Uber & Lyft Crash Lawyer in South Carolina | Rideshare Injuries

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in South Carolina

Rideshare drivers face unique pressures and risks on the road. Some of the most common causes of Uber and Lyft crashes include:

• Distracted driving – Checking the rideshare app for directions, updates, or new rides.
  
  

• Fatigue – Many rideshare drivers work late nights or long hours, leading to slower reaction times.
  
  

• Unsafe pick-ups/drop-offs – Stopping in traffic or swerving to meet a passenger.
  
  

• Speeding and aggressive driving – Rushing to maximize fares.
  
  

• Driving under the influence – Though less common, impaired driving can still occur.
  
  

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

If you were involved in a rideshare crash — whether as a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian — take these steps:

1. Call 911 – Ensure police and EMS respond to the scene.

2. Seek medical care – Even if injuries aren’t obvious, crashes can cause hidden trauma.
   
   

3. Screenshot the app – Save trip details, time, and driver information in your Uber or Lyft app.
   
   

4. Get driver and vehicle info – License plate, insurance card, and contact details.
   
   

5. Collect evidence – Photos of the scene, road conditions, and your injuries.
   
   

6. Report the crash in the app – Uber and Lyft require notice through their system.
   
   

7. Call a lawyer before insurers – Insurance companies may contact you quickly with questions or low offers.
   
   

Who Pays After a Rideshare Accident in South Carolina?

One of the most confusing parts of rideshare accidents is figuring out which insurance applies. In South Carolina, coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and what stage of a ride they were in.

Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverage in South Carolina

For a deeper dive into Uber’s insurance coverage, see our detailed guide here.

Real-World Examples

• Passenger in Uber, injured in Columbia: Another driver runs a red light downtown. Even if that driver is uninsured, Uber’s $1 million policy should cover you.
  
  

• Driver hit by Lyft driver logged in but waiting: You’re rear-ended in Myrtle Beach. Lyft’s contingent coverage may apply, but insurers often argue over whether the app was active.
  
  

• Off-duty Uber driver causes a crash on I-26: Uber isn’t responsible. Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.

Because rideshare insurance can shift based on app status, these claims are more complex than standard car accidents.

Rights of Different People in Rideshare Accidents

Your rights depend on whether you were a passenger, driver, or pedestrian. Here’s what you need to know:

• Passenger in an Uber or Lyft
  – Usually covered by Uber/Lyft’s $1 million policy if the ride was active.
  – Even if another driver caused the crash, the rideshare company’s coverage often applies.

• Another driver hit by a rideshare vehicle
  – Coverage depends on whether the rideshare driver was off duty, logged in, or on a ride.
  – If logged in or transporting a passenger, Uber/Lyft insurance may apply in addition to the driver’s own.

• Pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a rideshare driver
   – May be covered by Uber/Lyft insurance depending on app status.

• Uber or Lyft driver injured while driving– 
  – Insurance recovery depends on app status. If logged in or carrying a passenger, Uber/Lyft’s policy may provide coverage.
  
  

Injuries We Commonly See in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare crashes can cause severe injuries due to high speeds, intersections, and unsafe stops. Our firm has helped victims with:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis

• Broken bones and fractures

• Internal bleeding and organ damage

• Severe whiplash and neck injuries

• Psychological trauma, including PTSD

These are not “minor” accidents — they can change lives forever.

Why Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in South Carolina?

1. Navigating Insurance Complexities

Uber and Lyft have different policies depending on the driver’s status. Insurers often deny responsibility or delay payments. We work to ensure every available dollar of coverage is pursued.

2. Proving Liability

We gather app data, police reports, witness testimony, and expert opinions to prove what happened and who is responsible.

3. Documenting Damages

We don’t just look at medical bills. We calculate future care costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional harm.

4. Protecting Your Rights

From day one, we handle communication with insurers and lawyers. Our job is to protect your story, your dignity, and your future.

How Our Firm Helps

At the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger, we limit our caseload so we can give every client the attention they deserve. Our rideshare accident clients can expect:

• Compassionate listening and clear communication.

• Referrals to trusted medical specialists.

• Thorough investigation of Uber/Lyft driver records and company policies.

• Skilled negotiation with insurance companies.

• Trial preparation if settlement offers fall short.

Talk to a South Carolina Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Columbia, Myrtle Beach, or anywhere in South Carolina, don’t face it alone. These cases are complex, and the rideshare companies have their own lawyers protecting them.

Call 803-790-2800 (Columbia) or 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach) today for a free consultation, or start a chat on our website to get help immediately.

FAQ: Rideshare Accidents in South Carolina

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Most claims go through their insurance policies, not against the companies themselves.

What if the other driver was at fault?
If another driver caused the crash, their insurance applies first. If they are uninsured or underinsured, Uber/Lyft’s $1 million policy may still cover you as a passenger.

What if I was hit by an Uber or Lyft driver while walking or biking?
You may be covered by Uber/Lyft’s policy, depending on whether the driver was logged into the app.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?
 We work on a contingency fee basis — no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover money for you