Now, getting a ride is easier than ever. With a simple tap on your smartphone, you can summon a car that will pick you up within minutes. We've all used rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, which connect passengers with local drivers, often offering rates that are more affordable than those of traditional taxi services.
However, along with this convenience and lower cost comes a significant drawback: rideshare drivers aren't always thoroughly screened, which can increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries. Furthermore, since the rideshare industry is relatively new, victims may struggle to understand their legal rights, the details of insurance coverage, and who is responsible in the event of an Uber or Lyft accident.
While rideshare companies often push back against regulations regarding insurance and may deny liability for serious injuries, it's important to know that holding negligent parties accountable is still possible. This underscores the necessity of having an Uber accident attorney in Wilmington, NC on your side who is experienced in dealing with rideshare companies and understands the constantly changing laws in North Carolina's civil courts.
The accident lawyers at Nagle & Associates specialize in this area of law and are committed to fighting for you or your loved ones if you've been injured in a crash.
Across North Carolina, the rise in rideshare use with companies like Uber has unfortunately been accompanied by an increase in car accidents involving these vehicles. Our law firm has successfully navigated numerous cases against Uber and Lyft drivers, securing substantial settlements for victims of such accidents. Some of the most common scenarios we've seen in such cases include:
If you or a loved one has been hurt while using Uber or Lyft or is recovering from injuries in The Commons At Brightmore of Wilmington in Wilmington, NC, the first step you should take is to arrange a free consultation at Nagle & Associates ASAP. Even if you decide not to hire an attorney, taking just a few minutes to understand your rights from an experienced car accident attorney can empower you to protect your legal interests and figure out the best course of action moving forward.
When you want unflinching advocacy after getting hurt in a rideshare accident, you call Nagle & Associates.
Carl Nagle and his team of Uber accident attorneys in Wilmington, NC know exactly how to identify the insurance provider for the Uber driver involved in a collision. They also know how to determine the driver's legal status at the time of the accident and secure the highest possible compensation for your legal claim. If other parties are involved - such as other drivers and insurance companies - they may bear responsibility for the accident, too. Unfortunately, challenges that arise from such accidents often revolve around insurance coverage and liability. That's where Carl Nagle's unique experience comes into play.
With Mr. Nagle's background as an insurance claims adjuster and defense attorney, he's well aware of the tactics that insurers use to minimize or deny compensation for injured victims. Our firm only focuses on motor vehicle accident cases, provides the lowest legal fees in North Carolina, and is dedicated to assisting crash victims across the Tar Heel State.
Our attorneys specializing in Uber and Lyft accidents operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we receive payment only after your case is settled or the trial ends. The majority of cases are resolved without the need for lawsuits or court involvement. This payment structure motivates your attorney to secure the highest value for your injury claims. Whether your case ends in a settlement or goes to trial, you can anticipate a reduced overall fee.
Most personal injury law firms take a third of the settlement (33.3%) and 40-44% of any amount acquired after a lawsuit is filed. In comparison, our firm charges only a quarter of the settlement (25%) and one-third (33.3%) of any funds secured following the filing. We only pursue legal action when the insurer does not offer fair compensation, as we recognize that litigation often enhances the financial recovery for our clients.
Because of the unique nature of ridesharing apps, determining liability in Lyft and Uber accident cases can be challenging. Unlike "typical" car wrecks, in ridesharing accidents, several parties may be held responsible, including:
It's important for you to understand that companies like Uber and Lyft limit their own liability when accidents occur. They do so by classifying drivers as independent contractors. With that said, these companies still maintain liability car insurance for drivers, which can apply in some circumstances.
Liability in ridesharing accidents often depends on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred. This helps your Lyft accident attorney in Wilmington, NC determine who should compensate you for your emotional, financial, and physical losses. An Uber or Lyft driver could be doing one of the following when a crash happens:
Uber drivers are required to have their own auto insurance. In addition, Uber provides its own insurance coverage for drivers; however, accessing this coverage depends on the driver's status at the time of the accident.
If a rideshare driver isn't logged into the app and is off duty, their personal insurance provider will be responsible for covering any accidents they may cause.
When a rideshare driver is logged into the app but doesn't have a passenger and isn't en route to pick someone up, their personal insurance provider will be the primary source of coverage if they get into an accident. Uber and Lyft will step in to cover any damages that exceed the driver's coverage limits up to a specified amount.
