Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around South Carolina more convenient than ever. But when convenience turns into chaos after a crash, you need a rideshare accident lawyer who knows how to fight for your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, our rideshare accident attorneys help injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians throughout Columbia, SC and beyond. Whether you were a Lyft passenger, an Uber or Lyft driver, or another motorist involved in one of the many Uber and Lyft accidents across the state, our team has the experience and litigation skill to protect you.
We understand the legal complexities unique to rideshare accidents, where rideshare companies attempt to frame drivers as independent contractors, and multiple layers of auto insurance can create confusion and delays. If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. Our experienced rideshare accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses and hold the at-fault driver or rideshare company accountable.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in South Carolina
A Growing Part of Everyday Travel
From downtown Columbia, SC to the busy streets of Charleston and Greenville, Uber and Lyft vehicles have become part of daily life. However, the rise of transportation network companies has led to an increase in rideshare accidents involving both passengers and other motorists.
Unlike a traditional car accident, where determining liability and insurance coverage is less complex, Uber and Lyft accidents are far more complex. Questions about who is responsible, the rideshare driver, another motorist, or the rideshare companies, require in-depth legal and insurance knowledge.
At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, our rideshare accident lawyers understand these nuances. We have handled numerous rideshare accident injuries, including those involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious bodily injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Determining fault in rideshare accidents can be complicated because of the multiple parties involved. In South Carolina, liability often depends on what the Uber or Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash.
1. When the Driver Is Offline or Off-Duty
If the rideshare driver wasn’t logged into the app or accepting rides, the driver’s personal auto insurance is typically responsible for damages. The rideshare companies (like Uber and Lyft) usually bear no responsibility in this scenario.
2. When the Driver Is Logged In but Has No Passenger
When a driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, limited rideshare insurance applies. In South Carolina, Uber and Lyft provide contingent coverage, typically up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.
3. When the Driver Has a Passenger or Is En Route to Pick One Up
If the Uber or Lyft driver is carrying a passenger or heading to pick one up, the company’s $1 million insurance coverage usually applies. This protection is meant to cover the Uber or Lyft passenger, as well as other accident victims injured in the collision.
Our rideshare accident attorneys will investigate every stage of the driver’s status to determine which insurance applies, and make sure the insurance company pays what it owes.
Understanding the Rideshare Claims Process
The aftermath of an Uber accident or Lyft accident can be overwhelming. Medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and lost wages pile up quickly. You’ll need to file an insurance claim promptly and accurately, something our rideshare accident lawyers handle daily.
Because rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, companies like Uber and Lyft often deny liability and attempt to shift the burden to personal insurance carriers. Our legal team knows how to cut through those excuses and prove that your injury qualifies under the company’s rideshare insurance coverage.
We communicate directly with the insurance company, ensuring your claim is filed properly, deadlines are met, and evidence, such as driver logs, app data, and GPS records, is preserved. When necessary, we escalate cases to court to secure fair compensation for your losses.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
The causes of Uber and Lyft accidents are often similar to those in other car accidents, but some are unique to rideshare operations. Common factors include:
- Distracted driving (such as checking the app or navigation)
- Fatigue from long hours on the road
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Unsafe pickups or drop-offs in busy traffic
- Inexperienced or unqualified rideshare drivers without a valid driver’s license
- Other negligent motorists colliding with an Uber or Lyft vehicle
Whether the crash involved a rideshare driver or another at-fault driver, our accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to establish responsibility and maximize your recovery.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Rideshare accident injuries can range from mild to catastrophic. At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, we regularly represent clients suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe lacerations or burn injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Chronic pain and mobility loss
In addition to physical harm, rideshare accidents can cause psychological trauma, lost income, and long-term medical expenses. We help victims recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other financial losses.
What To Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Your actions immediately after a crash can make or break your case. Here’s what our rideshare accident attorneys recommend:
- Call 911 and seek emergency care – Even if injuries seem minor, always get medical attention.
- Document the scene – Take photos of the damaged vehicles, the Uber or Lyft vehicle, license plates, and road conditions.
- Get driver/passenger, and witness details – Collect contact information, insurance details, and rideshare app screenshots.
- Report the accident through the app – Notify Uber and Lyft using their in-app reporting tools.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to the insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a rideshare accident lawyer immediately – Legal guidance early on prevents critical mistakes.
