responsibility can affect how much compensation you may receive. For instance, if the rideshare driver was speeding, but you were also not wearing a seatbelt, the court might find that both parties contributed to the accident.

Understanding how fault is assigned in these cases can be difficult, especially when there are multiple parties involved, such as the driver, the rideshare company, and other motorists. The key is that to succeed in your case, it must be shown that the other party acted negligently and that their actions directly contributed to your injuries. This is where having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can help. They can gather the necessary evidence and work with investigators to demonstrate that the negligence of the other party led to the accident.

Michael Phillips

Attorney

Marcel McCrea

Attorney

Natalie Andruczyk

Attorney

The Role of the Rideshare Company

One of the more complicated aspects of a rideshare accident case is the role of the rideshare company itself. These companies are often seen as third parties, but they can still be held liable in certain situations. For example, if the rideshare company failed to properly vet their drivers, or if they knew of a driver’s unsafe behavior and did nothing to address it, they could be held responsible for the accident.

It’s also important to note that rideshare companies typically provide insurance for their drivers in certain situations. However, the insurance policies can vary, and understanding how these policies work is crucial. Your attorney can help clarify what kind of insurance coverage might apply to your specific case and how to work with the insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you need.

Quote

Michael was a pleasure to work with. He made sure all of my questions were answered in a timely manner. His compassion to help allowed me to receive excellence throughout my experience, i would highly recommend his expertise”

- Anonymous

Quote

Philips and McCrea Law firm provided excellent service to entire family and friends. There have been several situations that I/family /friends have depended on their legal service’s. On each occasion they have been professional, knowledgeable and dependable. Providing excellent representation and guidance under stressful situations. I would highly recommend their legal service."

- Denise

Quote

Simply great legal service. They were professional, easy to work with and thorough. I have been very pleased with their service and would highly recommend them to my friends and colleagues as exceptional Charlotte attorneys."

- Logan Abrams

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in North Carolina

Rideshare accidents can happen for many reasons, but some common causes include distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Like any other driver on the road, rideshare drivers can make mistakes that lead to accidents. However, the nature of the rideshare business—where drivers may feel pressure to pick up and drop off passengers quickly—can sometimes increase the risk of these types of accidents.

Distractions from using a smartphone or GPS can also be a significant factor in rideshare accidents. Drivers may be looking at their phones to check for directions or to confirm a ride request, which takes their attention off the road. This distracted behavior can easily lead to an accident and, if proven to be a factor, may be used to show negligence in the case.

What Evidence is Needed to Prove Negligence in a Rideshare Accident

When pursuing a case for a rideshare accident, one of the most important things you can do is collect evidence. This evidence can help prove that the other party’s negligence caused the crash. Key pieces of evidence may include photographs of the scene, witness statements, dashcam footage (if available), and police reports. Additionally, medical records showing the injuries you sustained and expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists can all be crucial in demonstrating negligence.

It’s also important to gather information related to the rideshare company’s policies and practices, as this can help establish whether the company itself played a role in the accident. For example, if the driver had a history of unsafe driving or if the rideshare company failed to properly vet drivers, this can strengthen your case.

Related Videos

Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney

ARVE Error: <a href="https://nextgenthemes.com/plugins/arve/documentation/installation/">ARVE Pro</a> license not activated or valid

Personal Injury Case Case Timeline

ARVE Error: <a href="https://nextgenthemes.com/plugins/arve/documentation/installation/">ARVE Pro</a> license not activated or valid

How an Attorney Can Help You With Your Rideshare Accident Case

Handling a rideshare accident case on your own can be challenging. The process involves dealing with multiple insurance companies, gathering evidence, and possibly going to court. An experienced attorney can guide you through each of these steps and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Your attorney can handle the complex legal aspects of your case, including communicating with insurance companies, filing necessary legal documents, and negotiating settlements. They will also help you understand how North Carolina’s comparative negligence laws may affect your case and work to minimize your liability if you are partially at fault.

At Phillips & McCrea, PLLC, we understand how stressful and confusing a rideshare accident can be. We are committed to providing you with the support and legal guidance you need to get through this difficult time. Our goal is to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the accident.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident and need help understanding your legal rights, our firm is here to assist you. We understand that every case is unique, and we are prepared to offer personalized attention to your specific situation. Our team will work tirelessly to gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to trial.

You don’t have to face the aftermath of a rideshare accident on your own. Let us help you get the best possible outcome for your case. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, reach out to Phillips & McCrea, PLLC for dedicated legal support. We are here to help you navigate through the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about this subject click here: What to Expect During a North Carolina Rideshare Accident Trial