South Carolina Lyft and Uber Accident Lawyers
Car accident attorneys who get results
The ridesharing services Lyft and Uber are gaining popularity in Beaufort, Bluffton and throughout South Carolina. By simply downloading an app and setting up an account, anyone can order a ride to get where they’re going. But who pays when you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by a Lyft or Uber driver? The car accident attorneys at Twenge + Twombley can help you sort it out.
Uber and Lyft view their drivers as independent contractors (although whether they truly count as independent for liability purposes is contentious). Rideshare drivers use their own cars for both personal use and business. Insurance liability can be complicated after a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver because of the role of supplemental insurance provided by the rideshare companies.
Which insurance company is responsible for a rideshare crash?
It depends on what the Lyft or Uber driver was doing at the time of the accident:
- The driver had the app off and was not looking for passengers. The driver’s personal insurance is likely responsible.
- The driver had the app on but had not accepted a ride request. A lower amount of supplemental coverage from the rideshare company probably kicks in.
- The driver had the app on and had accepted a ride request. A higher amount of supplemental coverage from the rideshare company likely kicks in.
What happens if another car hit my Lyft or Uber?
If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that was hit by another car and the other driver was found to be at fault, the other driver’s insurance should pay for your injuries, as with any other car accident. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare companies carry supplemental uninsured/underinsured motorist protection that should kick in.
Can I report an accident to Uber or Lyft directly?
You can report an accident within the rideshare apps, but you should not make that your first or only report. As with any other car accident, you need to call the police to have them investigate and write an official accident report. We also recommend talking to a lawyer before you contact the rideshare company or an insurance company to make sure your rights are protected.
Should I accept a settlement for a Lyft or Uber accident?
In a rideshare accident, there are usually multiple insurance companies involved, including the Uber or Lyft driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and the other motorist’s insurance. Accepting a settlement offer from any insurance company can affect your right to recover compensation from all the others as well. The safest option is to talk to an experienced attorney before you accept any money from an insurance company.
Insurance companies will likely challenge your claim for compensation after a Lyft or Uber accident. They may question the extent of your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing. They may blame you for causing the accident. Insurance companies providing supplemental coverage may deny any liability and argue they don’t have to pay.
That’s why you need an experienced car accident attorney who understands the challenges of a Lyft and Uber accident and will fight for your rights. We have the experience and the resources to fight back against insurance company attempts to deny or limit your compensation.
We know how an injury from a ridesharing accident can affect you. Medical bills for needed treatment add up quickly and can become overwhelming. You may be forced to miss time from work, resulting in a loss of income. When insurance companies start challenging your claim, you may be left wondering how you will pay your bills.
Car accident lawyers who get results after a Lyft or Uber crash
Our lawyers investigate your crash to find out what really happened. We know where to look for evidence that a negligent Lyft or Uber driver caused your crash and build strong cases that hold them accountable. We stand up to insurance companies and fight to recover the maximum compensation possible.
When you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by a Lyft or Uber driver, it’s important to act fast. Twenge + Twombley is a small law firm that gets big results. We can act quickly to protect your rights. Our legal team can start investigating your case before evidence is lost or destroyed and the memories of witnesses fade.
If you’ve been hurt in a Lyft or Uber accident, learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.