Goose Creek Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Many people find ridesharing apps convenient, accessible, and an excellent way to travel around Goose Creek. Additionally, some data suggests that ridesharing apps help reduce the number of drunk and impaired drivers on the roads, thereby improving safety and decreasing the frequency of drunk driving accidents.

However, it’s important to know that rideshare services also carry significant risks. You could find yourself in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, or another driver could collide with the rideshare vehicle you are in, potentially causing serious harm.

If you were injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident, contact our Goose Creek rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. The Goose Creek rideshare accident lawyers at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm regularly handle Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accident claims.

We will review your case at no cost and advise you of your options. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Our Goose Creek Rideshare Accident Attorneys?

Our personal injury attorneys, with a wealth of litigation experience spanning the US, have extensive knowledge of securing compensation for injured victims. 

Here’s why you can trust us to handle your case:

• Trusted Relationships: We form long-term relationships with our clients and colleagues by being trustworthy, transparent, and fair.
• Personalized Solutions: We work hard to secure results that are fair for you and unique to your case.
• Excellence and Dedication: We strive for excellence and aim to exceed our clients’ expectations.

The financial strain following an injury can quickly become too much to bear. The personal injuries suffered in Uber or Lyft accidents often lead to lost wages and missed time from work.

Our Goose Creek personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process. We handle negotiations with insurance companies, correspond with rideshare drivers and their personal insurance companies, and fight to ensure victims of personal injury recoup what was lost in an Uber or Lyft accident.

We aim to help you recover damages and get your life back on track.

What Services Can You Expect From Our Goose Creek Rideshare Accident Law Firm?

Determining Fault in Rideshare Accidents

Establishing liability in rideshare accidents can be complex. Our rideshare accident attorneys work diligently to uncover the cause of the crash and how you were injured.

We thoroughly investigate the accident’s circumstances to identify who is at fault—whether it’s the rideshare driver, another driver, the rideshare company for failing to properly vet drivers, or any other involved party—and hold them accountable.

Dealing with Rideshare Company Insurance

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have specific insurance policies and limitations for accidents. Our lawyers handle all communications and negotiations with the rideshare companies to ensure all applicable coverage is identified.

We strive to secure a fair recovery by navigating the complications of rideshare insurance policies.

Calculating Damages Specific to Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can lead to various expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages. Our attorneys meticulously evaluate and present all your damages, considering the unique aspects of rideshare-related incidents. We advocate for fair compensation tailored to your specific situation.

Preparing for Trial with Rideshare Companies

We are ready to take your matter to court if a just settlement cannot be achieved. Our ridesharing accident attorneys offer strong, successful defenses, and we have an excellent reputation in the legal system.

We diligently prepare your case for trial to ensure that your rights are fiercely preserved. By choosing our rideshare accident attorneys, you can expect comprehensive legal support personalized to the complexities of rideshare-related incidents.

What Is Ridesharing?

Ridesharing is an arrangement where a passenger travels in a private vehicle driven by its owner/operator. Typically, the driver is a stranger, and the passenger agrees to pay a fee for the ride.

Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular ridesharing apps, but others also operate in Goose Creek.

Ridesharing offers a convenient and cost-effective option for commuters. It allows passengers to hail a driver from almost any location to reach their destination.

Ridesharing apps are more flexible than public transportation, as passengers can control the route and pickup time. Additionally, most ridesharing services offer carpool options, helping to keep costs lower.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Goose Creek

Ridesharing collisions can be caused by many of the same factors that lead to other auto accidents, including:

• Speeding
• Ignoring hazardous conditions (weather, road conditions, and traffic)
• Distracted driving
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Failing to obey traffic signals and signs
• Inexperienced or unqualified driving
• Driving while fatigued
• Driving under the influence (of alcohol or drugs)

Two of the most common causes of rideshare accidents are distracted driving and drowsy driving.

