The rise of ridesharing has significantly changed how people travel in North Carolina. Unfortunately, it has also increased the injury burden on our roads.
With thousands of additional drivers logging into apps every day, the frequency of crashes involving these vehicles has risen steadily. This shift means that more passengers and other motorists now face the difficult aftermath of a rideshare accident.
Compensation for rideshare accidents
If you suffer a physical injury because a driver makes a mistake, you have a legal right to seek payment for your losses. The same rules that apply to any other car crash also apply to rideshare collisions.
You can recover money to cover your medical expenses and any wages you lose while you cannot work. If the crash causes a permanent injury, a loss of use of a body part or permanent scarring, you can seek fair payment for your pain and suffering. These funds help you manage the long-term impact of the accident and ensure you do not have to pay for someone else’s error.
Who is liable?
To determine which insurance company must pay for your injuries, you must first identify the driver’s status at the time of the crash. The insurance coverage changes depending on whether the driver was working or using the car for personal reasons.
For example, a driver is officially on duty when they log into the app or when they are picking up, transporting or dropping off a passenger. In these cases, the rideshare company’s large insurance policy typically covers the victim’s claims.
Meanwhile, if a driver causes a crash while they are clocked out and the app is closed, their own personal car insurance policy covers the damages.
Know your rights in a rideshare accident
Because rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance, staying informed is essential to identifying the correct path to compensation. This understanding allows you to hold the right parties accountable for their mistakes.
