Rideshare services have become a regular part of life for many in South Carolina and around the country. Drivers for the nation’s largest rideshare company, Uber, provided 9.44 billion rides across the United States in 2023. Uber leads the market by a lot, but runner-up Lyft reported 709 million trips in the same time period. That’s more than 27 million trips on the average day, without including several smaller companies.
The rideshare process, which allows any user to request a ride in the app, automatically pay for the ride using stored payment information, and get real-time information about the driver’s vehicle and arrival time is convenient for many. The apps are especially popular with riders under 35. But nothing new comes without some complications.
With rideshare companies, one of those complications is the lack of clarity surrounding liability for motor vehicle accidents. If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident as a rideshare driver or passenger, the driver of another vehicle hit by a rideshare vehicle, or as a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist hit by a rideshare driver, untangling who is responsible for compensating you can be tricky.
The best source of information about the claims you may have after any car accident is an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer. The information on this page will give you a general overview about how insurance works with rideshare vehicles and the complications you may face in pursuing a claim.
Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Accidents
When you’re in a car accident with someone using their own car or truck to drive to the grocery store or bowling alley, insurance coverage is generally straightforward. South Carolina drivers are required to carry liability insurance. The insurance company for the driver who is determined to be responsible for the accident typically provides compensation. If the responsible driver was uninsured, the injured party may pursue a claim directly against the responsible driver, or may file a claim under their own uninsured motorist coverage. When a rideshare vehicle is involved, there are a lot more variables.
In Some Ways, Rideshare Accidents are Like Any Car Accident
If you’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that is involved in a collision and the crash was not the rideshare driver’s fault, the case will usually proceed very much like any other claim where someone else was responsible. For example, if a distracted driver crashes into the rideshare vehicle you’re riding in and you are injured, the distracted driver is typically responsible and their insurance company will be on the hook for compensation. The responsible driver will typically also be liable for damage to the rideshare vehicle and injuries to the rideshare driver. When the rideshare driver is responsible, or partly responsible, the question is a bit more complicated.
Most Personal Auto Insurance Doesn’t Cover Rideshare Trips
Most personal automobile insurance policies exclude business use such as rideshare driving. So, if someone who happens to be a rideshare driver runs a red light and hits your vehicle while they’re driving to a soccer game, their motor vehicle insurance will typically be responsible for covering the damages. But, if the driver is carrying a rideshare passenger, most personal auto insurance policies don’t cover that. So, who is responsible?
Both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage. But, the coverage varies depending on what is going on when the accident happens. For example, if you’re in a vehicle hit by a rideshare driver who is logged in and waiting to pick up a trip, both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage. But the cap–$50,000 per person for bodily injury–is much lower than the coverage they offer if the exact same accident happens while the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the car.
Note that this overview is based on public information shared by Uber and Lyft, and may not be the same for all rideshare companies. If you’re using a smaller, lesser-known rideshare company, make sure you know what protection is available for passengers injured in a collision.
Help after a Charleston Rideshare Accident
Your first steps after any car accident will be similar, whether a rideshare vehicle was involved or not. They include:
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Assessing yourself for injuries and, if you are able to safely moving around, checking to see whether anyone else is injured
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Moving to safety when necessary
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Calling 911
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If you’re able, taking photographs or video of the accident scene
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If you’re able, collecting contact information from any witnesses
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Letting emergency responders check you out at the scene and/or seeking medical attention
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Following instructions from medical professionals and keeping any follow-up appointments
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Talking to an experienced Charleston car accident attorney
Attorney Frank Hartman has built his career around helping injured people in and around Charleston, South Carolina. He has extensive experience with car accident cases, and will fight for fair compensation. To learn more about how The Hartman Law Firm can help you, call 843-300-7600. We’re available 24 hours/day and your initial consultation is always free.