Charleston Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

Getting into a rideshare accident can leave you with more questions than answers. Who is responsible? How will you pay your medical bills? What about replacing your lost income?

At times like this, Joe Cunningham Law is here to provide the answers you need. With Joe, you’re not just another case number. He works hard to ensure that every client receives individual attention and service.

Don’t wait to seek the recovery you rightfully deserve. Joe will pursue the results you need and keep you informed at every step. Plus, you owe no legal fees if he doesn’t get the fair compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free initial case review with a Charleston, SC, Uber and Lyft accident lawyer.

What Are Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in South Carolina?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in South Carolina due to their convenience and accessibility. However, this rise in popularity has also led to an increase in accidents involving rideshare vehicles. Some common causes of these accidents include the following:

• Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers often rely heavily on their smartphones or GPS devices to navigate routes and accept new ride requests. This constant need to interact with devices increases the risk of distracted driving, a leading cause of road accidents.
• Driver Fatigue – Rideshare drivers often work long hours or drive late at night to maximize earnings, especially during peak demand times. This can lead to driver fatigue, which impairs reaction time and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving – Some rideshare drivers speed or engage in risky driving behaviors to complete as many rides as possible in a given timeframe to maximize their earnings. Reckless rideshare drivers are significantly more likely to contribute to preventable wrecks.
• Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance – Rideshare drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles fit and safe to drive. However, some drivers who neglect regular maintenance due to cost or time constraints experience mechanical failures that can cause accidents.
• Inexperienced Drivers – While rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles, they provide commercial services. And even though Uber and Lyft have certain criteria for their drivers, these don’t necessarily guarantee that rideshare drivers have relevant experience or good driving skills. Inexperienced and unskilled drivers are significantly more likely to cause an Uber, Lyft, or rideshare crash.
• Impaired Driving – Despite strict laws and rideshare policies against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, some rideshare drivers violate these rules and cause devastating accidents.
• Aggressive Driving – Aggressive driving or road rage typically involves various risky behaviors, including tailgating, rapid lane changes, and refusing to yield the right of way. Rideshare drivers rushing to pick up fares or meet quotas sometimes engage in these dangerous behaviors.

What Should I Do If I Get Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Accident in South Carolina?

If you get hurt in a rideshare accident in South Carolina, you can protect your health and legal rights by:

• Seeking medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor
• Following all medical advice and completing any recommended treatments
• Taking photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage
• Obtaining the contact and insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident
• Getting statements and contact information from any witnesses at the accident scene
• Noting the details of the accident, including the time, location, and events that led up to it
• Reporting the accident to the rideshare company through their app
• Refraining from discussing the accident details or your injuries on social media
• Keeping a record of any medical expenses related to the accident
• Not accepting initial settlement offers from insurance companies
• Keeping track of any missed work or lost wages due to your injuries
• Not admitting fault or liability to insurers or others involved in the accident
• Obtaining a copy of the police crash report for your records
• Keeping a diary detailing your physical and emotional health after the accident
• Contacting an Uber/Lyft/rideshare lawyer in Charleston, SC, for a consultation
• Preserving any communication you receive from the rideshare company or their insurer
• Refraining from signing any documents from insurance companies without legal advice
• Keeping receipts and records of any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
• Avoiding giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without your lawyer present
• Keeping your lawyer updated about your medical condition and any changes in your situation

How Much Compensation Is Available for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

In most cases, your primary source of compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident will be an insurance claim. But, under state law, the types and amounts of insurance coverage available will vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example:

• When a Rideshare Driver Is Logged Onto a Rideshare App But Hasn’t Accepted a Ride – Rideshare companies must ensure that drivers have at least $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $50,000 for property damage, as well as uninsured motorist coverage. If drivers do not carry this minimum coverage, rideshare companies must provide it on their behalf.
• When the Rideshare Driver Is on the Way to Pick Up a Passenger or Has One in Their Vehicle – Rideshare companies’ insurance policies typically have policy limits of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, or property damage. This insurance can be maintained by the driver, the rideshare company, or both.
• When the Rideshare Driver’s Insurance Has Lapsed or Does Not Provide Adequate Coverage – The rideshare company must provide coverage starting from the first dollar of a claim and has the duty to defend such a claim. The provision of this rideshare insurance does not depend on a personal auto insurer denying a claim first.
• When a Rideshare Driver Is Not Logged Onto the Rideshare Platform – During this time, the driver is considered off-duty for rideshare services. Any accident occurring in this period would typically be covered by the driver’s personal auto insurance, as per the terms and limits of their policy.

How Long Do I Have to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?

In some cases, you might be unable to obtain the money you need from an Uber or Lyft insurance claim. If this occurs, filing a lawsuit might be a viable course of action.

In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of an injury accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, such as a rideshare accident lawsuit. This three-year deadline applies to both injury and property damage cases related to auto accidents. If you attempt to sue after this filing window closes, the court will likely dismiss your case, ending your right to demand money for your losses at trial.

But when dealing with rideshare companies, other procedural rules or contractual terms might come into play, potentially altering this timeline. For instance, certain rideshare companies require users to report claims within a certain period as a condition of their service agreements.

It is critical to speak with a lawyer familiar with personal injury and rideshare litigation in South Carolina to make sure you understand all the potential deadlines that could apply to your case. If it’s the appropriate route to take, they can handle the process of filing your Uber or Lyft accident lawsuit from start to finish, including identifying and abiding by relevant legal deadlines.

How Can a Charleston, SC, Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Help Me?

If you get hurt in a rideshare accident, hiring a competent attorney is essential during the complex process of seeking compensation for your losses. An attorney experienced in Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accident cases can handle all aspects of this process on your behalf. These include identifying possible sources of compensation and standing up to large corporations.

If you need an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in South Carolina, look no further than Joe Cunningham Law. Joe places a significant emphasis on giving each client individualized attention and service. He consciously chooses to be selective about the cases he accepts, an approach that allows him to effectively manage and expedite cases through the legal process. As a client, you can expect clear and open lines of communication from Joe from day one, so you know exactly where you stand at every step.

With a specific focus on personal injury, Joe Cunningham Law is on a mission to help people like you negotiate the legal system and obtain meaningful results following injury accidents. Joe’s depth and breadth of experience means he’s well-equipped to deal with the unique challenges that rideshare accident cases present.

Before establishing his law practice, Joe served South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District in the 116th U.S. Congress. Before his election in 2018, Joe practiced law, representing clients in numerous legal matters, including personal injury cases, construction litigation, and business transactions.

This extensive legislative and legal background equips Joe and his team with a deep understanding of South Carolina law and the ability to advocate powerfully on your behalf. Teaming up with Joe Cunningham Law means entrusting your rideshare accident case to a seasoned, dedicated team that will fight tirelessly for your best interests.

Contact an Experienced Charleston, SC, Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

When you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident due to no fault of your own, Joe Cunningham Law is there to help. Call today to learn how a Charleston, SC, Uber and Lyft car accident attorney will make a difference in your case. Your initial consultation and case evaluation with Joe is free.