While ridesharing or transportation network companies (TNC) make it safer and more convenient for people to travel around town, it does not mean that their vehicles do not get into accidents. Even though the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has already laid down safety requirements for TNC drivers applying for permits, mishaps will still happen.
Aside from frequently using their phones or GPS, TNC drivers also spend many hours on the road. Unfortunately, getting involved in a car crash with a ridesharing driver may present unique issues that you do not normally encounter in other types of car accidents.
Pursuing damages can be a complicated matter when you have been hurt in a ridesharing mishap. Your knowledge about filing a claim may be limited, but a Raleigh ridesharing accident lawyer will be there to clarify your legal rights and options if you are eligible to seek compensation. For a free case review or to discuss your legal concerns, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233 today.
Seeking Recovery in a Ridesharing Accident
You can start the task of recovering compensation for damages once you have determined who was responsible for the crash. Although it may seem evident that the rideshare driver caused your accident, it is also possible that another party is to blame.
Take note that rideshare companies have classified their drivers as independent contractors instead of as employees. In other words, do not expect these companies to automatically pay for your injuries and other losses after a collision. They most likely have coverage for accidents, but you will still have to negotiate with them for a fair settlement.
Major ridesharing companies have million-dollar liability policies that can cover their drivers in certain situations. Consulting with a ridesharing accident lawyer can help you understand more about seeking damages or filing an injury claim, as well as the next steps you can take.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing lawyer serving Raleigh, call (844) 730-0233
You Have Limited Time to File a Lawsuit in Raleigh
In Raleigh and throughout North Carolina, plaintiffs who wish to bring a civil action for their rideshare accident injuries have only three years to do so after the crash, according to North Carolina General Statutes (GS) §1-52. This statute of limitations sets the timeline of your potential case and will bar you from collecting compensation once the deadline has passed.
Thus, it is prudent to consult with a ridesharing accident lawyer as soon as possible before you lose your right to a settlement. Keep in mind that you need to leave adequate time for your attorney to conduct a thorough investigation and build a strong case.
Types of Compensation You May Receive
Although each ridesharing accident case is different, compensation is mostly the same. Serious injuries can hurt victims financially, and one of the most common kinds of damages is medical expenses. This includes your current and future medical bills, along with any long-term treatment you may need. It is crucial to calculate your total medical costs accurately to ensure your compensation will take care of all your expenses.
As you heal from your injuries, you might not be able to go back to work anytime soon. This is where lost wages can come in and allow you to recover earnings you have missed or will lose in the future. You may also be eligible for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, which are not tangible but can recompense for emotional or mental distress you have suffered.
A Raleigh ridesharing accident lawyer can not only tell you more about damages you qualify for, but they can also compute the fair compensation amount you deserve. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today to ask about different settlement options.
Raleigh Ridesharing Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
What to Do When a Rideshare Driver Crashes into You
Establishing liability is a critical step once you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. A ridesharing accident lawyer can help you gather evidence that would be vital in proving the other driver’s fault. Some examples include police reports, photographs of the scene, witness testimony, video footage, and circumstantial evidence. Like any other motorist, rideshare drivers must exercise reasonable care to protect others’ safety on the road. If they violate this duty, they could be liable for injuries they cause.
Be aware that your source of recovery will depend on whether the other driver was logged on the rideshare app at the time of the accident. If this was not the case, your compensation would come from his or her insurance. This is one of the challenges of crashing into an off-duty driver—the personal insurance coverage of the driver will apply every time the app is off.
A rideshare company’s insurance policy will step in if a driver was waiting for a ride request, currently with a passenger, or en route to pick up a customer during the crash. Out of these situations, the million-dollar liability coverage will only activate if the rideshare driver was on a trip with a customer or on the way to pick up a passenger. If the driver was online but did not have a ride request yet, the company auto insurance will only cover amounts that usually do not go beyond $100,000.
Rideshare accidents can be extremely complex, especially when it is time to negotiate with insurance companies. A ridesharing accident lawyer can lend a hand in establishing the other rider’s fault and navigating your claim. Several legal aspects may be overwhelming for you, and you can benefit from the knowledge and experience of someone more familiar with your case.
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Reach Out to Us to Learn More About Your Options
Ben Crump Law, PLLC knows all too well the difficulties that victims can come up against when it comes to car accidents. Our goal is to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible without having to worry about the expenses that resulted from the negligence of other parties. Call us today to see how a Raleigh ridesharing accident lawyer can offer you guidance on your case. Call us at (844) 730-0233 to set up your initial appointment.
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