Pursuing damages after a Lyft accident can be challenging as liability laws in these cases can make it difficult to recover the money you deserve. Hiring an experienced Lyft accident lawyer in Charlotte can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you need. Your attorney will work to identify the responsible party and help you recover fair compensation.
At Auger & Auger, we’ve been helping accident victims recover compensation since 1995. Our attorneys have an average of 19 years of experience in personal injury law each. We are very experienced, understand the challenges of Lyft accident cases, and will fight tirelessly to get you the money you need for your injuries. Schedule a free case review with one of our Charlotte rideshare accident lawyers.
A Knowledgeable Lyft Accident Lawyer In Charlotte Can Help You Understand Liability After An Accident
When pursuing compensation after a Lyft accident, you need to understand that Lyft takes several steps to limit its liability. One of the primary ways Lyft protects itself is by classifying its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification helps shield the company from responsibility in the event of an accident.
By labeling drivers as independent contractors, Lyft also reduces its obligations to provide certain benefits, thereby minimizing costs and maximizing its profits. Lyft drivers are required to carry their own insurance, which becomes the primary source of compensation when the driver is at fault for an accident.
The extent of Lyft’s liability will depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Three key scenarios impact Lyft’s liability after an accident. Our Charlotte car accident lawyers can help establish the specific circumstances of your case and determine Lyft’s liability.
Cases Where Lyft Is Not Liable
If the Lyft driver was not logged into the Lyft app when the accident occurred, Lyft is not responsible for any damages resulting from the crash. In cases where a Lyft driver not connected to the app is at fault for an accident that caused you damages, your first option for compensation is through the driver’s personal insurance.
If your damages exceed the limits of the driver’s insurance coverage, you may need to file a lawsuit against the driver to recover additional compensation. An experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer can assist you in taking legal action to obtain fair compensation for your losses.
Cases Where Lyft’s Insurance Policy Provides Partial Coverage
When a Lyft driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, Lyft’s liability is limited for any damages resulting from an accident. In this case, your first step would still be to file a claim under the Lyft driver’s personal insurance policy. However, if your damages exceed the driver’s insurance limits, you may be able to file a claim with Lyft’s insurance provider.
It’s important to note that Lyft’s insurance only partially covers damages in this situation, meaning the available compensation will be limited. As a result, you may still need to file a personal injury lawsuit to secure the full amount you are entitled to recover, particularly if you’ve sustained substantial injuries.
Cases Where Lyft’s Insurance Policy Goes Into Full Effect
When the Lyft driver is logged into the app and has accepted a ride request, Lyft’s insurance policy is fully active. This is true whether the driver picked up their passenger before the accident or was simply on the way to the pick up point. In this case, your first option for pursuing compensation is once again to file a claim with the driver’s insurer.
However, under these circumstances, if the driver’s coverage limits are exceeded, you can file a claim with Lyft’s insurance provider, which will provide coverage of up to $1 million in damages.
Statute Of Limitations For Lyft Accident Lawsuits In North Carolina
If you’re pursuing compensation for a Lyft accident in North Carolina, it’s crucial to be aware of filing deadlines. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in North Carolina is three years. However, it is important to note that if you are pursuing a wrongful death claim, you will only have two years to pursue legal action.
Whether filing a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim, you must act quickly, as failing to meet the cutoff date may result in losing your right to seek compensation from the liable party.
The best way to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines and improve your odds of a favorable outcome to your case is by hiring an experienced Charlotte Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you collect evidence, speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh, and ensure you have a strong foundation to your case.
Contributory Negligence In North Carolina
When pursuing compensation after a Lyft accident in North Carolina, it is important to keep in mind that the state uses a contributory negligence model when assessing liability after a crash. Contributory negligence blocks injury victims from pursuing compensation if they were partially to blame for causing the accident.
Even if you are deemed to have only been 1% to blame for the accident, you will not be able to pursue compensation from a party who was 99% responsible.
Because of these strict standards for pursuing damages, it is critical that you hire an experienced lawyer who can help prove you were completely blameless. The opposing party will likely try to suggest you were partially responsible, so having a Lyft accident lawyer serving Charlotte by your side can be essential for refuting their claims.
Get Help From A Skilled Lyft Accident Attorney Serving Charlotte Today
If you’ve been involved in an accident, securing the services of an experienced Lyft accident attorney in Charlotte can make the difference between financial hardship and securing the compensation you need. You need a law firm that provides personal attention, fights aggressively for their clients, and truly understands the long-term consequences of your injuries.
At Auger & Auger, we are solely focused on personal injury cases and have helped accident victims for decades. We work closely with each client to build strong cases and pursue maximum compensation on their behalf.
We provide free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay for our services unless we win your case. Reach out to us today to discuss your case and learn what we can do to help.
