Rideshare accidents create a unique set of challenges that regular car crashes do not. The multiple insurance policies, corporate involvement, and special regulations make these cases particularly difficult to handle without expert help. At West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we focus on getting Summerville residents fair compensation after Uber and Lyft accidents disrupt their lives.
Our family firm has stood with Lowcountry residents since 1945, offering personalized legal support when big rideshare companies and their insurance providers try to minimize your suffering. We know the roads of Summerville and the surrounding areas just as well as we know the laws that protect you when accidents happen.
What Makes Rideshare Accident Claims Different?
Rideshare accidents involve several complicating factors that regular car accidents do not. The legal options change depending on whether the driver was actively working at the time of the crash:
- When the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance applies. This often creates issues if their policy excludes commercial driving activities.
- During waiting periods (app on, waiting for a ride request), Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, typically less than when actively transporting passengers.
- During active rides, the companies maintain larger insurance policies – usually $1 million in coverage. However, these companies and their insurers fight hard to avoid paying full compensation.
The difference between these scenarios can mean thousands of dollars in your recovery. Our Summerville Uber/Lyft accident lawyers examine the exact circumstances of your accident to determine which policies apply and who bears responsibility.
Common Injuries in Summerville Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents cause injuries ranging from minor to catastrophic. We regularly help clients dealing with:
- Whiplash and neck trauma that may not appear until days after the accident
- Back injuries, including herniated discs, require extensive physical therapy
- Traumatic brain injuries with long-term cognitive effects
- Broken bones and fractures needing surgery and rehabilitation
- Internal injuries requiring immediate medical intervention
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, and fear of vehicle travel
These injuries often lead to substantial medical bills, lost income, and decreased quality of life. Our team tracks every expense and impact to build a complete picture of your damages.
Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim?
The right to seek compensation extends to everyone affected by rideshare accidents in Summerville:
- Passengers in the Uber or Lyft vehicle often have the strongest claims
- Drivers and passengers in other vehicles involved in the collision
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by rideshare vehicles
- Rideshare drivers injured because of another party’s negligence
Each situation presents different legal challenges. Our Summerville Uber/Lyft accident attorneys identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery options.
The Critical Timeline After a Rideshare Accident
The actions you take immediately following an Uber or Lyft accident significantly impact your claim’s success:
- Seeking immediate medical attention creates essential documentation of your injuries, even if symptoms seem minor at first.
- Reporting the accident through the rideshare app preserves crucial evidence about the trip details.
- Taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries provides visual proof that insurance companies cannot easily dispute.
- Collecting contact information from witnesses gives us additional perspectives to strengthen your case.
- Contacting our Summerville Uber/Lyft accident lawyers quickly allows us to investigate while the evidence remains fresh.
South Carolina law gives accident victims three years to file personal injury lawsuits, but waiting risks losing valuable evidence and witness memories. Early legal intervention typically leads to better outcomes.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accident Cases
Liability in rideshare accidents often extends beyond just the drivers involved. Our legal team examines multiple potential sources of responsibility:
- The Uber or Lyft driver might bear responsibility for distracted driving, speeding, or other traffic violations.
- Other motorists could share blame if they contributed to causing the collision.
- Rideshare companies themselves might face liability for inadequate driver screening or safety policies.
- Vehicle manufacturers could be responsible if mechanical defects played a role in the crash.
- Government entities might share fault if poor road design or maintenance contributed to the accident.
Identifying all liable parties increases your chances of full compensation, especially when serious injuries exceed primary insurance limits.
Compensation Available to Rideshare Accident Victims
Victims of Summerville rideshare accidents deserve complete compensation for all harm suffered.
We help clients secure payment for:
- Current and future medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity when injuries affect your ability to work
- Physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident and recovery process
- Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
- Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent normal activities
Our Summerville Uber/Lyft accident lawyers calculate the full value of your claim based on medical records, expert testimony, and documented financial impacts.
Connect With Our Summerville Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers
Rideshare accident victims need dedicated legal support from attorneys who understand both South Carolina law and the unique aspects of Uber and Lyft claims. At West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we offer consultations to discuss your case and explain your options without obligation.
Our Moncks Corner office serves the entire Summerville area, providing accessible legal support when you need it most. Contact us today!