Insurance Coverage in North Carolina Ride-Share Accidents

Ride-sharing is an increasingly in-demand way to travel. Companies like Lyft, Uber, and others can be convenient for you and your friends as an alternative mode of travel. You may even drive for one of these companies yourself. 

It is less fun when you get in an accident with a ride-share driver. These accidents happen, even when you are not at fault for the accident. You can sustain severe injuries because of the negligence of another driver. Whether you were a passenger in a ride-sharing vehicle, or were in another vehicle, ride-sharing insurance coverage exists to help pay your damages.

At Naomi Ellis Law, we have years of experience handling ride-share accident cases in North Carolina. We know what to expect and how to effectively fight against big ride-sharing companies that may attempt to deny you coverage, including navigating complex insurance policies and ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.

Ride-Sharing Insurance Coverage in North Carolina

While there are many ride-sharing companies out there, Lyft and Uber are two of the most well-known. Both companies have specific insurance policy limits and conditions. Some of these are imposed by law, while others are self-imposed by the companies to protect drivers and anyone hurt in an accident with their vehicle. 

This coverage may help you whether you are a passenger or driver with a ride-sharing company. It can also help if you are an unrelated third party, such as another driver, pedestrian, and anyone else hurt in a ride-sharing accident.

An experienced North Carolina ride-share accident lawyer can assist you in understanding your rights and pursuing the compensation you need.

Uber Insurance Requirements

Uber insurance applies in all of the following circumstances:

• If the Uber App is Turned Off: If the driver’s Uber app is not currently running, Uber does not provide coverage for the collision. In this case, the driver’s individual insurance covers the accident.
• Awaiting a Request: Uber drivers can turn the app on, and then wait for a request to come in. While waiting for a passenger, Uber covers $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 per person, and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. 
• Heading Towards or Hauling a Passenger: If an Uber driver has been matched to a potential passenger or is currently transporting one, the insurance policy raises to $1,000,000 per accident.

Lyft Insurance Requirements

Lyft’s insurance requirements and coverage are very similar, but there are some minor differences:

• If the App is Off: If the driver’s Lyft app is turned off, Lyft will not cover the accident. Only the driver’s personal insurance will help cover the accident.
• Awaiting a Request: Lyft drivers wait for passengers to make a request. While in this waiting stage, Lyft covers $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage, and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
• Ride Matched: If a Lyft driver is matched to a passenger or has one in the vehicle, the insurance policy raises to $1,000,000 per accident.

Changes Coming in 2025

The rates for ‘Awaiting a Request‘ on both Uber and Lyft will change when Senate Bill 452 takes effect on January 1, 2025. The N.C. General Assembly passed the bill in October 2023, increasing the state’s required liability insurance limits from $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. It also raises the required minimum limits for property damage coverage from $25,000 to $50,000.Considering the rising costs of medical care and the increased value of most new vehicles, these changes should enhance protection for individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents in North Carolina.

How a Ride-Share Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Filing a lawsuit against a big company like Uber or Lyft can be daunting on your own, or even with an inexperienced lawyer. While insurance coverage exists, these companies will attempt to reduce the amount they pay in damages or try to deny your claim altogether. Companies often do this in the hope that you will settle low or just give up.

An attorney can help you with many facets of your case, including, but not limited to:

• Investigating the accident and determining fault
• Negotiating with the ride-share company
• Mediating or arbitrating a dispute when necessary
• Filing a personal injury claim to win you financial compensation

Get Help With Ride-Share Accidents in North Carolina

Let a dedicated attorney help you make your claim against ride-share company insurance. You deserve to seek the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Our team at Naomi Ellis Law is highly experienced in ride-share accident cases. Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.