Greenville Rideshare Accident Attorney
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Greenville, SC?
If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Greenville, South Carolina, you need an attorney who understands the special rules that apply to rideshare claims. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our skilled rideshare accident lawyer team helps passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and other motorists recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages after collisions involving rideshare vehicles.
Reach us at (803) 599-2207 to schedule your free consultation today.
What Makes Rideshare Crashes Different?
Rideshare accidents are more complicated than ordinary car crashes because insurance responsibility can shift depending on what the driver was doing at the moment of the collision. Determining which insurance policy applies — the driver’s personal policy, the rideshare company’s contingent policy, or the rideshare company’s primary policy — is one of the first and most important steps in any claim.
Our Greenville rideshare accident attorney knows how to investigate app logs, police reports, and insurance responses to quickly identify the correct source of coverage. We make sure all responsible parties are held accountable so that injured victims receive the compensation they deserve.
South Carolina Rideshare Laws
South Carolina regulates Uber, Lyft, and similar companies under Transportation Network Company (TNC) laws. These laws require rideshare drivers to carry personal auto insurance and require TNCs to maintain tiered insurance policies that depend on the driver’s app status.
In addition, South Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the crash. That means you must file your claim or lawsuit within three years to protect your right to recover damages.
Because the rideshare industry operates through smartphone apps and independent contractor drivers, determining liability under these laws can be tricky. Our team will evaluate your case, identify which policy applies, and make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Liability in Uber and Lyft accidents depends heavily on the driver’s app status at the time of the collision. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
1. Driver Logged Off (App Off)
If the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they are considered off duty. In this case, the rideshare company provides no insurance coverage, and the driver’s personal auto insurance applies just like in any other car accident.
However, many personal insurance policies exclude coverage when a driver is using their car for commercial purposes. If that happens, injured victims may face denied claims or reduced coverage.
2. Driver Logged On but Waiting for Ride Requests (App On, No Ride Accepted)
When a driver is logged into the rideshare app but has not yet accepted a ride, limited contingent liability coverage applies. Typically, this includes:
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- Up to $25,000 for property damage
This coverage is “contingent,” meaning it only applies if the driver’s personal insurer denies the claim. It can also be a point of dispute between insurers.
3. Driver Accepted a Ride or Is Transporting a Passenger (Prearranged Ride)
Once a driver accepts a ride request and while they are en route to pick up or transport a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide primary liability coverage of up to $1 million.
This high-limit policy covers passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists injured during the trip. In some cases, additional uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is also available.
What to Do After a Greenville Uber or Lyft Crash
After a rideshare accident, your actions can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if you feel okay, some injuries take hours or days to appear.
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed. This official record is essential for any insurance claim.
- Document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, app screens, and road conditions.
- Save your rideshare records. Screenshots of the trip receipt, messages from Uber/Lyft, and GPS details can prove your status as a passenger or confirm the driver’s app activity.
- Avoid making statements to insurers until you have legal representation. Anything you say may be used to minimize your claim.
- Call a Greenville rideshare accident lawyer at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC to protect your rights and handle the legal process for you.
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of rideshare accidents in Greenville may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Future medical treatment and long-term care
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
If the rideshare company’s $1 million policy applies, it can make a major difference in ensuring full financial recovery.
Uber & Lyft Accident Claim FAQs
Q: Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
A: Usually, claims are filed against the at-fault driver and the applicable insurance policy (personal or company-provided). Whether Uber or Lyft can be named directly depends on the circumstances and whether the company was negligent in its hiring, training, or safety procedures.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim in South Carolina?
A: Most personal injury victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline can bar recovery completely, so it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Q: What if the driver’s personal insurance denies coverage?
A: That’s common in rideshare cases. When a personal insurer refuses coverage due to commercial-use exclusions, Uber or Lyft’s contingent or primary policy typically steps in. Your attorney can demand records from the rideshare company to confirm coverage.
Q: Will Uber or Lyft pay my medical bills immediately?
A: Typically, no. These companies and their insurers investigate before paying any claims. However, your lawyer can help expedite the process and ensure all medical bills are included in your demand for compensation.
Why Hire Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC?
Rideshare accident cases require detailed investigation and an understanding of how multiple insurance policies interact. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our Greenville rideshare accident lawyer team will:
- Identify which insurance policies apply
- Gather digital evidence from Uber or Lyft apps
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Pursue full compensation for all your losses
- Take your case to court if necessary
We know how to handle complex rideshare claims in Greenville and across South Carolina. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, don’t face the insurance companies alone.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Our Satisfied Clients
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“Being involved in a life-changing event is when you realize that we are really not in control of our lives and how we choose to handle it is where we find our character. Thank God for my legal team, Jacob and Erica, and everyone else involved.”- Former Client
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“George kept me informed and gave loving advice all the way through. I could call him when I needed. He recognized my personal, mental and physical struggles. You can trust in him. GOD knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he made him.”- Former Client
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“He was patient, listened, considerate, explained things to me that my previous attorney did not, and broke every part of my case down so I was sure to understand every aspect of my case before leaving his office.”- Cassandra J.
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“Promises were kept and interactions were both personal and professional. I would highly recommend Mr. George and his firm to anyone in need of legal help.”- Former Client
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“I had a workers compensation claim that my wonderful lawyer Lawton Harper was able to help me with. He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
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“When my case took a hit from the doctor’s final impairment rating, Danny didn’t give up – he went full force and earned me a fair settlement!”- Former Client
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“Lawton Harper has been amazing helping me with my works compensation case. He explained everything about what to expect throughout the case and was there for any questions or concerns I had.”- Kai P.
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“He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
