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    A rideshare accident can change your life in seconds. After a crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may be dealing with rising medical bills, time away from work, and questions about who should pay for your losses. At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand what you are going through. Since 1968, our Columbia accident lawyers have helped thousands of injured individuals throughout Midlands, including Richland, Lexington, Fairfield, Kershaw, Calhoun, Newberry, Saluda, and Sumter counties.

    Accidents involving a rideshare driver, a rideshare company, and other vehicles are more complex than a typical car accident. Insurance companies may try to settle your claim for less than you deserve by disputing the driver’s ride status at the time of the crash. Or, they may push back on which insurance policy should apply. Don’t let them get away with it.

    Our Uber or Lyft accident attorneys help you understand your legal rights and protect your claim. We work to hold the Lyft or Uber driver or the rideshare company responsible. You need answers after your accident. We offer a free consultation and a No Fee Guarantee, so there’s nothing to lose. Call us day or night at (888) 324-3100 to speak directly with a member of our legal team.

    Why Choose Joye Law Firm for Your Columbia Rideshare Accident Case?

    Understanding who pays after a rideshare accident is not simple. Insurance coverage depends on what the rideshare driver was doing when the accident occurred. If the driver was waiting for a ride request, Uber or Lyft may provide limited coverage. If the driver was carrying a passenger or was on the way to pick one up, the rideshare company’s full insurance policy applies.

    These changing insurance rules make it harder for injured victims to know where to turn. Insurance companies often deny or delay claims by arguing that another driver or rideshare company should pay. Without help from a local Columbia rideshare accident lawyer, you may not know how to respond.

    At Joye Law Firm, we stay up-to-date on the latest developments in rideshare law and have the resources to thoroughly investigate your case. We have a track record of successfully resolving a range of car accident cases. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, each case highlights our dedication to fighting for fair compensation and supporting our clients through their recovery.

    • $600,000 settlement for a client of Attorney Milt Stratos who was severely injured when their rideshare driver drove through a four-way stop without yielding and slammed into a passing vehicle.
    • $535,000 settlement for a Lexington man who sustained multiple injuries as the result of a head-on car collision.
    • $500,000 jury verdict in York County for a woman injured after being t-boned by a tractor-trailer

    We help clients fight denied claims, file their paperwork correctly, and demand fair payment for medical bills, lost wages, and an estimate of all future expenses that can arise long after a case is resolved. Our team’s experience handling rideshare cases makes a real difference in our clients’ results.

    We focus on what matters: making sure you receive clear answers and real help. That’s why so many rideshare accident victims in Columbia choose Joye Law Firm.

    Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Columbia, SC

    Services like Uber and Lyft have become a staple for daily travel for people throughout the Midlands. They provide a convenient way to get around, whether it’s for daily transportation or as an option for going out without worrying about drinking or driving late at night.

    All you want is to get to your destination safely. You open the app and request a ride. Within minutes, you’re in the back seat of a car and on your way. But everything can change suddenly if you are involved in a car accident. In an instant, your routine ride can become a nightmare of pain, confusion, and worry. With the increase in rideshare usage comes an increase in rideshare-related accidents.

    According to the Columbia Police Department’s most recent Annual Report, the Traffic Safety Unit investigated 633 traffic collisions, including 16 fatal collisions. While this data isn’t specific to rideshare accidents, it highlights the overall risk on our roads.

    These statistics underscore the importance of safe driving practices and the need for experienced legal representation if you’re involved in an accident.

    The Impact of Rideshare Services on Traffic Safety

    A study published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted that ridesharing companies have facilitated more than 11 billion trips worldwide since operations began in 2010. While these services have been associated with some positive trends in traffic safety, this massive scale of operation inevitably leads to some accidents.

    The Cato Institute released a report examining how the availability of rideshare services nationwide has affected traffic crashes and crime. The study analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program.

    The study found:

    • A general decline in fatal accident rates after Uber’s introduction, with an estimated 1.6% decrease for each quarter Uber was available in an area.
    • Potential reductions in alcohol-related fatal crashes, nighttime fatal crashes, and overall vehicular fatalities.
    • A decline in arrest rates for driving under the influence (DUI) was observed, with an estimated 0.8% decrease for each month ridesharing was available.

    Some of these trends are encouraging, but collisions do have devastating consequences for those involved. Rideshares also pose unique risks, beyond collisions, particularly in situations where people may be vulnerable or caught off guard, such as late-night travel, unfamiliar locations, or relying on ridesharing services where trust in the driver is essential.

    In 2021, the Samantha L. Josephson Ridesharing Safety Act was signed into law by SC legislators after the horrific killing of a University of South Carolina student who mistakenly entered a vehicle posing as a rideshare operator. The law implemented several changes aimed at reducing the risks of using rideshare services.

    Common Rideshare Accident Scenarios in Columbia

    At Joye Law Firm, we assist clients involved in various types of rideshare accident cases in Columbia. Below are the most common situations where injured victims need legal help:

    Rideshare Driver Hit While Waiting:
    A rideshare driver waiting to accept a ride request may be hit by another vehicle. In this situation, the at-fault driver’s personal insurance should apply, although the rideshare driver’s personal coverage may also come into play since Uber or Lyft’s policy may not yet cover the accident.
    Driver in a Crash While on Duty:
    If the rideshare driver has accepted a ride or is on the way to pick up a passenger, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies usually take over. These policies often provide higher coverage limits after a ride request is active.
    Rideshare Driver at Fault for a Crash:
    When a rideshare driver causes an accident, Uber or Lyft’s liability coverage generally applies if the driver was logged into the app and en route to a passenger or carrying one. This insurance can cover injuries to passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians, though victims may still face complex claims processes and delays.
    Injured Rideshare Passengers:
    Passengers hurt in an Uber or Lyft trip, whether the crash is caused by the rideshare driver or another motorist, are usually covered through the rideshare company’s insurance.
    Multiple Drivers Sharing Fault:
    In accidents involving more than one driver, liability may be divided. These cases may involve different insurance companies and personal policies, leading to delays and confusion.

