Charleston Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Helping Victims of Uber & Lyft Accidents in Charleston, SC

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular for both riders and drivers in Charleston and throughout South Carolina. Despite their convenience, these rideshare services can introduce significant risks for everyone on the road. When an accident occurs involving a rideshare vehicle, the situation can become complicated quickly, especially when trying to recover losses through insurance. The coverage provided by companies such as Uber and Lyft may not be sufficient to address all damages sustained by an injured party, making it crucial to understand your legal rights after a rideshare crash.

At Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC, our Charleston-based rideshare accident attorneys understand that cases involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services often involve complex issues of liability and insurance. Our Lyft accident attorneys and Uber accident lawyers in Charleston strive to ensure every client receives the compensation they deserve in the aftermath of a crash. We know how to navigate both the local legal landscape and the nuanced practices of major rideshare providers.

Call (843) 968-0886 or contact us online today.

What Happens in a Rideshare Accident?

In a rideshare accident, several key steps must be followed to ensure your safety and protect your rights. The aftermath of Uber or Lyft accidents in Charleston requires a process similar to that of other motor vehicle crashes but introduces unique challenges, particularly regarding insurance and determining liability.

1. Safety and Medical Attention:

• Immediate Safety: Ensure the safety of all involved parties. If the accident is minor and the vehicles are causing a traffic hazard, move them to a safe location if possible.
• Medical Attention: Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed. Seek medical attention for yourself and others involved, even if injuries seem minor.

2. Contact Law Enforcement:

• Report the Accident: Call the police to report the accident. Law enforcement will arrive at the scene to assess the situation, document the incident in an official report, and, if necessary, coordinate medical assistance.

3. Exchange Information:

• Exchange Details: Collect information from all parties involved, including names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration. Also, obtain contact information from any witnesses.

4. Document the Scene:

• Take Photos: Use your phone or camera to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, and any relevant road signs or signals. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

5. Legal Representation:

• Consult with an Attorney: If you've suffered injuries or if liability is disputed, it's recommended to consult with a rideshare accident attorney in Charleston. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on your legal options, help negotiate with insurance providers, and represent you if your claim moves forward to litigation.

6. Notify the Rideshare Company:

• Report to the Rideshare Company: Do not speak to Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies without first consulting your lawyer. These companies, much like insurance companies, may use statements you make to minimize liability. Should Uber or Lyft request additional details, only inform them that an accident has occurred and direct them to speak with your attorney.

7. Seek Medical Treatment:

• Medical Examination: Even if injuries seem minor, seek a prompt medical evaluation. Certain injuries may not display immediate symptoms, and having a clear medical record is vital for insurance and legal claims.

8. Insurance Claims Process:

• File a Claim: Rideshare companies provide insurance for their drivers, but filing a claim is often complex. You or your accident attorney may need to pursue the appropriate level of coverage based on the specific circumstances. Insurance investigations may introduce delays or challenges that a Lyft accident lawyer in Charleston can help navigate efficiently.

9. Legal Proceedings:

• Lawsuits: When negotiations stall and insurance settlements cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may become necessary. The litigation process involves filing a formal complaint, exchanging evidence, negotiations, and potentially a trial—each stage requiring local experience in Charleston's courts.

10. Settlement or Judgment:

• Resolution: A rideshare case can be resolved through a negotiated settlement or, if necessary, a court judgment. Compensation can cover a range of losses, including medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Our Charleston rideshare accident attorneys are committed to negotiating settlements that meet your full needs.

It's important to note that the specifics of the process may vary based on the circumstances of the accident, local regulations, and the policies of the rideshare company involved. Seeking legal advice early in the process can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Types of Compensation After a Rideshare Accident in Charleston

If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Charleston, you may be entitled to multiple types of compensation depending on your losses. These damages often include medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, follow-up treatment, and prescription medications received at Charleston-area facilities such as MUSC Health. Lost income and diminished future earning capacity can also be pursued, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. If your personal property, vehicle, or bicycle was damaged in the accident, you can include those costs in your claim. To ensure every dollar is pursued, South Carolina law requires prompt and accurate documentation. Our rideshare accident attorneys in Charleston coordinate with local healthcare and economic experts to demonstrate the full impact of your losses.

