Rideshare Accident Lawyer South Carolina

South Carolina Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Injured in a rideshare accident in South Carolina? The Arndt Law Firm’s experienced rideshare accident lawyer is dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.

When a rideshare trip ends in a serious accident, victims often face medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about their options. These crashes are more complex than standard auto accidents, involving multiple insurers, layered coverage, and corporate policies and procedures specific to Uber and Lyft.

The Arndt Law Firm in Mount Pleasant helps South Carolina victims understand their rights and get the compensation they deserve.

Contact The Arndt Law Firm today for a free consultation and discuss your case with an experienced South Carolina rideshare accident lawyer.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents in South Carolina

Rideshare is now common in Charleston and surrounding communities, and law firms report frequent accidents involving Uber and Lyft along highways like I‑26 and Highway 17.

Rideshare accidents differ from typical car crashes because of how insurance coverage changes depending on the driver’s app status.

When the app is off, the driver’s personal policy applies.
When the app is on but no ride is accepted, Uber or Lyft may provide limited coverage.
Once a ride is accepted, the companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.

These distinctions determine how quickly a claim moves forward and which insurer pays for medical costs and damages.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Crashes

Rideshare accidents often result from a combination of driver behavior, external pressures, and environmental or vehicle-related hazards. Knowing what causes these crashes helps victims determine who's responsible and how to build their case.

Distracted Driving and In-App Distractions

Drivers using Uber or Lyft must juggle navigation, ride requests, messaging, and sometimes fare updates, all while maintaining safe driving. These demands lead to divided attention and significantly higher risk, especially in heavy traffic or on unfamiliar roads.

Checking GPS or ride status inside the app while navigating congested roads like Savannah Highway or Coleman Boulevard.
Responding to messages, notifications, or passenger requests mid-drive.

These distractions tend to be more dangerous in denser urban settings like Charleston, North Charleston, and other busy corridors where frequent stops, pedestrian and cyclist traffic, and many intersections leave little margin for error. Proving distraction in legal claims often involves gathering evidence such as phone/app logs, witness statements, and dash‑cam or video footage, when available.

Driver Fatigue and Long Hours

Many rideshare drivers work long shifts to maximize income, especially during peak hours or late at night. Fatigue slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and reduces the ability to anticipate hazards, similar to driving under the influence.

Working extended periods (e.g., late evenings or early mornings) without rest breaks, especially on multi-day stretches
Driving while tired or after a long day's work compounds the risk

In South Carolina's Lowcountry, tourism and nightlife mean many late-night rides. Fatigue often causes accidents after dark, especially on poorly lit routes. Claims adjusters often try to downplay fatigue, but strong evidence can hold drivers (and potentially rideshare companies) accountable.

Speeding, Reckless, or Aggressive Driving

With financial incentives and customer ratings in play, some rideshare drivers feel pressure to complete rides quickly. This may lead to speeding, risky lane changes, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals. These behaviors dramatically increase the chance and severity of crashes.

Rushing through intersections or failing to yield in an attempt to reduce wait times or reach more rides
Making unsafe maneuvers such as abrupt lane changes or failing to observe signal timing

These behaviors are especially dangerous at choke points like bridges (such as the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston), busy commercial corridors, or intersections during peak commute times. Courts and insurance companies examine whether the driver was speeding or driving recklessly, and these factors can substantially affect liability or damages.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance and Mechanical Failures

Because drivers often use personal or older vehicles for rideshare work, lapses in maintenance increase risk. Worn brakes, faulty lights, tire blowouts, or other mechanical failures may turn a small issue into a crash, especially if drivers don't notice or repair them.

Failure to inspect or repair brakes, tires, or steering systems, especially given frequent starts and stops in rideshare driving
Malfunctioning lights or signals, which impair visibility or signaling to other motorists and pedestrians

Mechanical reliability becomes especially important in areas with poor roads, low lighting, or harsh environmental conditions such as coastal corrosion. Suppose a vehicle’s defect contributes to a crash. In that case, liability may extend beyond the driver to manufacturers, component‑makers, dealerships, or repair shops–provided those defects can be shown to have existed and caused harm under South Carolina’s product liability and negligence laws.