When a rideshare driver has a passenger or is en route to pick one up, the insurance coverage provided by Uber and Lyft activates to handle any damages resulting from an accident caused by the driver. In North Carolina, these companies offer up to $1.5 million in total compensation for each accident.
If you or a member of your family has been hurt in a ridesharing accident, but you're unsure who should be held responsible, it's time to work with an Uber accident attorney in Wilmington, NC from Nagle & Associates. During your free consultation, we'll discuss who may be liable in your case and what types of compensation you may be entitled to.
One of the most common questions we get from clients injured in Uber and Lyft accidents is what sort of compensation they may be entitled to. Settlements in ridesharing claims can vary depending on how serious your injuries are and how long your injuries last. Most often, victims can recover compensation related to the following:
Ridesharing accidents can be both overwhelming and traumatic, often leaving you with a host of unanswered questions and financial concerns. They can also happen when you're least expecting them to. One moment, you're hopping in the car of an Uber driver to visit Long Leaf Park near Wilmington, NC. And then, in the blink of an eye, your driver rear-ends another driver, causing you to hurt your neck.
If you've been in an accident involving a Lyft driver, the situation becomes even more complex, particularly when it comes to figuring out which insurance carrier is responsible and understanding the Lyft driver's status at the time of the incident.
When one of the parties involved in the crash was driving a rideshare vehicle, you need to answer two key questions: first, which insurance policy should you claim from—the driver's personal insurance or that of the rideshare company? Second, what was the status of the rideshare driver at the time of the accident—were they waiting to accept a new ride, or were they in the middle of a journey?
Working with a qualified Uber or Lyft accident attorney in Wilmington, NC means you don't have to tackle these confusing issues on your own.
There are specific situations where gross negligence might come into play, particularly if a driver is behaving erratically or speeding excessively at the time of the accident. This can also apply if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the collision. When gross negligence is established, it can lead to punitive damages, but such awards usually occur only if a jury finds in favor of the injured party and determines the amount of those damages. Additionally, the prospect of facing a punitive damage trial often influences negotiations, as defendants may seek to avoid a trial altogether.
Our recommendation is this: Never try to handle your own injury claim from an Uber or Lyft accident. There may be significant financial compensation at stake that a seasoned and assertive North Carolina rideshare accident lawyer can help you secure. You typically have just one chance to seek justice, and having professional legal representation is the best way to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how we travel from one location to another. However, both companies have encountered issues, primarily due to a small number of drivers who have committed assaults against passengers or caused accidents through reckless driving. If you plan to use one of these services, prioritizing your safety is essential to minimize any potential problems. The information below will guide you in making your experience safer and more enjoyable.
If you ever feel your Lyft or Uber driver is putting you at risk, don't hesitate to speak up. Should the driver be swerving or otherwise driving unsafely, it's important to voice your concerns. If the situation worsens, request that they pull over at the next safe spot, like a gas station or convenience store, so you can get out. Once the trip is over, make sure to report the driver's unsafe behavior through the rideshare app.
Both Uber and Lyft take the matter seriously and are committed to removing untrustworthy drivers from their platforms. Giving a driver pushback on their unsafe driving may be useful in court. At the very least, you could help prevent another passenger from having a harrowing ride.
When you're waiting for a ride from Uber, Lyft, or any other ridesharing service, it's important to avoid standing around outside. Look for a well-lit area, ideally one bustling with people. This way, anyone with ill intentions will likely think twice. If potential wrongdoers see that plenty of witnesses are around when you get into a vehicle, they'll be discouraged from making a move.
Both the Uber and Lyft apps allow you to easily look up information about the driver who's on their way to pick you up. Both drivers and passengers can be rated on a scale of 1 to 5. Each rideshare company asserts that they deactivate drivers who consistently receive low ratings, but if something feels off—whether it's the car, the driver's appearance, or anything else—don't hesitate to cancel the ride and choose someone else.
When reviewing the ratings, pay special attention to how safely the driver handles their vehicle. The last thing you want to worry about in an Uber or Lyft is whether or not your driver can handle inclement weather appropriately.
We sincerely hope you're never involved in a car accident, whether it involves a rideshare service or not. However, if you do find yourself in such a situation and sustain injuries, you'll likely need to file a claim against the negligent driver, which could be the Uber or Lyft driver who picked you up.
To secure the compensation you need for medical expenses and to account for lost wages due to time off work, you must demonstrate that the driver is liable for your injuries. Without solid evidence, your chances of winning your case could be slim.
