Columbia Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Crash Caused by a Rideshare Driver in South Carolina?

Uber and Lyft have become popular, convenient, and affordable to get around South Carolina, especially in Columbia and Lexington. From riding home after a night out to getting dropped off at the airport, all you need to do is simply request a ride from your phone and a driver will arrive within minutes to take you to your destination. However, what happens if you are injured in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver? Who is ultimately responsible for paying your entitled compensation?

At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we will hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions and ensure you obtain a favorable outcome inside or outside the courtroom. Our legal team can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process while protecting your rights and best interests from start to finish.

Do not hesitate to call (803) 359-3301 or complete our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation!

Transportation Network Companies in South Carolina

According to South Carolina law, Uber and Lyft are considered “transportation network companies” (TNCs), which are entities that use an app on a phone or electronic device to connect passengers to drivers. Taxis, limousines, and other four-hire ride services are excluded.

TNC drivers, or TNCs on behalf of their drivers, must maintain auto insurance that the driver uses his/her personal vehicle to transport passengers for pay. The insurance needs to cover the driver when he/she is logged into the app, when the driver accepts a ride, and when he/she is in the middle of transporting a passenger.

State law also includes mandatory background checks and vehicle inspections. TNC drivers are prohibited from accepting cash tips and soliciting “street hails.”

What Happens If a Rideshare Driver Causes a Car Accident?

Like all car accident cases, if a collision is caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, he/she can be held liable for the losses suffered by an injured party. However, the insurance coverage that kicks in depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the accident.

The following is a breakdown of how Uber and Lyft accidents are covered by insurance:

• The TNC driver is not logged into the app – Technically, the driver is not working for the TNC, which means that if he/she causes an accident, then his/her personal insurance policy will kick in.
• The TNC driver is logged into the app, but has yet to accept a ride – Uber and Lyft provide up to $50,000 for bodily injury and death per person, $100,000 for bodily injury and death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• The TNC driver is logged into the app and has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger – Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in total coverage.

On the other hand, if you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle and you are involved in a car accident caused by another car, the at-fault driver’s insurance should pay for your injuries, similar to any other car accident. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, then Uber and Lyft offers supplemental UM/UIM coverage to compensate injured parties.

Injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Columbia or Lexington, SC? Contact the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC today at (803) 359-3301 to let us help you immediately!