Columbia Uber Accident LawyerColumbia Uber Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare crash, you are likely facing a lot of stress. Medical bills pile up quickly, and you may be unable to work while you recover. Dealing with insurance companies is hard enough after a regular car crash, but an Uber accident is even more complicated. You need a Columbia Uber accident lawyer who understands the specific laws and insurance rules that apply to rideshare cases.

At The Super Lawyer, we help victims navigate the complex legal system in Columbia, South Carolina. We fight to protect your rights so you can focus on healing. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, our goal is to help you get the full compensation you deserve.

Why Uber Accidents Are Different

Rideshare accidents are not the same as standard traffic collisions. In a typical car accident, you usually deal with the other driver’s personal auto insurance policy. In an Uber crash, there may be multiple insurance policies involved, including the driver’s personal insurance and Uber’s corporate coverage.

These cases often involve complex questions about liability determination and insurance limits. Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This distinction allows Uber to try to distance itself from accidents caused by its drivers. Having an experienced rideshare accident attorney on your side is essential to cut through the red tape and identify who is responsible for your injuries.

Who We Represent in Rideshare Accident Claims

Rideshare accidents can hurt many different people. We represent all types of victims in Richland County and throughout the Columbia area, including:

• Uber Passengers: If you were riding in the Uber when it crashed, you are generally covered by Uber’s large insurance policy, regardless of who was at fault.
• Drivers of Other Vehicles: If an Uber driver hit your car, you have the right to pursue a claim against them and potentially Uber’s insurance.
• Rideshare Drivers: If you drive for Uber and were hit by another negligent driver, we can help you with third-party claims and uninsured motorist issues.
• Pedestrians and Cyclists: People walking or biking in Columbia are vulnerable to distracted rideshare drivers.

Understanding Liability in Columbia Uber Accidents

South Carolina follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means the person who caused the crash is responsible for paying the damages. However, proving fault (or negligence) can be tricky. Multiple parties might share the blame, including:

• The Uber driver (for speeding, distraction, or traffic violations).
• Another driver involved in the collision.
• The rideshare company (if they failed to screen a dangerous driver).

Under South Carolina’s comparative negligence laws, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. A skilled Columbia rideshare accident lawyer will investigate the crash to prove the other party was liable.

Uber Insurance Coverage Tiers Explained

One of the most confusing parts of a rideshare claim is understanding which insurance policy applies. Uber’s insurance coverage changes depending on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. This is often broken down into “periods” or tiers:

Period 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride

If the driver is logged into the Uber app but has not accepted a ride yet, Uber provides limited liability coverage. This typically includes:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person.
• $100,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage.

This coverage only kicks in if the driver’s personal auto insurance denies the claim or has lower limits.

Period 2 & 3: En Route or Passenger in Car

Once a driver accepts a ride request or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber’s coverage increases significantly. During this time, a $1 million commercial insurance policy is usually in effect. This covers bodily injury liability and property damage. It also provides uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance.

Period 0: App Off

If the driver is not logged into the Uber app, they are just a regular driver. Only their personal auto insurance policy applies. Uber offers no coverage in this scenario.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Uber drivers spend a lot of time on the road, often in unfamiliar areas. This increases the risk of accidents. Common causes we see in Columbia include:

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• Distracted driving: Drivers constantly look at the Uber app for GPS directions or new ride requests.
• Speeding: Drivers may rush to pick up a passenger or complete a trip to make more money.
• Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours or have other jobs, leading to drowsy driving.
• Unsafe stops: Stopping in the middle of the road to pick up or drop off passengers can cause rear-end collisions.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): Although rare, some drivers operate vehicles while impaired.

Compensation You Can Recover

A serious accident can change your life. You may face a long recovery and financial hardship. Our personal injury lawyers fight to recover damages that cover both your financial and emotional losses. Potential compensation includes:

• Medical bills: Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and medication.
• Future medical expenses: Physical therapy, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages: Income you lost because you could not work while recovering.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Permanent disability: Damages for long-term impairments or scarring.
• Wrongful death: If a loved one passed away in a crash, families may seek justice and support.

How Our Columbia Uber Accident Lawyers Help

Handling a claim on your own puts you at a disadvantage. Insurance adjusters are trained to pay out as little as possible. They may offer a quick, “lowball” settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Here is how we help:

• Independent Investigation: We gather police reports, witness statements, and camera footage.
• Evidence Collection: We work to secure data from the Uber app to prove the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
• Handling Communication: We talk to the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
• Negotiating Fair Settlements: We calculate the true value of your claim and fight for it.
• Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we are prepared to take your case to court.

What to Do Immediately After an Uber Accident

Taking the right steps after a crash can protect your health and your legal claim. If you are involved in an accident in Columbia:

1. Seek Medical Care: Go to the hospital or a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear days later.
2. Call the Police: A police report is a vital piece of evidence for proving liability.
3. Gather Information: Get the names, insurance details, and contact info for all drivers involved.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and road conditions. Screenshot the ride in your Uber app.
5. Report the Accident: Notify Uber through the app, but be careful what you say. Stick to the facts.
6. Contact a Lawyer: Speak to a Columbia Uber accident attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

In South Carolina, there is a strict deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. This is called the statute of limitations. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to recover any compensation.

While three years sounds like a long time, evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets deleted. It is important to act quickly so your lawyer can build the strongest possible case.

No Upfront Fees: The Contingency Fee Model

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay $0 upfront to hire us.
• We cover the costs of investigating and litigating your case.
• We only get paid if we win a settlement or verdict for you.

If we don’t win, you don’t owe us attorney fees. This makes hiring a lawyer risk-free for you.