When you book a rideshare in South Carolina, you probably do not expect to be involved in an accident. Yet, rideshare accidents happen every day in cities and towns across the United States. If you are injured in a rideshare accident, it pays to know how to get compensation from any at-fault parties.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has provided legal help to car accident victims for more than a decade. For those injured in a rideshare accident in South Carolina, we can help. We offer instant access to a South Carolina car accident attorney with a proven track record. Our South Carolina personal injury lawyer are ready to help you get the treatment and compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a South Carolina Rideshare Accident
Research indicates that most people have heard of rideshare services. However, many people have no idea about what to do following a rideshare accident in South Carolina. With the right approach, you can quickly and effortlessly respond to a rideshare accident.
As soon as a rideshare accident happens, call 911. Then, police and medical personnel will arrive on the scene. From here, you can report the accident and get medical attention.
In the days after your rideshare accident, consult with a South Carolina rideshare accident lawyer. You can provide your attorney with details about your accident. Next, your attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against any at-fault parties.
How to File a Lawsuit Following a South Carolina Rideshare Accident
You have a maximum of three years from the date of your South Carolina rideshare accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you ignore this deadline, you lose the opportunity to seek damages. Worst of all, you are 100% responsible for the costs of treating any injuries relating to your accident.
In a rideshare accident lawsuit, you can sue a driver, the rideshare company, or both. A rideshare accident attorney in South Carolina can review your legal claim. Your lawyer can help you identify the parties responsible for your accident.
Once you file a rideshare accident lawsuit, expect a lengthy legal process. A rideshare accident lawyer in South Carolina will help you build your case during this time. Your attorney will ensure that your case can compel a judge or jury to award the maximum amount of compensatory damages.
When to Expect Damages to Be Awarded in a South Carolina Rideshare Accident Case
It may seem clear-cut to you that a driver or rideshare company is responsible for your accident. On the other hand, you still need to prove this in court. As such, you need sufficient evidence to support your claim, and it can take time to collect evidence.
Months or years can pass before a rideshare accident case goes to trial. During this period, you are responsible for making your case as strong as possible. With help from a rideshare accident lawyer, you are equipped to do just that.
Your attorney collects police reports, medical bills, and other evidence you can present during your trial. At the same time, your lawyer looks for every possible way to resolve your case. Your attorney may even urge you to consider a defendant’s settlement offer.
How to Approach a Settlement Offer in a Rideshare Accident Case in South Carolina
At first glance, a settlement may seem like a viable option to immediately resolve your rideshare accident case. A defendant may offer you thousands of dollars in exchange for dropping your lawsuit. It is important to review a settlement offer carefully, so you can make an informed decision about it.
Your lawyer will keep you up to date if a defendant proposes a settlement. Ultimately, you must decide whether to accept a settlement proposal. You must also consider the short- and long-term impact of any decision you make.
If you find a settlement does not meet your expectations, you can notify your lawyer. In this scenario, your attorney will inform the defendant about your decision. Meanwhile, you and your attorney can continue to focus on what is most important: strengthening your case.
How a Judge or Jury Evaluates a Rideshare Accident Case in South Carolina
A judge or jury is impartial to either side in a South Carolina rideshare accident case. During a trial, a judge or jury listens to what each party has to say. The judge or jury then makes a decision on whether a plaintiff gets damages.
There can be times when a judge or jury finds a defendant is fully responsible for a rideshare accident. At these times, the plaintiff is awarded the original amount of the damages that were requested. The defendant pays the plaintiff, and the case is closed.
Comparatively, a judge or jury may find a plaintiff is partly responsible for a rideshare accident. If this happens, a plaintiff’s damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. This means the plaintiff secures only a fraction of the damages that were initially requested.
When to Hire a South Carolina Rideshare Accident Lawyer
It is crucial to hire a lawyer as soon as you can after a South Carolina rideshare accident. Your attorney cannot change the fact that your rideshare accident occurred. Conversely, your lawyer will advocate and help you get damages from anyone who caused your accident.
Look for an attorney who has experience with rideshare accident cases in South Carolina. Your lawyer should have a clear understanding of South Carolina’s ridesharing rules and regulations. In addition, your attorney should know how to handle the challenges that come with a ridesharing accident lawsuit.
Find a lawyer who values client communication, too. The best rideshare accident lawyer keeps their client informed as the legal process moves forward. This attorney does everything in their power to fulfill their client’s legal requests.
Hire a Top-Notch South Carolina Rideshare Accident Attorney
If you want a best-in-class rideshare accident attorney at your side, get in touch with the Shelly Leeke Law Firm. We make it easy to connect with a lawyer who can help you win or settle your rideshare accident lawsuit. To find out more or request a consultation, please contact us today.
