You may take a trip in an Uber or Lyft and get hurt in an auto accident. Or, a negligent rideshare driver may slam their vehicle into yours, leaving you with an injury. In either of these scenarios, a Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation from an at-fault party.
Rideshare Accident Liability
Our Myrtle Beach rideshare accident lawyer is available to discuss your case and explain your legal options to you. A Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyers at Shelly Leeke Law Firm have a track record of success in personal injury cases. To get started, contact us today.
Auto insurance is a requirement for all drivers in South Carolina, according to the state’s Department of Insurance (DOI). If an Uber or Lyft driver causes your accident, they may be liable. You may pursue damages as part of a claim against the driver or their rideshare company.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies
When a motorist drives for Uber, the rideshare company provides them with insurance. With Uber’s insurance, their employer may cover accident-related losses. The coverage is in effect as long as the driver has their app on and is actively traveling with a passenger or looking for fares.
Like Uber, Lyft provides insurance to its drivers. A motorist can take advantage of Lyft’s insurance policy when they are driving for the company. If this motorist causes an accident while driving for Lyft, their employer may be financially accountable.
What to Do After a Ridesharing Accident
A ridesharing crash can be a traumatic experience for all involved. Regardless, it may be in your best interests to try to remain calm in the moments after your collision. Here are things you can do to get through the incident without putting yourself or anyone else in further danger:
- Call 911 to report the accident to the police.
- Go to a hospital or emergency room for medical care.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Get the at-fault driver’s full name, driver’s license information, and insurance information.
Along with these things, it may be beneficial to consult with a Myrtle Beach Uber and Lyft accident attorney. At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we can answer questions about what to do if you have back pain after a car accident and others relating to your rideshare crash. To learn more, get in touch with us.
How to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim
You may submit a claim directly to Uber or Lyft. If a ridesharing driver crashes into your vehicle, you can also notify your insurer. Next, you may be able to get compensation from the at-fault party.
Just because you ask for damages after a ridesharing collision does not guarantee you will get compensation. You may have to provide a wealth of evidence to prove you were in no way responsible for your crash. It may take months before you receive damages.
An Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach can help you submit your claim for compensation. They can work with you to develop an argument that resonates with a judge or jury. They will do everything within their power to help you achieve the best possible case results.
Ridesharing Accident Claim Statute of Limitations
In South Carolina, there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you were injured in a ridesharing collision, you may have up to three years from the date of your accident to request compensation from any at-fault parties. You may not have this time frame extended.
You may request economic and non-economic damages in a rideshare crash claim. Economic compensation may be awarded for your medical bills and other quantifiable losses. You may receive non-economic damages for pain and other subjective losses.
An Uber and Lyft accident attorney in Myrtle Beach will make sure your claim is filed before the statute of limitations to do so lapses. Also, they can help you calculate your damages. They can prepare an argument with you to show an at-fault party was fully responsible for your collision.
Comparative Negligence in a Ridesharing Accident Case
Based on the South Carolina Contribution Among Tortfeasors Act, you may be held partly responsible for your ridesharing crash. If a judge or jury finds you to be partially at fault, the damages you receive may be reduced by your percentage of blame. In a situation where you are deemed to be primarily responsible, you may be ineligible to get compensation.
As an example, a judge or jury may say you are 10% responsible for your Uber or Lyft accident. In this example, the defendant is considered to be 90% at fault. Therefore, the defendant is required to pay 90% of the damages you initially requested.
With comparative negligence, you may not be awarded damages if you are primarily responsible for a rideshare collision. If a judge or jury deems you to be more than 50% at fault for your crash, you may not get any compensation. At this time, you are solely responsible for all of your collision-related losses.
How Much Your Uber or Lyft Accident Case Is Worth
You may be wondering what is the average settlement for a car accident. The answer depends on the severity of your crash and other factors. Following a ridesharing collision, you may request damages for many reasons, such as:
- Car repairs or replacement
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
Over the course of your litigation, you may receive a settlement offer from the at-fault party. If this occurs, you can review the proposal with your Myrtle Beach Uber and Lyft accident lawyer and weigh its pros and cons. You are not legally obligated to accept a settlement, and if you are not happy with an offer, you can decline it without incurring any penalties.
Get Legal Help with Your Ridesharing Crash Claim
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers a no-win, no-fee guarantee for personal injury cases. If our attorney cannot help you get damages from the party responsible for your Uber or Lyft accident, you do not have to pay us anything. For more information or to request a free case consultation, contact us today.
