Rideshare Accident Claims in Georgia & South Carolina
The growth of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has transformed transportation across Georgia and South Carolina — but it has also introduced complex liability questions when accidents occur. According to NHTSA data, the proliferation of for-hire vehicles has contributed to increased urban traffic congestion and associated crash risks. Whether you are a rideshare passenger, another motorist, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, our attorneys can help you navigate the unique insurance and liability issues that rideshare accidents present.
How Rideshare Insurance Works
Rideshare companies maintain tiered insurance coverage that depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- App off: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App on, waiting for a ride request: The rideshare company provides limited liability coverage — typically $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- En route to pick up or during a trip: The rideshare company’s full commercial policy applies — up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Understanding which coverage tier applies at the moment of the crash is critical to maximizing your recovery.
South Carolina Transportation Network Company Act
South Carolina regulates rideshare operations under the Transportation Network Company (TNC) Act (S.C. Code § 58-23-1610 et seq.), which requires TNCs to maintain the tiered insurance coverage described above. Georgia similarly requires rideshare companies to carry minimum insurance coverage that varies based on the driver’s operational status. These state regulations establish the minimum coverage floors that protect injured parties.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Rideshare passengers face particular injury risks because many riders do not wear seatbelts in the back seat and rideshare vehicles frequently stop and start in high-traffic areas. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and cervical spine injuries from rear-end collisions
- Traumatic brain injuries from side-impact crashes
- Broken bones and soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries in severe crashes
- Psychological trauma and anxiety disorders
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accident cases frequently involve multiple potentially liable parties: the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, other motorists, vehicle manufacturers (in cases involving defective parts), and even government entities responsible for road maintenance. Our attorneys investigate each accident thoroughly, working with accident reconstruction specialists to identify every source of liability and insurance coverage available to compensate your injuries.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, take a screenshot of the ride details in the Uber or Lyft app, document the scene with photos, obtain the driver’s information and insurance details, seek immediate medical attention, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters. Rideshare companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize their exposure — you deserve an advocate fighting for your interests.