Were you or someone you love hurt in a car wreck involving Uber, and are looking for an Uber accident attorney? If so, continue below (3 minute read).
Were you or someone you love injured in an Uber accident in South Carolina? Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, Uber crashes raise unique questions about insurance coverage, liability, and your rights as an injured person.
This page focuses specifically on Uber accident claims — how they work in South Carolina, what makes them different from regular car accidents, and what you can do to protect yourself.
For a complete overview of all rideshare cases, see our complete rideshare crash guide.
Call the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger at 803-790-2800 (Columbia) or 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach) for a free consultation today.
Uber Accidents Are on the Rise in South Carolina
Uber first launched in Charleston and quickly expanded into Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Florence, and Sumter. With thousands of rides happening daily, accidents involving Uber vehicles are becoming more common — especially around:
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Five Points in Columbia (late-night rides)
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Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach (tourist-heavy traffic)
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Highway 17 and I-26 (longer trips across the state)
Uber Accident Claims for Passengers
If you were riding in an Uber when the crash occurred, coverage is usually stronger than in a standard car accident. Here's the good news: Uber carries $1m in liability, uninsured, and underinsured coverage. This means:
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$1 Million Policy – Once your ride is accepted in the Uber app, you’re covered by up to $1 million in liability and UM/UIM coverage.
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You’re Protected Even if Another Driver Caused the Crash – Example: you’re in an Uber downtown when a drunk driver with only $25,000 in coverage hits you. Uber’s policy covers your medical bills and losses beyond that amount.
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Coverage Follows the Trip – Whether you’re in Charleston, Columbia, or Myrtle Beach, Uber’s $1 million policy applies the same way.
Important: Uber classifies drivers as independent contractors, which means the company often denies responsibility for intentional misconduct (such as assaults by drivers). These cases are legally complex and require experienced legal guidance.
Uber Accidents Involving Non-Passengers
If you were driving your own car, biking, or walking and were hit by an Uber, your recovery depends on whether the Uber driver was on duty:
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Driver OFF the app – Only their personal auto insurance applies.
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Driver logged in but waiting for a ride – Uber provides contingent coverage up to $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage.
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Driver en route to pick up or carrying a passenger – Uber’s $1 million policy applies.
Because these crashes often involve multiple insurance companies pointing fingers, it’s important to have someone on your side who can cut through the noise.
Uber Insurance vs. Standard Car Insurance in South Carolina
| Situation | Standard Car Accident | Uber Accident (When Trip Accepted in App) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Pays? | At-fault driver’s insurance (SC minimums: $25k/$50k BI, $25k PD) | Uber’s $1M liability policy |
| If At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance | Your own UM/UIM applies | Uber’s $1M UM/UIM policy covers you |
| If At-Fault Driver Is Underinsured | Limited by their coverage + your UM/UIM | Uber’s policy fills the gap, up to $1M |
| Pedestrian or Cyclist Hit | At-fault driver’s insurance only | Uber policy may apply if driver logged in/on trip |
| Intentional Acts by Driver | Often excluded | Uber usually denies liability due to contractor status |
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Uber Accident?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover:
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Current and future medical expenses
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Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress and PTSD
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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In rare cases, punitive damages (e.g., for reckless drunk driving)
Why Uber Accident Claims Are More Complicated
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App status disputes – Was the driver logged in or off duty? Uber may delay producing records.
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Multiple insurers – Uber’s insurer, the driver’s personal insurer, and another driver’s insurer may all be involved.
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Coverage exclusions – Many personal auto policies exclude rideshare driving, creating disputes.
Why Hire the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger
At the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger, we limit our caseload so we can give your case the attention it deserves. In Uber accident cases, we:
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Confirm the driver’s app status with trip records
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Determine which insurance policies apply
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Work with doctors and experts to prove your damages
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Negotiate with insurers on your behalf
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Advocate for a full, fair recovery whether in settlement or trial
With offices in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, we represent clients across South Carolina, including Charleston, Greenville, Sumter, and Florence.
Call 803-790-2800 (Columbia) or 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach) today, or start a live chat to speak with our team now.
Ask an Uber Accident Lawyer What You Can Do
You are already doing the right thing by getting answers to your questions. In addition to insurance issues, there may be questions concerning medical bills, whether you should attend the traffic court hearing, or how you should be compensated for damages such as physical pain and the increased risk of later health problems caused by the collision.
When it comes to medical questions, I ask doctors. When it comes to legal questions, I encourage you to get free answers from an experienced car accident lawyer. Crashes involving Uber vehicles tend to have more nuances and potential pitfalls than ordinary car accidents. You have already had harm done to you by an unsafe driver, do not allow more harm to occur by being uncertain of your legal rights.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger have years of experience handling cases like yours, and would be honored to help you and your family with the legal recovery process while you focus on healing. Our offices are conveniently located in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, and we proudly serve the Sumter and Florence areas, as well as the entire state of South Carolina. Call us today at 803-790-2800 (Columbia, SC) / 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach, SC), or start a live chat 24/7 with a real, live person to arrange a free and confidential consultation.
FAQ: Uber Accidents in South Carolina
Does Uber always pay after a crash?
Not always — coverage depends on whether the driver was logged in.
What if another driver was at fault?
Their insurance applies first, but Uber’s $1 million UM/UIM policy often covers passengers if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Can I sue Uber directly?
Most claims are resolved through Uber’s insurance, not lawsuits against Uber itself.