Rideshare drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents must follow specific legal duties, including reporting the incident. If they don’t, Hart Law fights for Sumter victims, working to secure fair compensation and navigate the insurance complexities. Call (803) 771-7701 if you need help with your rideshare accident case.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents in South Carolina

Rideshare accidents happen more often than you might think. When you use Uber or Lyft for public transportation, you expect a safe ride. Unfortunately, negligent drivers cause crashes that leave passengers hurt. A Sumter rideshare accident lawyer helps accident victims get the money they need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.

In South Carolina, rideshare accidents involve complicated insurance coverage rules. The driver’s status at the time of the accident determines which insurance company pays. If the rideshare driver was waiting for a ride request, different coverage applies than if they had a passenger in the car. Our law firm understands these legal aspects and fights to get you maximum compensation.

Many Uber drivers and Lyft drivers work as independent contractors, which makes determining liability more difficult. The insurance companies try to deny claims or pay less than what accident victims deserve. A rideshare accident lawyer knows how to handle insurance company tactics and push back when they act unfairly.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Distracted driving causes many rideshare accidents in Sumter. Rideshare drivers often look at their phones to check for new ride requests or follow GPS directions. This takes their eyes off the road and creates dangerous situations. When a driver’s negligence causes a car crash, passengers and other drivers can suffer severe injuries.

Speeding and reckless driving also lead to Uber accidents and Lyft accidents. Some drivers rush to pick up more passengers and earn more money. They may run red lights, change lanes without looking, or drive too fast for road conditions. These actions put everyone at risk and often result in motor vehicle accidents with serious harm.

Other drivers on the road contribute to rideshare accident cases, too. When more than one party shares blame for the crash, it affects your claim. South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer proves who caused the accident so you get a fair settlement.

Types of Injuries From Rideshare Crashes

A car accident involving Uber or Lyft can cause many types of injuries. Broken bones, back injuries, and head trauma are common when vehicles collide at high speeds. These injuries require immediate medical attention and often lead to expensive medical expenses. Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t have visible injuries, because some problems show up later.

Emotional distress and emotional trauma affect many people after rideshare accidents. Anxiety, fear of riding in cars, and sleep problems are real consequences that deserve financial compensation. Physical pain combined with mental suffering makes recovery harder and longer. Our legal team includes all these damages when calculating what you deserve.

Whiplash, cuts, and bruising may seem minor at first but can cause long-term problems. These injuries impact your ability to work and enjoy daily activities. Document everything related to your accident case, including all symptoms and treatments. This helps prove the full extent of your harm when seeking substantial compensation.

What to Do After a Uber or Lyft Accident

Experiencing a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. In Sumter, stay composed, assess injuries, and move to a safe location if necessary. Document the scene by noting vehicle details and driver information. Take photos, talk to witnesses, and preserve all evidence. Contact emergency services, file a police report, and seek medical care. Reach out to your insurance provider promptly. For dedicated legal help, Hart Law is here to support your Uber accident case. Contact us now for help.

Gather evidence from the accident scene as quickly as possible. Take pictures of all vehicles, property damage, road conditions, and any injuries you can see. Get contact and insurance information from the drivers involved, including the Uber or Lyft driver. Collect as much evidence as you can because key evidence disappears fast.

A police report creates an official record of what happened. Officers document the scene and may determine who caused the crash. This report becomes important evidence when filing insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit. Always ask for a copy of the report for your records.

Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Accidents

Insurance coverage for Uber and Lyft accidents depends on what the driver was doing when the accident happened. Rideshare companies provide different levels of coverage based on the driver’s status. When a rideshare driver has the app on but hasn’t accepted a ride request, limited liability coverage applies. Once they accept a request or have a passenger, fuller coverage kicks in.

Dealing with insurance companies after a rideshare accident creates stress and confusion. The insurance company for Uber or Lyft may deny your claim or offer too little money. They use tactics to reduce how much they pay, hoping you’ll accept less than you need. An accident lawyer familiar with insurance issues protects your rights and fights for a fair outcome.

Your own insurance policy may provide coverage if the rideshare company’s insurance won’t pay enough. Uninsured motorist coverage helps when the liable party has no insurance or not enough coverage. Our experienced attorneys review all possible sources of coverage to help you recover damages and get full compensation.

