Uber and other rideshare services have recently become increasingly popular in Hilton Head. However, navigating the aftermath can be complicated if you’re involved in an accident caused by your Uber driver.
In such instances, determining liability and which insurance will cover damages—the driver’s or Uber’s—can be complicated. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we specialize in clarifying these complications and pursuing rightful compensation for those injured in Uber accidents across both Carolinas.
Our attorneys have the expertise to pursue other drivers and rideshare drivers to create strategic outcomes for each client. We can start with a consultation right now and do the same for you and your family.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please call us today.
The Role of Our Hilton Head Rideshare Accident Attorneys
- Expert Legal Guidance: Rideshare accident lawyers in South Carolina bring necessary expertise to victims navigating the complexities of such cases. Our attorneys are well-versed in local laws and rideshare policies. We provide essential guidance to help victims understand their rights, build robust legal cases, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, or pursue litigation if necessary.
- Interpreting Rideshare Company Policies: Companies like Uber and Lyft enforce specific policies that govern their drivers and passengers. These policies differ depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident—whether they had a passenger, were en route to one, or were not working. Our specialized attorney understands these nuances and can identify the appropriate insurance coverage to address medical costs, property damage, and other losses.
- Determining Liability: Identifying faults in rideshare accidents can be intricate, as multiple parties may be involved. Our experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather necessary evidence, and reconstruct the events to accurately determine liability. This ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable.
- Maximizing Compensation: Rideshare accidents can lead to significant damages such as medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings, and emotional distress. Our skilled attorney knows the various types of compensation available and strives to maximize the compensation victims receive, ensuring a comprehensive valuation of all damages.
- Navigating Insurance Negotiations: Insurance companies often attempt to reduce their financial obligations to accident victims. Having an attorney as your advocate is crucial; we will negotiate with insurers to secure a settlement that fully covers your losses.
- Adhering to Statutory Deadlines: South Carolina enforces a statute of limitations that restricts the timeframe for filing a legal claim after an accident. Our knowledgeable attorney ensures your case is filed promptly, safeguarding your right to compensation.
- Litigation Skills: While many cases settle out of court, some require litigation to resolve fairly. An attorney with litigation experience in rideshare accidents can take your case to court if needed, advocating for your rights.
- Providing Emotional Support: The consequences of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. Our compassionate attorney supports you both legally and emotionally, offering reassurance and addressing any concerns you may have throughout the legal proceedings.
- Handling Complex Legal Processes: Rideshare accident cases involve detailed procedures, including document handling, evidence collection, and court appearances. Our experienced attorney adeptly manages these processes, ensuring legal accuracy and protecting you from common pitfalls.
Why Choose Our Hilton Head Rideshare Accident Law Firm for Your Accident Claims?
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our Hilton Head personal injury law firm is a dedicated advocate for victims’ rights, particularly those injured or bereaved due to another’s negligence.
We embrace the challenge of complex litigation and have successfully argued before the South Carolina Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.
Over the years, we have secured a lot of the settlements and verdicts for our clients. Suppose you were involved in an accident as a Lyft or Uber passenger, another vehicle’s occupant, or a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a rideshare vehicle.
In that case, you might be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and other damages. Reach out to our Hilton Head Rideshare Accident Law Firm today for a complimentary consultation, and let us help you guide your path to recovery.
What Are the Requirements for Rideshare Drivers in Hilton Head, SC?
While rideshare drivers aren’t professional drivers like taxi or limousine drivers and don’t require special credentials, both Uber and Lyft have set standards for who can drive under their services. The basic requirements for rideshare drivers in South Carolina include:
- Minimum Age: Drivers must be at least 25 years old to drive for Uber or Lyft.
- Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is required. Uber mandates at least one year of licensed driving experience.
- Documentation: Drivers must provide specific documents such as proof of personal vehicle insurance, vehicle registration, a driver profile photo, and/or a vehicle inspection report.
- Driver Screening/Background Check: Both Uber and Lyft require drivers to consent to a criminal background check and a driving history review.
Our Hilton Head Rideshare Accident Lawyers also mandate further safety measures. This law, named after a University of South Carolina student who was tragically killed by someone impersonating a rideshare driver, requires all Uber and Lyft drivers to display their license plate information on a visible placard at the front of their vehicle.
The act also criminalizes posing as a rideshare driver and requires mandatory vehicle inspections and thorough background checks to enhance passenger safety.
Steps to Follow After a Rideshare Accident in Hilton Head
If you’ve been injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, or if you were hit by one of their drivers, it’s crucial to know how to proceed to ensure you can recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
Here’s a guide to help you guide the consequences of an Uber or Lyft car accident in Hilton Head:
- Immediately call the police to report the accident. If there are any injuries, request an ambulance at the scene.
- Swap contact details with the other driver, including names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details.
- When speaking to the police, offer only verifiable information and avoid making speculative statements about the cause of the accident.
- Exercise caution in communications with insurance representatives. Refrain from providing recorded statements or signing any documents from insurance companies before consulting with a lawyer. Additionally, do not minimize your injuries or accept blame.
- If advised by medical personnel, go to the hospital immediately. Even if you feel fine, it’s wise to get checked by a doctor soon after the accident; some serious injuries might not be immediately apparent.