Driving Under the Influence or Impairment

Though Uber and Lyft explicitly prohibit operating while intoxicated, some drivers violate these rules. Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication effects can degrade driving performance, slow reflexes, reduce attention, and lead to serious or fatal accidents.

Driving with alcohol or drug impairment, especially during late-night rides or after shifts at other jobs
Prescription or over-the-counter medications with sedative effects, which drivers may not disclose or recognize as risk factors

Evidence such as toxicology reports, police reports, or witness testimony can prove impairment in legal claims. When misconduct is clear, such cases may also warrant punitive damages.

Environmental, Traffic, and Road Conditions

Even careful drivers struggle with external conditions. Heavy traffic, bad weather, poor lighting, or road hazards increase the likelihood that a distracted or fatigued driver fails to avoid a crash.

Nighttime or low visibility conditions on roads without adequate lighting (e.g., rural roads off major routes like I-526 or US-17)
Sudden weather changes, like rain or fog, make roads slick
Congestion or unfamiliar routes are causing poor decision-making

South Carolina’s coastal and rural areas often feature less roadway lighting, narrow or winding secondary roads, and varying weather. These factors combine with human error to produce otherwise avoidable incidents.

Who Can Be Liable for a Rideshare Accident

Determining who is legally responsible after an Uber or Lyft crash in South Carolina often requires a detailed review of how the collision occurred and what parties were involved. Because rideshare operations depend on multiple layers of drivers, companies, and insurers, fault can be more complex than in a traditional car accident.

Multiple parties may share responsibility.
A single rideshare accident may make multiple parties liable, including the rideshare driver, another motorist, the rideshare company, or even third parties like a vehicle manufacturer or a road maintenance contractor.
Insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status.
South Carolina law distinguishes between periods when a rideshare driver is offline, logged into the app and waiting for a fare, or actively transporting a passenger. Each status affects which insurance policy applies and how much coverage is available.

Rideshare Drivers and Personal Negligence

When an Uber or Lyft driver causes a collision due to distraction, speeding, or unsafe turns, the driver may be personally liable for injuries. In South Carolina, rideshare drivers work as independent contractors rather than employees, which can limit a company’s direct liability. However, they must still carry the required auto insurance and follow all state traffic laws.

Uber and Lyft Corporate Liability

Uber and Lyft maintain significant commercial insurance policies that may apply when their drivers are on duty. For instance, when a driver carries a passenger or is en route to pick one up, the company’s $1 million liability coverage may apply.

However, when the driver is simply online but has not yet accepted a fare, Uber and Lyft provide much less coverage, usually only $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.

Third-Party Liability

Sometimes neither the rideshare driver nor another motorist is solely to blame. Poorly maintained roads, defective tires or brakes, or faulty traffic signals can contribute to a crash.

In such cases, liability may extend to local government entities responsible for road maintenance, to vehicle or component manufacturers that made defective products, and to maintenance providers who performed substandard repairs.

Comparative Negligence in South Carolina

Under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule, an injured party can recover damages if a jury finds them less than 51% at fault. This means that even if a passenger or cyclist contributed slightly to the collision, they can still recover compensation, though their percentage of fault will reduce their award.

The Importance of a Skilled South Carolina Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Investigating a fault in a rideshare crash requires technical evidence such as app data, GPS records, and insurance communications. A knowledgeable South Carolina rideshare accident lawyer can gather this information, identify all responsible parties, and ensure the correct insurance policy applies to each phase of the accident.

Victims of rideshare collisions in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, or elsewhere across the Lowcountry can contact The Arndt Law Firm for guidance. The firm offers compassionate, detail-oriented legal support to uncover liability and pursue rightful compensation under South Carolina law.

South Carolina Laws That Affect Rideshare Accident Claims

South Carolina’s laws governing personal injury and transportation network companies directly shape how these cases unfold.

For most injury victims, the statute of limitations under S.C. Code §15-3-530 allows three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Failing to act within that timeframe can permanently bar recovery.

The state also follows a modified comparative negligence rule (S.C. Code §15-38-15).

