- Contact Us
for Help Today
- View all testimonials
“A friend told me to call Fred Poisson, Jr. and that he would tell me my options about my case and do what’s best for me. My experience was very pleasant, he and his staff went out of their way to make me feel comfortable every time I was there. I would tell friends and family to call and talk to Mr. Poisson and form their own opinions, and I’m sure they would see what I saw and would choose Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC. What’s not to like about Mr. Poisson, he was a friend and someone you liked whenever you first met him.”
─ C.K., Chesterfield, S.C.
“Working with Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC has truly been life-changing for me. I was in way over my head after I was in a serious car accident when 34 weeks pregnant. This was a Workers’ Compensation case, and I can honestly say I felt so incredibly well taken care of by these caring and incredibly smart, genuinely wonderful attorneys. As a new mom, I knew Stewart Poisson was working on my behalf so I could focus on motherhood. I am more than satisfied and couldn’t recommend this firm enough.”
─ Satisfied Client
“I was referred by my cousin who was a local chiropractor. I’ve had a great experience with this being my first time ever getting a lawyer. I have recommended Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC because of the great service and every question I have they answer to the best of their ability. They are prompt to return calls, on point with any problems I need solving and always in a timely manner. Dianna is very understanding with my circumstances even when I’m harsh. She puts herself in my situation and tries to understand what I feel like and does her best to do what she can. She calls to check in. She is always fast about getting back to me.”
─ D.S., Maxton, N.C.
- Meet Our AttorneysLearn more about the firm
Uber and Lyft have positioned themselves as easy options for getting around. Unfortunately, when an accident happens involving one of their drivers, these big ride share companies are not so easy to deal with. They will fight to minimize the value of injury claims or deny claims altogether. When this happens, crash victims need a knowledgeable North Carolina Uber and Lyft accident lawyer on their side.
At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, we understand the challenges associated with Uber and Lyft accident cases. Our experienced car accident lawyers can help you if you were injured while riding as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, if a ride share driver hit you, or any other scenario involving a ride share vehicle. What matters to us is that you get the full compensation you deserve.
For more than 40 years, our personal injury law firm has been standing strong for accident victims in Wadesboro, Wilmington, and throughout North Carolina. Call us for a free consultation now to get answers to your questions and learn how we can help you after a ride share accident.
How Does an Insurance Claim Work After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Your options for filing an insurance claim can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding a Lyft or Uber accident. Uber and Lyft have substantial insurance policies that cover damages caused by their drivers, but the coverage is only available during specific situations:
- When the ride share driver has a passenger or is on the way to pick up a passenger:
If a ride share driver is responsible for causing an accident while actively transporting a passenger or in route to pick up an assigned passenger, the full coverage of an Uber or Lyft insurance policy is typically available. Liability coverage from Uber or Lyft usually includes up to $1 million for bodily injury and property damage. They also provide up to $1 million for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. - When the driver has the Uber or Lyft app on and is waiting for a ride request:
If an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash while the ride share app is on but while not actively carrying or picking up passengers, the driver will mostly have to rely on his or her personal auto insurance to cover damages. However, ride share drivers are still typically considered “on-the-clock” between trips. So Uber and Lyft offer limited liability coverage in these cases. This contingent insurance can cover up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries, plus $25,000 for property damage. - When the driver is off-duty and does not have the Uber or Lyft app turned on:
If an Uber or Lyft driver is not “on-duty” at the time of an accident, he or she is only covered by personal auto insurance. The minimum insurance coverage required in North Carolina is up to $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injuries and up to $25,000 for property damage.
Compensation After a Lyft or Uber Accident
If you were injured in an accident due to a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, you shouldn’t bear the financial burden for your losses. With the help of a Lyft and Uber accident attorney, you could recover compensation for:
- Medical bills – The costs of any past, current, or future medical expenses related to your accident
- Lost income – Any wages you lose if you are forced to miss time at work due to your injuries
- Lost earning capacity – Any projected losses in your future earning potential if you suffer a long-term disability due to the accident
- Pain and suffering – Physical and psychological pain you endure due to the accident and subsequent injuries
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Ride share Accident in North Carolina
If you were hurt in a North Carolina ride share accident, you can protect yourself by:
- Seeking prompt medical attention for your injuries.
- Asking any available witnesses for contact details.
- Writing down every detail you can remember about the accident as soon as possible.
- Saving any photos or videos you took of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
- Following your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
- Refusing to provide recorded statements to insurance providers.
- Avoiding social media posts until your accident claim is resolved.
- Working with a qualified North Carolina Uber or Lyft accident attorney from the beginning.
Time Limit for Filing a Lyft or Uber Accident Lawsuit
The North Carolina statute of limitations imposes a three-year time limit on personal injury lawsuits, including Uber and Lyft car accident lawsuits. This means you have three years from the date of the ride share accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. If you wait until after the three-year deadline has passed, your case will likely be dismissed. No matter how strong your underlying claim may be, you will lose your right to recover compensation if you fail to meet this deadline.
Building a strong claim for compensation takes time. So the sooner you speak with an Uber and Lyft accident attorney, the better off you will be.
How a North Carolina Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Can Help You
There are several ways a skilled lawyer can help with an Uber or Lyft accident claim, including:
- Conducting an independent investigation of the crash to identify at-fault parties and preserve crucial evidence
- Managing important medical documents, legal paperwork, and deadlines for you
- Communicating with insurance providers, ride share companies, and other parties on your behalf
- Working with medical professionals and other expert witnesses who can provide testimony to support your claim
- Negotiating aggressively for the full compensation you deserve
Call a Ride share Accident Lawyer To Discuss Your Options
When you are ready to discuss your case with a qualified Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in North Carolina, trust the team at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC. We offer initial consultations at no charge. Unless we recover money for your claim, you will never owe us a cent. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