    After a rideshare accident, it’s not always clear whether your claim should be covered by the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s policy, or another driver’s insurance. This confusion can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our Columbia rideshare accident attorneys are here to guide you through the process and work to get fair compensation for injured passengers, drivers, and other accident victims.

    Types of Injuries and Damages in Rideshare Accidents

    At Joye Law Firm, we help Lyft and Uber accident victims in Columbia recover damages for both physical injuries and financial losses after an accident. Below are common injuries and costs people face after being hurt in an accident.

    • Broken Bones and Visible Injuries: Many passengers and drivers suffer broken bones, cuts, or bruises in a rideshare vehicle crash. These injuries may look minor, but they often require medical care and time to heal.
    • Neck Injuries and Whiplash: Neck injuries are common in rear-end or side-impact collisions. Whiplash symptoms can appear days later and may require therapy or pain management.
    • Spinal Cord Injuries: Serious crashes sometimes lead to spinal cord injuries, which can cause limited movement, permanent pain, or lifelong care needs.
    • Head Trauma and Concussions: Blows to the head during an accident can cause concussions, memory issues, or long-term cognitive problems requiring specialist care.
    • Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Victims often experience emotional distress after a rideshare accident. Anxiety, nightmares, and PTSD are all common but frequently overlooked by insurance companies.
    • Ongoing Medical Care Costs: Injuries often require hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and imaging tests such as MRIs or CT scans. These medical bills can grow quickly.
    • Future Medical Treatment: Some injuries may require future surgeries or ongoing therapy. We ensure that these long-term costs are factored into your claim to avoid incurring out-of-pocket expenses later.
    • Lost Wages and Missed Work: Many injured victims miss work during recovery. We calculate the time missed and future income loss when seeking financial compensation on your behalf.
    • Property Damage: Repairing or replacing your rideshare vehicle or personal car can be a costly endeavor. We include property damage in your total claim amount.
    • Pain and Suffering Compensation: Injuries can have a profound impact on your daily life and emotional well-being. Our legal team includes these non-economic damages in your claim to pursue a fair settlement.

    Our Lyft and Uber accident attorneys document every injury, medical expense, and loss related to your personal injury case. Our focus is ensuring that every victim receives proper compensation to cover medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery after an accident.

    Insurance in Columbia Rideshare Accidents

    Uber and Lyft each offer layered insurance policies that switch on based on the driver’s status. When the driver is offline, their personal insurance must cover the crash. Once the driver is online or on a ride request, Uber/Lyft’s third-party liability and uninsured motorist coverage activate. If an accident happens while a passenger is inside, coverage can reach up to one million dollars.

    Meanwhile, if another party caused the crash, like a distracted or at-fault driver, their auto insurance must cover the damages. In some cases, personal policies step in to fill gaps. Insurance companies may shift blame or delay until coverage expires. That is why working with a Columbia rideshare accident attorney matters.

    Rideshare Insurance Coverage

    At Joye Law Firm, we dig into every policy involved: rideshare coverage, personal car policies, and the at-fault driver’s insurers. We ensure that victims receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Insurance companies can be slow, but our team works diligently to achieve a quick and fair result, ensuring you’re not left paying out of pocket.

    FAQs About Rideshare Accidents in Columbia

    Columbia Rideshare Accident

    Can I sue the rideshare company itself after an accident?

    Most rideshare accident claims are typically handled through the company’s insurance policy, rather than a direct lawsuit against Uber or Lyft. However, if the rideshare company acted negligently, they might have some liability. For example, allowing an unqualified driver on its platform may give you grounds to include them in a legal claim. An attorney at Joye Law Firm can help evaluate this based on your situation.

    What if I were hurt while getting into or out of the rideshare vehicle?

    Injuries during loading or unloading (e.g., falling while stepping into a car or being struck by traffic) may still be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance. Coverage depends on whether the driver’s app was active and whether the ride request had started. You should document what happened and contact a rideshare accident lawyer to protect your claim.

    How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in South Carolina?

    In South Carolina, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. However, certain factors can affect this deadline. Speaking with Joye Law Firm as soon as possible helps ensure your case is filed on time.

    Can I recover compensation if the rideshare driver was not at fault?

    Yes. If another driver caused the accident while you were riding as a passenger, you may seek compensation through that driver’s insurance policy. If their coverage is insufficient, Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional protection. An attorney can help determine which policies apply in your case.

    Does rideshare insurance cover accidents caused by poor road conditions?

    Yes, potentially. If an accident was caused by hazards like potholes or poor road maintenance, you may still have a valid injury claim. Depending on the situation, your claim might involve the rideshare company’s policy, the driver’s insurance, or even a local government agency responsible for road maintenance. An experienced attorney can help review the facts and advise you on your options.

    Talk with a Columbia Rideshare Accident Attorney at Joye Law Firm

    An accident involving a rideshare vehicle, whether it’s an Uber accident, a Lyft accident, or a crash involving another driver, can leave you with serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and time away from work. Navigating insurance claims after these accidents can also be confusing.

    At Joye Law Firm, we help rideshare accident victims in Columbia understand their legal options. Since 1968, our attorneys have been working to protect injured individuals across South Carolina. We know how Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies work, and we are prepared to deal with the rideshare companies and their insurers on your behalf.

    If you were hurt in a rideshare accident in Columbia, call Joye Law Firm today at (888) 324-3100. Let our legal team help you seek the compensation you deserve.

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