Rideshare services like Uber have revolutionized transportation in Charleston and South Carolina, offering customers a quick and convenient way to get a ride anytime, anywhere, through an easy-to-use smartphone app. However, this convenience can be disrupted if you are injured while riding in or hit by a rideshare vehicle.
We’re here to help you navigate this inconvenience.
Our experienced Charleston Uber accident lawyers can help you navigate the intricate insurance and personal injury laws involved in such incidents. Our team can investigate your accident, determine who is legally responsible, and negotiate with the various insurance companies on your behalf to ensure a full and fair resolution of your claims.
Why You Need Our Charleston Rideshare Accident Attorneys for Your Claims
Rideshare accident cases can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge and experience. An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Charleston will have the expertise to handle these challenges effectively.
- Determining Liability: One of your lawyer’s main responsibilities is to determine liability. They will thoroughly investigate the accident to ascertain which party is at fault. This may include examining the rideshare driver’s record, maintenance history, and other contributing factors.
- Navigating Insurance Issues: Rideshare accident cases often involve multiple insurance policies, which can be complicated to navigate. Your attorney will help you understand the policies and ensure the appropriate claims are filed with the correct insurance providers. This expertise can simplify the process and ensure all claims are handled correctly.
- Advocating for Fair Compensation: Securing fair compensation can be challenging and time-consuming. A skilled Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Charleston will advocate for your case’s best outcome. Their experience in handling rideshare accident claims will be crucial in negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.
Having an experienced attorney by your side can significantly affect the outcome of your case, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Our Charleston Rideshare Accident Law Firm Can Assist You
Hiring a capable Charleston personal injury law firm is essential if you suffered injuries in a rideshare accident in order to get through the difficult process of receiving compensation for your losses. Our lawyers can manage every step of this process on your behalf, including locating potential sources of compensation and negotiating with powerful companies, as they have experience handling rideshare accident claims.
Take into consideration the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm if you require a South Carolina Uber or Lyft accident attorney. Ali Awad places a strong emphasis on giving each client personalized attention and care.
He chooses which cases to take on carefully, which enables him to efficiently handle and move cases through the court system quickly. Joe will ensure that you are aware of your status at every turn as a client by communicating with you openly and transparently from the beginning.
Personal injury is the exclusive focus of The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. Our goal is to assist individuals just like you in negotiating the legal system and getting significant outcomes from incidents that cause injuries.
Due to his vast experience, Ali Awad is well-suited to tackle the particular difficulties presented by ridesharing accident situations.
Ali Awad and his team have an excellent understanding of South Carolina legislation due to their legislative and legal experience, which enables them to effectively advocate on your behalf. By working with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, you can put your rideshare accident case in the hands of an experienced, dedicated team that will stop at nothing to defend your rights.
How Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Charleston Impact You?
With the rise in popularity of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, the number of related accidents has also increased. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help in prevention and safety improvements.
Here are the primary factors contributing to Uber and Lyft accidents in Charleston:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of Uber and Lyft accidents is distracted driving. Rideshare drivers often rely heavily on GPS and their smartphones to navigate and communicate with passengers. This constant use of technology can divert their attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Fatigue: Rideshare drivers typically work long hours, sometimes late into the night or early morning. This can lead to fatigue, and significantly impair reaction times and decision-making abilities, making accidents more likely.
- Speeding: To complete more rides and increase earnings, some Uber and Lyft drivers may speed up. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, leading to a higher likelihood of accidents.
- Inexperience: Not all rideshare drivers have extensive driving experience or familiarity with the areas they service. Inexperience can lead to poor judgment and errors, particularly in unfamiliar or complex traffic situations.
- Aggressive Driving: Rideshare drivers may sometimes exhibit aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, abrupt lane changes, or not yielding the right of way. These actions can easily result in collisions.
- Poor Weather Conditions: South Carolina’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rains and storms creating hazardous driving conditions. Rideshare drivers may not always adjust their driving habits appropriately to these conditions, leading to accidents.
- Traffic Violations: Ignoring traffic signals, running red lights, and other traffic violations are significant contributors to rideshare accidents. Such behavior can lead to serious accidents, endangering both passengers and other road users.
- Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Uber and Lyft drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. However, some may neglect routine maintenance, leading to mechanical failures such as brake issues or tire blowouts, which can cause accidents.
- Passenger Interference: Passengers can sometimes distract drivers by engaging them in conversation or behaving unpredictably. This interference can divert the driver’s attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: Although rideshare companies have strict policies against driving under the influence, there have been instances where drivers operated their vehicles while impaired. Alcohol and drug use severely impact a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties and the specific circumstances of each case.
Here’s a breakdown of who might be liable in a rideshare accident:
The Rideshare Driver
If the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident, they could be held liable. This includes scenarios where the driver was distracted, speeding, or engaging in other negligent behaviors. In such cases, the driver’s personal auto insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance policy may cover the damages, depending on the situation.
