Need an Injury Lawyer After an Uber/Ridesharing Accident in South Carolina?
Have you suffered injuries because of a ridesharing driver’s negligence or recklessness, such as Uber or Lyft drivers? Whether you were a passenger on one of their rides, another driver on the road, or a pedestrian on the street, there are avenues for relief to pursue financial recovery for your injuries.
Did the Driver Comply with South Carolina Law?
To comply with South Carolina law, ridesharing drivers must obtain minimum levels of insurance: “The coverage requirements when the TNC driver is logged onto the TNC’s digital network and is available to receive transportation requests but is not engaged in a prearranged ride include: primary auto liability of at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person; $150,000 for death and bodily injury per incident; and $25,000 for property damage.
When a driver is on a prearranged ride, primary auto coverage with at least $1 million for death, bodily injury and property damage is required. Uninsured motorist coverage is required in both scenarios. The bill states the coverage requirements may be satisfied by auto insurance maintained by the TNC driver, by the TNC itself, or both.” See https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2015/07/02/373593.htm. TNC drivers may be covered by their companies’ insurance while they are logged into the apps or on a ride, but additional insurance they obtain on their own may help to fill coverage gaps.
Ridesharing Companies Attempt to Dodge Liability by Utilizing Independent Contractors
You have legal remedies for your injuries negligently or recklessly caused by the ridesharing driver. However, Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing companies often shield themselves from direct liability through the use of independent contractor drivers, and not employee drivers.
Even if suing the ridesharing company would not be a good legal strategy, you still have options for financial relief. For example, you might be able to make a claim against the ridesharing company’s liability insurance policy, which most states require. This policy is generally in place to cover claims resulting from a ride for hire, or during times that the ridesharing driver is logged into their company’s app.
Retain the Services of a Reputable Trial Attorney
Don’t accept the ridesharing company’s insurer claims that you are not covered under their policy, or a paltry settlement that comes nowhere close to covering your damages. Let a seasoned trial and personal injury attorney fight these battles for you. If you have a good attorney, the insurance company will probably not even insult their intelligence with low-ball offers. If the insurance company does so, they will just hurt their chances of being able to negotiate with your attorney and the case will most likely end up in trial. This is a place that many insurance companies do not like to be. It is a particularly hot seat for the insurance adjuster who denied the claim, especially if they lose and their boss is now on the hook for a sizeable judgment.
So, if you have a good trial attorney on your side, you have a better chance of obtaining just and fair compensation for your injuries caused by the Uber, Lyft or other ridesharing driver. Contact us today to find out more!