Ridesharing has become a popular way for people to get around without the expense and hassle of owning and maintaining their own car. It has also become a popular way for people who have their own cars to make money—whether on the side or as their full-time occupation. Unfortunately, with the increase in popularity of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, ridesharing accidents have increased as well. This article provides an overview of what you need to know after an Uber or Lyft accident in South Carolina.
5 IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE AFTER AN UBER OR LYFT ACCIDENT
1. GET MEDICAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY
After an Uber or Lyft accident, it is important that you seek medical treatment immediately. This is true whether you were driving your own car or you were getting a ride. Regardless of whose insurance company is liable for the accident (more on this below), you will need your medical records to show that your injuries resulted from the collision. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more difficult it will become to prove how and when your injuries occurred.
When seeking treatment, it is important to tell your doctor that you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. You should also describe your symptoms in detail. Providing as much information as possible will help your doctor document your injuries and make an accurate diagnosis.
2. TAKE DETAILED NOTES
The more information you can provide your attorney after an Uber or Lyft accident, the better. With this in mind, it is a good idea to take detailed notes right away. If you can answer any of the following questions, this will help when it comes to assessing your legal rights:
- What was the Uber or Lyft driver doing at the time of the accident? Did he or she appear to be distracted?
- What did the Uber or Lyft driver say after the accident?
- If you were riding in the Uber or Lyft vehicle, what did the other driver say?
- Who appeared to be at fault in the collision?
- Were any external factors involved in the collision (i.e. poor visibility or road conditions)?
- Did the responding officer prepare a police report?
- Did either driver get a ticket at the scene of the accident?
If you don’t know these answers, that’s okay. Your attorney will be able to conduct an investigation and gather any evidence that is available. But, it is worth sitting down and taking a few minutes to see what comes to mind. At this point, no detail is too small or insignificant.
3. DETERMINE WHAT INSURANCE COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE
When it comes to seeking financial compensation for an Uber or Lyft accident, a key consideration is the insurance coverage that is available. While it is possible to file a claim outside of auto insurance in some cases, most successful auto accident claims are resolved through auto insurance settlement negotiations.
All Uber and Lyft drivers in South Carolina should have auto insurance. Additionally, Uber and Lyft both provide coverage for accidents that occur when drivers are logged into their apps. If you have auto insurance, your policy could come into play as well—and this is true even if you were getting a ride at the time of the crash.
4. GET HELP WITH YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM(S)
Filing an insurance claim after an auto accident is never easy, and the process can be even more complicated when Uber or Lyft is involved. As a result, you will want to get help with your situation. Depending on who was at fault and what coverage is available, there is a possibility that you will need to file multiple claims in order to fully recover the compensation you deserve.
An attorney can guide you through the entire process. From filing your claim(s) to negotiating a settlement, your attorney can handle all of the key steps on your behalf. Your attorney can also help you decide when (and if) to settle so that you don’t end up with less than you deserve.
5. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RECOVER
When seeking financial compensation for an Uber or Lyft accident, it is critical to make sure you know how much you are entitled to recover. If you don’t know how much you deserve for your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses, you won’t be able to make informed decisions.
This is another area where an experienced attorney can help you. In South Carolina, Uber and Lyft accident victims can recover compensation for their financial and non-financial losses. They can also recover compensation for their current and future losses. An attorney who regularly represents auto accident victims will be able to accurately calculate your losses so that you know how much to seek in your insurance claim(s).
FAQS: FILING A CLAIM FOR AN UBER OR LYFT ACCIDENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA
DOES SOUTH CAROLINA LAW REQUIRE UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS TO CARRY INSURANCE?
South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance. This law applies to Uber and Lyft drivers, so all rideshare drivers in the state should have coverage.
DO UBER AND LYFT PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA?
Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for rideshare accidents in South Carolina. In most cases, however, accident victims must pursue claims under rideshare drivers’ personal auto insurance policies before pursuing a claim against Uber or Lyft.
HOW DO I FILE A CLAIM AGAINST UBER OR LYFT IN SOUTH CAROLINA?
To file a claim against Uber or Lyft in South Carolina, you will need an experienced attorney on your side. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in the Rock Hill area, we encourage you to contact us for a free and confidential consultation.
GET HELP FROM A ROCK HILL, SC RIDESHARE ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR FREE
Were you injured in an Uber or Lyft accident? If so, we can help. To speak with a Rock Hill, SC rideshare accident lawyer about your case for free, call (803) 327-1103 or tell us how we can reach you online now.