Spartanburg Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Spartanburg’s vibrant nightlife and growing community often rely on ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. But what happens when your ride takes a dangerous turn due to a negligent driver?

Rideshare accidents, while not as common as traditional car accidents, can leave passengers feeling confused and unsure of their legal rights.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the complexities of ridesharing accidents. Our Spartanburg rideshare accident lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare accident.

Why You Need a Spartanburg Rideshare Accident Attorney From the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm

• Ridesharing Law Experts: Our Spartanburg rideshare accident attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of ridesharing accident law, including how insurance coverage works for passengers in these situations. We’ll navigate the legal maze to ensure your rights are protected.
• Holding All Parties Accountable: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, we may pursue claims against the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or the other driver involved in the collision. Our aggressive legal team will fight to hold all negligent parties accountable.
• Maximizing Your Compensation: Rideshare accidents can lead to significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical therapy needs. We won’t settle for lowball offers from insurance companies. Our skilled negotiators will fight to recover compensation for all your losses, including:
  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

Understanding Ridesharing Insurance Coverage

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft maintain insurance policies to cover passengers in the event of an accident. However, coverage can vary significantly depending on the specific stage of the rideshare driver’s trip when the accident happened.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Driver Logged Off the App

• In this scenario, the rideshare driver is essentially using their vehicle for personal use.
• The primary insurance coverage would come from the driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
• The driver must maintain valid and adequate car insurance coverage, as mandated by South Carolina law (minimum liability coverage limits are 25/50/25 – $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage) Source: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles [invalid URL sc dmv ON South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles scdmv.org].
• If the driver’s personal insurance policy limits are insufficient to cover your injuries, you might need to explore underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) from your own auto insurance policy (if you have it) to recover additional compensation.

1. Driver Waiting for a Ride Request (App On, But No Passenger Assigned)

• During this period, the rideshare company might provide limited insurance coverage for passengers in a non-accident situation.
• This coverage is typically much lower than the coverage provided when a passenger is actively being transported.
• The specific details and limitations of this coverage will vary depending on the rideshare company’s policy.
• If a serious accident occurs during this stage, you might face challenges in recovering full compensation for your injuries.

1. Driver En Route with a Passenger (App On and Passenger Accepted)

• This is when the ridesharing company’s primary liability insurance policy kicks in, offering the most comprehensive coverage for passengers.
• The minimum coverage limits mandated by South Carolina law likely won’t apply in this situation.
• The rideshare company’s policy will likely provide significantly higher limits for bodily injury and property damage.
• Specific coverage details can vary depending on the company (e.g., Uber and Lyft might have different minimum coverage limits).
• In some cases, the ridesharing company’s policy might also include coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists (UIM), offering additional protection if the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance.

Important Considerations

• Understanding the Rideshare Company’s Policy: It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific insurance coverage details offered by the rideshare company you use most frequently. This information is usually available on the company’s website or app.
• Verifying Driver Insurance: Don’t hesitate to ask your rideshare driver to confirm they have valid commercial auto insurance coverage through the rideshare company.
• Maintaining Your Auto Insurance: While ridesharing companies offer insurance for passengers, it’s still wise to maintain your auto insurance policy. This can provide additional protection in case of a rideshare accident, especially during periods of limited coverage (e.g., when the driver is logged off the app).

Legal Options After a Spartanburg Ridesharing Accident

Understanding rideshare insurance is crucial, but what happens when the accident leaves you with significant injuries and the available coverage falls short? Here’s how a Spartanburg personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve:

1. Determining Liability

• Identifying the At-Fault Party: The first step is to determine who caused the accident. This could be the rideshare driver, another driver on the road, or even a pedestrian or cyclist who caused the collision.
• Shared Fault: South Carolina follows a comparative negligence law. This means the amount of compensation you receive might be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation award will be decreased by 20%. A skilled attorney can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and build a strong case to minimize any potential fault attributed to you.

1. Building Your Case

• Medical Records: Detailed medical records documenting your injuries, treatment received, and future medical needs are vital evidence to support your claim.
• Lost Wages: Proof of lost wages due to missed work as a result of the accident strengthens your compensation case.
• Pain and Suffering: While more subjective, evidence of pain and suffering caused by the accident, such as doctor’s notes or therapist reports, can be used to calculate non-economic damages.

1. Negotiating a Settlement

• Insurance Negotiations: An experienced personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the rideshare company’s insurance provider or the at-fault driver’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term disability resulting from the accident.

1. Filing a Lawsuit

• If negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement, your lawyer might advise filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party or the rideshare company. The lawsuit will be filed in the appropriate court in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. The lawsuit process can be complex, and having a skilled attorney represent you is crucial to navigating the legal system and presenting your case effectively.

Benefits of Hiring a Spartanburg Ridesharing Accident Law Firm

Here’s how a lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath and get back on your feet:

• Let Your Lawyer Be Your Guide: Ridesharing accident laws are a tangled web for the uninitiated. An attorney can translate the legalese, explain your rights, and ensure you take all the right steps to maximize your compensation.
• Turning the Tables on Time: Evidence is fleeting after an accident. A lawyer will hit the ground running, conducting a thorough investigation of the scene, interviewing witnesses, and collecting everything needed to build a strong case for your claim.
• Negotiation Ninja: Insurance companies love lowball offers. An attorney with a proven track record of battling insurance giants will be your champion, fighting tooth and nail to secure the compensation you deserve.
• Ready for Court? So is Your Lawyer: If push comes to shove and a lawsuit becomes necessary, your lawyer will be a battle-tested warrior in the courtroom. Their experience and skills will ensure you’re represented effectively, leaving no stone unturned in your pursuit of justice.

