Columbia SC Lyft Accident Attorneys

 

Many of us use Lyft or other rideshare services as a way to be safe or to avoid the ongoing costs and risks of owning and maintaining a vehicle. Whether you are a rideshare passenger or you were hit by a rideshare driver, you need the support of our experienced Columbia SC Lyft accident attorneys at your side.

Joe Cunningham has a proven track record of public service and is the only former congressperson in South Carolina currently practicing law. Joe Cunningham Law knows Columbia residents better than most, making our South Carolina personal injury law firm the obvious choice for anyone seeking legal advocacy in such a vulnerable situation. 

Joe Cunningham Law Prioritizes Your Needs

The decision to hire a personal injury attorney is a big one, and the firm you choose to represent you matters. If you are overwhelmed by the experience, you are not alone, and Joe Cunningham Law is here to help. Our team takes a people-first approach to legal representation, and we always strive to ensure our clients feel supported, heard, seen, and less alone. 

Our founder, Joe Cunningham, recalls growing up with a lawyer as a father. He talks about how his father took care of his clients, thinking of them as individuals in need of advocacy and justice, not just as case numbers. This appreciation of his clients is something Joe has internalized and continues to use as a driving force in his practice. 

We know that much of the stress in your Lyft accident case revolves around the unknown. This is one of the many reasons we prioritize clear communication with our clients. We maintain frequent contact to ensure your questions are answered and that you are informed about the status of your case, whether we are close to reaching a settlement agreement or suggest proceeding to trial. 

Lyft Accidents and Safety Reports 

Lyft has begun to compile data to release a regular Safety and Transparency Report. The 2024 report included information gathered between 2020 and 2022. In this reporting period, Lyft reports that only .0002% of riders experienced a harmful incident, which seems like a good number. However, when we consider that percentage in terms of people rather than numbers, we’re looking at 111 fatalities and numerous injuries that have long-term effects on people’s lives.

Safety Measures for Lyft Drivers 

According to the report, Lyft has implemented some policies to reduce accidents and increase safety. Some of these efforts include creating a maps app that reduces the number of turns drivers must make on their routes and includes real-time updates for hazards. Additionally, they provide weekly reports about driving habits to keep drivers focused on the importance of safe driving practices. 

Like the regulations placed on commercial truck drivers, Lyft also imposes time limits to encourage drivers to work only when they are well-rested. 

Common Causes of Lyft Accidents

It can be easy to think that a Lyft driver would be much safer than your typical driver. While it is true that they are likely to be more vigilant because their livelihood depends on it, they are still normal people like you and me. They are not required to undergo any significant training or education that makes them better than the average safe driver. Therefore, Lyft drivers are vulnerable to the same causes of auto accidents as other Columbia commuters.

Distracted Driving 

One of the most common causes of accidents across the country is distracted driving. Examples include texting behind the wheel, eating while driving, or getting lost in your own thoughts. Rideshare accidents are most common when picking up a fare and arriving at a destination. These are situations when the driver is dealing with the most potential distractions. 

Driving Under the Influence 

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is strictly prohibited by the law and Lyft policy. However, this does not stop all drivers. While Lyft may not see many substance-related accidents caused by their drivers, Lyft passengers can be injured by other motorists who are driving under the influence. 

Speeding

When drivers speed, they put themselves and others on the road in danger. Accidents at high speeds are known to cause more vehicle damage and serious injuries.

Failure to Yield

When it comes to driving logistics, failure to yield is among the most common causes of accidents. This may mean failing to yield to traffic while merging onto an interstate or misjudging the distance of an oncoming car when making a left turn at an intersection. 

Lyft Accidents Can Be Uniquely Complicated 

If you are in an accident where the Lyft driver is at fault, your accident claim may be more complicated than you first expect. This is often because Lyft hosts drivers as independent contractors, which means they are a separate legal entity that provides services to Lyft. In most cases, Lyft drivers’ personal car insurance will not cover an accident if it occurs while working.  

However, Lyft maintains third-party insurance coverage that often covers up to $1,000,000 for auto liability coverage. This coverage kicks in only when the app is on and drivers can receive passengers, are en route to pick up a passenger, or while a passenger is in the car and the ride is in progress. 

Determining where to file your claim is a crucial step in obtaining compensation for your injuries. Filing with the wrong insurance provider can result in delayed compensation and other setbacks. Working with our Columbia Lyft accident attorney can help you identify the appropriate steps to take during the claim process, saving you time and money. 

Legal Options When You Are an Injured Passenger in a Lyft Accident 

Suppose you are a Lyft passenger when the accident happens. Your first steps after the accident are the same as any other accident. You should ensure that everyone is safe, call 911 so the incident is reported, and collect the insurance information of both the Lyft driver and the other motorist. If the Lyft driver was responsible, you should determine whether their insurance policy or the third-party policy is responsible for taking your claim. 

