Did you get hurt after getting into a crash as the passenger of a rideshare vehicle? At John Foy & Associates, we recognize the convenience, affordability, and reliability that this type of transportation service offers.
However, we also know that rideshare drivers are at risk of collisions, just like everyone else on the road. We recognize that the aftermath of the incident is likely a very overwhelming time for you, but you’re not alone—we can help as your Aiken rideshare accident lawyer.
With an Aiken personal injury lawyer from The Strong Arm™ by your side, you’ll be in good hands. With over 350 years of combined experience behind us, we’ve helped personal injury victims recover over $1 billion, and we’re ready to help you, too.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage in South Carolina
Unlike traditional taxis, rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees of the rideshare companies. This distinction impacts how insurance coverage works in the event of an accident.
Rideshare companies—such as Uber and Lyft—provide specific levels of insurance based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident. Your rideshare accident attorney in Aiken can explain how these stages determine which insurance policy is applicable to your case.
There are generally three stages in which the insurance coverage may vary:
- When the driver is offline
- When the driver is online but has not accepted a ride request
- When the driver is actively transporting a passenger.
Offline or Personal Use
When the rideshare driver is offline or not using the app, their personal auto insurance is the primary coverage in the event of an accident. If the driver is involved in an accident while offline, only their personal insurance will apply.
Online but Not Yet Accepting a Ride Request
If the driver is online and available to accept a ride request but has not yet matched with a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage provides contingent liability.
This means that if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the damages, the rideshare company’s insurance may provide coverage. Here’s what this level of coverage often includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
It’s important to note that this level of coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not provide adequate coverage. However, it still might not be enough for more serious accidents, which is why the next stage of coverage is important to understand.
Online and Transporting a Passenger or En Route to Pick Up a Passenger
When the rideshare driver is actively transporting a passenger or is en route to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage is often very comprehensive. This coverage includes up to $1 million in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
This policy applies regardless of whether the driver or another party is at fault for the accident. In addition to the liability coverage, the rideshare company’s insurance usually includes the following as well:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage for damage to the driver’s vehicle
Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Claims in South Carolina
Filing a claim after a rideshare accident can be overwhelming, especially if there are multiple insurance companies involved. However, try not to wait too long to reach out to an Aiken rideshare accident attorney because you must pursue legal action within a certain timeframe.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in South Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to begin the claims process as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss this deadline.
Damages You Can Recover After a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you could be entitled to recover a range of damages. Let’s take a look at what these damages might include.
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgery costs, prescription medications, and rehabilitation expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If you’re unable to work as a result of your injuries, you can claim compensation for the wages you missed out on while recovering.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact the injury has had on your quality of life might be an option.
- Property damage: If your personal property was damaged in the collision, you may be able to seek financial reimbursement for those damages.
- Long-term care costs: If your injuries require ongoing care or rehabilitation, you may be able to recover the costs associated with long-term treatment.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence or misconduct, you might be entitled to punitive damages as a way to punish the responsible party.
Each case is unique, so it’s important to contact Aiken rideshare accident attorneys who can look at the specific circumstances of your case. That way, they can give you the full scope of potential damages you might be eligible for while ensuring that you are fairly compensated.
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Contact Our Rideshare Accident Law Firm in Aiken for Legal Representation and a No-Obligation Consultation
It’s no secret that a rideshare accident can be a complicated and confusing experience. This is especially true when you consider the various types of insurance policies and how they can affect the outcome of your case. That’s where Aiken rideshare accident lawyers come into play.
At John Foy & Associates, we want to help you understand your legal rights and work toward ensuring that you are properly compensated for both the injuries and the damages you endured. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can seek justice on your behalf.
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