What is Negligence and How Does it Apply to Rideshare Accidents
Negligence is a key concept in many personal injury cases, including those involving rideshare accidents. When we talk about negligence, we are referring to the failure to act with reasonable care, which leads to harm or injury to another person. In the case of a rideshare accident, negligence could involve various parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, or even other drivers on the road. For example, if a rideshare driver runs a red light and causes a crash, that could be seen as negligent behavior. The same is true if the rideshare company did not properly screen or train their drivers, leading to unsafe driving. To hold someone accountable for the accident, it is important to demonstrate that their negligence directly led to the injury or harm you suffered.Determining Fault in Rideshare Accidents in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the state follows a system called comparative negligence, which plays an important role in rideshare accidents. This system means that more than one party can be at fault for an accident, and each party’s level of responsibility can affect how much compensation you may receive. For instance, if the rideshare driver was speeding, but you were also not wearing a seatbelt, the court might find that both parties contributed to the accident. Understanding how fault is assigned in these cases can be difficult, especially when there are multiple parties involved, such as the driver, the rideshare company, and other motorists. The key is that to succeed in your case, it must be shown that the other party acted negligently and that their actions directly contributed to your injuries. This is where having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can help. They can gather the necessary evidence and work with investigators to demonstrate that the negligence of the other party led to the accident.
Marcel McCrea
Attorney
The Role of the Rideshare Company
One of the more complicated aspects of a rideshare accident case is the role of the rideshare company itself. These companies are often seen as third parties, but they can still be held liable in certain situations. For example, if the rideshare company failed to properly vet their drivers, or if they knew of a driver’s unsafe behavior and did nothing to address it, they could be held responsible for the accident. It’s also important to note that rideshare companies typically provide insurance for their drivers in certain situations. However, the insurance policies can vary, and understanding how these policies work is crucial. Your attorney can help clarify what kind of insurance coverage might apply to your specific case and how to work with the insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
I have worked and referred cases to Attorney Marcel McCrea in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a number of years. His zealous advocacy, keen attention to details, and client care are particularly noteworthy. He has been especially helpful in some complicated personal injury matters that I have referred to his firm. I highly recommend Marcel McCrea and ClearView Legal for anyone looking for excellent attorneys.”
- Frantz Jacques
ClearView Legal do great work. When I had my car accident they were very diligent in showing me the process. They took care of all the necessary paperwork and negotiation in my personal injury claim. They were both passionate and determined to get me my settlement. I am eternally grateful. Definitely 5 star lawyers in my book."
- Osmund Marcellin
I was recently injured in a car accident. I hired Attorney Marcel McCrea of ClearView Legal in Charlotte, NC to help me with my personal injury matter and to recover for my medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Before hiring the firm, I tried to negotiate with the insurance company on my own and got no where. Marcel McCrea did an excellent job and helped me to recover much more than I expected. Marcel and his staff exceeded my expectations and provided great customer service. I highly recommend the firm!"
- S. Jackson
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in North Carolina
Rideshare accidents can happen for many reasons, but some common causes include distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Like any other driver on the road, rideshare drivers can make mistakes that lead to accidents. However, the nature of the rideshare business—where drivers may feel pressure to pick up and drop off passengers quickly—can sometimes increase the risk of these types of accidents. Distractions from using a smartphone or GPS can also be a significant factor in rideshare accidents. Drivers may be looking at their phones to check for directions or to confirm a ride request, which takes their attention off the road. This distracted behavior can easily lead to an accident and, if proven to be a factor, may be used to show negligence in the case.What Evidence is Needed to Prove Negligence in a Rideshare Accident
When pursuing a case for a rideshare accident, one of the most important things you can do is collect evidence. This evidence can help prove that the other party’s negligence caused the crash. Key pieces of evidence may include photographs of the scene, witness statements, dashcam footage (if available), and police reports. Additionally, medical records showing the injuries you sustained and expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists can all be crucial in demonstrating negligence. It’s also important to gather information related to the rideshare company’s policies and practices, as this can help establish whether the company itself played a role in the accident. For example, if the driver had a history of unsafe driving or if the rideshare company failed to properly vet drivers, this can strengthen your case.Related Videos
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