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of both car and rideshare accidents. In 2022, it was the third-highest contributing factor in total auto crashes in Texas. The nature of rideshare apps requires drivers to interact with their phones to accept rides and follow navigation, which can distract them from the road and lead to accidents.
• Drowsy Driving: Drowsy driving is another significant factor in rideshare accidents. Many drivers are encouraged to drive during peak hours or choose to drive for extended periods (more than ten hours). Although Uber imposed a twelve-hour driving limit in 2018, drivers are still incentivized to work during peak hours, usually late at night or early in the morning on weekends.

Notifications and promotions from rideshare apps can encourage drivers to continue driving even when tired, pushing them beyond safe limits. This can lead to drowsy driving accidents as some drivers may sacrifice sleep for additional rides.

Common Rideshare Accident Injuries

The injuries sustained in a rideshare accident in Goose Creek can have long-lasting impacts. Some injuries may be disabling, such as brain damage or paralysis, while others can cause psychological trauma from the experience of a traumatic accident.

A personal injury lawyer can help you receive proper medical care, document your injuries, and seek the compensation you need for recovery.

Common injuries in rideshare accidents include:

• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Chest injuries and rib fractures
• Emotional injuries (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Injuries to the legs and knees
• Internal injuries
• Neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Scrapes and cuts; more serious lacerations
• Severe bruising
• Severed limbs
• Skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Wrongful death

Serious injuries can require extensive medical care, including ongoing doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, potentially costing thousands of dollars. Even minor injuries can result in significant medical expenses and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has suffered any type of injury after an Uber or Lyft accident, contact our Goose Creek personal injury lawyer for assistance with the next steps.

What Should You Do if Involved in a Rideshare Accident?

Experiencing an auto accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can help protect your right to compensation and ensure you receive necessary medical care. If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, follow these steps:

• Stay Calm and Assess for Injuries: Take deep breaths and remain calm. Car accidents are stressful and frightening, but panicking can lead to further injury. Before moving, carefully check your body for any signs of injury.

• Call for Emergency Assistance: If you or anyone else needs immediate medical attention, call 911 and wait for the ambulance to arrive.

• Report the Accident to the Police: If you call 911, the police will arrive with first responders. If emergency assistance is not needed, call the local non-emergency number to report the accident and have officers dispatched. If no injuries are reported, the police may not come to the scene, but you should still report the incident online or in person.

• Document the Accident Scene: Use your phone or a camera to take photos of the crash scene and any visible injuries. If possible, capture a video that includes the surrounding area, such as stoplights or road signs.

• Gather Information: Collect the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident. Speak with any eyewitnesses and ask for their names and phone numbers. Ensure that drivers exchange insurance and driver’s license information.

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is crucial. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline. A complete medical examination can identify any latent injuries.
• Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer: Reach out to an attorney as soon as the accident happens or anytime after for advice on the next steps. They can help you build a case to support your claim, even if collecting photographs and information at the scene was impossible.

Following these steps can ensure your safety and protect your legal rights after a rideshare accident.

How Are Uber & Lyft Accidents Different From Car Accidents?

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide an alternative to traditional taxi and limousine services. While rideshare accidents are similar to typical car accidents in many ways, they are distinct from a legal perspective, making it more challenging to understand your rights as an injured passenger.

Key Differences Between Uber/Lyft Accidents and Regular Car Accidents:

• Presence of a Third Party: Rideshare accidents indirectly involve the rideshare company. This can affect the legal outcome of your case, as you may need to file an insurance claim with Uber or Lyft rather than with the at-fault driver.

• Rideshare Company Negligence: A rideshare company could be liable for an accident if it contributed to the crash through improper driver hiring, training, or retention practices or violated safety inspection regulations.

• Self-Driving Vehicles: If a technology or software malfunction causes an accident involving a self-driving Uber vehicle, the company may be financially responsible for the collision and any related injuries.
• Vicarious Liability: The doctrine of vicarious liability, which holds employers liable for the actions of their employees, typically does not apply to Uber and Lyft accidents. Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This distinction protects Uber and Lyft from vicarious liability for drivers who cause accidents. However, depending on the circumstances, you may still have a legal claim against the rideshare company.

Rideshare accident cases require more careful attention than other car accidents because liability is more complex to determine. A local Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Goose Creek can thoroughly investigate your rideshare accident and help you handle the legal intricacies involved.

