When an Uber or Lyft driver involved in an accident leaves the scene, it creates complex legal issues for victims. Hart Law supports injured riders in West Columbia, helping them understand their legal rights and pursue compensation from all liable parties.

Rideshare accidents differ from regular car accidents because multiple insurance policies may apply depending on the driver’s status. Uber and Lyft accidents involve complicated liability questions that require experienced legal professionals to sort out.

Call (803) 771-7701 to speak with our law firm if you have any questions or need to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Rideshare Accident Laws in West Columbia, SC

In the event of a rideshare accident in West Columbia, safety comes first. Evaluate injuries and relocate to a safe place if needed. Collect details about the rideshare vehicle and the driver’s info.

Capture the scene with photos and gather evidence from witnesses. Call emergency services, report the incident, and seek medical attention. Inform your insurance provider without delay. Engaging an experienced attorney from Hart Law can help go through the claims process effectively.

South Carolina law treats Uber and Lyft drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This means the rideshare company may not always be held liable for accidents. Understanding these rules helps accident victims know who to hold responsible.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare accidents happen for many reasons. Distracted driving ranks among the top causes when Uber drivers or Lyft drivers check the rideshare app while driving. Looking at GPS directions or accepting new ride requests takes their eyes off the road.

Reckless driving by rideshare drivers creates dangerous situations. Some drivers speed to complete more trips and earn more money. Rushing between pickups increases accident risk for passengers and other drivers on the road.

Fatigue affects many rideshare drivers who work long hours. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and make poor decisions. Driver exhaustion contributes to many Uber accidents and Lyft accidents in South Carolina.

Other parties sometimes cause rideshare accidents. The at-fault driver might be someone who ran a red light, merged improperly, or drove while impaired. Determining liability requires investigating all factors that contributed to the crash.

Types of Injuries From Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents often result in serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis that changes victims’ lives forever. These injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

Broken bones commonly occur in Uber or Lyft accidents. Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones often fracture during impact. Some breaks heal with time, while others cause lasting complications and physical pain.

Bodily injury extends beyond visible wounds. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and soft tissue injuries all appear in rideshare accident cases. Each type needs different treatment and affects recovery time differently.

Head and brain injuries pose particularly serious risks. Even minor head trauma can lead to lasting cognitive problems. Severe brain injuries may require extensive medical treatment and cause permanent disabilities.

How Insurance Coverage Works for Uber and Lyft Accidents

Understanding insurance policies for rideshare services proves complicated. Coverage depends on what the Uber or Lyft driver was doing when the accident happened. Multiple layers of insurance may apply to Uber and Lyft accidents.

When a rideshare driver is offline, their personal insurance covers any accidents. Rideshare companies provide no coverage during these times. This creates problems when accident victims discover the driver’s personal policy has low limits.

Once a driver logs into the rideshare app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, limited coverage applies. Uber or Lyft provides contingent liability coverage during this period, but it only kicks in if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim.

When a driver has accepted a trip or has a passenger in the vehicle, full rideshare company coverage applies. Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage during active rides. This usually offers the best chance for injured parties to recover fair compensation.

Insurance companies rarely make settling rideshare accident cases easy. They use tactics to minimize payouts and protect their profits. Our legal team knows how to handle these strategies and fight for your rights.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident

Accident victims can seek compensation for many types of losses after Uber or Lyft accidents. Medical bills from emergency treatment, hospital stays, and surgeries get included in claims. Medical expenses often run into thousands of dollars for serious injuries.

Lost wages cover time away from work during recovery. If injuries prevent you from returning to your job, future lost income also factors into your claim. Financial compensation should address both current and future earning losses.

Property damage to personal belongings gets covered in rideshare accident claims. Damaged phones, laptops, clothing, and other items destroyed in the accident have value. Vehicle damage applies if you owned the car involved in the crash.

Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional trauma from the accident. Serious injuries that cause lasting problems often justify substantial non-economic damages. This compensation acknowledges how injuries affect your quality of life.

Related expenses like transportation to medical appointments and household help during recovery also belong in your claim. Every cost stemming from the Lyft accident or Uber accident should be documented and included.

Filing a Claim Against the Rideshare Company

You may need to file a claim against Uber or Lyft directly. Hart Law goes through the process to help clients secure compensation from the rideshare company. Our team assists in filing a claim against Uber or Lyft, negotiating with the company’s legal team for a settlement that covers your damages.

Insurance claims against rideshare companies require understanding complex legal procedures. Our law firm handles all communication with insurers and corporate attorneys. We build strong cases that prove liability and justify full financial compensation.

Settlement negotiations with rideshare companies demand persistence and skill. Initial offers rarely reflect the true value of claims. Our rideshare accident lawyer pushes back against lowball offers and demands fair settlements that properly address your losses.

Rideshare Accident FAQs by West Columbia Clients

Q. What if the rideshare driver was not logged into the app during the accident?

If the driver was not logged in, their personal insurance typically applies, not Uber’s coverage. This can create problems if their personal insurance policies have low limits. A rideshare accident lawyer investigates all available coverage sources.

Q. What if the rideshare app was malfunctioning during the accident?

Technical issues with the app may complicate liability, but a lawyer can help assess the situation and determine liability for the responsible party. App malfunctions might make the rideshare company partially responsible for the accident.

Q. How do I prove liability in a rideshare accident?

Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and video footage can help establish liability in the accident. Lyft accident attorneys and Uber accident lawyers know what evidence strengthens rideshare accident cases.

Q. Can I sue if I was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft?

Yes, an Uber or Lyft passenger has the right to seek compensation from any at-fault driver or party responsible. Whether the rideshare driver or another driver caused the accident in Columbia, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries.

Q. How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in South Carolina?

South Carolina law generally provides three years to file insurance claims or lawsuits. However, waiting too long can make gathering evidence harder. Contact a Lyft accident lawyer or Uber accident lawyer quickly to protect your legal rights.

Q. What if both the rideshare driver and another driver were at fault?

South Carolina uses comparative negligence rules. You can still recover compensation even if multiple parties share fault. Our legal team investigates to determine liability percentages and maximize your recovery from all responsible parties.

Our West Columbia Rideshare Accident Lawyer For Legal Advice

If you’ve experienced injuries or damage due to a rideshare accident in West Columbia, let Hart Law assist you. We handle all negotiations with the rideshare company’s insurer, fighting for the fair compensation you’re entitled to.

Our accident lawyer team understands the legal process for Uber and Lyft accidents in West Columbia, SC. We’ve helped many accident victims recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.

Legal representation makes a difference in rideshare accident cases. Insurance companies take claims more seriously when represented clients have experienced attorneys. Our law firm has the resources and knowledge to handle even the most complex Lyft accident or Uber accident cases.

To get a hold of our law firm, you can send a message or give us a call at (803) 771-7701. We offer free consultations to discuss your accident in Columbia and explain your options for recovering compensation.