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Last Modified on Mar 31, 2026
Rideshare accidents in NC can be one of the most traumatic types of accidents you can experience. Unfortunately, an accident in an Uber or Lyft results in a more legally complex claim compared to other accidents. Learning about the role of rideshare companies and drivers in a rideshare accident case can help you file a claim that pursues the full compensation you deserve after a crash.
An Overview of Rideshare Accidents in North Carolina
Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, are a convenient way for many to travel. In some metropolitan areas, rideshare services make up 13% of all vehicle miles traveled. Taking an Uber or Lyft helps North Carolinians commute to work, explore new areas of their city, or avoid long-term parking at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport or the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
When traveling in an Uber or Lyft, you put your trust in your driver to travel safely. 99.9% of Uber rides do not involve any safety report. Unfortunately, rideshare accidents do happen. Whether due to your rideshare driver’s error, another driver, or the fault of the rideshare company. Common reasons for car accidents in North Carolina include:
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Improper vehicle maneuvers, such as poor lane changes or turns
- Distracted driving, such as from cell phone use or navigation systems
- Driving while impaired
Determining Who Is at Fault in a Rideshare Crash
Understanding whose actions led to the accident is essential when filing a claim. Who you file your claim against and whose liability insurance applies depends on what party is at fault. To determine fault, you should hire a trusted rideshare accident lawyer to examine evidence from the crash, such as:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos from the scene of the accident
- Witness testimonies
- Dashcam or surveillance camera footage
- Driver logs
North Carolina is an at-fault state for car accidents, which means rideshare accident laws allow you to file a claim directly against the at-fault party, rather than through your own insurance. Your lawyer can explain whether you should file a claim against your rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or another at-fault driver based on the details of your case.
How Does Liability Insurance Impact Rideshare Accidents?
While every North Carolina driver, including Uber and Lyft drivers, must carry the state’s mandated minimum liability insurance, rideshare services provide additional coverage that applies in some rideshare accident cases. The liability insurance for some common at-fault parties is:
- Rideshare drivers. Though rideshare drivers carry their own personal auto insurance, if they are at fault for the crash, the rideshare company’s insurance generally pays for your damages. Both Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in coverage if the driver is carrying passengers.
- A third-party driver. If a third-party driver causes the accident, their personal insurance will cover your damages. North Carolina requires drivers to have at least $50,000 per person for injury, $100,000 per accident for injury, and $50,000 for damage to property. Rideshare services’ liability insurance doesn’t cover damages caused by a third-party driver, though there can be exceptions, such as if the driver is underinsured.
- Uber or Lyft. Though both companies provide $1 million of coverage to their drivers, they can also be directly responsible for your damages. The rideshare company can cover your damages if its negligence led to the crash, such as if it hired an unqualified driver, failed to provide proper training, or overlooked safety issues.
Why You Should Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Learning about the complexities of rideshare accident laws can be overwhelming. A North Carolina rideshare accident lawyer can explain the applicable laws and legal procedures, so you don’t worry about the legal accuracy of your claim. They can also oversee the claims process and communicate on your behalf with insurance companies, reducing your stress over the filing process.
FAQs
Can You Get Compensation if Your Uber Crashes?
Yes, you can get compensation if your Uber crashes. Compensation can cover financial losses, the mental and emotional impact of the crash, and, in certain cases, punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for extreme negligence. A North Carolina rideshare accident attorney can explain who you can file a claim against to recover compensation and negotiate for the appropriate financial recovery from your losses.
What Should You Do After an Uber or Lyft Crash?
After an accident, prioritize your personal safety by moving to a safe location, contacting the police, and receiving medical attention. Then, exchange contact and insurance information with your driver, the other driver, and other passengers. Next, gather evidence, such as screenshots of ride information, photographs of the accident, and witnesses. Report the accident to the rideshare company, but do not give detailed personal statements or accept a settlement without a lawyer.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Lyft Accident Case?
In a Lyft accident case, you can claim any actual, measurable damages you have suffered. Victims often face economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages can also be claimed, such as pain and suffering. Punitive damages are not available in all cases, as they are included in your compensation to punish the at-fault party for extreme negligence. A lawyer can evaluate your case to include all your damages in a claim.
Can You File a Claim Against Lyft if the Driver Crashes?
Yes, it is possible to file a claim against Lyft if the driver crashes. Lyft may be at fault for an accident if they were negligent in their business operations, such as through negligent hiring, allowing a driver to use an unsafe vehicle, or failing to provide proper safety training. Even if Lyft is not at fault for a crash, its liability insurance can still apply in a claim against the driver.
Speak With a North Carolina Rideshare Accident Attorney at Roberts Law Firm, P.A.
At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we have over 40 years of experience handling complex car accident cases, including those involving rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft. We understand North Carolina’s insurance system and rideshare accident laws, and we can help you navigate these issues. Contact us to learn how experienced legal guidance can help you recover your damages after a rideshare crash.