Victims may recover damages even if they share some fault, as long as their share is less than 51%.
However, compensation is reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault.

These principles often arise in contested rideshare claims, especially when insurers argue that the injured passenger or another motorist contributed to the crash.

South Carolina law classifies Uber and Lyft as “Transportation Network Companies,” requiring driver background checks and minimum insurance levels. Even so, coverage gaps remain, particularly when drivers toggle between personal and rideshare use.

Available Compensation for Rideshare Accident Victims

Rideshare accidents can leave long-lasting physical, financial, and emotional impacts. Victims may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:

Economic damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and property repair costs
Non-economic damages for pain, emotional distress, or reduced quality of life

In severe cases, victims may pursue additional compensation for permanent disability, disfigurement, or long-term medical care. When a rideshare crash results in loss of life, families can file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses and the value of companionship and support.

Evaluating these damages requires a clear understanding of insurance coverage and South Carolina’s civil laws. An experienced accident attorney ensures that every aspect of a claim, from future medical needs to loss of earning potential, is carefully documented and pursued.

The Legal Process in a South Carolina Rideshare Claim

The aftermath of a rideshare accident often feels overwhelming. Victims suddenly face medical recovery, vehicle damage, and insurance representatives requesting statements, all while trying to understand which party is responsible for paying their losses.

The process of pursuing compensation through a rideshare claim in South Carolina involves several essential steps, each requiring careful timing, documentation, and advocacy.

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

The first step is to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the collision thoroughly. During this consultation, an accident or personal injury attorney reviews police reports, insurance information, and digital trip data to determine how the accident occurred and which insurance coverage applies.

Establishing the driver’s app status (off-duty, waiting, or transporting a passenger) is critical, as it dictates which insurer —personal or corporate —must respond.
Reviewing local conditions, such as lighting, traffic flow, and road layout, may also help identify contributing factors, such as poor visibility or inadequate signage.

The Arndt Law Firm’s legal team approaches each case with personal attention. Attorney Jonathan Arndt carefully explains a client’s rights, discusses available options, and outlines what evidence will strengthen the case.

2. Investigation and Evidence Collection

Rideshare claims demand a deeper investigation than a typical car accident because of the layers of insurance and data involved. Uber and Lyft maintain detailed electronic records, including GPS routes, time stamps, and communications, that can be crucial in proving liability.

Investigations often include:

Requesting electronic trip logs and driver history from Uber or Lyft to verify activity at the time of the crash
Gathering witness statements, photos, and dashcam footage, notably from congested areas such as downtown Charleston or Highway 17, where multi-vehicle collisions are common

Attorney Jonathan Arndt’s office can preserve these details before companies or insurers attempt to restrict access, strengthening the client’s position from the outset.

3. Determining Liability and Applicable Coverage

Once evidence is collected, the next stage is to pinpoint which policy — or combination of policies — applies. This is often one of the most complex stages, since the responsible party can shift depending on the driver’s actions and whether the app was active.

South Carolina law requires Uber and Lyft to carry minimum coverage amounts, but insurers frequently dispute whether drivers were working. Insurers may argue that the app was off or that another driver caused the crash.

In these cases, a seasoned South Carolina rideshare accident lawyer negotiates with all parties involved to ensure that liability is assigned correctly and no source of compensation is overlooked.

4. Filing the Claim and Engaging With Insurers

After establishing fault, the firm files formal claims with the relevant insurers. This may include the driver’s personal auto insurer, the rideshare company’s corporate policy, or another motorist’s coverage.

Insurance representatives often attempt to minimize payouts or delay responses by requesting repeated statements or additional documents. An attorney’s guidance during this stage helps prevent common pitfalls, such as inadvertently accepting partial fault or signing documents that reduce compensation.

Attorney Jonathan Arndt’s experience handling complex insurance disputes helps clients remain focused on recovery while ensuring every insurer meets its legal obligations.

5. Negotiation and Settlement Discussions

Once damages and liability are documented, settlement discussions typically begin. Skilled negotiation is essential, as rideshare companies and their insurers have extensive resources and dedicated claims teams.