What Are the Three Periods of a Rideshare Driver?

During an Uber or Lyft accident claim, you may hear about three specific periods of a rideshare driver. Understanding these periods is crucial, as the period during which your rideshare accident occurred will determine the amount of insurance coverage available from the ridesharing company.

South Carolina law categorizes a rideshare driver’s occupational duties into three periods:

Period One

This is when an Uber or Lyft driver is logged into the app and actively searching for riders but has not picked anyone up.

During this period, ridesharing companies in South Carolina must provide at least $50,000 in bodily injury and death insurance per person, $100,000 per accident, and $30,000 for property damage. Additionally, companies must provide $200,000 in liability insurance for the driver.

Period Two

In this period, the rideshare driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up the passenger. State law requires ridesharing companies to provide at least $1 million in primary commercial insurance coverage during this period.

This coverage is only available if an injured victim files a claim with the Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance.

Period Three

This period begins when the passenger is in the Uber or Lyft vehicle and is being driven to their destination. If an accident occurs during this time, the ridesharing company must offer $1 million in insurance coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Our Goose Creek Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can investigate your accident to determine which period of your ride you were in. Our attorney can then review your legal options based on the insurance available from the individual driver and the ridesharing company.

From there, our lawyer can help you file an insurance claim with the correct party to seek fair financial compensation.

Can I Receive Compensation if I Have Been Injured in an Uber Crash?

Due to the complexity of Uber accident cases, it is highly recommended to seek the help of a personal injury attorney. The rideshare accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can analyze your case and identify the various insurance companies involved to find the best source of compensation for you.

The types of compensation you may be entitled to receive will depend on the specific details of your case.

Those who have been seriously injured in an Uber rideshare crash may be entitled to one or more of the following forms of compensation:

• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Consortium or Reduced Quality of Life
• Medical Expenses and Treatment
• Loss of Income or Lost Profits
• Property Damage

To learn more about which types of compensation may apply to your case, schedule a free consultation with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law offices today.

What Are the Potential Damages From a Rideshare Accident?

To file a lawsuit and pursue compensation in a personal injury case, you must prove that you suffered damages due to someone else’s negligence. Compensatory damages refer to the losses you incurred from the accident and are divided into economic and non-economic losses.

Additionally, you may receive punitive damages in infrequent circumstances.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are specific losses with tangible evidence. Examples of economic damages include:

• Medical Bills: Total current and future medical bills, including prescription medications, ambulance costs, and in-patient and out-patient care visits.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for wages lost due to time off for injury or recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for lost potential earnings if your injury permanently restricts your ability to work.
• Medical Equipment or Caregiver Services: Costs for necessary medical equipment or caregiver services.
• Childcare Costs: If you provide primary childcare services, compensation for the cost of hiring a caregiver.
• Property Damage: Cost to repair or replace any property damaged during the accident.
• Necessary Transportation: Costs associated with necessary transportation following the accident.

With the help of a ridesharing accident lawyer, you can prove your claim by providing medical bills, receipts, repair estimates, and other documentation proving these losses.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and harder to quantify. Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Mental and Emotional Pain and Anguish
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Reputation
• Loss of Consortium
• Loss of Enjoyment
• Disfigurement
• Permanent or Temporary Disability

Non-economic damages often require a deeper understanding of the law and precedent. Our rideshare accident attorney can help you accurately value your case.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in rare circumstances where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

To learn more about the types of compensation you may be entitled to and to accurately value your case, consult our rideshare accident attorney, who can guide you through the legal process.

Does the Driver or Passenger Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney?

No matter your role in a rideshare accident, having legal representation can be highly beneficial. Rideshare accidents often present more complexities than those involving private vehicles, making it challenging for injured victims to secure the compensation they deserve.

Whether liable insurance companies attempt to deny your claim or offer unreasonably low settlement amounts, anyone involved in a Goose Creek Car Accident should consult the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. During your free case evaluation, we will review the facts of your case and explain how we can assist you.

