Rideshare Accident Lawyer

We Help Rideshare Accident Victims and Their Families

When you're involved in a collision while using Uber, Lyft, or another transportation network company, the aftermath can be overwhelming. At The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, our rideshare accident lawyers understand the unique challenges that arise from rideshare accidents in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina. These cases involve complex insurance issues and multiple parties, making legal guidance essential for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.

Can I Sue If I Was Injured in a Rideshare Accident?

Yes, you can sue if you were injured in a rideshare accident. You have the right to pursue compensation from any party whose negligence caused your injuries, which may include the rideshare driver, other motorists involved in the collision, or in certain circumstances, the transportation network company itself. Whether you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, an occupant of another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, North Carolina law allows you to seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the accident.

However, filing a lawsuit isn't always the first step. Many rideshare accident claims are resolved through insurance negotiations without going to court. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers evaluate your case to determine the best approach for securing fair compensation. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers pursue insurance claims first, but if insurance companies refuse to offer reasonable settlements that fully cover your damages, we're prepared to file a lawsuit and advocate for your rights in court. The key is acting within North Carolina's three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases to preserve your legal options.

How Long Does It Take To Settle A Rideshare Accident Claim?

The timeline for resolving a rideshare accident case varies depending on the complexity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate fairly. Simple cases with minor injuries and clear fault may settle within a few months, while complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take a year or longer to reach resolution. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers prioritize thorough case preparation over quick settlements to ensure you receive full compensation rather than accepting inadequate offers.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Rideshare Accident?

First, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries don't present symptoms immediately. Call the police to file an accident report, take photographs of the vehicles, injuries, and scene, and collect contact information from the driver and any witnesses. Document which rideshare company was involved and whether the driver was actively transporting passengers or waiting for ride requests. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters and contact a rideshare accident lawyer before discussing settlement offers or signing any documents.

Does It Matter If I Was A Passenger Versus A Driver In Another Vehicle?

Your status as a passenger, driver of another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist affects which insurance policies apply but doesn't limit your right to pursue compensation if the rideshare driver was at fault. Passengers in rideshare vehicles typically have straightforward claims against available insurance coverage, while drivers of other vehicles may face additional scrutiny regarding their own potential contribution to the accident. Regardless of your position, a rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate the specific insurance and liability issues that apply to your situation.

What If The Rideshare Driver Claims I Caused The Accident?

North Carolina follows contributory negligence rules, meaning if you're found even partially at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This strict standard makes it crucial to have legal representation that can gather evidence proving the rideshare driver's negligence and defending against any claims that you contributed to the collision. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers investigate thoroughly to establish clear liability and protect your right to compensation.

Can I Still File A Claim If I Didn't Get The Driver's Information? Yes, you can still pursue a rideshare accident claim even without the driver's personal information. The rideshare app typically maintains records of your trip, including driver details, route information, and timing data. Your rideshare accident lawyer can work with the transportation network company to obtain this information and identify the appropriate insurance policies. Police reports also typically contain driver information that can be used to pursue your claim.

What Happens If The Rideshare Driver Didn't Have Proper Insurance?

If the rideshare driver lacked adequate personal insurance or the transportation network company's coverage doesn't apply due to the driver's status, you may still have options for compensation. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide benefits, and the rideshare company could face additional liability for allowing an improperly insured driver on their platform. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers explore all potential sources of recovery to ensure you're not left without compensation due to insurance gaps.

How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Case Worth?

The value of your claim depends on multiple factors including the severity of your injuries, the extent of medical treatment required, your lost wages and reduced earning capacity, the degree of pain and suffering you experienced, and the available insurance coverage. Minor injuries may result in settlements of several thousand dollars, while catastrophic injuries requiring ongoing care can justify claims worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. A car accident lawyer can evaluate your specific circumstances to provide a realistic assessment of your case's potential value.

Will I Have To Go To Court For My Rideshare Accident Case?

Most rideshare accident claims settle through negotiations with insurance companies without requiring a trial. However, if insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit and potentially going to trial may be necessary to protect your rights. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers prepare every case for litigation while working toward favorable settlements, ensuring you're positioned for success regardless of whether your case resolves through negotiation or courtroom proceedings.

Can I Switch Lawyers If I'm Unhappy With My Current Representation?

Yes, you have the right to change legal representation at any point during your rideshare accident case. If you're dissatisfied with your current attorney's communication, strategy, or results, you can terminate that relationship and hire new counsel. We've helped clients who felt their previous lawyers weren't adequately pursuing their claims, and we're happy to review your case to discuss how we might better serve your interests.

What If I Was Working As A Rideshare Driver When The Accident Occurred?

If you were driving for a transportation network company when injured in an accident caused by another party, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. However, your ability to receive workers' compensation benefits is limited because rideshare drivers are typically classified as independent contractors rather than employees. Your rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand which benefits and compensation sources apply to your specific situation as an injured driver.

Financial Compensation You Can Pursue in a Rideshare Accident Case

When you're injured in a rideshare accident, understanding the full scope of available compensation helps you pursue fair recovery. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers work to ensure clients receive compensation for all damages resulting from their collision.

Types of Compensation Available:

• Medical Expenses: All costs related to your injury treatment, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care needed for ongoing conditions resulting from the rideshare accident.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income you missed while recovering from your injuries, including wages lost during medical appointments, hospital stays, and rehabilitation periods.
• Lost Earning Capacity: Financial recovery for reduced ability to earn income in the future if your injuries result in permanent disabilities or limitations that affect your career prospects or earning potential.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement value of your vehicle and personal belongings damaged in the collision with the rideshare vehicle or other vehicles involved.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress you experienced as a direct result of the accident and your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Recovery for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, or fear of driving that developed following your rideshare accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation when your injuries prevent you from participating in activities, hobbies, and daily experiences you enjoyed before the collision.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Additional damages if your injuries result in lasting physical impairments, scarring, or changes to your appearance that affect your quality of life.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation available to spouses for the loss of companionship, affection, and support when their partner suffers serious injuries in a rideshare accident.

The total value of your rideshare accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the available insurance coverage. Our team carefully evaluates every aspect of your damages to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

How a Raleigh Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Financial Compensation

Navigating rideshare accident claims involves complex insurance issues and multiple parties that can be challenging to handle alone. At The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, we employ strategic approaches to maximize compensation for our clients.

How We Maximize Your Recovery:

• Thorough Investigation of the Accident: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers gather all available evidence including police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and rideshare app data to build a comprehensive case that clearly establishes liability.
• Identifying All Liable Parties: Your rideshare accident lawyer investigates every potential source of liability, including the rideshare driver, other motorists, the transportation network company, and third parties who may have contributed to the collision.
• Determining Driver Status: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers establish whether the rideshare driver was offline, waiting for requests, en route to pick up passengers, or actively transporting riders, which directly impacts available insurance coverage and compensation amounts.
• Accessing Maximum Insurance Coverage: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers identify all applicable insurance policies, including the driver's personal coverage, the transportation network company's commercial policies, and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage to maximize available funds.
• Accurate Valuation of Your Claim: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers calculate the full value of your damages by working with medical professionals, economists, and vocational assessors to document current and future losses resulting from your rideshare accident.
• Documenting All Medical Treatment: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers ensure comprehensive documentation of your injuries, treatment plans, and prognosis to demonstrate the true extent of your physical harm and justify higher compensation amounts.
• Calculating Future Damages: Beyond immediate costs, our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers project long-term expenses including ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, lost future earnings, and permanent disability impacts that insurance companies often overlook.
• Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers handle all communications with adjusters who are trained to minimize payouts, protecting you from tactics designed to reduce your claim's value or get you to accept inadequate settlements.
• Countering Lowball Offers: When insurance companies present insufficient settlement offers, your rideshare accident lawyer pushes back with evidence-based counteroffers that reflect your claim's true worth.
• Preventing Premature Settlements: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers advise against accepting early settlement offers before the full extent of your injuries is known, ensuring you don't forfeit compensation for damages that emerge later.
• Meeting All Legal Deadlines: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers manage filing deadlines, statute of limitations requirements, and procedural timelines that could jeopardize your right to compensation if missed.
• Preparing for Litigation: When negotiations fail to produce fair offers, we're prepared to file a lawsuit and take your rideshare accident case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.
• Protecting Your Statements: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers prevent you from making recorded statements or signing documents that could harm your claim, ensuring insurance companies cannot use your words against you.

Having a car accident lawyer who understands the unique challenges of rideshare collision cases significantly impacts your final compensation. Our knowledge of North Carolina law, insurance policy structures, and claim valuation methods positions us to fight effectively for maximum recovery on your behalf.

Who is Liable For Rideshare Accident Injuries?

Determining liability in rideshare accidents can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers thoroughly investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure you pursue compensation from every responsible party.

Potentially Liable Parties:

• The Rideshare Driver: If the driver was negligent through speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, failing to yield, driving under the influence, or violating other traffic laws, they bear primary responsibility for the rideshare accident and resulting injuries.
• Other Motorists: Drivers of other vehicles involved in the collision may be liable if their negligent actions such as reckless driving, texting while driving, or failure to follow traffic rules caused or contributed to the accident.
• The Transportation Network Company: Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies may face liability claims if they failed to properly screen drivers, allowed individuals with poor safety records on their platform, or maintained inadequate insurance coverage for passengers and other accident victims.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defective vehicle part such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or malfunctioning airbags contributed to the rideshare accident or worsened your injuries, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable under product liability laws.
• Government Entities: Municipalities or state agencies responsible for road maintenance may bear liability when dangerous road conditions like potholes, missing signage, broken traffic signals, or poor road design contribute to the collision.
• Third-Party Maintenance Companies: Businesses responsible for vehicle maintenance and repairs may be liable if improper servicing or failure to identify mechanical problems led to equipment failure that caused the rideshare accident.
• Pedestrians or Cyclists: In rare cases, pedestrians or cyclists may share liability if their actions such as jaywalking, ignoring traffic signals, or riding against traffic flow contributed to the collision.
• Bars or Restaurants: Establishments that overserved alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused a rideshare accident may face liability under North Carolina's dram shop laws in certain circumstances.

