Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top Columbia Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
At Hart Law, our Columbia ridesharing accident attorney is skilled, experienced, and devoted to fighting for the people who need help the most. We are on the side of victims and their family members—not ridesharing companies and their insurance providers. If you or your loved one was hurt in a collision with an Uber or a Lyft, we are more than ready to help.
Contact us today at (803) 771-7701 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a top-rated Columbia ridesharing accident lawyer.
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What are the Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Columbia
Being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Columbia can be stressful, frustrating, and confusing. Knowing what to do can make a big difference in the claims process. You should not rely on any insurance company to look out for your best interests. Here are four steps to take:
- Ensure that Collision is Reported to Police: In South Carolina, all motor vehicle crashes that result in physical injuries should be reported to the police. If you are the driver in another vehicle, be sure to stop your car and exchange information. If you are a passenger, make sure that your ridesharing driver reports the crash.
- Seek Medical Care: Make sure everyone involved is safe, and call 911 if anyone needs urgent medical attention. Even if you feel relatively fine, you should see a doctor for any injuries. You will need medical records to bring a personal injury claim.
- Notify Uber or Lyft: After confirming everyone’s safety, inform the rideshare company through their app. You should also reach out to your auto insurance provider as well if you were the driver of another vehicle.
- Speak to a Lawyer Before an Insurer: Do not agree to give a statement to an insurance adjuster without professional representation. An experienced personal injury attorney who is familiar with Columbia’s rideshare accident laws can help you understand your rights, negotiate the maximum compensation, and handle complex legal procedures on your behalf.
Every Ridesharing Accident Requires a Thorough Investigation
The investigation is a key part of any legal claim. After a serious ridesharing accident, your crash must be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Columbia Uber/Lyft accident lawyer who has the skills and experience to protect your rights. The investigation may involve examining police reports, reviewing dashcam footage, collecting statements from witnesses, and analyzing driving logs. By scrutinizing each piece of evidence, you can establish clear liability and ensure all parties are treated fairly.
Note: South Carolina is a fault-based auto accident state. That standard applies to all types of collisions, including ridesharing accident claims. The driver—or other party—who was at fault for a crash can be held liable for the resulting damages.
An Overview of Ridesharing Insurance in South Carolina
One of the things that makes Uber and Lyft accident claims especially challenging is that ridesharing is subject to specialized insurance regulations in South Carolina. Ridesharing drivers use their vehicles. At certain times, that vehicle is a personal car. Their auto liability coverage applies. In other circumstances, that vehicle is a commercial car.
The Uber or Lyft ridesharing policy will apply. Insurance coverage matters. Notably, under South Carolina law, ridesharing companies must ensure that their vehicles have at least $1 million in liability coverage whenever a passenger is in the vehicle. Here is an overview of how ridesharing insurance coverage works in the three different ridesharing vehicle situations in South Carolina:
- Driver Offline (App Turned Over, Not Taking Passengers): When the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, their car insurance policy applies. In this scenario, if an accident occurs, the rideshare company’s insurance generally will not provide any coverage.
- App On, No Passenger Yet: If the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, there is a limited form of coverage provided by the rideshare company. Most often, this includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
- App On, Passenger Onboard: Once a passenger is accepted and is either en route to pick them up or actively transporting them, the rideshare company’s full coverage applies. In South Carolina, the full $1 million insurance policy applies when passengers are onboard.
Know the Statute of Limitations for Ridesharing Accident Claims
Uber/Lyft accident claims are time-sensitive. Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-20), there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving ridesharing accidents. If you initiate after the three-year deadline expires, you could be denied any access to compensation through the South Carolina court system.
You do not want to wait to get started with your case: Consult with a Columbia, SC Uber/Lyft accident lawyer right away after a crash.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims
Hurt in a ridesharing accident in Columbia or elsewhere in the surrounding region? Under South Carolina law, you have the right to seek financial compensation for both your economic losses and your non-economic damages. How much can you expect to recover? The answer depends on a wide array of case-specific factors.
With that being said, you can be sure that ridesharing companies and their insurers will fight to pay out less. Our Columbia Uber & Lyft accident lawyer can help. We are prepared to help injured victims seek compensation for all available damages, including:
- Property damage, such as vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy and ongoing care;
- Lost wages and lost future income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Physical disfigurement;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
What Does the Ridesharing Accident Claims Process Look Like in South Carolina
The ridesharing accident claims process in South Carolina begins immediately after the accident. As a person hurt in a crash, you should contact the police to obtain an official accident report and seek any necessary medical treatment. Remember you should also report the crash to the rideshare company through its app.
After gathering information, you typically file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. You need an attorney. Negotiations can be complicated. Uber, Lyft, and their insurers can be aggressive. If a proper settlement is not offered, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and pursue litigation in court. An attorney can help.
Why Injured Ridesharing Victims Trust Our Columbia Attorney
Ridesharing accident claims are complicated. If you have a lot of questions about the legal process, you are certainly not alone. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on Uber, Lyft, or any ridesharing insurance company to look out for what is best for you and your family.
Christopher R. Hart has the experience that you can trust. With proven leadership in law and a record of client testimonials, Attorney Hart is always prepared to go the extra mile for clients. When you contact us, you will work with a Columbia ridesharing accident attorney who can:
- Listen to your story and answer legal questions about your case;
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation of your ridesharing accident;
- Handle all correspondence with Uber/Lyft and insurance adjusters; and
- Take aggressive legal action to help you secure the absolute maximum compensation.
Ridesharing Accident Claims in Columbia, SC: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Can Be Held Legally Responsible for a Ridesharing Crash in Columbia, SC?
It depends. These cases can be complicated because many different parties could potentially share the blame. Indeed in a ridesharing accident, responsibility can rest with the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company. South Carolina follows an “at-fault” system, meaning the party who caused the accident must pay for the resulting damages. However, it is important to note that South Carolina insurance regulations may hold the ridesharing company’s commercial policy liable in many circumstances.
How Does Ridesharing Insurance Work in South Carolina?
Rideshare companies (Uber and Lyft) provide a tiered insurance coverage system that depends on whether the driver is logged into the app and actively transporting passengers. If the driver was “on the clock,” the rideshare company’s commercial insurance may step in to cover medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. When the driver is not engaged in a trip, their auto insurance policy may be the primary source of coverage.
Should I Speak to an Attorney for Help With My Ridesharing Accident Claim?
Yes. While it is not a legal requirement to hire a lawyer, it is highly recommended after a serious accident. Ridesharing accident claims can be especially complex. You do not want to take on the complexities of the claims process alone, the right lawyer can help you navigate the system—so that you are in the best possible position to get justice and the maximum financial compensation. Your lawyer can handle the investigation, and the paperwork, and represent you in settlement negotiations.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Rideshare Auto Accident?
Ensure everyone’s safety, call 911 if needed, gather information, take photos, and report the incident to Uber and your insurance company.
Do I Need A Lawyer If Lyft or Uber Insurance Offers A Settlement?
It’s advisable to consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement, as initial offers may not fully cover your damages.
What If My Child Was Injured In A Lyft or Uber Accident?
You can file a claim on behalf of your child for medical expenses and other damages related to their injuries.
Contact Our Columbia Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
At Hart Law, our Columbia Uber & Lyft accident attorney is a compassionate, experienced advocate for justice. We are always prepared to put the rights and interests of injured victims first. Hurt in a ridesharing crash? Contact us today for your free, no-obligation initial case review. We take on ridesharing accidents in Columbia, Richland County, Lexington County, and throughout the area. You can also reach us at (803) 771-7701.