If another driver is at fault for the accident, you should file your claim with their insurance, just as the Lyft driver will likely do. You may need to provide documentation, such as a police report, to support your claim against the responsible party, as they are likely to attempt to shift liability to the other insurance company. 

Legal Options When You Are Hit By a Lyft Driver

If you are hit by a Lyft driver, the situation may seem more straightforward than when you are a Lyft passenger during an accident. Yet recovering compensation after a Lyft collision may still be more challenging than a standard accident with another commuter vehicle. If you are the at-fault driver, the claim will go through your insurance. 

However, if the Lyft driver is responsible, you must determine whether the individual’s insurance will cover the accident or whether you must pursue Lyft’s third-party coverage. Working with our Columbia Lyft accident attorneys can help you avoid major setbacks as you seek compensation after a crash.

Determining Who is At-Fault and Establishing Negligence

The key to a successful Lyft accident claim is identifying and establishing who is at fault so you can file your claim with the liable party. This includes establishing the negligence of the responsible driver.

Whether we are negotiating with insurance companies out of court or taking the case to trial, our Columbia Lyft accident lawyers are prepared to establish four things in your case:

• Duty of Care: You should establish that the other driver owed a reasonable duty of care to abide by traffic laws to keep other drivers safe.
• Breach of Duty: You must establish that the responsible party breached this duty. This may be due to violating a traffic law, failing to yield, speeding, or other forms of negligence.
• Cause: You must show that the breach of duty caused your accident.
• Damages: Last, for a convincing argument, you must show that the accident caused harm.

In addition to helping you identify the appropriate insurance provider, our Lyft accident lawyers can help gather evidence to support your claim, build a robust case, and minimize the back and forth with the providers, allowing you to maximize your recovery and reduce the time they may delay. 

Important Considerations in Your Columbia Lyft Accident Case

Many people may be hesitant to hire an attorney after a rideshare accident. So often, society has a stigma that people who sue for their injuries are greedy. This is far from the truth. The litigation process levels the playing field against major corporations and interests. Our Columbia Lyft accident attorneys can help you when it comes to critical considerations in your case. 

Time Constraints 

Most civil cases are subject to a statute of limitations. In most circumstances, you will have three years from the time of your Lyft accident to file a lawsuit. However, some factors can alter this time frame, so it is critical to clearly understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific situation. 

Comparative Negligence 

If you are concerned that you contributed to your accident, you may need the support of an attorney to help you protect your recovery. South Carolina employs a modified comparative negligence model for apportioning liability. This means that you are still eligible for compensation as long as you are less than 51% responsible. Your share of fault in the collision will reduce the amount you recover in damages.

Comparative negligence statutes can offer a buffer, but they also leave you vulnerable to decreased compensation if you cannot provide a strong case regarding the negligent party’s responsibility in a crash. Our Columbia Lyft accident lawyer can help maximize compensation even if you were partly at fault in the collision. 

Lyft Accident Injuries Can Be Life-Altering 

The injuries you sustain in a Lyft accident can be life-altering. Even a low-speed collision can cause lingering injuries in certain circumstances. Some of the more common injuries we see in our cases include:

• Soft tissue injury 
• Brain injury 
• Broken bones 
• Internal bleeding
• Scarring 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety

In most situations, pursuing a personal injury case is due to more severe injuries that may have lasting effects, whether that is prolonged medical treatment, chronic pain, or permanent disability.  

Compensation Available in Your Lyft Accident Case

While a lawsuit against the responsible party is often a way to seek justice and accountability for the person responsible for your injuries, the primary goal is often compensation. The amount that you recover will depend on the details of your situation, but some of the damages that our clients commonly claim include:

• Medical bills 
• Lost wages
• Travel to and from appointments 
• Pain and suffering 

This is, in no way, an exhaustive list, but it can provide an idea of what you may be able to claim. If you are facing the worst and have lost someone in a Lyft accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death suit. This is an opportunity to obtain a financial cushion that may allow you and your family to grieve in the way you need. 

Contact Our Columbia SC Lyft Accident Attorneys Today

At Joe Cunningham Law, we believe in serving our community. As a former Congressman, Joe looks out for others and helps them meet their needs. Representing you in your Lyft accident case is no different. When you are struggling with your injuries and trying to figure out how to get the compensation you need to get back on your feet, Joe Cunningham Law is here. 

We offer free consultations, allowing you to speak with us confidentially and without any obligation. After you make contact, you can expect a call from our team within 24 hours to schedule your initial consultation with a Lyft accident lawyer. You do not have to do this alone. Call us today.