How Common Are Rideshare Accidents?

Rideshare accidents are more common than many people realize, especially in busy cities where Uber and Lyft often operate. If you were hurt in such a crash in South Carolina, our Charleston rideshare accident lawyer will seek compensation that can cover your bills.

Our injury attorneys will sort through confusing rules and complex insurance claims to figure out who is at fault and who should pay for your losses. We will handle your entire claim or lawsuit while you focus on your recovery. You can learn more during a free consultation.

How Often Do Rideshare Crashes Occur?

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles happen regularly. A recent study published in the Journal of Safety Research examined work-related crashes in rideshare drivers in the U.S. It found that one-third of U.S. rideshare drivers surveyed had been in a crash while on the job.

The link between rideshare use and increased crash rates has been noted for years. Researchers from the University of Chicago and Rice University reported in 2019 that ride-hailing services were associated with a 3% rise in fatal traffic accidents. 

According to the report, this increase amounted to about 987 additional deaths nationwide each year from 2011 to 2016, based on federal crash data.

How Common Are Rideshare Accidents in South Carolina?

Exact rideshare crash numbers aren’t available for South Carolina, but the state has ranked among the most dangerous in the nation for drivers.

For example, in 2022, South Carolina recorded 19.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 people—well above the national average of 12.9—according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

Given the state’s high overall crash and fatality rates, it’s reasonable to conclude that rideshare accidents are also a significant concern here.

Distracted Driving and Other Issues Can Cause Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare drivers often use their phones to get directions or accept rides while driving. That distraction—plus the pressure to accept as many fares as possible—can make crashes more likely.

Drivers may work long hours, growing tired behind the wheel. In busy areas like Charleston, South Carolina, unfamiliar streets and heavy tourist traffic add to the trouble. These factors make rideshare crashes more complex than typical accidents, so having the right legal help matters when an accident happens.

Our Car Accident Lawyer Will Help After an Uber or Lyft Crash

Our car accident lawyers in Charleston will handle all tasks related to your case after a rideshare crash. We:

• Gather evidence quickly: Preserve dashcam footage, phone records, and witness statements before they are lost or forgotten.
• Sort out insurance layers: Identify how the driver’s personal policy and rideshare company coverage apply to the crash.
• Coordinate medical care: Arrange treatment with doctors who accept medical liens when upfront payment is not possible.
• Prepare for trial if needed: Develop a strong case and present it in court if a fair settlement is not offered.

Who Can Get Hurt in an Uber or Lyft Crash?

Anyone. That includes:

• The rideshare passenger.
• The driver of the rideshare vehicle (if they were hurt)
• Other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians involved

Because rideshare drivers are usually independent contractors—not company employees—it can be harder to know whose insurance pays first and how much it covers the damages.

We will represent you and fight to recover your losses, whether you are a rideshare driver, passenger, or third-party motorist. 

You Can Seek Various Damages for a Rideshare Injury 

If someone else’s carelessness caused your rideshare accident, you can ask for damages in a personal injury claim. “Damages” is the legal term for the money meant to make up for what you lost. In South Carolina, these losses can be financial and non-financial.

Common recoverable damages include:

• Medical costs: Bills for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up visits, medications, and rehabilitation
• Future medical needs: Long-term care, physical therapy, or assistive devices you may need because of your injuries
• Lost income: Wages you missed while recovering from the crash
• Loss of earning ability: If your injuries make it harder to work in the future
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle or other personal items damaged in the crash
• Pain and suffering: The physical pain and mental distress caused by the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life: When your injuries prevent you from doing activities you once enjoyed

Recovering Losses in a Fatal Rideshare Collision

If the crash resulted in a loved one’s death, South Carolina’s wrongful death law allows certain family members to seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

Our rideshare accident lawyers in Charleston can calculate the full value of these losses, gather the proof you need, and negotiate with the insurance companies involved, which in rideshare cases can mean more than one insurer.

Protecting Yourself After a Rideshare Accident Is Important

• See a doctor right away, even if you feel like you are OK. Some injuries only show up later. 
• Take photos of the cars, sidewalk, any signs, or visible damage.
• Write down witness names or get contact information.
• Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible—you could lose your legal rights if you wait.

The statute clock starts ticking on the day of injury, so acting fast is key.

What’s the Legal Deadline for Filing a Claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the accident. That’s the deadline under S.C. Code § 15‑3‑530(5).

We will handle the filing deadline for you and make sure the court gets your case on time. Missing that deadline usually means the court will dismiss your case, and you lose your right to recover.

Call Hopkins Law Firm for Help With a Rideshare Accident Claim

At Hopkins Law Firm, we bring 100% to everything we do—100% experience, attention, knowledge, and energy to every case. Since opening in 2013, we’ve helped South Carolina families, including many retirees across Charleston, recover over $100 million.

Our Charleston personal injury lawyers take on multiple insurance companies and complicated liability questions. We will untangle the complicated issues that stand between you and your award for damages.

Our team prepares for trial, collects critical evidence fast, and connects you to trusted doctors through medical liens. If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, Don’t Delay; Call Clay. We are principled, practical, and personal, and we’re ready to learn how we can help you. Call us today for a free consultation.