Getting into an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. Between managing injuries, dealing with insurance companies, and understanding your rights, the process can become complicated quickly. Many accident victims don’t know what to do after an Uber accident in Columbia SC, which can affect their ability to recover damages. Taking the right steps immediately after the crash helps protect your health, preserve evidence, and support your claim. Our Columbia car accident lawyers can guide you through this process and help you understand your legal options
Why Choose Goings Law
Goings Law understands the unique challenges that come with rideshare accidents. Unlike traditional car accidents, Uber and Lyft crashes can involve multiple insurance policies, potentially liable parties, and company defenses that may limit payouts. Our team has handled rideshare accident cases throughout Columbia and South Carolina, providing insight into how these claims typically work. We understand the insurance requirements, the coverage phases, and the approaches rideshare companies may take. When you work with Goings Law attorneys, you receive guidance from legal professionals who have helped clients pursue compensation in similar situations. Call (803) 350-9230 today for a free consultation about your case.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first after any accident. Even if you feel fine, you should seek medical attention right away. Visit an emergency room, urgent care facility, or your primary care doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Tell the medical provider exactly what happened and describe all your symptoms, even minor ones. Seeking prompt medical care is one of the most important steps you can take to protect both your health and your legal claim.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Symptoms
Some injuries don’t show up immediately. Whiplash, back injuries, and internal injuries can develop hours or even days after an accident. If you wait to seek treatment, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. Medical records created immediately after the crash can help link your injuries to the accident. These records also document your pain levels and initial treatment, which helps establish the severity of your injuries. Additionally, delaying medical care may reduce the compensation you receive, as insurance adjusters often view prompt treatment as a sign of injury. When it’s too late to go to the doctor after a car accident can significantly impact your claim, so act quickly.
Call the Police and Report the Accident
Always call 911 to report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police report creates an official record of what happened and helps establish facts about the crash. The police officer will document the scene, take statements from witnesses, and record information about all parties involved. This documentation is essential evidence for your claim and can be critical when negotiating with insurance companies.
What Information to Provide
When speaking with the police officer, provide accurate details about how the accident occurred. Give your name, contact information, and insurance details. Describe your injuries and any visible damage to the vehicle. If there were witnesses, provide their names and contact information to the officer. Ask the police officer for the report number and information about when you can obtain a copy. As an accident victim or passenger, you have the right to request a copy of the police report as an eligible party under South Carolina law. Accident reports have restricted access and are not available to the general public, but are available to those directly involved in the accident.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Taking photos and collecting information at the accident scene creates helpful evidence for your claim. If you’re able to do so safely, document everything before leaving the scene. Proper documentation of evidence at the accident scene is crucial for supporting your claim and establishing liability. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be when negotiating with insurance companies.
Photos and Information You Need
Photograph the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident. Take pictures from multiple angles showing the extent of the damage. Capture the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible hazards. If you have visible injuries, photograph those as well. Collect the following information from the other driver:
- Full name and contact phone number
- Driver’s license number and state
- Vehicle make, model, year, and license plate number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Uber or Lyft driver rating and vehicle information
Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Ask them to describe what they saw and take notes on their statements. This witness information can be critical when establishing fault.
Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app as soon as possible. Open the app, find your trip history, and select the ride during which the accident occurred. Look for a “Report Safety Incident” or similar option and provide details about what happened. Include the date, time, location, and description of the accident. Upload any photos you took at the scene. Reporting through the app notifies the rideshare company’s insurance carrier and can trigger applicable coverage. Keep records of your report, including screenshots and confirmation numbers.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance coverage. Understanding which insurance applies to your situation helps you know where to file your claim and what compensation may be available. The three phases of rideshare insurance coverage in South Carolina are critical to understand. Under South Carolina law, rideshare companies must maintain specific insurance requirements based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
The Three Phases of Rideshare Insurance
South Carolina requires Uber and Lyft drivers to carry insurance that covers passengers and third parties. The coverage amount depends on what the driver was doing when the accident occurred. During the personal phase, the driver’s app is off and they’re not working for the rideshare company. The driver’s personal auto insurance applies, which typically provides $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage. During the waiting phase, the driver has the app on but hasn’t accepted a ride yet. Uber and Lyft provide $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage during this phase. During the ride phase, a passenger is in the vehicle or the driver is traveling to pick up a passenger. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury coverage during this phase. Knowing which phase applied when your accident occurred helps determine which insurance company you file your claim with and how much coverage may be available.
Avoid Common Mistakes After a Rideshare Accident
Many accident victims unintentionally harm their claims by making preventable mistakes. Being aware of these pitfalls helps you protect your rights and improve your chances of recovery. Don’t admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you think you might have caused it. Statements made at the scene can be used against you later. Don’t delay seeking medical treatment, as this may weaken your injury claim. Don’t accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages. And don’t post about the accident on social media, as insurance companies may monitor social media and use your posts during the claims process. Don’t give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without speaking with an attorney first. These common mistakes can significantly reduce your compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina law generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under S.C. Code § 15-3-530. However, you should report the accident and begin the claims process much sooner. Insurance companies have their own deadlines for reporting accidents, and waiting too long can complicate your claim. The statute of limitations is a strict deadline that cannot be extended in most cases.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
You may be able to pursue a claim against the rideshare company if they were negligent in hiring or retaining the driver, or if the driver was acting within the scope of their role when the accident occurred. Rideshare companies often argue that drivers are independent contractors, not employees. An attorney can evaluate whether you may have a claim against the company.
What damages can I recover?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident. The amount depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, liability, and available insurance coverage. An attorney can help assess the value of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Should I contact a lawyer before settling?
It is often helpful to speak with an attorney before accepting a settlement. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that do not fully account for your injuries and losses. An attorney can review settlement offers and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
What if the driver’s app was off during the accident?
If the driver’s app was off, the driver’s personal auto insurance applies rather than the rideshare company’s coverage. This can limit available compensation, as personal policies typically have lower coverage limits. However, you may still have a claim against the driver’s insurance, and an attorney can help you evaluate your options.
How much does it cost to hire a rideshare accident attorney?
Most personal injury attorneys, including Goings Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and the attorney only receives a fee if compensation is recovered. The fee typically comes from your settlement or judgment.
Contact Goings Law for Your Free Consultation
Handling a rideshare accident claim on your own can be challenging. Insurance companies have adjusters and legal teams working to limit payouts. Working with an attorney can help you better understand your options and protect your interests.
Goings Law offers a free consultation to discuss your case. Contact Goins Law today to learn more. Remember, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit, so it’s important to act promptly.
