Are Pedestrians Covered when Hit by an Uber or Lyft?
Most rideshare accidents involve collisions between two vehicles, but pedestrians can also be clipped or run over by an Uber or Lyft. These accidents are more common than you might think. Rideshare drivers face many pressures, and they often find themselves racing to the airport to drop off a rider or hurtling along the highway to drop off a customer at a meeting. Some drivers run a red light or are distracted by their phones, so they crash into pedestrians.
The good news is that you are covered if the rideshare driver is at fault for the collision. Contact Snyder Heitman LLC to help bring a legal claim.
Critical Facts Involving Rideshare Accidents with Pedestrians
An injured pedestrian can file an injury claim on the Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance. However, obtaining compensation is not guaranteed. We need to prove certain facts, in particular fault for the accident. If the Lyft or Uber driver is not to blame, then they are not legally required to compensate you.
One major issue is comparative fault. If you were jaywalking or standing in the road when struck, then you might have partial blame. South Carolina’s comparative negligence law applies to rideshare accidents. We want to know more about the accident, including the identities of any witnesses who can testify about what happened.
The amount of insurance will also depend on whether the driver has accepted a ride or was simply logged into the app at the time of the collision. When they have accepted a ride, then up to $1 million in insurance is usually available to pay compensation, including medical bills and pain and suffering. But if the driver did not have a ride at the time, then less insurance applies.
How an Attorney Can Assist
Injured pedestrians should avoid handling their own legal claims. Many hazards await the inexperienced. For example, you might accidentally admit to crossing the street when the light instructed you not to cross. Or you do not fully understand how much your injuries are worth, so you request too little in compensation. Too many people end up with small settlements when they negotiate their own claim.
The biggest benefit to hiring a lawyer is with evidence collection. As you recover at home, we can step in and begin documenting the crash. Pedestrians often struggle with major injuries, including organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, and paralysis. Trying to pull together a claim is a frustrating experience. Let our legal team represent you, talk with witnesses, and negotiate on your behalf.
Call Our Office Today
A Greenville rideshare accident attorney will meet for a free, no strings consultation to discuss your accident and injuries. Contact us to get started. Rideshare companies and their insurers play hardball, and no one should expect an easy settlement. Our firm has managed to obtain several settlements for clients with significant injuries, including paralysis and brain damage. Our firm has decades of experience assisting those in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Upstate South Carolina.