If you're in an accident, one of the first things you should do is take photos and videos of the scene with your smartphone. It's also very important to contact the police and emergency medical services if you or anyone else is seriously hurt. An officer will write a police report, which can serve as a significant piece of evidence. To increase your chances of a reasonable payout, you should consult with a Lyft or Uber accident attorney in Wilmington, NC. An experienced legal professional will help gather further evidence, such as surveillance footage from nearby cameras that may have captured the incident.
At Nagle & Associates, our team of rideshare accident attorneys brings decades of combined experience in handling personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against drivers, insurance companies, and other negligent parties involved in crashes. With the rise of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, we have witnessed a notable increase in such accidents. Our firm is well-versed in effective legal strategies tailored to advocate for victims and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Bakeries in the Wilmington area can expertly decorate cakes and cupcakes, craft decadent desserts and make everything from biscuits to bagels. Many of them fill multiple roles for carb lovers – but here’s a look at some of those that serve up fresh-made bread.Seaside Sourdough This Leland-based business bakes sourdough bread with organic, locally milled flour in varieties like olive rosemary and blueberry lemon. The family behind Seaside stocks at Brunswick County shops like Crossroads Gathering Place, Southport C...
Bakeries in the Wilmington area can expertly decorate cakes and cupcakes, craft decadent desserts and make everything from biscuits to bagels. Many of them fill multiple roles for carb lovers – but here’s a look at some of those that serve up fresh-made bread.
This Leland-based business bakes sourdough bread with organic, locally milled flour in varieties like olive rosemary and blueberry lemon. The family behind Seaside stocks at Brunswick County shops like Crossroads Gathering Place, Southport Cheese Shoppe and Angie’s Fresh Produce. It’s also used in restaurants such as Southport’s Southern, A Gathering Place Kitchen & Bar and Fixins in Oak Island. Orders can be placed through www.seasidesourdoughnc.com for pickup in Leland, or at St. James Plantation for residents of that community.
This business under the We Are True Blue umbrella (along with Ellipsis and True Blue Butcher and Table) is in Hampstead at 13865 U.S. 17 S. It offers a curated selection of breads, pastries, meats, wine, beer and other gourmet goodies. The fresh bread menu includes options like challah, an Italian baguette, lemon parm Sourdough and caramelized onion focaccia.
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In addition to custom decorated cakes and a variety of sweets and pastries, this longtime Wilmington bakery also offers a wide variety of breads – from a six pack of Kimmelweck to pizza dough. You can find them at 837 S. Kerr Ave. In Wilmington’s University Square Mall.
This bakery specializes in naturally leavened bread made with organic grain for the best in nutrition, digestibility and taste. There’s a Wilmington production facility, but you can buy loaves of their spelt sandwich bread or their sourdough focaccia at local farmers markets and at Tidal Creek Coop in Wilmington and Heritage Fresh Market in Supply. Their sourdough chocolate chunk cookies are also a local favorite.
Julia Castellano’s appreciation for European breads and techniques shows. There’s a regular menu with breads like rye, Rosemary & Sea Salt sourdough and three baguette styles – The Joe, the Julia and Spanish. On certain days, there are also a specialty breads like Sesame Levain on Thursday and a half-loaf of Japanese Style Milk Bread on Saturday. You can also get a coffee and pastry or book a class at 3410 Wrightsville Ave. in Wilmington.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her [email protected].
Spring is here and for Wilmington this means the arrival of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, which has been around since 1948.The festival includes many longtime events, including the Azalea Festival Coin Show.Here's what to know about the coin show.What's happening?Stay informed: Accessing local journ...
Spring is here and for Wilmington this means the arrival of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, which has been around since 1948.
The festival includes many longtime events, including the Azalea Festival Coin Show.
Here's what to know about the coin show.
The Lower Cape Fear Coin Club in association with the Azalea Festival will host the coin show. The club has over 85 members and has been in Wilmington since 1963 and has been associated with the Azalea Festival for 48 years.
The club works with the Azalea Festival and awards coin prizes to the Youth Art and Literature contestants. Art contests are used by the US Mint to select the designs for coin programs like America the Beautiful, National Parks quarters, Innovation dollars and now the Outstanding Women on quarters.
The club will be honoring the Azalea Festival's 2025 International Blooms' Country - Nigeria, with an elaborate display of Nigerian currency.
Foreign coins are abundant, and many have unique animal and historical designs, but American money dominates the displays. The most collected American coin is the silver eagle, followed by Peace and Morgan silver dollars.
