Summerville Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

Although rideshare companies can provide transportation to passengers in a more economical and convenient way, they also raise the risks of car accidents on the roadway. One study shows that Uber and Lyft accidents have increased the total number of car accidents throughout the country by 2-3%. If you have an injury in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. The best thing that you can do is to get legal help from an experienced attorney who can represent you throughout the process. 

South Carolina Uber and Lyft Laws

South Carolina has a number of laws that govern rideshare vehicles. These transportation services are regulated somewhat differently from taxis. Here are South Carolina’s specific Uber and Lyft laws:

• The driver must be of a certain age.
• The vehicle that the driver is using must pass inspection.
• The driver must display the license plate information so that a passenger is able to identify the car.
• The driver must pass a background check that scrutinizes both their criminal record and driving safety history.
• The rideshare company must provide certain minimum amounts of insurance coverage for its drivers.

How Uber and Lyft Accidents Are Different From Other Car Accidents

Although the general rule in a car accident case is always the same, meaning that the negligent driver is responsible, there are several different rules that may apply to an Uber or Lyft case. The first is that the driver is an independent contractor who does not work for the company. Unlike a taxi accident, you will not be able to sue Uber or Lyft in most instances. This does not mean that you are out of luck when it comes to compensation for your accident injuries because there is still insurance provided.

Rideshare accident cases are also different because of the sheer number of insurance companies that may be involved in your case. You may be dealing with as many as four insurance companies, and each of them is trying to shift liability to the other. In addition, there may be numerous accident victims who were each trying to access the same pool of insurance coverage. The additional complexities of these cases make it even more crucial that you have an attorney representing you. 

Who Can File an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim in Summerville?

The most common claimant in an Uber or Lyft accident case is the passenger who was in the rideshare vehicle at the time of the crash. The passenger would seek compensation from either the Uber or Lyft driver or the other motorist, depending on who was responsible for the crash. 

It is a common misconception that the passenger is the only one who can file a claim in these accident cases. The other driver involved in the crash may also file a claim against the Uber or Lyft driver because they, too, could have been hurt. In that event, you have multiple people going after the same insurance coverage, which can complicate your case.

If the rideshare driver was injured as a result of the negligence of another motorist, they maintain their right to file a lawsuit or claim for their damages. Just because one is on the roadway for commercial purposes does not mean that they surrender their rights to compensation if they have been injured by someone else’s negligence. 

How Much Is My Uber or Lyft Accident Case Worth?

The size of your settlement check in your Uber or Lyft accident case depends on both the amount of available insurance coverage and the extent of your personal injuries. Assuming that there is insurance coverage available, you are entitled to be paid for the following elements of your damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement

The insurance company is not going to willingly offer you the full amount of money. You only end up with a settlement check that reflects the true nature of your injuries when you fight for it. Your rideshare accident attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for you. If the insurance company still will not cooperate, your lawyer may even take your case to court to obtain the best possible result. 

How Much Insurance Coverage Is Available to Pay for My Injuries?

It is South Carolina law that Uber and Lyft must provide insurance coverage to the driver. If the driver has a passenger in the car or has accepted a ride request, the rideshare company must provide $1 million in liability insurance coverage. This insurance policy is on a per-accident basis and not on a per-victim basis.

There are additional insurance coverages that can be tapped to pay for your injuries. For example, rideshare drivers often purchase supplemental insurance to protect themselves from personal liability because they may be responsible for any amounts that the corporate insurance policy does not cover. In addition, you may also be able to file a claim against the insurance policy of the other motorist involved in the crash if they shared blame for it. You can even file a claim against your own underinsured motorist coverage if there is not enough insurance spread out among the other policies. 

Why Do I Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer for My Case?

The legal system that Uber and Lyft have set up is intended to protect themselves at your expense to the fullest extent possible. You are dealing with multiple for-profit insurance companies that do not want to pay your full damages. At the same time, you may have bills and expenses piling up when you are not able to work. All of this means that you will have a fight on your hands to get the full amount of compensation that you deserve. If the insurance companies get their way, you would end up with pennies on the dollar. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can fight for your interests throughout the claims process, working to get you the maximum possible money for your Uber or Lyft accident injuries. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my case take?

It is difficult to give you an exact timeframe, but it can take a considerable amount of time when you are dealing with insurance companies. 

Should I report the accident to the rideshare company?

If you are a passenger, you need to inform the rideshare company of the accident, but you should be careful with what details you share.

What should I do after an Uber or Lyft accident?

In addition to seeking medical attention for your injuries, you should hire an experienced attorney as soon as possible. 

Summerville Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Help You Navigate the Legal Process

Navigating the legal system after a rideshare accident can be challenging. The Summerville Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC can help you seek compensation for your injuries. The first thing that you need to do is schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Uber or Lyft accident attorneys, and you can do that by filling out an online contact form or by calling us today at 843-727-6500. We have offices in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, and we serve clients throughout the state.