What To Do if You Were Involved in an Uber Accident in Greenville, South Carolina
Uber has more than 160,000 drivers in the United States, as reported by the Wall Street Journal several years ago. Since then, they have continued to recruit at a pace of almost 50,000 drivers a month worldwide. With such an increase of Uber drivers on the roads, the number of accidents involving them has certainly increased as well. While many accidents are minor, some are much more serious and result in severe injuries for drivers and passengers. If you are a passenger in an Uber accident in South Carolina, there are some important things you need to understand.
Uber Passengers
As a passenger in an Uber vehicle or any other vehicle, the driver is responsible for providing insurance that covers any injuries or damages that have been incurred. In this case, the Uber driver is required to have adequate insurance to handle all passengers as well as other drivers in the event of collision. In South Carolina, vehicles that are operated for hire, such as Uber vehicles, are covered by insurance policies held by the company. Drivers must also carry personal insurance for times when they are not driving for hire.
If you are a witness to the collision, it is advisable to remain on the scene and provide a statement to police. Make sure that you obtain information from the driver including driver’s license details and insurance card. Write down the make, model, color and license plate number of the vehicle. Take a photo of the accident scene if it is safe to do so.
Injuries in Uber Accidents in Greenville
Immediately following a major Uber accident everyone involved should be checked out by a doctor. Although it might be inconvenient to do so, it is advisable to visit the hospital for evaluation and treatment. Many times an accident causes injuries that aren’t apparent right away. Passengers could be shaken up from the incident, and it might be later in the day when they realize that they are hurt.
When visiting the doctor after an accident be certain to let them know that you were involved in a vehicle crash. This information should be noted on your medical documentation and paperwork associated with treatment so that later there is no doubt as to the reason for your visit to the hospital. Keep all documents, bills and treatment details because they should be paid or reimbursed by the responsible party.
Who is Responsible for the Accident?
The driver who is responsible for the accident is liable for any damages that were incurred. These include both physical injuries and property damage for all those involved in the incident. In South Carolina, more than one party may be at fault for the crash. The police will conduct an investigation at the accident scene, take photos, obtain witness statements and talk to all drivers involved. A report will be made indicating the facts of the situation.
An Uber passenger injured in a crash must remain in contact with the driver’s insurance company. The driver’s insurance representative will likely contact you to discuss the accident and take a statement. The company may try to avoid taking responsibility for any injuries or may try to offer a settlement. It is beneficial to speak with an attorney before you talk to the insurance company or accept any type of payment. It is possible that the payment may be less than what you should receive.
Shared Fault
There may be more than one factor that contributed to the accident. If so, the court will review the facts of the case and ascribe a percentage of fault to each party. For instance, one driver may have made an illegal turn; however, the other driver may have been speeding. Both of these actions were negligent, and both drivers are therefore partly to blame. The amount of fault depends on the specific situation and how much the negligent act contributed to the accident.
As a passenger in an Uber vehicle, you simply need to be compensated for your injuries and damages, regardless of which party was to blame. This may not always be an easy situation to discern. This is especially true in cases where an insurance company is trying to resolve the case with as little expense as possible. Although you’d like things to go smoothly and be paid quickly for your injuries, it may be necessary to take legal action to get the money that is owed.
Injuries and Damages from Uber Accidents
Injuries that result from Uber accidents in South Carolina may range from mild bumps and bruises to major injuries such as back or head trauma. Some injuries require extensive medical treatment including surgery and lengthy hospital stays. Once an injury begins to heal the victim may require rehabilitation. When injuries are severe, they could have long-term consequences. Some people will need ongoing medical treatment, sometimes for a long period of time. These types of injuries are debilitating and can have a devastating financial impact on the victim and his family.
The responsible party is required to pay for all expenses associated with the injury. Additionally, there may be some other damages that could result from a severe injury. For instance, the victim may be unable to work for a period of time and should be reimbursed for lost wages. Punitive damages may also apply, such as money for pain and suffering and legal fees. Legal action may be necessary to obtain the compensation that an injured party deserves. The law limits the time to file a personal injury claim. Typically, a victim must file a claim within three years of the occurrence.
Seek Legal Assistance
Those who were injured in Uber accidents in Greenville, SC might have questions and concerns following the incident. It is helpful to seek assistance from an experienced accident attorney. Your lawyer will review the details of your case and answer your questions. Most importantly, you’ll be assured of getting the money that is necessary to cover all of your anticipated expenses due to the accident.
Contact Chase Harbin if you were injured in an Uber accident in Greenville, SC.