Medical records, expert reports, and digital data strengthen a case and help secure better settlements.
When insurers refuse to make fair offers, litigation may be necessary.

The legal team evaluates every settlement offer in consultation with the client to ensure it truly reflects the harm suffered.

6. Litigation and Trial Preparation

If negotiation does not produce a fair result, the case may proceed to litigation in South Carolina’s civil courts. This stage requires experience, preparation, and confidence before a judge or jury.

At our firm, we pride ourselves on the strong trial background of our founder, Attorney Jonathan Arndt. His meticulous approach to presenting evidence ensures that every case is handled with the utmost care. From engaging accident reconstruction experts to gathering testimony from treating physicians and economists, we leave no stone unturned in building a compelling case for our clients.

Our team's dedicated preparation guarantees that each client’s situation is presented with clarity and credibility. Whether we are advocating for our clients in Charleston County or elsewhere in the Lowcountry, we remain committed to achieving the best possible outcomes. We understand the intricacies of the legal system and are here to guide our clients every step of the way.

7. Resolution and Recovery

The process concludes with resolution, either through a negotiated settlement or a court judgment. At this point, the firm distributes compensation, resolves medical liens, and helps the client move forward with greater financial stability.

Beyond the legal outcome, the firm’s legal team emphasizes communication and reassurance. Clients receive guidance even after the case closes, ensuring they understand fund distribution and what steps to take to protect their long-term well-being.

Why Clients Choose The Arndt Law Firm

The Arndt Law Firm combines local insight with a steadfast commitment to individualized representation. Clients work directly with attorney Jonathan Arndt, whose reputation across Charleston and the Lowcountry reflects professionalism, preparation, and compassion.

As a Mount Pleasant-based practice, the firm serves clients across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties, providing strategic legal guidance grounded in years of trial experience.

Unlike larger corporate firms, clients receive personal attention at every stage, ensuring their stories are heard and their rights are protected.

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident anywhere in South Carolina, contact Attorney Jonathan Arndt’s office today for a confidential consultation.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

The moments after a crash are often chaotic, but taking the right steps can significantly affect the outcome of a claim.

First, always prioritize safety and medical attention. Even minor symptoms can mask serious injuries such as whiplash or concussion. Once emergency services arrive, victims should gather essential information, such as the driver’s name, vehicle details, and screenshots of the app showing the trip.

It’s also essential to notify Uber or Lyft through the app. However, victims should seek legal guidance before speaking to any insurance adjuster or providing a recorded statement.

Early legal advice helps preserve evidence and avoid errors that could reduce compensation.
An attorney can handle all communications, ensuring the claim proceeds smoothly.

Quick action allows key evidence, such as GPS data or dashcam footage, to be secured before it disappears.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does rideshare insurance work in South Carolina?

Coverage depends on the driver’s app status. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when carrying a passenger. When the app is off, only the driver’s personal policy applies.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

It can be tough to sue Uber or Lyft directly because their drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. The company's insurance policy may still cover the injuries if the victim was injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver who was actively working.

What if another driver caused the rideshare accident?

If a third-party motorist is responsible, their insurance may provide coverage. In some cases, both the third-party insurer and the rideshare policy may apply.

How long do I have to file a claim?

South Carolina law allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (S.C. Code §15-3-530). Prompt legal consultation helps avoid missing this deadline.

What damages can I recover?

Compensation may include medical costs, lost wages, future treatment, pain and suffering, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death benefits for surviving family members.

Speak With a South Carolina Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Recovering from an Uber or Lyft crash can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with corporate insurers and complex liability rules. Victims need steady, experienced guidance to secure the compensation they deserve.

At The Arndt Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of service and support. Our founder, Attorney Jonathan Arndt, brings a wealth of experience to the table, passionately advocating for individuals and families throughout South Carolina who have been affected by rideshare accidents.

We understand the challenges you may be facing, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our local insight and proven legal skills allow us to navigate the complexities of these cases effectively, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident, we invite you to reach out to us. Contact The Arndt Law Firm in Mount Pleasant at (843) 469-8777 today for a free, confidential consultation. Let our experienced team help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind. Your journey to recovery starts here, and we are committed to standing by your side.