The Rideshare Company (Uber or Lyft)
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers. This coverage is contingent upon the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- Offline or the App is Off: If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, their personal insurance is the primary coverage.
- Available or Waiting for a Ride Request: When the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride, the rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage, which covers damages if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply.
- En Route to Pick Up Passengers or During a Trip: Once the driver accepts a ride request and until the ride is completed, the rideshare company’s insurance provides primary coverage, which includes liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has these coverages on their personal policy).
Other Drivers
If another driver was at fault for the accident, they would be liable for the damages. In this case, their auto insurance would typically cover the damages. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage might apply.
Third Parties
Liability can also extend to third parties in some cases. For example, if poor road conditions or a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, the government entity responsible for road maintenance or the vehicle manufacturer could be held liable.
Passengers
Passengers in rideshare vehicles are rarely held liable for accidents. However, if a passenger’s actions directly caused the driver to have an accident (e.g., physically interfering with the driver), the passenger could potentially be held liable.
You Have a Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Charleston
If you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit, South Carolina law (S.C. Ann § 15-3-530) generally gives you three years from the date of the rideshare accident to do so. If you fail to file by this deadline, you risk losing your right to seek compensation from a liable party.
It’s important to start the legal process as soon as possible. Investigating your case and negotiating with insurers takes time; these processes do not pause the statute of limitations. The sooner you start your case, the better you can protect your right to compensation.
We can inform you of your time to file and take immediate action to ensure compliance with this deadline.
Why Do Charleston Rideshare Accidents Happen?
Rideshare collisions in Charleston can result from various factors. The hectic traffic of Charleston streets makes rideshare accidents a common occurrence.
Some common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare services rely on apps to connect drivers and passengers. As a result, rideshare drivers often use their phones to view pick-up and drop-off locations for each ride request. While navigating directions, drivers can become distracted and make risky errors.
- Negligent Driving: Rideshare drivers are generally paid based on the number of trips they complete. The pressure to accept more trips for higher income, lack of sleep, and unfamiliarity with certain locations can increase the risk of accidents. Other forms of negligent driving, such as speeding and breaking traffic laws, also play a significant role.
- Vehicle Mechanical Issues: Rideshare drivers typically use their vehicles. If a driver neglects regular maintenance, mechanical problems, such as brake failure or worn tires, can increase the risk of a collision.
What Kind of Compensations Available in Charleston Rideshare Accident Cases?
If you’re involved in an Uber accident in Charleston, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Here’s an overview of the types of compensation that may be available:
Medical Expenses
This includes compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, such as:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Doctor visits
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation services
- Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
Lost Wages
If the accident caused you to miss work, you could be compensated for lost wages. This includes:
- Income lost during your recovery period
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can include:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of pleasure of life
Property Damage
If your property was damaged in the accident, you could receive compensation for repairs or replacement. This typically includes:
- Vehicle repairs
- Replacement of totaled vehicles
- Damage to personal items inside the vehicle
Disability and Disfigurement
If the accident results in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation for the long-term impact on your life. This can cover:
- Costs of assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, prosthetics)
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Impact on your quality of life
Loss of Consortium
In cases where the accident has affected your relationship with your spouse or family, compensation for loss of consortium may be available. This addresses:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of support
- Impact on marital relations
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, you might be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.
How to Pursue Compensation
To seek compensation, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Ensure all injuries are documented and treated.
- Declare the Accident: Notify the police and file an accident report.
- Collect Evidence: Gather evidence from the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and other relevant information.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: A skilled attorney can help guide the complications of your case, haggle with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Injured in an Accident? Call Our Charleston Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today!
If you’ve suffered damages in an Uber or Lyft accident, hiring a Charleston rideshare accident lawyer from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is important. Our law firm can help you recover appropriate compensation through a lawsuit or an insurance claim, which is incredibly challenging to navigate alone.
Rideshare companies will do everything possible to evade liability, even if your injuries are severe and require extensive medical treatment. An experienced attorney won’t allow them to get away with this.
Contact our Charleston rideshare accident lawyer at (864) 664-3865 or schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll help you explore your legal options.
FAQs:
- Can I sue the rideshare company after an accident?
Yes, you can sue the rideshare company, but it depends on various factors, such as whether the driver was logged into the app and accepting rides at the time of the accident. An experienced lawyer can assess your case and determine the best action to hold the rideshare company accountable.
- Who is liable for my injuries in a rideshare accident?
Liability in a rideshare accident can be complex. The rideshare driver, company, or another driver involved in the accident could be held responsible depending on the circumstances. A Charleston rideshare accident lawyer can help determine liability and pursue compensation.
- How much does it cost to hire a Charleston rideshare accident lawyer?
Many Charleston rideshare accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront fees. The lawyer only gets paid if you win your case, taking a percentage of the settlement or judgment as their fee. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to those who need it.