The show will be held Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 5102 Oleander Drive, Wilmington.
Admission to the show is a $1 donation that earns you a raffle ticket for 10 prizes. Azalea Festival Ambassadors will draw the tickets on Sunday afternoon. You do not have to be present to win.
For more information, contact Karen Foster 910-686-4976 or [email protected].
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].
Porter’s Neck Village and Priceless Mission wants to help those in needWILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - It’s been six months since Hurricane Helene hit the western part of North Carolina.Families have been working to put their lives and homes back together after major storm damage.The Wilmington community has been helping in whatever ways they can.That is the goal of an organization named Priceless Mission.They heard about one man’s story of losing everything in his home and knew they needed to...
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - It’s been six months since Hurricane Helene hit the western part of North Carolina.
Families have been working to put their lives and homes back together after major storm damage.
The Wilmington community has been helping in whatever ways they can.
That is the goal of an organization named Priceless Mission.
They heard about one man’s story of losing everything in his home and knew they needed to help.
“He was asking for a few things few appliances, a coach, love seat,” says Travis Price with Priceless Mission.
Price does renovation projects throughout New Hanover County and luckily has a connection with Porter’s Neck village.
“I’ve been doing Fiberglass work out here in Porters Neck Village for about 10 years now so we’ve got a great relationship with the administrators,” says Price.
And that’s who reached out to help Price with a mission he wanted to take on.
“Before I could get back home and start reaching out for my resources, I got a phone call from Porter’s Neck Village, and they asked if we were interested in some donations,” says Price.
Administrators at Porter’s Neck Village, a retirement community in Wilmington, are in the process of renovating a 40-year-old building.
“Over time we have seen that the market demands bigger space and higher ceilings. We will be removing this building and creating more homes for residents to move in,” says Suzanne DelGrosso with Porter’s Neck Village.
Delgrosso says they have plenty of things that won’t be used.
“Every time there is a turnover in the home, we refurb the apartment, so we always have new appliances, countertops, furniture, flooring. Since we decided to take this out of inventory, we still have all this nice and some never-be-used material,”
They heard about how much the neighbors in Western, North Carolina, needed some of the things they have.
Instead of throwing these appliances away, they wanted to repurpose them.
It’s a cause that hits close to home.
“For me personally, and I was hoping not to cry, but you did that,” says DelGrosso. “My home was destroyed in Hurricane Florence, so I personally know the feeling, and we get to help others just like others helped us.”
Priceless Missions is helping Porter’s Neck Village take these appliances out of the units.
And with a project this big it really does take a village.
Men’s Baptist Group, Good Samaritan, and other local charities are partnering with Priceless Missions to help too.
One of the nonprofits donated a truck trailer to take the load of furniture.
Once the truck is loaded, Price will make sure the donations get into the homes of those storm victims.
Price’s dad, who is on the frontlines helping, says it’s very rewarding.
“To see it on TV is one thing, to actually be in the trenches helping people that have nothing, it is such as a big blessing to do that,” says David Price.
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Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.HIGH-SCHOOLWilmington StarNewsAnother week of spring sports in the Wilmington area is off to a fast start.Key rivalry matchups continued to excite early in the week as...
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HIGH-SCHOOL
Wilmington StarNews
Another week of spring sports in the Wilmington area is off to a fast start.
Key rivalry matchups continued to excite early in the week as the Ashley and Hoggard baseball teams battled in a rivalry classic. Laney senior TJ Ziermann also impressed as he threw a no-hitter in the Bucs 6-0 win over New Hanover Tuesday.
Here are the best performances from around the Wilmington area for the week of March 24-29.
TJ Ziermann, Sr., Laney: The Bucs senior struck out 12 as he threw a no-hitter while logging two RBIs and a triple in Laney's 6-0 win over New Hanover.
Jackson Sadler, Soph., Trask: Sadler recorded eight strikeouts in six innings as the Titans defeated Northside Jacksonville 5-3.
TJ Ziermann, Sr., Laney: Ziermann went 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a triple as Laney defeated New Hanover 6-0.
Cole Barnes, Sr., Ashley: Barnes' third-inning two RBIs single put Ashley in front of Hoggard. The senior also recorded six Ks as the Screaming Eagles won 6-3.
Jake Jeffrey, Sr., Hoggard: Jeffrey hit a solo homer in the bottom of the first.
Dylan Stacks, Jr., North Brunswick: Stacks struck out eight in four innings as the Scorpions defeated rival South Brunswick 2-1.
