Business people use rideshare services daily for work purposes, while others rely on them for social outings. Those getting into a rideshare vehicle are owed a certain level of safety. When rideshare companies’ negligent behavior betrays this trust, a North Charleston car accident attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm will ensure there are repercussions. Our North Charleston personal injury lawyers know how difficult recovery from an accident can be, which is why we are focused on making sure accident victims get the compensation and treatment they deserve.
Typical Injuries in North Charleston Rideshare Accidents
When a rideshare accident occurs, countless injuries can be sustained. Some passengers get into a rideshare vehicle with a false sense of security because they think the drivers are more skilled at driving than the average person. This myth of superior driving should not be a reason to let your guard down.
The reality of the situation is that rideshare drivers are only as skilled as the people in the backseat. Several typical injuries a passenger can experience in a rideshare accident include bruises, cuts, spinal damage, internal bleeding, concussions, fractured and broken bones, and whiplash. People should get into rideshare cars with a complete understanding of the risks and take any required steps should an accident occur.
Steps to Take After Being in a Rideshare Accident
Time is of the essence once a rideshare accident has taken place. Specific steps must be taken to heal as quickly as possible and hold the at-fault party responsible for their negligence.
Call the Police
First and foremost, call the police and notify them of the accident. This is essential because it is the only way to ensure a police report is created, which will prove helpful during the evidence-gathering stage. Victims must also be treated by emergency medical staff that arrives at the scene of the crime and, afterward, a physician.
Gather Evidence
Like the police report, any medical reports, bills, and receipts should be saved as evidence. Additional steps to take include photographing the scene of the accident to capture damages and injuries. If possible, speak with witnesses and get their contact information, especially if they are willing to testify.
Tell the Rideshare Company What Happened
One must also not forget to notify the rideshare company that the accident occurred. For assistance with gathering evidence and filing a claim, hire a North Charleston rideshare accident attorney. A rideshare accident lawyer in North Charleston can take a look at your case and evaluate the likelihood of winning a lawsuit.
The attorney can also educate the victim about common carrier laws and insurance policies.
The Role of Common Carrier Laws & Insurance Policies in Rideshare Accident Cases
According to Investopedia, “A common carrier is defined by U.S. law as a private or public entity that transports goods or people from one place to another for a fee.”
In South Carolina, rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, are considered common carriers. Therefore, common carrier laws apply to them, including accidents they are involved in. The insurance policies carriers provide for these rideshare companies must be considered when looking at the next steps.
Common Carrier Laws
In addition to rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, common carrier laws apply to the local transportation authority and taxis. Common carrier laws require that those transporting passengers exhibit a duty of care while doing so. Failure to deliver on this duty of care can cause an accident.
As a result, the rideshare company’s negligence can come back to bite them when a lawsuit is filed.
Rideshare Insurance Policies
It is not uncommon for rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, to have large commercial insurance policies. These insurance policies are usually for at least $1 million, and they are designed to cover injuries, damages, or any other costs that come with a rideshare accident.
People who are victims of a rideshare accident should not waste time. They should hire a rideshare accident attorney in North Charleston who can protect their rights. A lawyer with extensive experience with rideshare accident cases can explain common carrier laws, insurance policies, and the best way to prove negligence.
Proving Negligence in Rideshare Accidents
An examination of the evidence is a necessary first step when trying to prove negligence. A North Charleston rideshare accident lawyer will want to review all available evidence, not just what the victim thinks they want to see. So, do not skimp on evidence. More is better.
Evidence is the backbone of a lawsuit. Without it, a strong claim cannot be filed. Numerous states are at-fault states, and South Carolina is one of them. This means that the victim could be partially to blame for the accident taking place. It is in the insurance company’s best interest to prove this point so that they can pay as little as possible.
For this reason, providing your North Charleston rideshare accident attorney with compelling evidence is vitally important. It will help the lawyer do the best job possible to ensure success.
Recovering Damages in a Rideshare Accident Case
The victim of a rideshare accident must contact the police and receive medical attention immediately after an accident. Failing to get in touch with the police means running the risk of not having a police report as evidence. And not being treated by the medical staff on-site and at your doctor’s office is ammunition for the insurance company to claim that the injuries are either mild or nonexistent.
If one or both of these situations were to take place, the victim would be severely disadvantaged. To recover damages in a rideshare accident case requires having evidence, not to mention a North Charleston rideshare accident lawyer. The attorney can help the victim initiate the rideshare company’s reserves process by notifying them that the accident occurred.
Once this process has begun, the insurance company sets aside money to compensate people injured in rideshare accidents.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a North Charleston Rideshare Accident Attorney
In North Charleston, victims of a rideshare accident look to Shelly Leeke Law Firm when seeking justice. They know we will provide them with a North Charleston rideshare accident attorney who will fight for them to get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today.
