Rideshare apps like Uber have changed the way we travel – offering quick, convenient rides at the tap of a button. But when an Uber ride ends in an accident, passengers are often left wondering who’s responsible and how to get help.
Understanding your rights after an Uber crash is critical, especially when multiple insurance policies and drivers may be involved. In this blog, Armada Law in Greenville, SC, explains what every passenger should know about Uber accident liability, insurance coverage, and how to seek compensation for your injuries. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, having an experienced Uber accident attorney on your side can make all the difference.
How Insurance Covers Uber Passengers in South Carolina
In South Carolina, all drivers are required by law to have auto insurance. However, the situation becomes more complicated when a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, is involved. Rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles for commercial purposes, which can change how their insurance applies in the event of an accident. Sometimes, a rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance won’t cover damages or injuries if they are actively working for a rideshare company. While Uber and Lyft do offer supplemental insurance, this coverage is only active during specific periods, such as when the driver is transporting a passenger or when heading to pick one up.
A thorough understanding of how this insurance coverage functions is crucial. For instance, if a driver is logged into the app and available for rides but not yet carrying a passenger, the coverage may differ from when a passenger is in the vehicle. These details matter because they decide who’s responsible for paying for damage or medical costs after an accident. Knowing this helps everyone involved understand what they’re entitled to and what they must do.
Legal Rights of Passengers in Rideshare Accidents
If you’re a passenger injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you have legal rights. You can file a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance if its driver was at fault. If another driver caused the accident, the claim would be filed with that driver’s insurance.
Navigating these claims can be challenging, especially when fault is disputed. Having expert legal guidance by your side can help ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention after an accident, even if you feel fine. Injuries like whiplash or internal injuries might not show symptoms right away. Your medical records will also serve as valuable evidence when filing a claim.
Who Is Liable After an Uber Accident?
Determining who is responsible in a rideshare accident can be challenging. The fault might lie with the rideshare driver, another driver, or both. In South Carolina, a comparative negligence system is used, allowing fault to be shared among multiple parties. This is why it’s important to gather evidence such as photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports.
If the rideshare driver is found to be at fault, the rideshare company’s insurance may cover the injuries and damages. However, if another driver caused the accident, their insurance will be held responsible. Passengers should be aware that Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance for their drivers. However, the extent of coverage depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. This coverage typically includes limits for property damage and personal injuries, making it necessary to understand these limits.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
After a rideshare accident, both passengers and drivers need to take specific steps to protect their rights and build a strong case.
Immediate Actions:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a secure location away from traffic.
- Call Emergency Services: Report the accident to law enforcement. The resulting police report provides an official record.
Reporting the Accident:
- Passengers: Report the incident directly to Uber or Lyft through their apps.
- Drivers: Notify both the rideshare company and your personal insurance provider.
Gathering Evidence:
- Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage and the accident site.
- Collect Witness Information: Obtain contact details from anyone who witnessed the event.
- Track Expenses: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, repair costs, and other accident-related expenditures.
Driver-Specific Steps:
- Document Driving Status: Record whether you were logged into the rideshare app and actively transporting a passenger at the time of the accident.
Your Right to Compensation After an Uber Crash
If you’re pursuing an Uber accident claim in South Carolina, understanding these key aspects will help protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
Understanding Fault and Responsibility
South Carolina operates under comparative negligence rules (S.C. Code § 15-38-15). This means you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as your responsibility is less than 51%. Determining fault often involves reviewing evidence such as police reports and witness statements. An experienced Uber accident lawyer can help you gather this important information.
Types of Recoverable Compensation
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Additionally, if you sustained injuries, you could seek compensation for pain and suffering. It’s vital to maintain detailed records of all medical treatments, repair costs, and lost income to support your Uber accident claim.
The Importance of Detailed Record-Keeping
Collecting and organizing documents that show the impact of the accident is an important step. Save your medical bills, pay stubs, and receipts for repairs. These records provide concrete evidence to insurance companies and the court regarding the true extent of your injuries and financial losses.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know
Uber’s insurance policy provides coverage for injuries and property damage when the driver is actively on duty. However, the specific limits of this coverage can vary based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident, whether they had the app on, were awaiting a ride, or were transporting passengers.
Partnering with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer in South Carolina can clarify these details and help you file a claim that complies with state law. They can also gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Contact Armada Law in Greenville, SC
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in an Uber accident in South Carolina, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Determining who’s responsible and securing fair compensation can be complicated, especially when rideshare companies and multiple insurance policies are involved. That’s where Armada Law in Greenville, SC, comes in. Our experienced Uber accident attorneys understand the challenges passengers face and know how to build a strong case to protect your rights.
Whether your crash happened in Greenville, Spartanburg, or Anderson, our legal team is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Contact Armada Law today for a free consultation and let us guide you through every step of your Uber accident claim with the care, clarity, and experience you can trust.