- Keep all receipts, bills, and correspondence related to the accident and your injuries. Documentation is vital for substantiating your claims.
- As soon as possible, document a detailed account of the accident while the details are still fresh in your mind. Include what you did before the accident, your destination, who was with you, and other relevant information.
- Contact a lawyer who specializes in Uber and Lyft accidents. They will manage the complexities of your claim, including evidence collection, medical documentation, cost calculation, and negotiations with insurance companies.
Common Causes of Ridesharing Accidents in Hilton Head, SC
In Hilton Head, SC, as with other areas, most accidents involving transportation network companies stem from negligence. If a rideshare driver fails to exercise due care while driving, they might be liable for any injuries.
The injured party must demonstrate that the driver’s negligent actions directly caused their injuries. In instances where both the rideshare driver and another motorist are at fault, both may be held financially responsible.
Key reasons for these accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers often juggle multiple tasks, such as using GPS, checking for ride requests, or searching for passengers. Even brief distractions can result in accidents.
- Improper Maneuvers: Sudden or illegal U-turns while searching for passengers can lead to collisions.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Changing lanes without caution or legality.
- Speeding: This includes driving over the speed limit or too fast for current road conditions.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even some prescription medications.
- Driver Fatigue: Similar to long-haul truckers, rideshare drivers may work extended hours without sufficient rest, making fatigue a significant hazard.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Drivers may postpone necessary vehicle maintenance and repairs to maximize earnings.
- Disobedience to Traffic Laws: Ignoring traffic signals and signs can lead to accidents.
- Tailgating and Aggressive Driving: These behaviors significantly increase the risk of accidents.
- Road Rage: Expressions of anger while driving can escalate into dangerous situations.
According to DriversEd.com’s Reckless Ridesharing Report, about 35 percent of surveyed users felt their driver was reckless. Reports included texting (29 percent), social media usage (16 percent), and other risky behaviors like impaired driving, inappropriate actions, video watching, and road rage while driving.
Compensation from a Hilton Head Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Hilton Head, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. Common damages that victims can claim include:
Medical Treatment Costs:
- Emergency Treatment: Immediate care received after the accident.
- Hospital Stays: Costs incurred during hospitalization.
- Ongoing Treatment: Continued care by doctors and other medical professionals.
- Surgery: Expenses for necessary surgical procedures.
- Medication: Costs of prescription drugs required for recovery.
- Medical Equipment: Expenses for any necessary medical devices.
- Therapy: Physical or occupational therapy is needed for rehabilitation.
Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity:
- Compensation for wages lost due to inability to work.
- Damages for reduced ability to earn income in the future.
Pain and Suffering:
- Physical Anguish: Pain experienced as a result of the accident.
- Mental Anguish: Emotional distress and loss of quality of life.
Wrongful Death:
- Compensation for families who have lost a loved one due to the accident.
Punitive Damages:
- Awarded in rare cases with clear and convincing proof of willful, wanton, or reckless actions.
- South Carolina places a cap on punitive damages in most cases.
Can You Sue Uber for an Accident in Hilton Head, South Carolina?
If you’re injured in an accident involving an Uber driver in Hilton Head, you may have the right to pursue a claim against Uber. Potential claimants include other drivers, passengers of other vehicles, Uber passengers, and even pedestrians or bicyclists involved in the accident.
Uber typically argues that it is only liable when the driver is logged into the company’s digital network. However, if the driver was not logged in during the accident, the driver’s insurance may be the only applicable coverage.
Uber mandates that drivers meet certain requirements, including being of legal driving age, holding a valid driver’s license, owning a four-door vehicle, and possessing a minimum of one year’s driving experience—or three years if under 23. Drivers must also pass criminal and driving background checks and show proof of insurance.
Victims of Uber-related accidents often include other drivers and their passengers, and some accidents may involve multiple vehicles. Uber may initially contend that the driver was not logged into its network during the accident.
In some instances, Uber might also claim that the driver was an independent contractor to avoid liability.
While Uber can be more challenging when dealing with claims from other vehicle occupants, it might be more accommodating towards claims from its passengers. However, be cautious with any immediate settlement offers following an Uber accident, as they may not fully compensate you for your losses.
In Hilton Head, SC, you have three years to file an injury lawsuit against Uber, according to Section 15-3-530 of the South Carolina Code. This timeframe also applies to wrongful death lawsuits, though the clock starts on the date of the person’s death rather than the date of the accident.
Contact Our Hilton Head Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today!
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is a personal injury law firm with an office in Atlanta, GA. Our attorneys are highly skilled in representing personal injury victims, including those involved in rideshare accidents, and we are always ready to advocate for those in need of our assistance.
We take pride in our outstanding reputation across South Carolina and our knowledge and industry experience in securing fair settlements for our clients. While most of our cases are settled outside of court, we are fully prepared to present your case before a judge and jury if necessary.
Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for justice, helping those in need, and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we believe that innocent people should not suffer due to the negligence or recklessness of others.
You likely have many questions if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in South Carolina. Call us at (864) 664-3865 today!
Let us fight for your rights and help you get your deserved compensation.
