Ridesharing has become an essential mode of transportation, particularly among younger demographics. However, accidents involving rideshare vehicles, such as those from Uber, Lyft, or traditional taxis, can still occur.
When they do, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Managing these claims can be intricate, as they often involve the ridesharing company and their insurance policies. The specifics of each case can be complex and contentious. This is why having an expert personal injury attorney with expertise in rideshare accidents is essential.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our dedicated rideshare accident lawyers are prepared to challenge rideshare companies and insurance adjusters to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us online or call us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
We’ll help you understand your legal options and guide you through the next steps.
How Our Simpsonville Rideshare Accident Attorneys Can Represent You in the Court
Rideshare accidents can be notably complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties, such as the rideshare driver, their insurance, the rideshare company’s corporate insurer, and possibly other affected drivers or pedestrians.
In such multifaceted cases, the expertise of a specialized attorney is beneficial. Our Simpsonville Rideshare Accident Attorneys are trained to tackle the unique challenges presented by Uber and Lyft accident claims in Simpsonville and surrounding areas.
What We Offer:
- Expert Legal Consultation: Starting with a free initial consultation, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers provides personalized advice personalized to the specifics of your rideshare accident. We ensure that you understand your legal rights and the potential avenues for compensation.
- Thorough Investigation: Our attorneys do an in-depth investigation of the circumstances surrounding your accident. This includes gathering detailed evidence, speaking with witnesses, and working with forensic experts to establish a clear picture of the incident and pinpoint liability.
- Strategic Negotiations: Armed with evidence and an expert understanding of personal injury law, we engage in strategic negotiations with all parties involved. Our goal is to secure a settlement that fully compensates for your medical payments, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related costs without the need for a lengthy court battle.
- Court Representation: If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, our expert trial attorneys are prepared to represent you in court. With a strong track record in litigating rideshare accident cases, we advocate vigorously on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Continuous Support: Throughout the legal process, we keep you informed and involved. Our team is always accessible to answer your questions and provide updates on the progress of your case.
Why Opt for Our Simpsonville Rideshare Accident Law Firm After a Lyft or Uber Accident?
Our Simpsonville personal injury attorneys are dedicated to advocating for those injured due to negligence. We boast a proven track record in securing significant settlements for our clients, reflecting our extensive experience in handling a wide range of challenging legal cases.
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident—as a passenger, another vehicle’s driver, or a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a rideshare vehicle—you may be entitled to seek compensation. Our legal team is committed to ensuring that you obtain comprehensive compensation for medical costs and other losses you’ve suffered.
Contact our law firm today to arrange a no-cost consultation, where we can discuss how we can support you with your Uber or Lyft accident claim.
Main Causes of South Carolina Ridesharing Accidents
Ridesharing accidents in Simpsonville, SC, much like other vehicular incidents, are predominantly caused by negligence. When drivers fail to maintain a standard of reasonable care on the road, they can be held liable for any damages incurred by those injured as a result.
To establish fault, the injured party must demonstrate that the driver’s negligence directly led to the accident and the resulting injuries. In instances where both a rideshare and another driver are at fault, liability may be split between the parties involved.
Frequent contributors to these accidents encompass a range of driver errors and external factors:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers often juggle multiple tasks such as navigating via GPS, responding to alerts from their rideshare app, and identifying passengers, which significantly diverts their attention from driving safely.
- Improper Maneuvers: Incidents often occur due to sudden or illegal U-turns made in an attempt to locate passengers.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: These maneuvers can lead to collisions if not executed with caution.
- Excessive Speed: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a common cause of accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the impact of substances like alcohol, drugs, or even some prescription medications can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Driver Fatigue: Similar to long-haul truck drivers, rideshare operators may experience fatigue after long periods of driving without sufficient rest, making them less alert.
- Neglected Vehicle Maintenance: In the pursuit of higher earnings, some drivers might postpone necessary vehicle upkeep and repairs, which can lead to mechanical failures.
- Disregard for Traffic Laws: Ignoring traffic signals, tailgating, road rage, and aggressive driving behaviors also contribute significantly to the incidence of crashes.
A recent DriversEd.com survey titled the Reckless Ridesharing Report highlighted consumer concerns, with 35 percent of respondents feeling their driver was reckless. Distractions such as texting (29 percent), social media usage (16 percent), and other irresponsible behaviors like impaired driving and road rage were reported, determining the risks associated with some ridesharing experiences.
