Charleston Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft has become quite common over the last few years. Many people even use such services on a daily basis. Most of the time, you safely get from your starting location to your final destination without a hiccup. However, sometimes events occur that are out of our control. When you are involved in an accident with a rideshare service either as a rider or as another driver, you may want to bring a lawsuit if you have suffered injuries.

The Charleston rideshare accident lawyers at Mickelsen Dalton have experience handling a variety of claims that have dealt with rideshare services. Our personal injury lawyers in South Carolina are here to help you through the complexities and handle negotiations with the insurance companies. Finding liability in these situations can be difficult, which is why an attorney will utilize all resources available to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Mickelsen Dalton?

We are successful, as evidenced by our results. Our attorneys don’t leave any stone unturned in their pursuit of justice. We are determined to succeed and will go to any length to achieve our clients’ goals.

After a rideshare accident, there are numerous reasons to pick Mickelsen Dalton. Our attorneys are committed to each case and will fight to ensure that our clients receive justice and recompense. We achieve this by maintaining a low caseload.

We limit the number and types of cases we take on so that we can devote the time and attention necessary to your case. We understand that this isn’t just a case. It’s your life and future livelihood.

Common Injuries from Rideshare Accidents

Injuries in rideshare accidents depend on the severity of the collision. Some of the most common injuries include the following.

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones and fractures
• Loss of limbs
• Cuts and bruises
• Soft tissue injuries

Many seemingly minor injuries can turn into something much more serious without prompt treatment. Some injuries do not show symptoms for hours or even days following the collision.

As such, it is important to call 911 and receive medical attention as soon as possible following your accident. You should always seek treatment, even if you do not feel hurt. Doing so could potentially save your life.

Do You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

In a ridesharing accident, determining culpability is the most important thing to do. A lawyer can assist you in locating the responsible party (or parties) and holding them accountable for your catastrophic injuries. Experienced lawyers will know what to do in the event of a ridesharing accident, as well as how to deal with the insurance company.

Another significant factor to consider in a rideshare accident is whether the Lyft or Uber driver had the app open and running at the time of the collision. This can have a significant impact on determining which insurance company is liable for payment. An attorney will conduct due diligence and gather all required information in order to assist the client in obtaining adequate compensation from all parties involved.

Your Rights as a Passenger in a Rideshare

As a passenger in a Lyft or Uber accident, recovering compensation can be difficult. It is important for you to know your rights and proper insurance coverage. The most complicated decision can be deciding whose insurance company to go through after the accident.

There are a number of things that go into making a proper compensation claim. It is important to speak with an attorney about the cause of the accident and the extent of your injuries.

If you were another driver that was involved in an auto accident with a rideshare service, there are many aspects that go into deciding who was at fault and how to determine what insurance company to use. The most important aspect is whether or not the rideshare driver was actively in service with the app on while driving.

Liability in South Carolina Rideshare Accidents

Like many states, South Carolina is a fault insurance state. Negligent drivers who are responsible for accidents must pay for any damages that their victims experience. In cases involving rideshare vehicles, these liability rules become more complex.

In South Carolina, Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry car insurance that pays for the injuries suffered by their passengers and other drivers. Personal liability insurance does not pay for accidents that occur while the driver is on the job but can provide coverage in other instances.

Rideshare companies also provide liability coverage to their drivers when they are operating their vehicles for hire. For example, Uber provides the following coverage.

• If the driver is not logged into the app, the rideshare company will not provide any coverage.
• If the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride, coverage will apply. The company will provide at least $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $150,000 for total bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
• If the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, the liability insurance will increase to $1 million. The coverage will end when the passenger is dropped off.

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, liability will depend on who was responsible and the status of the driver at the time of the collision. Because rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft consider their drivers to be independent contractors, they are not liable for any collisions or passenger injuries that occur.

For example, if you are a passenger in an Uber and the driver caused the accident, you could file a claim against the company’s liability insurance policy. However, if the accident was caused by another vehicle, you would pursue a claim against the at-fault motorist, not the Uber driver.

Compensation Available for Injured Passengers

After a rideshare accident, you can suffer from serious injuries and devastating losses. You could face thousands of dollars in medical bills and lose weeks of wages. The emotional and physical toll of the collision can be difficult to cope with. In these situations, you deserve justice.

By filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you could recover the compensation to pay for the losses that you experienced. Damages available for injured passengers include the following.

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of future earnings
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability
• Chronic pain
• Mental anguish
• Loss of quality of life

Contact the Rideshare Accident Attorneys at Mickelsen Dalton

We can assist you in determining who is responsible and what legal steps you can take to aid in your rehabilitation. Identifying and confirming the cause of the rideshare accident will be one of the most crucial components of our mission. Our South Carolina car accident attorneys will gather evidence to determine who or what caused your accident so that we can provide the strongest possible case.

You can contact us at (843)804-0428 (South Carolina) or (678) 641-9054 (Georgia) to set up a free consultation. Additionally, you can email us at help@mickelsendalton.com or fill out our online form submission.