Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina
If you were injured in an accident with a rideshare driver, you could have viable claim for compensation. The person responsible for the accident could be on the hook for your damages, and the same could be true for the rideshare company’s insurance carrier.
Before you file an insurance claim on your own, consider reaching out to a rideshare accident lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina. Working with legal counsel from Anastopoulo Law Firm means that you do not have to face this ordeal alone.
Compensation for a Rideshare Accident Injury Case
There are significant financial, emotional, and physical costs that come with a severe injury. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you might be entitled to a monetary award based on your losses.
There is no easy way to predict what your case might settle for-if it settles at all. While no attorney can guarantee success with your personal injury case, our firm can review all of your damages and advise you on what your case could be worth. It is vital to consider each type of compensation you might be entitled to recover.
#1. Medical Expenses
The costs related to your medical care can be overwhelming after an accident. Emergency medical treatment is expensive, and these costs will only go up depending on how much ongoing care you require. If you are able to resolve your injury case favorably, you could recover the cost of this medical treatment.
#2. Lost Wages
For many people, one challenge following an accident is the inability to earn a living. If your rideshare accident led to a serious injury, you might be out of work for a substantial period of time. Recouping those lost wages might be possible through a civil lawsuit.
#3. Pain and Suffering
Significant pain is unfortunately a common consequence of a major accident. Recovering monetary damages based on this pain is fair given that your injuries could have been avoided if it were not for the negligence of the other party. A South Carolina Uber or Lyft accident lawyer could help you pursue compensation for your physical pain.
#4. Property Damage
If you were driving your own vehicle at the time of the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for any damage your car received. You could recover the cost of replacing or repairing your vehicle following an accident with a rideshare operator.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Columbia, call 803-222-2222
Rideshare Popularity Continues to Grow in South Carolina
While rideshare companies are a relatively new phenomenon, they have already dramatically altered the landscape of transportation. According to Pew Research published in 2019, more than 36 percent of all Americans have used a rideshare service.
The rideshare market-in South Carolina and in the United States generally-is dominated by two major companies: Uber and Lyft. Technically, Uber is the oldest of the two companies. While Uber launched in 2009, Lyft followed shortly after in 2012. However, Lyft is an offshoot of carpooling service that was formed in 2007.
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How Rideshare Insurance Policies Work
Drivers for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are considered independent contracts instead of employees. This designation prevents you from filing a lawsuit directly against the rideshare company in most cases. While businesses are often responsible for the negligence of their employees, the same is not true for independent contractors. The good news is that the rideshare company could still be financially responsible for your accident even if you are unable to sue them directly.
Rideshare companies offer insurance coverage to drivers under certain circumstances. However, these policies are considered secondary. That means if you are injured by an Uber or Lyft driver in an accident, drivers typically need to first exhaust their personal policy before reaching the rideshare policy.
Once the rideshare company’s policy goes into effect, the limits on that policy will depend on the circumstances. The most coverage is available in cases where a rideshare driver was transporting a paying customer at the time of the accident.
When a Driver is Not Using the App
Drivers that are not transporting customers and are not using the app to seek out new riders are not covered by Uber or Lyft insurance policies. Both companies consider these drivers to be using their vehicles for personal reasons. In these cases, the only option is to seek coverage through the driver’s personal policy.
When a Driver is Using the App but Does Not Have a Passenger
Any time an Uber or Lyft driver is using the mobile app and actively seeking out a new rider, the company provides some degree of insurance coverage. This coverage is not as robust as when there is a passenger in the vehicle, but it can provide important compensation following a serious accident. In these cases, rideshare insurance coverage maxes out at:
- $50,000 for bodily injuries per person
- $100,000 for bodily injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
When a Driver has a Paying Passenger
The highest tier of insurance applies any time a driver is in the midst of a ride with a paying customer. This tier of coverage begins the moment the ride is accepted and continues until the passenger is dropped off at their destination. During this time, rideshare companies offer up to $1 million in coverage. This coverage applies not only to bodily injuries but also to property damage as well.
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What If I’m a Passenger in the Rideshare Vehicle?
The insurance coverage provided by Uber or Lyft is not limited to other drivers that are injured in a collision. If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and are injured in an accident, you are also covered by these policies.
Due to the way rideshare insurance works, any time you enter a vehicle as a passenger you are covered by up to $1 million by the company’s insurance policies. This policy could cover any damages stemming from your personal injuries as well as any of your property that was damaged in the collision.
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Talk to an Attorney About Your Rideshare Accident
If you were injured in a collision with an Uber or Lyft driver, a Columbia Uber accident lawyer can help. A settlement or favorable verdict at trial could provide you with the financial support you need to address your medical bills and deal with other hardships from your accident.
If you are ready to move forward with your case, reach out to a rideshare accident lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina. The team at Anastopoulo Law Firm is ready to advise you of your legal options. Call (800) 313-2546 today for your free consultation.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form