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    These days using a rideshare app, like Uber or Lyft, is commonplace. Both Grand Strand residents and tourists use these convenient services while traveling around Myrtle Beach. However, what seems like a straightforward trip can get a lot more complicated when an accident occurs.

    On top of dealing with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardships, you might find yourself getting passed around between the rideshare company and your driver when trying to file a claim for your medical bills and lost income. You deserve compensation for your injuries and losses, but you need the legal skills and knowledge of an experienced Myrtle Beach rideshare accident lawyer to help you get the money you need.

    At Joye Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping injured clients in Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina. We understand the unique challenges of rideshare crashes and are committed to fighting for your rights and maximizing your financial recovery.

    Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your claim, advise you of your options, and devise a strategy to hold the at-fault party accountable and secure fair and full compensation. You’re not alone in this fight, and you can rely on us for compassionate but assertive legal representation through every stage of the claims process.

    FREE CASE EVALUATION

    Joye Law Firm – Myrtle Beach Office

    2050 Corporate Centre Dr Suite 140
    Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

    Phone: (843) 215-3100

    Common Types of Rideshare Accidents

    Rideshare accidents can involve various scenarios. Some of the most common include:

    Collisions With Other Vehicles

    These can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic multi-car pileups. Whether you’re a passenger in a rideshare or an occupant of another car involved in the collision, we can help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

    Pedestrian Accidents

    Rideshare drivers often pick up and drop off passengers in busy urban areas, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents. If a vehicle strikes you while you’re walking, jogging, or crossing the street, you have rights. These cases can be particularly complex, as they may involve multiple liable parties.

    Passenger Injuries

    As a passenger, you put your trust in the driver to get you safely to your destination. Unfortunately, accidents can happen due to the driver’s negligence or factors beyond their control. Passenger injuries can occur not just in collisions, but also due to sudden stops, swerves, or even assault by the driver.

     

    Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

    Rideshare crashes happen for many of the same reasons other vehicle accidents occur. However, the unique nature of rideshare services leads to certain causes being more common than others:

    Distracted Driving

    Distracted driving has become a significant risk with rideshare drivers constantly checking their phones for new ride requests, navigation instructions, and passenger communications. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to devastating consequences.

    Fatigued Driving

    Many rideshare drivers work long hours or drive late at night to maximize their earnings. This can result in drowsy driving, slowed reaction times, and impaired judgment–all recipes for disaster on the road.

    Speeding and Reckless Driving

    The pressure to complete rides quickly and pick up new passengers can lead some drivers to exceed speed limits or engage in risky driving behaviors. This violates traffic laws and puts everyone on the road at risk.

    Intoxicated Driving

    While these services are often touted as a solution to drunk driving, some drivers may operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This jeopardizes the safety of their passengers and others on the road.

    Other Causes

    Several other factors can contribute:

    • Mechanical failures due to poor vehicle maintenance
    • Road hazards such as potholes, debris, or poorly marked construction zones
    • Inclement weather conditions like heavy rain or fog
    • Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar withGrand Strand roads and traffic patterns

    At Joye Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate the accident to determine its cause. Understanding the cause allows us to build a stronger case on your behalf and hold the proper parties accountable for their actions.

    Rideshare Accident Cases Are Complex

    Rideshare accidents aren’t just another type of car crash. They involve a web of potentially liable parties and insurance companies. This complexity can make it challenging to determine liability and secure fair compensation.

    Multiple Parties Involved

    These crashes often involve several parties, each with their own interests and potential liabilities:

    • The rideshare driver
    • The rideshare company, such as Uber or Lyft
    • Other motorists
    • Passengers, including yourself and potentially others
    • Pedestrians or cyclists who may have been involved in or affected by the accident.

    Each of these parties may bear some level of responsibility for the accident. Determining each party’s liability requires careful investigation and legal experience.

    Insurance Coverage Issues

    Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, which can create a confusing web of coverage:

    • The Rideshare Driver’s Personal Auto Insurance: This may not cover accidents while the driver works for a rideshare company.
    • The Rideshare Company’s Insurance: Companies like Uber and Lyft provide different insurance coverage depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger.

    Additionally, your personal auto or health insurance may come into play depending on the circumstances of the accident.

    Navigating these various policies and understanding which coverage applies to your situation is crucial in ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.

    Liability Determination

    Determining who is at fault in a rideshare accident can be particularly challenging. Factors that complicate liability determination include:

    • The Rideshare Driver’s Status: Was the driver actively working at the time of the accident?
    • Actions of Multiple Parties: Did other drivers, pedestrians, or road conditions contribute to the accident?
    • Technical Evidence: Data from the rideshare app or the vehicle itself may be crucial in establishing what happened.
    • Local Laws and Regulations: Myrtle Beach and South Carolina laws regarding rideshare services can impact liability.

    At Joye Law Firm, we fully understand the intricacies of rideshare accident cases. We know how to navigate the often-confusing insurance policies involved and how to hold liable parties responsible.