The Accident Cause

As with any car crash, multiple factors can contribute to rideshare accidents. The rideshare driver, another vehicle driver, pedestrians, or road conditions may all bear some responsibility.

Investigating the cause of rideshare accidents is crucial because it determines why the crash happened and which parties are liable for damages.

Since rideshare cars are commercial vehicles while providing services to customers, multiple parties may be liable if they cause an accident, including:

• The driver
• The rideshare company
• The vehicle’s owner
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies

However, rideshare drivers are typically independent contractors rather than employees, limiting who can be held responsible for your injuries. Our experienced attorney can help you through this difficult time.

Some rideshare accidents are caused by malfunctioning traffic signals, government-owned vehicles, or poorly maintained roads. If a government agency is responsible for your accident, your claim becomes more convoluted.

These claims are subject to strict deadlines, requirements, and protocols. Hiring a competent rideshare accident lawyer who understands how to make claims against government agencies can ensure you don’t lose your right to compensation.

Rideshare App Status

Although ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance to their drivers and passengers, the coverage depends on the driver’s status:

• Off duty
• Available and waiting for an assignment
• On the way to pick up passengers
• Actively picking up or transporting passengers

If the driver’s status during an accident is unclear or disputed, determining which insurance policy is responsible for paying damages becomes challenging.

Multiple Insurance Company Involvement

The involvement of multiple insurance companies can complicate accident claims. In a rideshare accident, insurance companies that may be involved include:

• The PIP carrier for each person
• The company providing Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare insurance
• Other involved drivers’ insurance companies

None of these companies want to pay benefits and will likely argue amongst themselves over responsibility. Your lawyer will work to assign fault and recover compensation.

Disclosure

Most car insurance companies require policyholders to report if they use their vehicles for commercial purposes, such as ridesharing. If drivers fail to disclose this information and cause an accident, their insurance carrier may deny valid claims.

It may be difficult for rideshare drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other cars involved in collisions to get reimbursement for their losses. You can negotiate these difficulties and improve your chances of receiving just compensation by working with an expert ridesharing accident attorney. 

Get Free Consultation With Our Goose Creek Rideshare Accident Lawyers!

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we have experience and extensive knowledge in personal injury law. Our expertise ensures we handle rideshare accident cases effectively for our clients.

Since the inception of the rideshare industry, we have remained at the forefront of Uber and Lyft accident laws, providing our clients with aggressive legal representation. We aim to shape the ridesharing industry and influence how insurance companies manage these claims.

If you or a loved one was recently involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Goose Creek, our local rideshare accident attorneys are here to help. Contact us online or call  (864) 664-3865 to discuss the details of your case with our experienced Goose Creek accident attorneys.

FAQs

1. I was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft during a car accident. Who is responsible for my injuries?

Responsibility for your injuries depends on the circumstances of the accident. Either the rideshare company or the driver of the other vehicle could be liable. Both Uber and Lyft fully insure passengers from the start to the end of their rides, ensuring coverage regardless of the situation. However, it may sometimes be determined that your rideshare driver’s personal insurance is responsible for your losses. Rideshare accidents are among the most complex personal injury claims and should be handled by our experienced personal injury attorneys.

1. As an Uber or Lyft driver, how does rideshare insurance coverage work for me?

To drive for Uber or Lyft, you must have your own personal insurance. However, once you turn on the rideshare app to pick up riders, your personal insurance no longer covers you. While transporting riders for Uber or Lyft, you are covered by their insurance policies, which are divided into various phases of coverage. Unfortunately, there can be gaps in this coverage depending on the phase you are in. For example, in Uber’s phase 1 (the sign-in phase), the coverage is minimal. It’s essential to avoid accidents during this phase. For more detailed information about your rideshare company’s insurance policies, consult your company representative.

1. How long do I have to sue Uber or Lyft for an accident in Goose Creek?

In Goose Creek, the statute of limitations for most automobile accident claims is three years. However, this period may be extended in cases of delayed injury discovery or if an injured minor is involved. For property damage claims, you have three years to file. To avoid missing your deadline, it’s essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible.