South Carolina beaches, cities, and attractions draw millions of tourists each summer, increasing the demand for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Whether navigating Charleston’s busy streets, catching a ride to Myrtle Beach, or hopping between restaurants in Greenville, locals and visitors rely on rideshare apps to avoid traffic and parking stress. But with more rides comes more risk.
When a rideshare trip ends in injury, passengers often wonder who’s responsible—and how to recover compensation. Here, our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers explain.
Summer Brings More Rideshare Use—and More Collisions
The summer season brings a sharp rise in traffic congestion, out-of-town drivers, and late-night activity. Uber and Lyft drivers—many working longer hours to meet demand—can become fatigued or distracted, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Additionally, many tourists are unfamiliar with the area and rely heavily on rideshare options, resulting in more pickups and drop-offs in crowded, chaotic regions.
Unfortunately, when an Uber or Lyft trip ends in injury—whether due to a collision, reckless driving, or being struck while entering or exiting the vehicle—the path to justice is not always straightforward.
Who Is Liable When a South Carolina Rideshare Trip Turns Dangerous?
In South Carolina, liability in a rideshare injury case depends on several factors, including who caused the crash, what role each party played, and whether the Uber or Lyft driver was actively logged into the app. Here’s a breakdown of common scenarios:
- If the rideshare driver caused the crash, Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance policy may apply if the driver was actively picking up or transporting a passenger.
- If another driver caused the crash, that driver’s auto insurance would typically be responsible for covering damages.
- If the passenger was injured during boarding or exiting, Liability could fall on the rideshare driver, the property owner (if unsafe conditions were involved), or even another vehicle that struck the passenger.
Navigating these questions requires a detailed investigation and a legal team that understands how rideshare companies operate.
What Insurance Coverage Do Uber and Lyft Provide?
Uber and Lyft offer layered insurance coverage, which changes depending on the driver’s status.
That includes the following circumstances:
- App off: Only the driver’s insurance applies.
- App on, waiting for a ride request: Limited coverage applies (usually up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury).
- En route to pick up a passenger or during a trip: Up to $1 million in commercial liability coverage is available.
This coverage sounds generous, but these companies often fight hard to minimize payouts or deny responsibility, especially when their drivers are considered independent contractors.
How Our South Carolina Rideshare Injury Lawyers Can Help
At David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers, we know how confusing rideshare injury claims can be, especially in the chaos of summer travel. We work to uncover all potential insurance coverage, establish liability, and build a strong case for full compensation, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
If you were injured during an Uber or Lyft ride in South Carolina, contact us at (803) 302-3989 for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.