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

In a rideshare accident, various scenarios can play out based on who is at fault and the extent of injuries or damages.

• The Rideshare Driver's Liability: If the rideshare driver is at fault for the accident, they may need to file a claim with their personal car insurance depending on if they were logged into their app at the time of the crash. If they were logged into the app, most personal auto insurance policies do not cover commercial (rideshare) activities. In such cases, the rideshare company's insurance steps in. Uber and Lyft, for example, provide their drivers with a $1 million liability policy that can cover damages if their personal insurance doesn't.
• Another Driver's Liability: If another driver is at fault, then their insurance should cover the damages. If that driver is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may cover the damages.
• Passenger Involvement: As a passenger, if your rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident, the rideshare company's car insurance would apply to your injuries. If the other driver is at fault, you might have to claim from their insurance. In case both insurances do not cover all your damages, you can make a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured insurance policy.
• Accidents While Waiting for a Ride Request: If a rideshare driver is waiting for a ride request when the accident occurs, the company's liability is typically limited.

After an accident, it is important to document everything - take pictures, collect driver and witness information, and report the incident to the police and the rideshare company. It's also critical to seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.

Always consult with an attorney experienced in rideshare accidents to guide you through the process and protect your rights.

Why Hire a Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident?

After an accident involving a rideshare driver, there is a good chance that multiple parties will be liable for the damages sustained by the injured party. In some cases, the rideshare company and the driver's personal insurance company will attempt to claim that the driver was not acting as a rideshare driver at the time of the accident. They may claim that the driver was "not logged in" or not accepting rides at the time of the accident. However, our Charleston rideshare accident attorneys know how to prove that the driver was, in fact, on the app and accepting rides at the time of the accident.

Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC can help you file all of the necessary paperwork and communicate with the rideshare company on your behalf. We can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the liable parties, and if a settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The legal team at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC is ready to help you after an accident involving a rideshare driver. Contact us today at (843) 968-0886.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Charleston, SC?

Under South Carolina law, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases—including those involving Uber, Lyft, and all rideshare accidents—is generally three years from the accident date. If you miss this filing deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation, regardless of who was at fault. Cases involving government vehicles, multiple drivers, or minors can introduce exceptions and additional complexities. Obtaining prompt documentation from local agencies—such as incident reports from the Charleston Police Department and medical records from area hospitals—will strengthen your case and prevent unnecessary delays. Working with a rideshare accident attorney in Charleston as soon as possible helps ensure you meet all legal requirements and deadlines.

What should I do if the rideshare driver’s insurance denies my claim?

If your claim is denied by the rideshare driver’s insurer, there may still be additional avenues for seeking compensation. In Charleston and across South Carolina, Uber and Lyft provide their own insurance policies that can apply to accidents depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. You should review written communications and denial letters, retaining all correspondence for your records. Consulting a Charleston rideshare accident lawyer can clarify which insurance policies—personal, rideshare, or even your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage—may apply. At Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC, our attorneys thoroughly assess every detail to ensure no opportunity for recovery is missed, advocating directly with insurance adjusters to challenge wrongful denials.

Will my claim be impacted if I was partly at fault for the rideshare accident?

South Carolina applies a modified comparative negligence system, so your ability to recover damages after a rideshare accident in Charleston is directly tied to your share of fault. If you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the crash, you can still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by the amount of your own fault. Proving your level of responsibility often requires in-depth analysis of accident reports, local authorities’ findings, rideshare app data, and sometimes testimony from credible witnesses. Our Charleston Lyft accident attorneys and Uber accident lawyers take the time to thoroughly review every aspect of the case—using local experience to challenge disputed liability and defend your rights under South Carolina law.