Uber Accident Attorney in Mount Pleasant, SC
Uber Accident Attorney Helping Victims of Uber, LYFT, and Other Rideshare Accidents in South Carolina
Ride-sharing services like Uber, LYFT, and others are an integral part of many cities’ and suburbs’ transportation systems. According to Pew Research, the percentage of individuals using rideshare services more than doubled nationwide from 2015 to 2018, rising from 15 percent to 36 percent.
Residents of Mount Pleasant also make use of ride-sharing services. With these services, you or your loved ones can get around town when you may not be in any shape to drive. Or if you simply don’t want the hassle of driving your own vehicle, a rideshare service is often a convenient option.
Just like any other motorist, though, a rideshare driver may not drive with due care for safety. Nor is riding in a rideshare vehicle a guarantee that you will not be in a collision. You and your loved one may still be hurt even while in a rideshare car, and may still suffer injuries as a result.
Investigating a rideshare accident can be even more complex than other motor vehicle accidents. Suing Uber or LYFT may not be an option, and not bringing suit against the appropriate individuals can increase the time it takes for you to receive compensation.
Trust Lowcountry Law, LLC’s Uber accident attorney with investigating and pursuing your case in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach. We can unravel the complexities of your case and will help you get compensation as quickly as possible.
Uber or LYFT May Not Be Responsible for Your Injuries
Your first thought after a rideshare accident may be to sue Uber, LYFT, or whatever rideshare company with which the driver is associated. Generally, employers are responsible for the injuries caused by the carelessness of their employees.
However, Uber, LYFT, and other rideshare companies have long considered their drivers to be independent contractors. This means that the rideshare company may not be responsible for paying you compensation.
Uber’s insurance coverage depends on when the accident occurs during the ride-sharing process.
When Waiting on a Ride Request
When a rideshare driver has not received a ride request, Uber’s insurance will provide limited liability coverage in accidents involving its drivers. For this reason, rideshare drivers must carry their own private liability insurance. Many insurance companies will require their insured clients to carry rideshare-specific policies.
When Traveling to Pick Up a Ride
Different rules apply when the driver is on the way to pick up a ride request. During this time period, Uber provides a generous liability policy to cover injuries to the rideshare driver and others hurt in any accident.
However, accessing this policy’s benefits depends on proving that the driver did in fact receive a ride request and was traveling to pick up that person.
When Traveling with an Uber Passenger
When the rideshare driver is traveling with a passenger picked up through the app, the same generous insurance policy would apply.
If you or a loved one is hurt while riding in an Uber vehicle, or if you are another motorist or pedestrian and are injured by an Uber driver, this insurance policy offered through Uber would be the primary source of benefits.
Other Motorists May Be Responsible, Too
If another vehicle crashes into your rideshare vehicle because of negligence, then that motorist and their insurance may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
Your Mount Pleasant Uber accident attorney is best suited to determine whether Uber, LYFT, or the ride-sharing company’s insurance policy is the best source for compensation.
At Lowcountry Law, LLC, our commitment is to you and to your recovery in South Carolina. Whether from Uber, the rideshare driver, or someone else, our Uber accident attorney will help you obtain the compensation you need.
Who Can Be Injured by Rideshare Drivers?
Uber or rideshare passengers are not the only ones who can be hurt in an accident. If you are the rideshare driver, you yourself may be hurt in a crash caused by another motorist. Or perhaps you are the other motorist, and your car was struck by an Uber or LYFT driver.
Just because you or your loved one was not a passenger in an Uber vehicle does not mean you are not entitled to receive compensation after a crash. Any motorist, pedestrian, or other person who is hurt by an Uber driver’s carelessness may be eligible for compensation for their injuries.
Settlements with Rideshare Companies Like Uber
Like other companies, Uber and LYFT are concerned with their costs and expenses. Settlements and lawsuits represent an expense to these companies that they would rather avoid. When their liability is clear, their insurance companies and legal teams will often attempt to settle your case for as little money as possible.
Settling an injury claim with an insurance company is tricky, and doing so with Uber or LYFT’s insurance companies is no different. If a settlement is reached but the amount agreed upon is too low, you may wind up paying for additional expenses or costs out of your own pocket.
On the other hand, if you demand too much during settlement negotiations, your offer may be rejected, and your case may need to proceed to trial.
You want to ensure your settlement agreement adequately compensates you for all of your losses, including:
- Mental pain, anguish, and suffering, as well as loss of enjoyment of life
- Your medical bills, hospital costs, and other therapeutic expenses
- Wages you could not earn because of your injuries
- Damage to your vehicle or other property
Lowcountry Law, LLC’s Uber accident attorney is experienced in helping those hurt in crashes involving rideshare companies. We know the injuries you or your loved one are likely to have sustained and the compensation you will likely need. We are committed to ensuring you are fully and fairly compensated after your crash.
Not all cases can be settled out of court, and when your case cannot settle, Lowcountry Law, LLC is prepared to take your case to trial. Our Uber accident attorney will pursue every avenue available to help you and your family receive the financial help you need.
Receiving Compensation Quickly After an Uber Accident
You may be concerned with how long your case will take to resolve. After all, you may need compensation quickly. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell precisely how long it will take before you receive compensation.
Generally, a settlement will provide you with compensation more quickly than if your case must go to trial. However, receiving fair compensation is just as important as receiving compensation quickly.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motor vehicle crash involving an Uber or rideshare vehicle, do not try to handle the matter yourself. There are too many complexities involved, and your right to compensation is too important to risk proceeding alone.
An Uber accident attorney can help ensure your case proceeds swiftly without compromising your right to compensation.
About the Uber Accident Attorney Team at Lowcountry Law, LLC
Attorney Matthew Breen with Lowcountry Law, LLC is a graduate of The Citadel. There, he learned the value of hard work, discipline, and integrity. He will bring these values to your case, providing you with exceptional, compassionate service throughout the entire duration of your case.
At Lowcountry Law, LLC, we offer all prospective clients a free, no-cost case evaluation. Let our Uber accident attorney review your case with you and advise you of your rights and how we can help you protect them.