South Carolina Rideshare Accident Attorney

As more and more people choose ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft for transportation, the risk of being in a rideshare accident increases. These collisions often lead to complex insurance claims because rideshare drivers are independent contractors.

If you or your loved one was in a collision with an Uber or Lyft, a South Carolina rideshare accident attorney from Anastopoulo Law Firm can help. We represent rideshare passengers and others involved in these accidents. You could recover compensation for the damages suffered, which we can discuss during your free consultation with our team.

We Represent Victims of Uber, Lyft, and Other Rideshare Accidents

If you were injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver – whether as a passenger, a motorist in another vehicle, or even a bicyclist or pedestrian – legal counsel can help you with your financial recovery.

At Anastopoulo Law Firm, we have spent more than 25 years helping injured individuals throughout South Carolina. We understand how to navigate the complexities in rideshare accident claims and can fight to recover compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers will:

• Identify the individuals who were in the collision
• Determine who is liable and which insurance policies to file under
• Compile evidence into a strong claim
• Estimate the amount of compensation you can seek based on your damages
• Protect your case by speaking with involved parties on your behalf
• Negotiate for a fair settlement that meets your needs
• Keep you from missing South Carolina’s deadline for filing a lawsuit
• Offer guidance and legal advice as you make decisions in the case

We offer all these services on a contingency fee basis.

Affording a Car Accident Lawyer in South Carolina

As a personal injury team, we know the aftermath of an accident often involves costly medical treatment and other economic losses. To avoid adding to our clients’ financial worries, we charge nothing upfront for our services. We’ll get started as soon as you hire us and front all the legal costs in your case.

Moreover, we only take payment from the settlement or court award we win for you. Our team will discuss our specific fee percentage during your free consultation.

What to Expect When You Hire Our Firm

At Anastopoulo Law Firm, our clients are at the center of everything we do. We strive for a compassionate approach to personal injury law in every case we handle. You can read some of our Google reviews from past clients below:

• “I wouldn’t call anyone else. The best. Was always told what was happening. Don’t scream call Akim.” – Anne Heichel
• “The staff went above and beyond to help me to get this thing done and to get me the money that I deserved. I have no complaints whatsoever and I would highly recommend them to everyone!” – Peggy Williams
• “I really appreciate Akim and his team. They really been good to me. I will be sending my family and friends.” – Diana Brown

For a free legal consultation with a rideshare accidents lawyer serving South Carolina, call 803-222-2222

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Since rideshare drivers are independent contractors, it can take time to identify which insurance policy applies when an accident occurs. Drivers must have their own auto insurance before most major rideshare companies will hire them. However, a rideshare driver’s private insurance policy often does not apply while they are driving for pay. 

To make up for this gap in coverage, Uber and Lyft offer insurance for drivers in “driving mode.” This refers to when the rideshare driver has the app switched on. In other words, they are actively seeking passengers or driving a passenger for rideshare purposes. 

The extent of this coverage varies depending on the situation. It is also important to note that, in most cases, rideshare coverage only applies after the driver’s private insurance has paid the injured individuals first.

Uber and Lyft’s Liability Insurance Policies

Generally speaking, Uber and Lyft offer the following coverage for drivers who are actively driving for their respective companies at the time of an accident:

• If the driver is in “driving mode” but does not have a passenger:
  • Up to $50,000 for each injured person
  • About $100,000 total injury coverage per accident
  • Up to $25,000 for property damage
• If the driver is in “driving mode” and does have a passenger:
  • Up to $1 million total coverage

For example, suppose a rideshare driver has the app switched on and is actively looking for a passenger. If they rear-end another driver stopped at a stoplight, the victim could receive up to $50,000 for their injuries and up to $25,000 in property damage. 

If, on the other hand, a rideshare driver picks a passenger and causes an accident in an intersection, the passenger and anyone else injured in the accident may be able to recover up to $1 million in compensation. Meanwhile, if the driver was not in “driving mode,” injured parties can only seek compensation through the driver’s private auto insurance provider.

Coverage for Rideshare Drivers

While popular rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer substantial coverage when one of their drivers injures other people, this same coverage does not apply to the rideshare driver. For any injuries or property damage that the rideshare driver sustains in the accident, they generally must go through their private insurance provider. 

One notable exception is Uber and Lyft’s contingent collision/comprehensive coverage. If an Uber or Lyft driver has collision/comprehensive coverage through their private insurance, the rideshare company will cover property damage to the driver’s vehicle, regardless of fault. However, this coverage will not exceed the total cash value of the vehicle and is subject to specific deductibles, which differ between the two companies.

South Carolina Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near Me 803-222-2222

Damages You Could Recover in a Lyft or Uber Accident Case

If you were in a Lyft or Uber accident, you may have suffered various damages due to injuries and property damage. Based on your case, our attorneys could help you recover for:

• Medical treatment, such as hospital stays, doctor’s visits, pain medications, surgeries, and more
• Vehicle damage
• Lost income during your recovery period
• Diminished earning ability if you can’t return to work at full capacity
• Pain and suffering

We will work with you to determine how the accident affected your life and place a value on each of your damages before seeking compensation.

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How Long After an Accident Can You Sue in South Carolina?

While many car accident cases settle, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit when seeking compensation. As such, it’s crucial to note the filing deadline associated with your case. 

In South Carolina, S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530 gives you three years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. This window begins on the day the accident occurred or the day your loved one died from their injuries, respectively. Filing after this deadline can jeopardize your ability to recover damages, so we advise you to get started as soon as possible.

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Contact Our Firm to Discuss Your Options for Free

If you were in an accident with an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, you can seek financial recovery in South Carolina. Our rideshare accident attorneys can help you understand all of your legal options so that you can request compensation for your injuries and other damages.

You are likely concerned with obtaining proper treatment, paying your medical bills, and navigating the new difficulties that the accident brought on. Let Anastopoulo Law Firm handle your rideshare accident claim so that you can focus on healing. Call for your free case review today: (800) 313-2546.