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Why Choose Hughey Law Firm for Your Lyft or Uber Accident Case?
South Carolina Ridesharing Basics
The number of Americans who have used ridesharing services has more than doubled in recent years. According to Statista, approximately 25 percent of Americans use rideshare services at least once per month. Researchers project that the global ridesharing market will grow by more than 133 percent between 2022 and 2028. The two most popular services are Uber and Lyft.
In South Carolina, lawmakers often refer to Uber and Lyft as transportation network companies. Ridesharing is a service that arranges one-way transportation on short notice. Rideshare users request transportation by using an Uber or Lyft app on their phones. Riders request the type of service they want and input their destinations.
A prospective passenger can specify the type of service, ranging from inexpensive options to luxury cars. The app locates the user through the GPS feature on the user’s phone and matches the user with the nearest available driver. Once the app assigns a driver, it displays the driver’s name, license plate number, and route. Prospective passengers can track the driver’s location and receive a text message once the driver arrives.
Rideshare Insurance in South Carolina
- $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
- $25,000 property damage coverage per accident
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
- $1 million third-party liability insurance
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible
Common Causes of South Carolina Ridesharing Accidents
- Distracted drivers. Rideshare drivers face many distractions, including monitoring their GPS devices, checking the rideshare app for prospective passengers, or looking for their assigned passengers. Any distraction, even for a moment, can lead to an accident.
- Abrupt or illegal U-turns that cause a crash as rideshare drivers look for their passengers.
- Illegal or unsafe lane changes.
- Speeding, which means either exceeding the posted speed limit or going too fast for conditions.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even some prescription medications can cause impairment.
- Driver fatigue. Like truck drivers, rideshare drivers often drive for long hours without enough rest. Driver fatigue is as dangerous as driving while under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
- Failure to properly maintain the vehicle. Drivers are usually trying to make as much money as possible. They may delay spending time and money on maintenance and necessary repairs.
- Failure to obey traffic signs and signals.
- Tailgating.
- Road rage
- Aggressive driving. Aggressive drivers are dangerous drivers.
In a recent survey of rideshare users, DriversEd.com’s Reckless Ridesharing Report, 35 percent of users felt that their rideshare driver was driving recklessly. 29 percent reported incidents of a driver texting, and another 16 percent reported a driver checking social media on their phones. Other dangerous driver behaviors included impaired driving, inappropriate behavior, watching videos on a phone, and exhibiting road rage.
Common Injuries Resulting From South Carolina Ridesharing Accidents
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a traumatic brain injury often occurs because of a car accident. The victim may suffer serious, long-term consequences.
- Spinal cord injury – These are often catastrophic injuries, limiting mobility and sensation.
- Internal injuries – The symptoms of internal injuries may not appear right away, but left untreated, internal injuries may prove extremely dangerous.
- Broken bones – A serious car accident can result in one or more broken bones.
South Carolina Rideshare Accident Claims
If you wish to pursue compensation through the court system, South Carolina law generally gives car accident victims three years from the date of the accident to bring a ridesharing accident claim. If you miss this deadline, you cannot obtain compensation through the courts. There are some exceptions to this deadline so consult a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to determine how much time you have to pursue compensation.
Compensation From a South Carolina Rideshare Accident
- Current and ongoing medical treatment costs. These may include emergency treatment, hospital stays, continued treatment by doctors or other medical professionals, surgery, medication, any necessary medical equipment, physical or occupational therapy, and more.
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering, which is physical and mental anguish caused by the accident, along with loss of quality of life.
- Wrongful death.
- Punitive damages. The court only awards punitive damages in limited circumstances. To recover punitive damages, you must provide clear and convincing proof of willful, wanton, or reckless actions. South Carolina places a cap on punitive damages in most cases.
South Carolina Ridesharing Risks
- Car and pedestrian accidents. Sitting in the back seat of a car, users may forget to think about normal traffic safety. Pay attention to where you are going and whether the driver is operating the car safely.
- Criminals. Even drivers who pass a background check may still commit a crime. An investigation by CNN reported that over 100 drivers in the previous four years were accused of assaulting passengers, and at least 31 were convicted.
- Fake drivers. Criminals posing as rideshare drivers may go on to assault their passengers.
Driver and Vehicle Requirements for South Carolina Ridesharing Services
- A minimum age requirement of 21 years old.
- Must have a valid driver’s license for at least one year for Lyft, or three years for Uber, if you’re under 23 years old.
- Personal car insurance under your name that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
- A Social Security number.
- Undergo a background check, which is a screening service conducted by a third party. The purpose of the background check is to reveal any criminal background, charges related to reckless driving, DUIs, or car accidents, suspended licenses, and operating a vehicle without insurance. The TNC accepts or rejects a driver’s application based on the results of the background check.
Contact the Rideshare Accident Attorneys at Hughey Law Firm Today
A statute of limitations places a deadline on filing a civil or criminal claim. South Carolina law provides that, in most cases, a car accident victim has three years to bring a ridesharing accident claim.
When you use a TNC, you have a right to expect a clean, courteous, efficient, and, above all, safe experience. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. A ridesharing crash can leave you shocked and in pain. Beware of quick settlement offers from insurance companies. Their goal is usually to settle claims as quickly and inexpensively as possible. If anyone offers a settlement or asks you to sign a release or other documents, you should first speak to an experienced South Carolina ridesharing attorney.
For more information or to arrange a free initial consultation, call Hughey Law Firm at (843) 881-8644, or contact us online today.