Our Columbia rideshare accident lawyers can step in right away to preserve evidence, manage communications, and protect your rights.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
It’s no secret that insurance companies prioritize their bottom line. Whether you’re dealing with a driver’s personal insurer or rideshare companies’ corporate carrier, adjusters often downplay claims or deny coverage outright.
Our rideshare accident attorneys have decades of experience negotiating with insurers. We handle every aspect of your insurance claim, including correspondence, documentation, and evidence presentation, to prevent delays and lowball offers.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our accident lawyers are fully prepared to take the case to court to fight for your rights.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover
Victims of rideshare accidents in South Carolina may be entitled to several types of financial compensation, including:
- Medical bills and future care expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Our goal is always to help you seek compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses and ensures long-term financial security.
How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
Working with a skilled rideshare accident lawyer can dramatically change the outcome of your case. Here’s how McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates helps clients achieve success:
- Thorough investigation: We collect driver data, witness statements, and electronic evidence from Uber and Lyft systems.
- Expert case building: Our rideshare accident attorneys work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economists to establish your claim’s value.
- Handling negotiations: We communicate directly with every involved insurance company, ensuring they honor their obligations.
- Litigation readiness: If settlement talks fail, our accident lawyers take your case to trial.
- Personal support: From the first call to the final resolution, we provide compassionate guidance and legal strength.
Our rideshare accident lawyers have represented accident victims across South Carolina for years, and we fight relentlessly for justice in every case.
Why Rideshare Cases Are Different from Car Accidents
Although they may seem similar, rideshare accidents differ greatly from traditional car accidents. The involvement of Uber and Lyft, their status as transportation network companies, and the way they attempt to frame their drivers as independent contractors make these cases more complex.
Unlike most motor vehicle accidents, multiple insurance policies can apply simultaneously, depending on whether the Lyft driver or Uber driver was carrying a passenger, waiting for one, or off-duty.
That’s why choosing a seasoned rideshare accident attorney is critical, someone who understands not only personal injury law but also corporate insurance frameworks and evolving state regulations on South Carolina rideshare drivers.
Statute of Limitations and Legal Deadlines
Under South Carolina law, you generally have three years from the date of your rideshare accident to file a lawsuit. However, deadlines can vary based on who’s involved and the type of insurance claim being filed.
Failing to act in time can bar your right to recover financial compensation altogether. Our rideshare accident attorneys make sure your claim is filed promptly, correctly, and within the required statute of limitations.
Litigation and Settlement in Rideshare Accident Cases
Most Uber and Lyft accidents are resolved through insurance negotiations. However, when insurers refuse to pay, we don’t hesitate to litigate.
Our South Carolina personal injury law firm has extensive courtroom experience, we’ve tried countless car accidents and rideshare accident cases before South Carolina judges and juries. Our track record includes numerous settlements and verdicts that secured justice for our clients.
With McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, you’ll always have a dedicated accident lawyer prepared to take your case as far as needed for a successful resolution.
Common Questions About Rideshare Accident Claims
What if I was a Lyft passenger or Uber or Lyft passenger during the crash?
If the Lyft or Uber driver was at fault, you can typically recover compensation from the rideshare company’s $1 million policy. Whether you were a Lyft passenger or an Uber or Lyft passenger, our attorneys can identify the right coverage and handle your insurance claim efficiently.
Can I file a lawsuit against the rideshare company?
In some cases, yes. If rideshare companies fail to vet drivers properly or maintain safe operational standards, they may share liability. Our rideshare accident lawyers investigate every possible avenue for recovery.
Why Choose McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates
Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between a disappointing result and a life-changing recovery. Our Columbia rideshare accident lawyer team brings decades of trial experience, an in-depth understanding of rideshare insurance, and a commitment to personal client care.
We know how hard work and determination drive our clients, and we bring that same drive to every case. Whether you were injured by a Lyft driver, an Uber or Lyft driver, or another at-fault driver, we fight for the maximum recovery possible under the law.
We don’t settle for less. We pursue the fair settlement and justice you deserve.
Contact a South Carolina Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
If you were hurt in one of South Carolina’s many Uber and Lyft accidents, don’t face the legal system alone. At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, our rideshare accident lawyers stand ready to protect your rights, recover your losses, and help you rebuild your life.
Call us today at 803-653-6449 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. You’ll speak directly with a rideshare accident attorney who understands your situation and is ready to take immediate action.
We proudly serve clients throughout Columbia, Lexington, Sumter, Camden, Orangeburg, Newberry, and Aiken. It won’t cost you anything to see if we can help, and you don’t pay unless we win.
