Rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become a common modern convenience. Whether riding from the airport on vacation to Myrtle Beach, getting home safe after a night at Barefoot Landing, or simply going to work, it’s comforting to know that an affordable ride is at our fingertips. With this convenience also comes risks, and few are as overlooked as not wearing a seatbelt. Skipping the seatbelt not only puts your safety in danger, but it can also open a legal can of worms should your driver get into an accident. If you use rideshare services, it’s essential to understand South Carolina’s seatbelt laws and how failing to wear a seatbelt can complicate a personal injury claim. Attorney Matthew Breen, a distinguished South Carolina rideshare accident lawyer, is here to familiarize you with the risks involved, and why hiring the right attorney can make or break your case.
South Carolina Seatbelt Laws Apply to Rideshare Passengers
South Carolina law requires drivers and all passengers aged eight and older to wear a seatbelt. The law applies to everyone in the vehicle, whether you’re in your own car, a friend’s car, or riding in a rideshare.
Law enforcement can pull a vehicle over solely for a seatbelt violation. Although the penalty is a modest fine, the consequences after a crash can be much more serious. If you’re injured while unrestrained, your lack of seatbelt use can be introduced as evidence that you share fault for your injuries. That gives insurers an opportunity to reduce your payout, further affecting your recovery.
The Impact of Not Wearing a Seatbelt in a Rideshare Accident
Many passengers, especially those in the back seat, often forget to buckle up when using Uber or Lyft. Short rides, unfamiliar vehicles, and the assumption that rideshare drivers are “safer” often lead to lapses in seatbelt use. But being unbuckled increases both your physical risk and your legal exposure.
After a crash, the insurance company may claim that your injuries would have been less severe if you’d worn a seatbelt. They may also argue that you failed to take reasonable care for your own safety. These arguments carry weight under South Carolina’s comparative fault system.
Comparative Fault Can Reduce Your Compensation
South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence standard. If you’re found to be less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages, but the payout is reduced according to your percentage of fault.
This does not erase the responsibility of the at-fault driver or rideshare company, but it does complicate claims. A rideshare accident lawyer can push back against insurers who try to place the blame solely on you.
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Because multiple insurers and comparative fault rules complicate claims, determining who’s responsible and which policies apply isn’t straightforward. When you add the complication of not wearing a seatbelt, your claim becomes even more vulnerable to denial or underpayment.
A qualified rideshare accident lawyer can:
- Combat unfair blame-shifting by insurance companies
- Collect medical and crash evidence to show your injuries were still caused by the crash
- Ensure all available insurance policies are properly leveraged to maximize your recovery
Attorney Breen: The Rideshare Accident Lawyer You Need
At Lowcountry Law, LLC, we understand what’s at stake with rideshare accident claims. Attorney Matthew Breen has successfully handled complex personal injury cases throughout South Carolina, and he’s ready to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Book a free consultation with Lowcountry Law, LLC, today to get the support you need and the representation you deserve.
