Charleston Lyft Accident Lawyer

Rideshare accident cases can be complicated, especially when multiple parties are involved. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft crash, a Charleston rideshare accident lawyer can help you pursue damages.

If you’ve been in a Lyft accident, you may be wondering about how much you’re owed. Without the help of a lawyer, you may end up settling for less than you deserve.

Since 2013, Hopkins Law Firm has recovered over $100 million for our clients. If you’ve been in a Lyft collision, a Charleston Lyft accident lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation.

Why Hire a Charleston Lyft Accident Attorney?

If you’ve been involved in a Lyft crash, an attorney can:

• Gather evidence: An attorney can obtain app data, driver logs, and surveillance footage to strengthen your case.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: A lawyer can push back against low settlement offers and fight for the compensation you deserve.
• Represent you in court: If settlement negotiations fail and litigation becomes necessary, an attorney can argue your case in court.

A Charleston car accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

What Is the Average Lyft Accident Settlement?

Since every Lyft accident case is different, there is no average settlement. Payouts can range from a few thousand dollars to over $1 million based on variables such as injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, and degree of fault.

A personal injury lawyer in Charleston can fight for the maximum possible settlement on your behalf.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover

If you file a Lyft accident claim, you may be eligible for several types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: You can seek payment for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future treatment you’ll need.
• Lost income: You can recover wages you would’ve earned while recovering from the crash, as well as future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
• Property damage: You can be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of personal property, such as your vehicle, phone, or other belongings damaged in the crash.
• Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
• Punitive damages: If the other party’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, you can receive additional compensation.

A Lyft accident attorney in Charleston can identify the damages you’re eligible for and make sure you’re fairly compensated.

How Does Lyft’s Accident Insurance Work?

In South Carolina, Lyft’s insurance coverage depends on the driver’s app status:

• App off (not accepting rides): The driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Lyft does not provide coverage.
• App on, waiting for a ride: Lyft provides liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person injured, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Active ride (passenger onboard): Lyft provides up to $1 million liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in SC?

According to South Carolina Code 15-3-530, you have three years from the date of a Lyft accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this time frame, you will forfeit your right to pursue damages for the crash.

A Charleston Lyft accident attorney can help you file your claim promptly.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Lyft Accident?

Multiple parties can share responsibility for a Lyft accident. Parties who can potentially be held liable include:

• The Lyft driver: If the driver acted negligently (such as by speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted), you can hold them responsible for your damages.
• Lyft: If the accident occurred while a ride was in progress or the driver was en route to pick up a passenger, you can pursue compensation through Lyft’s $1 million liability policy.
• Other motorists: If another driver caused or contributed to the crash, you can file a claim against their insurance coverage.
• Bicyclists or pedestrians: If a non-motorist’s actions played a role in the collision, you can hold them accountable.

A Charleston Lyft accident lawyer can investigate your crash to determine liability and hold the at-fault parties responsible.

Can You Sue Lyft for an Accident?

Lyft classifies its drivers as independent contractors, which can make suing the company directly challenging. However, you may be able to sue if:

• Lyft allowed a driver with a dangerous driving history, criminal background, or other red flags to remain on the platform
• Lyft failed to provide sufficient safety guidelines or training for the driver
• The Lyft app malfunctioned, provided unsafe routing, or distracted the driver in a way that caused the crash

A rideshare accident lawyer in Charleston can evaluate your case to determine whether you have grounds to sue Lyft.

What to Do After a Lyft Accident

The moments after a Lyft accident can be overwhelming, but these steps will be important to your case:

1. Call 911: Notify the police and file an accident report.
2. Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the vehicles, license plates, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and debris.
3. Exchange information: Trade contact and insurance information with the Lyft driver, any other drivers, and witnesses.
4. Seek medical care: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to visit a doctor to get evaluated and document your condition.
5. Report the accident to Lyft: Notify the company through the app or website as soon as possible, but keep your communication factual and brief.
6. Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit blame or make statements that could be used against you later by insurance companies or opposing lawyers.
7. Consult a lawyer: Call a Lyft accident attorney in Charleston to discuss next steps.

Contact a Lyft Accident Lawyer in Charleston

A Lyft accident can leave you with serious injuries and expensive property damage. If you’ve been on the wrong end of one, a Charleston Lyft accident attorney from Hopkins Law Firm can investigate the crash, deal with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your Lyft accident today.