Carly Clewis, Jr., South Brunswick: Clewis hit two home runs and drove in five runs as the Cougars cruised past North Brunswick 18-3 in six innings.
Kina Davis, Sr., South Brunswick: Davis struck out 10 batters.
Macey Ciamillo, Sr., Hoggard: The Vikings senior threw a no-hitter with seven strikeouts as Hoggard defeated Ashley 14-0 in five innings.
Kimora McAllister, Soph., Pender: McAllister went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a double as Pender defeated East Bladen 12-1.
Alyna Rooks, Jr., Pender: Rooks racked up eight strikeouts in the five-inning contest.
Priya Belle, Soph., Cape Fear Academy: Belle scored three goals while dishing out one assist as the Hurricanes defeated Arendell Parrott 5-0.
Cash Nix, Jr., Laney: Nix scored four goals and delivered two assists as Laney beat Ashley 10-6.
Conlan Kane, Jr., New Hanover: Kane scored three times and added one assist as New Hanover defeated South Brunswick 9-4.
Reid Finnerty, Fr., New Hanover: The freshman scored thrice and dished out one assist.
Camden Reed, Soph., Hoggard: Reed scored four times and provided four assists as the Vikings defeated West Brunswick 17-1.
Addison McGrath, Sr., Hoggard: McGrath scored twice while delivering four assists.
Tate Pasquantonio, Soph., Topsail: Pasquantonio scored three goals while delivering two assists as Topsail defeated North Brunswick 13-0.
Martha Smith, Sr., Topsail: Smith dished out four assists.
Brantley Lunsford, Jr., Trask: Lunsford went 3-for-5 with 1 RBI and a triple as the Titans defeated Spring Creek 14-1.
Amelia Naylor, Jr., Wilmington Christian: Naylor went 4-for-5 with five RBIs and a double as the Patriots defeated Liberty Christian 19-7.
Kina Davis, Sr., South Brunswick: Davis recorded 12 Ks as the Cougars defeated Dixon 11-1.
TyiAnna Cummings, Sr., South Brunswick: Cummings went 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a double.
Gabrielle Mccullough, Jr., South Brunswick: The Cougars junior scored three goals and added one assist as South Brunswick defeated West Bladen 9-0.
A dollar store with several locations throughout the Wilmington area is about to add another.Signage is up and shelves are in place for a Dollar Tree at Hanover Center in Wilmington.Here's what to know.Where is it located?The Dollar Tree will be next to Books-A-Million at 3741 Oleander Drive, which last held a Pier 1 Imports.When will it open?While signs are up on the building, the store has yet to stock merchandise as of Tuesday, March 25. It is unknown when the store will open.Help wante...
A dollar store with several locations throughout the Wilmington area is about to add another.
Signage is up and shelves are in place for a Dollar Tree at Hanover Center in Wilmington.
Here's what to know.
The Dollar Tree will be next to Books-A-Million at 3741 Oleander Drive, which last held a Pier 1 Imports.
While signs are up on the building, the store has yet to stock merchandise as of Tuesday, March 25. It is unknown when the store will open.
Help wanted signs are on the doors.
There are eight Dollar Tree stores in New Hanover County. Areas include Porters Neck, Ogden, Northchase, Landfall, College Road, Shipyard Boulevard and Carolina Beach Road.
In Brunswick County, Dollar Tree is in Leland and has two stores in the Southport area. Dollar Tree also has locations in Pender County (Hampstead and Burgaw).
For now.
Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar in 2015. However, it announced in a news release on Wednesday, March 26, that it was selling Family Dollar to two private equity firms.
Family Dollar has locations on 1013 Market St. in Wilmington and 2616 Castle Hayne Road in Castle Hayne.
Wilmington's first suburban shopping center has been a key shopping destination in midtown Wilmington since 1956.
Several upgrades have been made in recent months, including modernized towers, new signage on Oleander Drive and Independence Boulevard, refinishing the façade surfaces with a consistent and lighter paint scheme, refinishing the brick and landscape and hardscape improvements.
Stores that have opened in the last year include Woof Gang Bakery, a pet grooming and bakery shop. Other tenants are Pedego Electric Bikes, Drift Coffee, Palace Nails, Hotworx, Stretch Zone, HomeSense and a remodeled O2 Fitness.
Anchor tenants include Homesense, Harris Teeter and Hobby Lobby.
One notable loss was K&W Cafeteria, which closed on Dec. 31, 2024.