Technology has changed every industry in the last decade or so. In the transportation industry, the biggest revolution has been the emergence of ridesharing. Ridesharing apps allow passengers to secure cheap rides to their destinations at by touching a few buttons. Uber is the market leader in this sector. In the case of Uber, its simplicity, ease of use, and affordability have made it a popular way of getting around.
While Uber makes a point of recruiting competent and experienced drivers, there is always a risk of getting involved in an accident. If you have been injured in an Uber accident in Greenville, South Carolina, you might be eligible to receive compensation. That being said, you must contact a car accident attorney to take the right steps to ensure you are well compensated for all of the damages you’ve incurred.
What To Do After An Uber Accident
When you are involved in an Uber accident, your main goal is to protect your health, wellbeing, and your rights. When you are involved in an Uber wreck, follow these steps.
- Contact The Police – Call the police even when the wreck is minor. They will document the accident, which is important when presenting a claim to insurance companies. The police will obtain the driver’s insurance and contact information and record witness statements.
- Verify Your Uber Ride – Screenshot and record your ride to indicate you were an active passenger at the time of the wreck.
- Request The Contact Info Of Witnesses – Collect the contact information of all witnesses, including passers-by, other drivers and other passengers. You will need their statements later.
- Seek Medical Attention – Seek medical attention for treatment. Ensure that you keep all the receipts and paperwork.
- Contact the Uber Accident Attorneys At Upstate Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC – The final step is to contact our Uber accident lawyers. The earlier you bring us in as your legal representative, the better you stand in building a strong case.
Common Injuries Suffered In Uber Accidents
When you are involved in an Uber accident, the range of injuries can vary from moderate to severe. Unfortunately, with adrenaline coursing throughout your body, some of the injuries might be apparent at the accident scene. You need to seek medical attention to accurately and comprehensively determine the severity of the Uber accident injuries. Some of the common injuries include:
– Lacerations (scrapes and cuts)
– Soft tissue injuries
– Broken bones (legs, arms, ribs, and the neck are particularly vulnerable)
– Head injuries (such as brain trauma)
– Internal bleeding (such as punctured organs)
– Spinal cord injuries
– Disfigurement
In severe cases, an Uber wreck might cause disability or even death. That is why getting a comprehensive medical check-up is of the utmost importance. The check-up allows you to understand your health status. You need to determine the extent of any medical treatment that you might require because of the wreck.
Compensation For A Greenville, South Carolina Uber Accident
When you are hurt in a rideshare vehicle, you may be eligible to receive compensation for all the damages or losses incurred during the accident. The compensation you receive will likely depend on the extent of your injuries and other aggravating factors, such as how long you were unable to work and the circumstances of the accident. Typically, you can be compensated for:
– Medical bills, medical treatment, and out-of-pocket expenses
– Impairment and disfigurement
– Pain and suffering
– Lost earning potential and lost wages
– Inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of life
Potentially, you could be compensated for the emotional distress you experience.
South Carolina’s Fault-Based System And Uber Accident
South Carolina uses a fault-based system to establish the culpable party in any wreck accident. This simply means that the at-fault individual will be held liable for all the damages that victims suffer which were the result of the Uber accident. In this regard, South Carolina residents are mandated to have auto insurance with three coverage components:
– Liability insurance for property damage – $25,000
– Liability insurance for bodily injury – $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
– Uninsured motorist coverage – $25,000 for property damage, $25,000 for bodily damage injury per individual, and $50,00 for bodily injury caused per accident
In addition to the fault-based system, South Carolina also uses a comparative negligence system. If more than one driver is at fault, the case against all possible defendants will be presented before the court and the facts against them will be established.
After that, the at-fault parties are individually apportioned their liability. If one driver is deemed to be 60% responsible for the accident, they are only liable to pay 60% of the compensation you will be awarded.
This system can make an Uber accident complicated but not impossible. In the case where the Uber driver is 100% at fault, their insurance and Uber’s should pay for the damages. On the other hand, when comparative negligence comes into play, the courts will first have to determine the percentage of liability. Then Uber or another driver’s insurance should pay their apportioned amount. However, in some cases, both Uber and the other driver’s insurance company might refuse to pay for the damages, requiring the victim to sue all potential at-fault parties to determine percentage of fault and corresponding financial responsibility.
How Upstate Personal Injury Lawyers, Can Help You
At Upstate Personal Injury Lawyers, we pride ourselves on providing quality legal representation with the to protect your rights and wellbeing. Every aspect of our services is customized to every client. If you are a victim of an Uber accident, talk to our experienced lawyers.
We will fight aggressively to ensure that you receive your full compensation. We will guide you through the confusing process and ensure that there are no missteps that may reduce your compensation. Contact us today!
