When most people travel by taxi, bus, or rideshare, they assume they will be kept safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accidents in Walterboro can needlessly occur, leaving passengers injured and confused.
If you were harmed in one of these incidents due to a rideshare driver’s breach of the standard of care, a diligent car accident attorney could help you pursue the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Contact the team at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more.
Determining Liability in an Uber or Lyft Crash
In Walterboro, hired vehicles and common carriers can include popular modes of transportation such as the Greyhound Bus Line, taxis, chartered cars and limousines, and rideshare programs like Uber and Lyft. When an accident involves one of these common carriers, the responsible party and claims process will typically differ between each company and transportation type.
Liability for Off-Duty Rideshare Drivers
For example, with Walterboro collisions that occur while in a rideshare like Lyft or Uber, the extent of liability will depend on whether the driver is on duty. If the driver is not in the process of a pick-up, making a drop-off, or logged into the Uber or Lyft app, that would qualify them as off duty. This likely means that an injured party will be subject to the driver’s personal insurance limits and the rideshare company will not be involved.
Liability for Rideshare Drivers on Duty
However, if a driver is considered on duty, Uber provides third-party liability. This coverage would include:
- $1 million in third-party liability
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- Contingent, comprehensive, and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car
Many auto insurance companies offer rideshare insurance endorsements that provide extended coverage for drivers working for Uber or Lyft. The endorsements are not required, however, meaning the driver may choose to operate with only the minimum coverage requirement.
Damages Available After a Rideshare Accident
Pursuing damages after a Walterboro rideshare crash works the same as any other accident. The details of the collision will need to be thoroughly investigated, and proper documentation of the damage involved to the vehicles, the scene, as well as injuries sustained are paramount to the case. An injured passenger can sue an at-fault rideshare driver for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Present and future medical bills related to injuries sustained during the incident
- Psychological harm such as anxiety, PTSD, and mental anguish
- Lost earning capacity and lost wages from taking time off to recover or being unable to return to work in the same capacity as before the incident
- Pain and suffering and a loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
In some instances, punitive damages may also apply if a driver’s breach of the standard of care is found to be especially harmful or negligent. Hiring qualified legal representation early on could make a difference in maximizing the potential compensation received.
Reach Out to an Attorney for Help Pursuing Compensation After a Walterboro Rideshare Accident
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare accidents in Walterboro can have damaging effects on those involved, including physical injuries, expensive medical bills, and emotional trauma. In addition, many injured parties might feel confused about their next steps and whether they could be eligible to pursue compensation for their losses.
If you were involved in one of these collisions, contact a trusted attorney from Whetstone Perkins & Fulda to learn more about how our team could help you through a difficult time.
