Many people rely on services such as Uber and Lyft to get them to and from work, an evening out, or back home. However, when you allow another person to drive you somewhere, you risk a potential collision caused by either the driver or another motorist.
When you are in an Uber, Lyft, or Rideshare accident in Columbia, you deserve compensation for your damages and injuries. With the help of our accident attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, you can make your claim for total recovery.
Who is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Unlike other commercial drivers, such as truckers or cab drivers, no additional training or skill set is required to drive for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Most require a background check, evidence of a driver’s license, and sometimes proof of insurance. Otherwise, your rideshare driver is just a regular motorist taking on responsibility for your safety.
When you are in a crash, your ride should be covered by the rideshare company’s liability insurance. However, if your driver did not log in or start the ride when a wreck occurred, the company may no longer be involved, leaving just the driver and possibly other parties responsible.
Passenger Injuries in a Rideshare Collision
Car crash injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the impact force and the other vehicles involved. A passenger in a rideshare accident may sustain injuries such as:
- Sprains
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Crushing injuries
- Amputated limbs
- Back and spinal damage
- Head injuries
- Loss of life
A Columbia attorney who handles Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare accident cases could help you document your injuries and determine the party responsible for compensating you.
Proving Negligence in a Rideshare Collision
An attorney could inform you of all your insurance claim options after an accident, including a lawsuit. Personal injury suits usually begin with a negligent act. These types of claims rely on proving the following elements:
- There was a duty of care for the driver to operate their car safely, something every motorist is held to
- There was a breach of that duty by driving recklessly
- This breach led to the accident and your injuries
Multiple parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, and other motorists, could be liable for your injuries. For instance, the company could be partially responsible for your harm if it engaged in negligent hiring practices.
Hiring a Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident
A Columbia attorney could gather evidence following an Uber, Lyft, or Rideshare wreck to ensure you stay within the statute of limitations of three years. If you do not bring your lawsuit within that time frame, you will lose the ability to obtain compensation.
Similarly, South Carolina’s negligence system takes a plaintiff’s own responsibility for their injuries into account, reducing compensation accordingly. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you could be barred from recovering. Your lawyer could also help you prove that you did not play a role in your injuries.
Attorneys for Rideshare Accident Claims
Uber, Lyft, and Rideshare accidents in Columbia can present complex issues of liability and proof. Sorting out who should pay for your injuries takes legal knowledge, the kind provided by our lawyers at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda.
Our team of reliable personal injury attorneys could evaluate the details of your case and work with you to determine your options, all with the goal of getting you compensation. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.