    How Our Firm Can Help with Your Myrtle Beach Rideshare Accident Claim

    As your dedicated legal advocates, the attorneys at Joye Law Firm can assist with your accident claim in several ways:

    • Our team has handled numerous rideshare accident cases, giving us invaluable insights into the unique challenges these claims present. We understand insurance companies’ tactics to minimize payouts and know how to counter them effectively.
    • South Carolina laws and local ordinances can significantly impact your case. Like Sami’s Law which requires rideshare vehicles to have front license plates and illuminated windshield signs along with scannable or quick-response codes on the sides to make it safer for passengers. We’re well-versed in these regulations and how they apply to the crash. We leverage every legal avenue to strengthen your claim.
    • Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for as little as possible. Our skilled negotiators will fight for a fair settlement that truly reflects the extent of your injuries and losses. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement or acts in bad faith, we can take them to court and sue them for the money you need.
    • We understand that you’re likely facing financial stress after your accident. That’s why we offer our exclusive No Fee Guarantee to all clients. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to access high-quality legal representation without upfront costs.

    At Joye Law Firm, you’re not just a case number. We take the time to understand your unique situation, needs, and goals. You’ll work directly with your attorney, supported by a dedicated case manager who will ensure you’re informed every step of the way. Our team is committed to providing personalized attention and guidance throughout your case.

    Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

    Make seeking medical attention your top priority if you haven’t already. Some symptoms may not appear immediately. A thorough medical examination can:

    1. Ensure all injuries are properly diagnosed and treated
    2. Create an official medical record linking your injuries to the accident
    3. Prevent potential complications from undiagnosed injuries

    Follow all treatment plans and attend all follow-up appointments. This is crucial for your road to recovery and the strength of your legal claim.

    Document the Accident Scene

    If possible, or if you have a friend or family member who can help, gather as much information about the accident as possible:

    1. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries
    2. Get contact information from any witnesses
    3. Note the exact location, date, and time of the accident
    4. Write down your recollection of the events as soon as possible while the details are fresh in your mind

    If you weren’t able to do this at the time of the accident, don’t worry. Your attorney can help gather this information later.

    Report the Accident

    After a crash in the Grand Strand, you need to inform several parties about the accident:

    1. Police: If you haven’t already, file a police report. This creates an official record of the incident. Be sure your attorney obtains a copy once it becomes available. The driver of the rideshare will also need to submit an FR-10 within 15 days of the crash.
    2. Rideshare Company: Report the accident through the rideshare company’s app or website (Uber or Lyft).
    3. Your Insurance Company: Inform your auto insurance provider about the accident, even if you were a passenger.

    Be Cautious in Your Communications

    After an accident, insurance adjusters or representatives from the rideshare company or other driver’s insurance company may contact you.

    Remember:

    1. You’re not obligated to give a recorded statement
    2. Anything you say could potentially be used to minimize your claim
    3. It’s best to direct all communications through your attorney

    Keep Detailed Records

    Start a file to organize all accident-related documents:

    1. Medical bills and records
    2. Receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
    3. Documentation of lost wages if you’ve had to miss work
    4. Any correspondence with insurance companies or the rideshare company

    Contact an Attorney

    Perhaps most importantly, reach out to a Myrtle Beach rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible.

    At Joye Law Firm, we can:

    1. Guide you on how to protect your rights
    2. Handle all communications with insurance companies and the rideshare company
    3. Investigate the accident thoroughly
    4. Build a strong case for maximum compensation

    The steps you take following an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. By following these guidelines and seeking experienced legal representation, you’re taking important steps toward protecting your rights and securing your future.

    Types of Compensation We Can Help You Recover

    Every accident case is unique, but here are some common types of compensation we may help you recover:

    • Medical expenses (current and future)
    • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress
    • Property damage
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • In cases of wrongful death, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship

    We aim to secure the compensation you need to put you in the financial position you would have been in if the accident had never occurred.

    Myrtle Beach Rideshare Accident FAQs

    How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in South Carolina?

    In South Carolina, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. However, you need to start the process as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh, and the witnesses’ memories are clear.

    What if the rideshare driver wasn’t at fault for the accident?

    Even if another driver caused the accident, you may still be covered under the rideshare company’s insurance policy. We can help you navigate the complexities of multiple insurance policies to ensure you receive fair compensation.

    Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt during the rideshare accident?

    Yes, you can still file a claim. While not wearing a seatbelt may leave you at greater risk for injuries, it doesn’t disqualify you from seeking compensation. We’ll work to minimize any potential reduction in your recovery due to this factor.

    What if the rideshare driver was not logged into the app at the time of the accident?

    If the driver wasn’t logged into the app, the rideshare company’s insurance may not apply. However, you may still have options for compensation through the driver’s personal insurance or other avenues. We’ll investigate all potential sources of recovery for your case.

    Contact a Myrtle Beach Rideshare Accident Attorney Today

    A rideshare accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Since 1968, Joye Law Firm has been helping victims like you by fighting for their rights and securing the compensation they deserve. With a proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts, along with countless testimonials from satisfied clients, we are committed to delivering justice and peace of mind.

    Don’t let valuable time slip away. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building your case. Contact us today at (888) 324-3100 for your free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s discuss your situation, explore your options, and start your journey toward justice and recovery.

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    Headshot of partner attorney Mark Joye