Charleston Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer

South Carolina has special laws in place to regulate Uber, Lyft, and other transportation network companies. These laws require all rideshare companies to provide a certain amount of insurance coverage for drivers who are actively giving rides to passengers. Rideshare accident victims may recover compensation if an Uber or Lyft driver causes their accident.

However, it can be difficult to determine who pays for your injuries and losses. If you suffered an injury in a rideshare crash, our Charleston Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyers can help you understand your options. At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we offer free case reviews and handle these cases on a contingency-fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees until we recover compensation on your behalf.* A personal injury attorney from our Charleston team is ready to help.

How Much Is My Charleston Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Case Worth?

The amount you can expect to recover depends upon the facts of your case, the law that applies, available insurance coverage, and more. We can document your expenses to demonstrate the fair value of your case.

Some common damages we could recover for our clients through a settlement or a verdict in a rideshare accident case may include:

• Medical treatment costs, including hospitalization and ambulance transportation
• Prescription drugs and pain relief medications
• Long-term medical care costs, such as rehabilitative therapy
• Lost wages and benefits
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damages, such as items carried with you in the vehicle
• Pain and suffering 
• Other damages

If we handle your rideshare accident case, we can conduct an investigation and collect evidence to show the extent of your damages. This may include gathering a range of documents to help us understand your accident-related expenses. 

You may want to put your medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and other documentation together in a folder to make this process simpler down the road. 

Charleston Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accidents Lawyer Near Me843-628-0100

Required Insurance Coverage for a South Carolina Transportation Network Company

Under South Carolina law, all drivers working for a transportation network company must carry a certain amount of auto liability insurance coverage. The rideshare companies must ensure coverage in certain amounts anytime the driver has a rideshare passenger. The amount of coverage required varies based on the status of the driver at the time of the ride, among other factors.

The driver’s status on the rideshare app is central to determining which policy will cover your damages, but this may be disputed. Legal counsel can help you establish liability and pursue available compensation through a claim. 

If the Driver Is Not on the App

If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app at the time of the accident, Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage will not apply. The driver’s personal auto liability policy would most likely apply if they are at fault for a collision.

If the Driver Is Logged on But not Matched with a Rider

In some cases, the rideshare driver may be working but has not yet matched with a passenger at the time they cause an accident. This means they are logged onto the app but do not have a paying passenger. 

Per South Carolina law, rideshare companies must ensure coverage for any injuries or damage their driver causes while logged into the app. These companies must offer at least the following contingent coverages:

• $50,000 for death or bodily injury per person
• $100,000 per accident (for all wrongful deaths and personal injury claims arising out of the wreck)
• $50,000 for property damage (damaged cars or other property)

These are the minimum amounts of coverage required. More may be available from a rideshare company’s policy. 

If the Driver Paired with a Rider

When the rideshare driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in their vehicle, the transportation network company must provide at least one million dollars for death, bodily injury, and property damage. They must also carry uninsured motorist (UM) protection.

Your Legal Options If You Were in an Accident As an Uber or Lyft Passenger

If you were riding in a Charleston Uber or Lyft and your driver caused an accident, you can file a claim under the rideshare company’s liability policy.

If another driver caused the accident, the rideshare company’s insurance company would be responsible for your damages in most cases. Uber and Lyft both provide uninsured motorist coverage if another driver causes an accident but does not have the state-required auto liability insurance.

How a Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help with Your Claim or Lawsuit

The personal injury team from George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can help you sort out the complicated insurance process following a Charleston rideshare collision. 

We can: 

• Identify the applicable insurance policy
• File your claim
• Negotiate a fair settlement that covers your losses 

If the rideshare company’s insurer refuses to pay what you deserve, we may need to file a lawsuit. We stand ready to fight for your rights.

You Have a Limited Time to Take Legal Action in South Carolina

If you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit, S.C. Ann § 15-3-530 generally only gives you three years from the date of the rideshare accident to do so. If you fail to file by this deadline, you run the risk of losing this option to seek compensation from a liable party. 

Keep in mind that we need time to investigate your case and negotiate with insurers. Neither of these processes stalls the statute of limitations, though. The sooner you get started on your case, the better you can protect your right to compensation. 

We can tell you how much time you have and take action immediately to abide by this deadline. 

How You Can Protect Your Right to Seek Compensation in an Injury Case

There are a few ways you can support your case and protect your rights. Consider the following guidance when pursuing compensation:

Follow Your Lawyer’s Advice

When you hire our firm, we will provide specific instructions to guide you through the legal process. Follow your lawyer’s advice, especially when giving any statement to insurers. 

Avoid Posting About the Accident on Social Media

You do not want to say anything that can undermine your case. Social media is a common outlet for many people, but it can lead to trouble for your case. Refrain from posting anything about your rideshare accident. 

Gather as Much Evidence as Possible

If you have photos of the accident scene or your injuries, submit them to your lawyer. We may be able to use them as evidence of liability and your losses. 

Work With an Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Charleston, SC

Whether you were taking a quick Uber ride to Food Lion or getting a ride home from dinner on East Bay Street, our team knows how to help after an accident. You do not have to work on your rideshare accident case alone. You have the right to retain legal counsel. Our injury lawyers can advocate on your behalf and handle the entire legal process. 

Call our office in Charleston today at (843) 628-0100 or click to contact our team. We offer free case reviews for Uber and Lyft rideshare accident victims.