Uber and Lyft are increasingly popular choices for getting around in South Carolina, offering a more convenient and better experience than taking a taxi. If you are injured in an accident while in an Uber or Lyft, you can file a personal injury claim for compensation, including medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Under South Carolina law, rideshare companies are required to carry liability insurance. If the driver of the Uber or Lyft caused the accident, they will most likely be liable. In almost all states, Uber or Lyft must offer $1 million in insurance, if a passenger is on board when the accident occurs.
However, getting paid out fairly can be a difficult task without the assistance of a knowledgeable and qualified attorney. Uber drivers are not employees, but rather independent contractors. There have been situations where Uber denies an accident claim, and a driver’s own insurance policy also denies the claim. A qualified and experienced lawyer can help you navigate a rideshare accident insurance claim and make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
If you are injured as a passenger in a Uber or Lyft accident, you should take the following steps:
- Collect Information: You need to gather information the same way you would if you were injured in your own vehicle. Get the names and contact phone numbers for other drivers and witnesses, as well as insurance information. If you have a cell phone, you can snap quick pictures of this information. Take photos of your injuries, damage to the vehicles, and property damage.
- Get medical attention: If you are injured, even slightly, you need to get medical care. This will record your injuries and the need for care. Note that this is an important part of any personal injury claim. It is difficult and may be impossible to claim damages in a case if you did not go to the doctor.
- Report the Accident to Lyft or Uber: You need to report the details of the accident to Lyft or Uber as soon as possible. You can do this through their app or over the phone. Like any accident report involving your own vehicle, you should not speculate or theorize on fault.
Contact an Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer at the Jeffcoat Law Firm
As soon as you call us, we can begin helping you. Our South Carolina Uber accident lawyers handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no fees unless we win your case. Our approach is aggressive and client-centered, we do everything we can to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.