If you were hurt in a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you may have a claim for financial compensation for the injuries and related losses you suffered. Turn to a Wilmington car accident lawyer from the law firm of Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, for help pursuing what you’re owed.
For three generations, our North Carolina injury lawyers have advocated for the rights of accident victims in Wilmington and across the state. We fight hard to secure maximum compensation for our clients’ medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When you choose us to handle your rideshare accident case, you will get a legal team that knows how to pursue every available cent from every liable party.
If a rideshare driver or other motorist injured you, you deserve compensation from them. The Wilmington rideshare accident attorneys with Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, are ready to help you demand it. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll tell you more about your legal options.
Wilmington Rideshare Accident Statistics
According to Uber’s recent biannual safety report, about 0.1 percent of rides involved a safety-related concern. Given that Uber recorded 3 million trips in the U.S. per day, that figure works out to 3,000 reported incidents nationwide daily. Furthermore, 101 people were killed in 91 Uber-related motor vehicle accidents over a recent two-year period – a rate of one fatality per 20 million Uber trips.
Here are some other statistics from the report:
- 32 percent of fatalities occurred in accidents in which at least one vehicle was speeding.
- 23 percent of fatalities occurred in accidents in which at least one driver was intoxicated.
- Pedestrians accounted for 64 percent of fatalities, motorcyclists accounted for 29 percent of fatalities, and bicyclists and scooter riders accounted for 7 percent of fatalities.
According to Lyft’s safety report, fatalities occurred in 49 auto accidents involving a Lyft vehicle in one recent year, for a rate of 0.79 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Bear in mind that these numbers are self-reported by the companies.
Who Is at Fault for a Rideshare Accident?
An Uber or Lyft driver might be found at fault for a crash if the accident occurred due to their carelessness or recklessness, in which case they would be liable for the financial consequences.
However, if the driver in question was transporting a rideshare passenger or on their way to pick up one, the rideshare company has a responsibility to cover accident losses with their legally required insurance coverage. The rideshare company may also have liability for a rideshare accident caused by its driver if the company failed to conduct background checks on the driver or failed to find the driver’s poor driving record or criminal record.
In other cases, another motorist or road user could be to blame, in which case the injured passenger could pursue compensation from that party.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Requirements
State law requires drivers or rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft to maintain primary auto insurance. N.C. General Statutes §20-280.4 establishes the minimum insurance coverage requirements that rideshare companies and drivers must carry.
When a driver is logged into the rideshare company’s mobile app and awaiting a ride or delivery request, the rideshare company must provide the following:
- $50,000 per person in bodily injury and death liability coverage
- $100,000 per accident in bodily injury and death liability coverage
- $25,000 per accident of property damage liability coverage
When a driver has accepted a ride or delivery request or has passengers or goods in their vehicle, the rideshare company must provide the following:
- $1.5 million of combined property damage, bodily injury, and death liability coverage
- $1 million in combined uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
A rideshare driver’s own personal auto insurance policy applies if the driver is not logged into the rideshare app.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Some of the most frequent causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Speeding – Rideshare drivers may feel pressure to drive faster than the speed limit to get passengers to their destinations more quickly and to complete ride or delivery requests faster to maximize their income.
- Reckless driving – Rideshare drivers may also engage in reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating or swerving around traffic.
- Unsafe turns or lane changes – Rideshare drivers may make unsafe turns or lane changes, including suddenly pulling over to the side of the road, double parking, or pulling back into traffic without signaling or checking mirrors.
- Distracted driving – Rideshare drivers have multiple demands on their attention, including managing requests on the rideshare phone app, following navigation directions, and interacting with passengers. These distractions can lead to avoidable accidents.
- Drowsy driving – Rideshare drivers often work long shifts to make ends meet or work late at night when more revelers need safe transportation. These long and odd hours make it more likely for drivers to feel drowsy or become fatigued while behind the wheel.
- Intoxicated driving – Unfortunately, some rideshare drivers may use alcohol or drugs while on the job, increasing the odds of an accident.
- Driver inexperience – Some rideshare drivers may have recently moved to Wilmington and may not have familiarity with local roads, traffic patterns, or driving etiquette.
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance – Rideshare drivers put higher-than-average mileage on their vehicles, which requires keeping up to date with recommended maintenance. Improper or deferred maintenance increases the risk of a mechanical failure that causes a crash.
Common Injuries in Uber and Lyft Crashes
Some of the most common injuries that victims of Uber or Lyft crashes suffer include:
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Contusions
- Dislocated joints
- Ligament sprains and tears
- Muscle and tendon strains and tears
- Herniated disc injuries
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash injury
- Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial and head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputation
What Compensation Is Available?
You may be entitled to recover financial compensation for the harm you suffered due to a rideshare accident in Wilmington, NC. It could include money for:
- Medical bills, including hospitalization, surgeries, prescription medications, doctor’s appointments, and physical therapy
- Costs of long-term care for permanent disabilities or impairments you suffer due to your injuries
- Lost income from missed work during your recovery after the accident
- Lost future earning potential and employment benefits due to permanent disabilities preventing you from returning to work
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Lost enjoyment and quality of life after suffering permanent disabilities, visible scarring, or disfigurement
Contact Our Wilmington Rideshare Accident Lawyers for Help Now
Were you hurt in a traffic collision involving a rideshare vehicle? Contact Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our Wilmington rideshare accident lawyers.
