Does Insurance Cover Uber/Lyft Accidents in Rock Hill, SC?

A silver rideshare car rearends a black car in the city.Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an integral part of our daily transportation in Rock Hill, South Carolina. With the rise in their usage, accidents involving these services have also increased.

Understanding how to recover damages in such accidents can be complex, given the different insurance stages involved.

Understanding Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents

South Carolina law differentiates insurance coverage based on the rideshare driver’s activity at the time of the accident. Depending on what stage the accident was in, the compensation you will receive will be different.

Stage One: When the Driver is Off-Duty

If Uber drivers are not working and are not using their vehicle for commercial purposes, their personal car insurance applies.

In Rock Hill, South Carolina, the minimum liability coverage for personal car insurance is as follows:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury: This coverage pays for the medical expenses of a single person injured in an accident caused by the insured driver.
  • $50,000 per accident for bodily injury: This total amount covers the medical expenses for all individuals injured in an accident caused by the insured driver, up to $50,000.
  • $25,000 for property damage: This amount covers the cost of damage to another person’s property resulting from an accident caused by the insured driver.

It’s crucial to note that during this stage, the driver’s personal insurance is the only coverage available. If the personal policy’s limits are exhausted, there may be limited additional options for compensation.

Stage Two: When the Driver is Available but Hasn’t Accepted a Ride

Once the Uber driver logs into the Uber app and is available to accept rides but hasn’t yet accepted one, the rideshare company’s insurance policy provides additional coverage. South Carolina law mandates the following minimum coverage during this period:

  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury: This amount is intended to cover the medical expenses for each individual injured in an accident caused by the Uber driver while logged into the app.
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury: This is the total amount available to cover the medical expenses for all individuals injured in an accident during this stage, up to $100,000.
  • $25,000 for property damage: This coverage applies to property damage resulting from an accident caused by the driver while they are logged into the Uber app but have not accepted a ride.

This stage’s insurance coverage bridges the gap between personal insurance and the more comprehensive commercial policy that applies once a ride is accepted.

Stage Three: When the Driver Has Accepted a Ride

From the moment the Uber driver accepts a ride until the passenger is dropped off, Uber’s commercial insurance policy applies. This policy is designed to provide substantial coverage, reflecting the commercial nature of the service being provided. The coverage includes:

  • A $1 million limit for bodily injuries and property damage: This comprehensive coverage is designed to handle significant medical expenses, property damage, and other costs resulting from an accident during an active ride. It ensures that both the passenger and any third parties involved in the accident are adequately protected.

This commercial policy is essential in providing a high level of protection and ensuring that victims of rideshare accidents can receive the compensation they deserve.

Time Limits for Filing in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations typically allows you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to act swiftly and consult an attorney early on to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines. Navigating legal timelines and processes can be complex, which is why having an experienced attorney on your side is so valuable.

Exploring Your Legal Rights

Following a rideshare accident, it’s important to understand your rights and potential avenues for seeking compensation. At Auger & Auger, we offer free consultations to review your situation and explain your legal options. Our team of knowledgeable rideshare accident attorneys in Rock Hill, SC, will guide you through the process, helping you assess claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other possible damages.

No Upfront Costs with Our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee

You won’t just receive a free consultation; you’ll never have to pay any legal fees out of pocket. With our “A&A Zero Fee Guarantee,” we only collect payment after winning your case, and it comes directly from the settlement. This arrangement eliminates financial risk for you, as we cover all costs and only take cases we believe in—cases that we’re confident in winning.

Committed to Maximizing Your Compensation

Our goal is to secure the highest possible compensation for you and ensure justice is served. We manage every aspect of your case, from collecting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and addressing medical bills, so you can focus on your recovery.

With our expertise, you may be entitled to more compensation than you could obtain on your own, including for damages that might otherwise be overlooked. In fact, studies show that injury victims who hire a lawyer typically receive 4.4 times more in compensation compared to those without legal representation after a car accident.

Free Consultation with Skilled Rock Hill Car Accident Attorneys

There’s no downside to contacting us for a free consultation. Our Rock Hill Car Accident Lawyers review your case in detail, explain your legal rights, and outline the steps involved in seeking compensation.

Whether your injuries are minor or severe, exploring your options with Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers comes with no obligation and no upfront costs. You can then decide whether to hire us, choose another attorney, or proceed on your own.