How a Sumter Rideshare Accident Lawyer Helps Your Case

A Sumter rideshare accident lawyer handles all legal aspects of your claim. We conduct a thorough investigation to find out what caused the accident and who should pay. This includes reviewing the police report, talking to witnesses, and consulting with experts who can explain how the crash occurred.

Our law firm deals with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. We know their tricks and won’t let them take advantage of you. We provide compassionate legal representation that puts your needs first. You focus on healing while we serve as your dedicated advocate through the legal process.

We work to gather evidence that proves the driver’s negligence caused your harm. This includes phone records showing distracted driving, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports. Building a strong car accident case takes time and skill. Our legal team has the resources needed to handle complex rideshare accident cases.

Compensation Available in Rideshare Accident Claims

Accident victims can recover compensation for many types of losses. Medical expenses, medical bills, and costs for future medical treatment from medical providers should be covered. You shouldn’t have to pay for care you need because of someone else’s mistake. Lost wages from missed work also count toward your total damages.

Non-economic damages include physical pain, emotional distress, and emotional trauma you experienced. These losses are real even though they don’t come with bills or receipts. South Carolina law allows you to seek payment for how the accident affected your quality of life and relationships.

Property damage to your belongings should be included in your rideshare accident claim. If your phone, laptop, or other items were damaged in the crash, document everything and keep receipts. Maximum compensation covers all losses, both economic and non-economic, so you can move forward.

The Legal Process for Rideshare Accident Claims

Legal proceedings for a rideshare accident claim start with filing a claim against the insurance company. Your lawyer sends a demand letter explaining what happened and what compensation you deserve. The insurance company reviews the claim and usually responds with an offer. Most cases settle during negotiations without going to court.

If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to present evidence in court and let a judge or jury decide your case. Our experienced attorneys prepare every case for trial from the start, giving us leverage during settlement talks.

Understanding your legal options helps you make informed choices about your case. Some cases settle quickly while others take longer. The legal process depends on many factors, including how badly you were hurt and whether the insurance company acts reasonably. A legal professional guides you through each step and explains what to expect.

Why Choose Hart Law for Your Rideshare Accident Case

Hart Law stands out among rideshare accident lawyers in South Carolina. We have successfully handled many Uber accident claims and Lyft accident cases for clients in Sumter. Our legal team knows how rideshare companies and their insurers operate, and we use that knowledge to your advantage.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. There’s no risk in calling us to learn about your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win financial compensation for you. This arrangement lets anyone get legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.

Our experienced attorney treats every client with respect and keeps you informed throughout the legal process. You’ll always know what’s happening with your case and what steps come next. We fight for substantial compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses and helps you rebuild your life.

Overcoming Legal Hurdles With Rideshare Accident Cases in Sumter, SC

Rideshare accident cases present unique challenges that require experienced legal representation. Insurance claims involving Uber and Lyft often involve multiple parties and complex coverage questions. Our law firm has handled these complicated situations many times and knows how to overcome obstacles that arise.

Navigating Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage may help if the at-fault driver is unknown. Hart Law guides clients through filing claims under their own policy. Filing under uninsured motorist coverage can be complex. Our firm simplifies the process, helping clients secure compensation even if the at-fault driver is unknown.

Liability coverage from your own policy can fill gaps when the other driver has no insurance. This protects you even when other drivers make mistakes and can’t pay for the damage they caused. A Sumter rideshare accident lawyer reviews your policy to find all available coverage.

Rideshare Accident FAQs by Sumter Clients

Q. How long do I have to file a claim after an Uber accident?

In most states, you have a statute of limitations of two to three years, but you should consult a lawyer for specific guidance.

Q. What should I do if the rideshare driver refuses to provide their information?

Document the incident, gather evidence, and report the issue to Uber support and law enforcement immediately.

Q. How can I access Uber’s insurance policy information?

You can request this information from Uber directly or through your lawyer during the claims process.

A Sumter Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer Is Standing By & Waiting To Help

If you’re dealing with injuries or damages from a rideshare accident in Sumter, let Hart Law take over! We’re here to negotiate with the rideshare company’s insurer to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. For your free case consultation, reach out to us at (803) 771-7701.