This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Justin C. Olsinski following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Justin C. Olsinski, the Founding Partner, has 16+ years of legal experience as an attorney.
Getting into an Uber accident can be confusing and stressful. Whether you were a passenger, a driver, or someone hit by a rideshare vehicle, you may face serious injuries, hospital visits, and growing medical bills. These cases can be more complex than a normal car accident, especially when several insurance companies are involved.
The Olsinski Law Firm helps victims of rideshare accidents across Charlotte, North Carolina. Our Charlotte Uber accident lawyer understands how to handle claims involving ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. We review insurance coverage, medical records, and accident reports to make sure your rights are protected.
We handle the insurance claims process, deal with insurance adjusters, and fight to recover compensation for your lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
A rideshare accident happens when a vehicle operating through a third-party platform like Uber or Lyft is involved in a collision. These accidents can include rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, or T-bone accidents caused by driver negligence.
Since Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, figuring out who is responsible can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced Charlotte Uber accident lawyer who understands how to handle these complex insurance claims under North Carolina law.
Several North Carolina laws determine how victims can recover compensation after a rideshare accident. Understanding these laws helps you know what insurance applies and how fault is determined in your case.
North Carolina uses an “at-fault” insurance system, meaning the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. The insurance company for the at-fault driver must cover injuries, medical treatment, and property damage for victims.
Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence law, if you are even 1% at fault, you may lose your right to recover compensation. A Charlotte personal injury lawyer can help challenge these claims and prove that Uber driver or another party was responsible.
Under N.C.G.S. § 20-280.4, Uber drivers must carry:
Many Uber crashes in the Charlotte area happen because of driver error, bad weather, or lack of vehicle maintenance. Understanding what caused your accident can help your lawyer prove driver negligence and hold the right person accountable.
Using a phone while driving violates N.C.G.S. § 20-137.4A, which bans texting while behind the wheel. Many distracted driving crashes happen because Uber drivers check their GPS or messages while the car is moving, putting passengers and others in danger.
Even a few seconds of distraction can cause a serious car accident that injures many people. Drivers must always keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel to prevent these avoidable crashes.
Rideshare drivers often work long hours and may drive when they are too tired to focus. Drowsy driving is a leading cause of serious auto accidents in North Carolina. When a driver is sleepy, their reaction time becomes slower, and they may not see other vehicles or pedestrians in time.
Rest is very important for rideshare drivers to keep both passengers and others on the road safe.
Under N.C.G.S. §20-141, drivers must follow safe speed limits. Rushing to pick up or drop off riders often leads to urban collisions and Charlotte head-on collisions. Driving too fast makes it harder to stop or turn safely, especially in busy city traffic. Obeying speed limits helps prevent crashes and keeps everyone on the road safer.
Uber drivers are responsible for keeping their cars in a safe condition. Worn brakes, bad tires, or mechanical failures can lead to automobile accidents that cause serious injuries. Regular inspections and repairs help reduce the risk of breakdowns or crashes.
Drivers should make sure their vehicles meet all safety requirements before turning on the Uber app.
Victims of Uber accidents can suffer both physical and emotional harm. Some injuries require long-term medical care, therapy, or even surgery.
Whiplash happens when the neck snaps suddenly during a crash. It can cause lasting pain and stiffness that may need physical therapy or chiropractic care. Some people also experience headaches or shoulder pain that lasts for weeks. Getting early medical treatment helps reduce pain and prevents the injury from getting worse.
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions are common in high-impact crashes. Victims may experience confusion, dizziness, or memory loss that affects their daily life.
Some brain injuries can take months to heal and may require special tests or rehabilitation. Keeping detailed medical records is very important for both treatment and your personal injury claim.
Severe crashes can cause spinal cord injuries that lead to chronic pain or limited movement. Some victims face lifelong changes that require continued medical treatment. These injuries may also affect balance, muscle control, or daily activities.
A Charlotte Uber accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for the care and support you need long-term.
Broken arms, legs, or ribs are common after Uber crashes. Even sprains or torn muscles can take months to heal and may affect your ability to work. These injuries often require casts, surgeries, or physical therapy to recover fully. Getting fair compensation for medical bills and missed time from work is very important for your recovery.
Many people experience emotional distress or post-traumatic stress after an accident. These feelings can make it hard to drive again or feel safe in a car. Some people also have anxiety, nightmares, or trouble sleeping after a crash. Talking to a doctor or therapist can help manage these symptoms and support emotional healing.
Finding out who is responsible for a rideshare accident can be complex. Liability may depend on the driver’s status in the Uber app, whether another driver caused the crash, or if Uber itself acted negligently.
When the Uber driver causes the crash through distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving, they can be held responsible for your injuries. Drivers have a legal duty of care to keep passengers and others on the road safe.
If they break traffic laws or drive carelessly, they must pay for the harm they cause. A Charlotte Uber accident lawyer can collect witness statements, photos, and forensic reports to prove the driver’s fault.
If another motorist caused the collision, your personal injury lawyers will file claims against that driver’s auto insurance and handle all insurance negotiations. This may include gathering accident scene evidence and reviewing police reports to show who was at fault.
Sometimes, more than one driver may share blame for a crash. Your lawyer makes sure you are treated fairly and that your medical expenses and property damage are fully covered.
Uber may share liability if it failed to perform proper background checks, ignored safety issues, or did not remove unsafe drivers from the platform. The company has a duty to make sure its drivers meet safety standards and follow all North Carolina regulations.
If Uber overlooks red flags, it can be held accountable for negligent hiring or supervision. A skilled lawyer can review company records and digital data from the Uber app to uncover proof of wrongdoing.
In some cases, other companies, like those responsible for vehicle maintenance or unsafe roads, can also share blame for the crash. A rideshare accident may involve several parties, such as repair shops or contractors, whose mistakes contributed to the accident.
An experienced Charlotte Uber accident lawyer will investigate these factors using accident reconstruction and video footage. Holding every responsible party accountable helps ensure you receive fair and complete compensation for your injuries.
Call 911, get medical care, and make sure a police report is filed. Collect photos, witness statements, and driver information. Then contact a Charlotte Uber accident lawyer for help.
Depending on who was at fault, either the at-fault driver’s insurance, Uber’s liability coverage, or your own auto insurance may pay your medical expenses.
You can file a claim against Uber’s $1,000,000 liability policy. Your lawyer will also check if any uninsured motorist coverage applies.
Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the crash under North Carolina’s statute of limitations.
After an Uber crash, try to stay calm and check if anyone is hurt. Call 911 to report the accident and get medical help right away. Take photos, get the driver and witness contact details, and report the crash through the Uber app. Then, contact The Olsinski Law Firm for legal help before speaking with any insurance company.
If you were hurt in an Uber accident in Charlotte, North Carolina, you deserve help from lawyers who understand rideshare insurance coverage and local laws. The Olsinski Law Firm focuses on getting injured people the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our skilled Charlotte Uber accident attorneys handle every step, from gathering accident reports and witness testimony to negotiating with the insurance company. We work on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and speak with a skilled Charlotte Uber accident lawyer who will fight for your rights.
Mr. Olsinski founded his criminal defense practice in Charlotte, NC, in January 2010. He has successfully defended cases ranging from B1 Felony First Degree Sex Offenses/First Degree Murder to Misdemeanor marijuana charges.
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