Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Greer easier than ever, but when an accident happens, things can get complicated fast. A Greer personal injury lawyer can help you recover the damages you are entitled to.
Between multiple insurance companies, unclear liability, and costly medical bills, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed after a rideshare accident. A Greer rideshare accident lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can guide you through the legal process and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Why Hire a Greer Rideshare Accident Attorney?
Rideshare accidents are often more complex than car accidents. A rideshare accident lawyer in Greer can:
- Investigate the crash: An attorney can collect evidence such as police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements to establish fault.
- Determine liability: A lawyer can identify whether the Uber or Lyft driver, the rideshare company, or another motorist is responsible for your injuries.
- Handle insurance negotiations: Rideshare insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer can negotiate to make sure you aren’t shortchanged.
- Represent you in court: If negotiations fail, your lawyer can take your case to trial and fight for the full value of your claim.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Rideshare Accident?
There is no average settlement for rideshare accident claims because every case is different. The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, how much time you miss from work, and the impact of the crash on your quality of life.
Rideshare accident settlements can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances of the crash. A rideshare accident attorney in Greer can help determine what your claim is truly worth.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible to recover several types of damages, such as:
- Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical needs.
- Lost income: You can be compensated for wages you lost while recovering from the crash, as well as future lost earnings if you can’t return to work.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive damages for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other damaged belongings.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can be compensated if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
An attorney can identify every type of loss that applies to your case to help maximize your recovery.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, your case could be dismissed, and you will lose your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Who Pays for a Rideshare Accident?
Depending on how the crash occurred and the driver’s status in the app, several different parties could be held liable for a rideshare accident.
Those parties include:
- The rideshare driver: If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash through negligence, they can be held personally liable.
- The rideshare company: Uber or Lyft may share responsibility if the driver was logged into the app or transporting a passenger at the time of the accident. Their commercial insurance policies can cover up to $1 million in damages in these situations.
- Another driver: If another motorist’s reckless or careless actions caused the collision, their insurance company may be responsible for paying your damages.
- A vehicle manufacturer: If a defective part contributed to the crash, the vehicle’s manufacturer could be held liable under product liability laws.
- A government entity: Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or dangerous intersections can make a city or county government partly responsible for the accident.
A lawyer can investigate your crash to determine exactly who is at fault and pursue every available source of compensation on your behalf.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents happen for many of the same reasons as other car crashes. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Many rideshare drivers rely on GPS and phone apps, which can take their attention off the road.
- Fatigued driving: Long hours behind the wheel can cause drivers to lose focus or fall asleep at the wheel.
- Speeding: Drivers trying to complete more rides may exceed speed limits, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Unsafe driving conditions: Rain, fog, or poor visibility can make it harder to control the vehicle safely.
- Reckless or aggressive driving: Sudden lane changes, tailgating, or failing to yield can all lead to serious accidents.
Speak to a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Greer
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, you need legal representation. A Greer rideshare accident attorney can guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and fight for a fair settlement.
Book a free case review to discuss your legal options today.