Your rideshare accident lawyer will investigate every aspect of your case to identify all liable parties and their insurance coverage. Pursuing claims against multiple responsible parties often increases the total compensation available for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the collision.

Injuries Associated with Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers handle cases involving all types of collision-related injuries and work to secure full compensation for our clients' medical treatment and recovery.

Common Rideshare Accident Injuries:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impact forces the head and neck to snap forward and backward, causing soft tissue damage, muscle strains, ligament sprains, and chronic pain that may require ongoing physical therapy and treatment.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a rideshare accident can cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, spinal cord damage, and in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis requiring lifelong medical care and assistance.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head impacts or rapid acceleration-deceleration can cause concussions, contusions, and more severe brain injuries that affect cognitive function, memory, personality, and daily living abilities.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Collision forces commonly cause fractures to arms, legs, ribs, hips, pelvis, and other bones, often requiring surgery, casting, and extended rehabilitation periods before full recovery.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma in rideshare accidents can damage internal organs including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs, creating life-threatening conditions that require emergency surgery and intensive care.
• Lacerations and Cuts: Broken glass, twisted metal, and impact with interior vehicle components cause deep cuts and lacerations that may result in significant blood loss, infection risks, and permanent scarring.
• Facial Injuries: Impact with airbags, dashboards, or windows can cause facial fractures, dental damage, eye injuries, jaw injuries, and facial scarring that may require reconstructive surgery.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body can suffer tears, strains, and sprains during rideshare accidents, causing pain, limited mobility, and extended recovery periods.
• Shoulder Injuries: Seat belt forces and impact trauma frequently cause rotator cuff tears, dislocated shoulders, and other shoulder injuries that limit arm movement and may require surgical intervention.
• Knee Injuries: Passengers often suffer knee injuries when striking the seat in front of them, resulting in torn ligaments, fractured kneecaps, and meniscus damage requiring surgery and physical therapy.
• Chest and Rib Injuries: Seat belt compression and steering wheel impact can cause rib fractures, chest contusions, and damage to the sternum, making breathing painful and requiring weeks or months to heal.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, rideshare accident victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and fear of riding in vehicles that significantly impact quality of life.
• Burns: In rideshare accidents involving fires or vehicle explosions, victims may suffer severe burns requiring skin grafts, extensive medical treatment, and leaving permanent scarring and disfigurement.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, some rideshare accidents result in fatal injuries, leaving families to cope with devastating loss and pursue wrongful death claims for their loved one's untimely death.

The severity and type of injuries you sustain in a rideshare accident directly impact the compensation you can pursue. Your rideshare accident lawyer will work with medical professionals to document all injuries and ensure your claim reflects the full extent of your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

Common Rideshare Companies Operating in Cary and the Greater Raleigh Area

The Raleigh-Durham area has seen significant growth in rideshare services over recent years, with multiple transportation network companies serving residents and visitors. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers handle rideshare accident cases involving all major platforms operating throughout the region.

Rideshare Companies in the Area:

• Uber: The largest rideshare platform operates extensively throughout Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and surrounding communities, offering various service levels including UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber XL for passengers needing transportation.
• Lyft: The second-largest transportation network company maintains a strong presence in the greater Raleigh area, providing standard rides, Lyft XL for larger groups, and premium service options for riders throughout the region.
• Uber Eats and DoorDash Drivers: While primarily food delivery services, these drivers operate on public roads and can be involved in rideshare accidents, creating similar insurance complexity and liability issues for accident victims.
• Local and Regional Services: Smaller transportation network companies and app-based ride services occasionally operate in the Raleigh-Cary area, though with less market penetration than the major national platforms.

Regardless of which rideshare company was involved in your accident, the same complex insurance and liability issues apply. Your rideshare accident lawyer will navigate the specific policies and procedures of the transportation network company involved to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Why Choose Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers?

When you're facing the aftermath of a rideshare accident, selecting the right legal representation can make a significant difference in your recovery. Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers provide dedicated advocacy and personalized attention to every client we serve in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina.

Why Work With Us:

• Thorough Understanding of Rideshare Laws: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of transportation network company regulations, insurance requirements, and the unique legal issues that arise in rideshare accident cases, ensuring we pursue every available avenue for compensation.
• Personalized Client Communication: You'll work directly with attorneys who know your case inside and out, receiving prompt responses to your questions and regular updates about your claim's progress throughout the legal process.
• No Upfront Costs: Our Raleigh rideshare accident lawyers handle rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
• Prepared to Take Cases to Trial: While many claims settle through negotiation, we prepare every rideshare accident case for litigation, demonstrating to insurance companies that we're ready to fight for fair compensation in court if necessary.

Choosing the right car accident lawyer for your rideshare collision case provides peace of mind during a difficult time. Contact The Law Offices of John M. McCabe today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.