Blythewood, SC Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
In this age of convenience, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a part of our daily lives. Yet, when accidents occur involving these platforms, victims often find themselves having trouble getting the compensation they deserve.
After a rideshare accident, victims are often left with serious injuries and damages that can require extensive medical treatment, time off work, and other expenses. However, seeking compensation for these losses can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with large companies and their insurance providers. Fortunately, our attorneys have extensive experience handling rideshare accident cases and are dedicated to helping victims navigate the legal process more effectively. They understand the complexities of these cases, including determining liability, navigating insurance policies, and building a strong case.
Call our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000 for a free review of your claim.
How to Recover Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Blythewood, SC
Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have significantly changed how people travel. However, with the ease of transportation comes a complex set of issues involving liability and insurance claims. If you happen to be involved in an accident while riding with an Uber or Lyft, our Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can counsel you on your compensation options and help file your insurance claims. Filing an insurance claim after a rideshare accident is often complicated because of these unique issues surrounding liability.
The Rideshare Driver
After an accident involving Uber or Lyft, several factors determine who is responsible for filing the insurance claim. The driver’s status at the time of the accident is one of the most significant factors. If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app at the time of the accident, their personal auto insurance would typically be the primary coverage.
However, if the driver was logged in but had not yet accepted any ride request, both Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage. This means that the rideshare company’s insurance should provide coverage if the driver’s personal insurance refuses to pay.
On the other hand, if the driver was en route to pick up a passenger or during a ride, the rideshare companies’ $1,000,000 liability coverage applies. This insurance coverage is intended to protect passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers who might be involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle.
If you need to file a claim, the first step is to contact the driver’s insurance company or the rideshare company’s insurer. You will need to provide details about the accident, such as the date, time, and location, as well as the contact information of all involved parties. Additionally, you might need to submit necessary documentation, such as police reports and medical records, to support your claim.
Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft offer third-party liability coverage, which applies when the driver is at fault for the collision while logged into the app.
The coverage provided by Uber and Lyft is tiered and varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the driver was waiting for a ride request, the coverage is up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 total per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. However, this applies only if the driver’s personal insurance policy does not cover these costs.
Once a ride request is accepted, though, the coverage increases significantly. From the time a driver accepts a trip to its completion, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage. This coverage is designed to protect passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians who might be injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle.
In the event of an accident, it is also important to report the incident through the respective app and cooperate with the insurer during the investigation process. You will need to provide as much information as possible, such as photos of the damage, statements from any witnesses, and medical reports if you were injured.
Keep in mind that the insurance coverage provided by Uber and Lyft only applies to accidents that occur while the driver is logged into the app and carrying passengers or on their way to pick up passengers. If the driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons at the time of the accident, their personal insurance policy will apply instead.
Other Drivers
If you are involved in a car accident while using a rideshare service, and another driver (who is not the rideshare driver) is responsible for the accident, you should file a claim with that driver’s insurance company. It is crucial to gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident, including the other driver’s insurance details, contact information, and photographs of the accident scene. This information will be vital during the claims process, which will typically involve an investigation by the other driver’s insurance company to determine fault and the extent of damages.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you might be able to pursue a claim with Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you if the other driver cannot pay for your damages or injuries. However, the claims process for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can be complex, so it is important to seek our team’s advice so your claim is not denied.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft in Blythewood, SC
Filing a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft in Blythewood is challenging, as it entails several complexities. One of the most significant challenges is the classification of Uber and Lyft drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification presents a major obstacle to holding Uber or Lyft directly responsible through a lawsuit.
In recent years, the classification of ride-sharing drivers as independent contractors has been at the center of numerous lawsuits, as it affects liability in accident cases and often shields these companies from direct responsibility. In such cases, it can be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to sue companies like Uber and Lyft directly for accidents involving their drivers.
To succeed in such a case, you would likely need to prove that the company was negligent or that an employee, rather than an independent contractor, caused the accident. This can be a challenging process, as it requires a thorough investigation of the accident’s circumstances and a detailed understanding of the legal framework governing ride-sharing companies.
Our Blythewood, SC Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help Get You Justice from These Companies and Their Drivers
For a free case evaluation, contact our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000.