Common Errors Made by Victims in Uber Accident Claims
Filing a claim after an Uber accident can be a challenging endeavor, often complicated by common errors made by those injured. Following this process without the guidance of an expert Uber Accident Attorney in Simpsonville, SC, may increase the likelihood of these pitfalls.
Inadvertently Accepting Fault
Many find that dealing with insurance companies is not straightforward; initially, these companies might appear supportive, using a compassionate tone to gain your trust. However, their ultimate goal is often to minimize what they pay out.
During interactions, they might ask leading questions or request recorded statements designed to elicit admissions of fault, which could be used to undermine your claim.
Delaying Medical Attention
Insurance companies pay close attention to the timeline of medical treatment following an accident.
While it’s not always necessary to visit the emergency room immediately, obtaining medical consultation promptly is crucial. Delaying this step can be detrimental, as insurers may argue that the delay indicates your injuries were less serious, which could diminish the legitimacy of your claim.
Discussing the Incident on Social Media
In the digital age, social media can significantly impact legal proceedings. Posts, pictures, or comments about your accident can be scrutinized by insurance companies looking for inconsistencies or evidence that could weaken your case.
It’s advisable to avoid discussing any aspects of the incident online and to adjust your privacy settings to control who can view your content.
Steps to Take Following an Uber or Lyft Accident in Simpsonville, SC
If you find yourself involved in a rideshare accident, such as with Uber or Lyft, it’s essential to know the necessary actions to protect your interests.
Here’s guidance from an expert car accident attorney in Simpsonville, SC:
- Immediately Call 911: It’s essential to report the accident to local authorities. This ensures that anyone injured receives swift medical attention, which is vital regardless of how minor you believe your injuries are. Prompt medical care not only addresses health concerns but also supports any future legal claims. The police will also create an official accident report, which is an invaluable document for any legal proceedings.
- Document the Accident Scene: Take comprehensive photographs of the accident site, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage, the surrounding area, and your injuries. Visual evidence can be compelling in legal and insurance claims.
- Collect Detailed Information: Obtain all pertinent information from your rideshare driver, including their insurance and contact details, and save the ride details from your rideshare app. Screenshots of the ride data can be particularly useful. Additionally, gather contact details from any witnesses; their accounts may prove critical later.
- Seek Legal Counsel: Before engaging with insurance companies or considering any settlements, consult with a specialized Uber and Lyft accident lawyer. Firms like our Simpsonville personal injury law firm are experienced in guiding you through the complexities of your case, from negotiating with insurance adjusters to filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary. Avoid making any formal statements or signing documents until you have legal representation.
Determining Liability When an Uber or Lyft Driver Causes an Accident
When you’re injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, establishing financial responsibility depends on the driver’s status with the rideshare app at the time of the accident.
Here’s how claims are typically handled based on the driver’s engagement:
- Driver Offline: If the driver wasn’t logged into the rideshare app, they are considered off-duty. In such cases, any claims must be directed toward the driver’s auto liability insurance. Under South Carolina law, every vehicle owner must carry minimum liability insurance, which includes $25,000 for individual bodily injury or death, $50,000 total for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver Logged In Without Passengers: If the driver was logged into the app but hadn’t yet accepted a ride request, Uber or Lyft’s contingent coverage applies. This includes a 50/100/25 policy: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Additionally, there’s coverage for incidents involving uninsured motorists that match the state’s mandatory 25/50/25 liability coverage.
- Driver Carrying Passengers: In scenarios where the driver has accepted a ride request or is transporting a passenger, both Uber and Lyft provide substantial coverage up to $1 million for third-party liability. This policy kicks in once the driver’s personal insurance limits are exceeded. This $1 million coverage extends to any injuries sustained by passengers or other drivers in accidents where the rideshare driver is at fault and also covers incidents involving underinsured or uninsured motorists affecting the rideshare vehicle.
Get in Touch With Our Simpsonville Rideshare Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation Today!
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare service in Simpsonville, SC, you may be entitled to compensation. Our expert team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is here to guide you through your legal options, helping you secure the financial support you need for your injuries and related damages.
Dealing with the consequences of an accident can be stressful, especially when it comes to medical care and expenses. Allow us to take on the burden of your legal claims so that you can concentrate on your recovery.
Call our rideshare accident lawyers at (864) 664-3865 and start your journey to justice!
