Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, offer a service of convenience, making it easy to get around Charleston. While most rides end without incident, do you know what legal options you have if you get into a crash involving a rideshare driver?
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If you were hurt in a crash involving a rideshare driver, you may wonder what legal options you have for recovering compensation. At Roden Law, we understand your concerns, and we can help answer your questions.
Call our Charleston car crash lawyers to discuss your situation — there is no cost for an initial consultation — and learn whether you may have a case.
Request your FREE consultation today at 1-844-RESULTS.
Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Crash?
There are many contributing factors that impact who may be liable in rideshare crashes.
To start with, it is important to determine what happened, which is why investigators carefully examine the crash scene and talk to the drivers involved. They will also get statements from any witnesses who saw the crash as it happened. Getting video coverage may be more likely when a rideshare driver is involved. Lyft and Uber drivers sometimes install a dashcam in their vehicles as further protection in the event they are involved in a crash.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation and the story the evidence tells, multiple parties could be responsible.
Below are some parties who may be fully or partially liable for damages resulting from a rideshare crash:
- Rideshare Drivers: Uber, Lyft or other rideshare drivers could be liable if their negligence led to the crash that injured you.
- Other Drivers: Other drivers who hit the Uber or Lyft car you were riding in may be responsible, or at least partially liable for the crash.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: The manufacturer of a defective rideshare vehicle could be liable if the defect contributed to the crash.
- Government Entities: Though less common, a local or state agency may be liable if poor road conditions results in a crash, especially if it is due to a lack of maintenance.
- Rideshare Companies: Uber, Lyft and other rideshare companies might share liability in certain circumstances.
Who Pays for My Damages?
Any compensation you may be eligible for will typically come from the insurance policy of the party or parties deemed liable. In rare cases, it could come from some where else, such as a government entity or another third party.
In a rideshare crash, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your medical costs and other damages from the following sources:
Rideshare Company Insurance
Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers. The coverage available, however, depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- If the app was off, the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- If the app was on but no ride had been accepted, the company provides limited liability coverage.
- If a ride was accepted or a passenger was in the car, the company provides up to $1 million in coverage.
At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If another driver caused the crash, their insurance would be the primary source of compensation.
Your Own Insurance
Your personal auto insurance, might sometimes come into play as well. This is particularly true if the at-fault parties have insufficient coverage or no coverage. In a situation like that, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage would help to cover your damages. For instance, say an at-fault driver has some coverage, but it only covers 70 percent of your compensation. If eligible, then you may be able to cover the remaining 30 percent of your damages through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Other Liable Parties
If a vehicle manufacturer or government entity is found liable, their insurance or funds would provide compensation.
What Type of Compensation May I Seek from a Rideshare Crash?
Every rideshare crash involves different scenarios, potentially requiring various compensation. In a high impact collision, rideshare passengers may have severe injuries that cause them to need compensation for surgery and other related medical bills.
You may be entitled to several types of compensation such as:
- Medical expenses: This covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications and future medical care
- Lost wages: If your injuries cause you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost income, including future earnings if you’re unable to return to your job.
- Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage compensates for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: If your personal property was damaged in the crash, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensate for injuries that prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities, you once did before the crash
- Punitive damages: Use to punish the wrongdoers in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct
How Long Do I Have to File a Legal Claim?
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the car crash to file a claim. The legal term for this deadline is the statute of limitations. Two years may sound like a lot of time, but it is important to remember that your attorney needs time to build a solid case. Injured victims who file late in the game give their attorney little time to get optimum results. If you miss the deadline, you will likely be barred from recovering any damages.
Were You Involved in a Rideshare Crash? Roden Law Is Ready to Help
If you were injured in a rideshare crash in Charleston, there is no need to try to handle your legal case on your own. At Roden Law, our experienced attorneys are ready to help. We have extensive experience and have a strong history of proven results.
Call today for free consultation. We can help you determine what your next steps may be after a rideshare crash. If you choose our firm to represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.
Speak to one of our attorneys today: 1-844-RESULTS.