Potential Compensation After a Spartanburg Rideshare Accident

Spartanburg’s rideshare options offer convenience, but a collision can leave you injured and facing financial hardship. While rideshare insurance provides some coverage, the available amount might not cover all your losses.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential compensation you could recover after a Spartanburg rideshare accident:

Understanding Recoverable Damages

A rideshare accident can leave you with more than just physical injuries. You might also face a mountain of medical bills and lost wages.

Here’s a breakdown of the compensation you might be entitled to in South Carolina:

Economic Damages

These are the clear-cut financial losses you face:

• Medical Bills: From doctor visits and hospital stays to surgery, medication, rehab, and therapy, this covers all past and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: Missed work due to the accident means missed paychecks. This includes salary, bonuses, and commissions.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job or limit your ability to earn, you might be compensated for future lost wages.
• Property Damage: Did you get a broken phone or ruined clothes from the accident? You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged belongings.

Non-Economic Damages

These are the intangible losses that can be harder to put a price tag on:

• Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain you endure because of your injuries. Let’s face it, getting hurt sucks, and you deserve compensation for that.
• Mental Anguish: Anxiety, depression, PTSD – the emotional toll of the accident can be significant. You can recover compensation for that too.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse, you might be able to recover compensation for the loss of intimacy and companionship.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t play your favorite sport anymore or go on those weekend hikes you loved? This loss of ability to participate in activities you used to enjoy can be compensated.

Factors Affecting Compensation

The amount of compensation you receive after a Spartanburg rideshare accident will depend on several factors, including:

• Severity of Your Injuries: More severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation will likely result in higher compensation.
• Impact on Your Life: The extent to which your injuries affect your daily life, work, and ability to enjoy activities will influence the awarded non-economic damages.
• Shared Fault: If you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation award will be reduced based on your percentage of fault attributed by the court (comparative negligence law).
• Available Insurance Coverage: The at-fault party’s insurance coverage limits and the rideshare company’s policy limits will play a role in determining the maximum recoverable compensation.
• Strength of Your Case: A well-documented case with clear evidence of liability and damages will lead to a stronger claim for fair compensation.

Spartanburg Rideshare Accident FAQs

Spartanburg’s rideshare scene thrives, but accidents can leave you stranded in a legal grey area. Here are some unique FAQs to shed light on the complexities specific to Spartanburg rideshare laws:

Can I Sue the Ridesharing Company Directly if the Accident Wasn’t the Driver’s Fault (e.g., Caused by a Pothole)?

South Carolina law allows lawsuits against rideshare companies under certain circumstances. However, it can be tricky. While rideshare companies maintain insurance for passengers, their liability for accidents not caused by their driver’s negligence is less clear. Consulting an attorney is crucial to determine if you have a case against the rideshare company for inadequate road maintenance within their vehicle (if applicable) or neglecting to warn passengers about known hazardous routes.

My Friend Was Intoxicated When We Ordered a Rideshare. Are They Covered by Insurance if They Get Injured in an Accident (Even if Partially at Fault)?

South Carolina follows comparative negligence, meaning compensation awards are reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to each party. Even if your friend’s intoxication contributed to the accident, they might still be entitled to some compensation from the rideshare company’s insurance, depending on the severity of their injuries and the degree of fault assigned to the other parties involved.

Can I Use My Own Auto Insurance if the Ridesharing Company’s Coverage Seems Insufficient?

Yes, your own auto insurance policy’s Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage could come into play if the at-fault driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s coverage limits aren’t enough to cover your medical expenses and other damages. This is why maintaining your own auto insurance is crucial, even when relying on ridesharing services.

What Happens if the Rideshare Driver Cancels My Ride Mid-Trip, and I’m Subsequently Injured in a Different Accident While Trying to Hail Another Cab?

This scenario falls into a legal grey area. The rideshare company might argue they aren’t liable for your injuries since the accident occurred after the ride cancellation. However, an attorney can explore arguments based on the inconvenience caused by the cancellation placing you in a vulnerable position where you needed to find alternative transportation urgently.

I Was Hit by a Rideshare Driver While Riding My Bicycle. Does South Carolina Have Specific Laws Regarding Liability in Rideshare-Bicycle Collisions?

South Carolina traffic laws apply to all motorists, including rideshare drivers. However, there’s no specific law addressing liability in these situations. The standard traffic code regarding bicycle safety and driver responsibility would be used to determine fault. An attorney can analyze the specific details of your accident to determine liability.

Don’t Let the Legal Ride Be Bumpy

Spartanburg rideshare accidents can be complex. Ali Awad, also known as the CEO Lawyer, is the founder and managing attorney of one of the fastest-growing law firms in the United States. Ali has over one million followers on social media who come to him for personal injury advice of all types.

The CEO Lawyer’s team of experienced attorneys has handled cases just like yours and boast a success rate of over 99.5%. Don’t navigate the legal complexities alone.

Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today for a free consultation. Call (864) 664-3865 or visit our website.