What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in North Carolina​

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way North Carolinians travel. Whether you’re heading home from work, catching a ride to the airport, or driving to earn extra income, rideshare apps offer convenience and flexibility.

But when an accident happens, the situation quickly becomes more complicated than a typical car crash. Multiple insurance policies may apply, corporate policies come into play, and determining liability isn’t always straightforward.

If you were injured in a rideshare accident in North Carolina, here’s what you need to know.

What to Do Immediately Following a Rideshare Accident

The steps you take after a rideshare accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.

1. Call 911. Report the accident immediately and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. A police report is crucial for documenting what happened.
2. Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away.
3. Gather information. Collect:
   1. The rideshare driver’s name and contact information
   1. Insurance details
   1. Screenshots of your ride confirmation (if you’re a passenger)
   1. Witness contact information
   1. Photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene
4. Report the accident in the app. Both Uber and Lyft require accidents to be reported through their platforms (more on that below).
5. Avoid costly mistakes. Avoid common mistakes after your accident, such as giving the insurance company a recorded statement, posting about it on social media, avoiding medical care, or using online calculators to estimate pain and suffering.

Reporting an Uber or Lyft Accident as a Driver

If you’re driving for Uber or Lyft and are involved in a crash, you must report the accident through the app.

Reporting an Accident to Lyft

Lyft drivers can report accidents through Lyft’s accident reporting portal.

Lyft provides insurance coverage that varies depending on your status at the time of the crash, including whether:

• The app was off
• The app was on, and you were waiting for a rider
• A ride was accepted, or there was a passenger in the vehicle

Coverage limits differ in each scenario.

Reporting an Accident to Uber

Uber drivers can report accidents on Uber’s website.

Uber’s insurance coverage also depends on whether the driver was:

• Offline
• Waiting for a ride request
• En route to pick up a passenger
• Actively transporting a passenger

Because coverage varies by status, these cases often require careful review of driver logs and app data.

Reporting an Uber or Lyft Accident as a Passenger

On the other hand, if you were injured as a rideshare passenger, you should report the accident directly through the app.

Report a Lyft Accident

Report an Uber Accident

After reporting, the rideshare company’s insurance provider may contact you. Be cautious when speaking with adjusters. You are not required to accept the first settlement offer. If you were seriously hurt in the crash, consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents

Is Uber or Lyft Liable for Accidents?

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. Because of this, the companies often argue they are not directly liable for driver negligence.

However, both companies carry substantial third-party liability insurance coverage while drivers are actively using the app. Determining liability depends on:

• Who caused the accident
• The driver’s status at the time
• Applicable insurance policies

An experienced rideshare accident attorney can evaluate which policies apply and who may be legally responsible.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft for an Accident?

In many cases, injury claims are handled through insurance policies rather than by suing the company directly. However, depending on the circumstances, such as corporate negligence, unsafe policies, or failure to remove a dangerous driver, legal action against the company may be possible. Each case is fact-specific.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina law, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident date. If the crash resulted in a wrongful death, the deadline is typically two years.

Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to act promptly.

How Long Does an Uber or Lyft Accident Investigation Take?

There is no universal timeline for an accident investigation, as unique circumstances can affect the time required to complete a full investigation. Therefore, an investigation can take:

• A few weeks for straightforward claims
• Several months if liability is disputed
• Longer if litigation becomes necessary

Rideshare cases may involve multiple insurance carriers and corporate representatives, which can extend the process.

How to Hire an Injury Lawyer for a Lyft or Uber Accident

Rideshare accident cases can be more complex than standard car accidents. When choosing a lawyer, look for:

• Experience handling rideshare or commercial vehicle claims
• A strong track record in North Carolina personal injury law
• Available resources to investigate the accident and all potential liable parties
• Willingness to take the case to trial if necessary

At Henson Fuerst, our attorneys understand the nuances of Uber and Lyft accident cases. We work to:

• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Calculate the full value of your damages
• Handle communications with insurance companies
• Fight for fair compensation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone.

Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Henson Fuerst Can Help.

Rideshare accidents bring unique legal challenges, but you still have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced legal team at Henson Fuerst is committed to helping North Carolina families protect their rights and move forward after serious injuries.

Contact us today by submitting an online form or calling our office at (919) 781-1107 for a free legal consultation.