If you have been involved in a Lyft accident in Sumter, South Carolina, it is important that you understand your legal rights. A Lyft accident can leave you facing not only physical injuries but also significant financial and emotional burdens.
At Marc Brown Law Firm, we understand the trauma and disruption that a Sumter car crash lawsuit can cause, and we are committed to helping you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Remember, you pay no legal fees unless we win compensation for you. Let us help you on your road to recovery.
Why Choose Marc Brown Law Firm
Marc Brown Law Firm is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals involved in Lyft accidents. Here is why choosing us is the right decision for your case:
- Expertise in Personal Injury Law: We focus solely on injury law, ensuring that we are always up-to-date on the latest legal strategies and precedents that could affect your case.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We handle Lyft accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without financial risk.
- Proven Track Record: With significant settlements for past clients and a robust approach to litigation, we prepare each case as if it will go to trial, which maximizes your potential compensation.
- Personalized Attention: Unlike larger firms, we provide a personalized approach, ensuring that you receive the attention and care your case deserves.
- Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide clear guidance on your legal options without any obligation.
- Experienced Representation: Attorney Marc Brown brings extensive experience from both sides of the courtroom, having previously defended large corporations and insurance companies. This unique perspective is invaluable in negotiating the maximum settlement possible.
Understanding Lyft Accident Cases
A Lyft accident is one involving a vehicle operated by a Lyft driver, whether the driver is carrying a passenger or available for hire. These incidents can vary widely, from minor fender benders to severe, life-altering collisions.
A Lyft accident, like any vehicular accident, can have devastating consequences, including:
- Physical Injuries: From minor injuries to permanent disability.
- Financial Burdens: Medical bills, loss of income, and other unexpected expenses.
- Emotional Distress: The trauma of the accident can lead to long-term psychological effects.
These consequences underscore the need for victims to secure fair compensation. Various studies suggest that accident victims represented by experienced attorneys like Marc Brown generally secure substantially higher compensation than those without legal representation.
Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Sumter
Understanding the common causes of Lyft accidents can help in identifying who is at fault for the accident and forming an effective legal strategy to secure adequate compensation.
Here are some frequent factors contributing to these incidents:
- Distracted Driving: This includes drivers using the phone for navigation or communication, eating, or any other activity that diverts their attention from the road.
- Fatigue: Lyft drivers often work long hours, which can lead to tiredness and decreased reaction time.
- Speeding: Drivers exceeding speed limits to meet ride quotas or in response to passenger requests can result in accidents.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Drivers failing to keep their Lyft vehicle in safe operating condition can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents.
- Inadequate Driver Training: While Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles, insufficient training on safe driving practices and customer interaction can pose risks.
- Driving Under the Influence: Although strictly prohibited by Lyft and law enforcement, instances of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs still occur and lead to severe accidents.
How Liability for a Lyft Accident is Established in South Carolina
In South Carolina, determining liability in a Lyft accident involves understanding specific legal concepts such as negligence and contributory negligence. Negligence is the failure to act with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. In the context of Lyft accidents, this could involve:
- A driver not paying attention to the road.
- Lyft failing to enforce safety regulations.
- Vehicle maintenance issues that were overlooked.
To establish negligence, it must be shown that the defendant owed you a duty of care, that duty was breached, and as a result, you suffered damages (South Carolina Code of Laws Section 15-1-300). This typically involves gathering evidence such as witness statements, vehicle damage reports, and traffic camera footage.
South Carolina also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, your ability to recover compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from receiving any compensation (South Carolina Code of Laws Section 15-38-15).
Compensation For a Lyft Accident
Pursuing a claim for compensation following a Lyft accident requires a detailed understanding of Lyft’s insurance coverage, which varies based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Here is an in-depth look at how Lyft’s insurance coverage operates:
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Explained:
- Driver Mode Off: When the Lyft app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance is the primary coverage.
- Driver Mode On, No Ride Accepted: From the moment the driver turns on the Lyft app to when they accept a ride, Lyft provides contingent liability coverage. This covers damages if the personal insurance does not apply. Coverage includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
- Ride Accepted to Passenger Drop-off: Once a ride is accepted and until the passenger is dropped off, Lyft’s insurance provides $1,000,000 for third-party liability, along with contingent comprehensive and collision insurance up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
The types of damages that may be recovered in a Lyft accident claim include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Punitive Damages (in cases of particularly reckless or irresponsible behavior)
The Statute of Limitations For Lyft Accident Claims in South Carolina
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations (deadline) for personal injury and property damage claims is generally three years from the date of the accident (South Carolina Code of Laws Section 15-3-530). This means that you must file a lawsuit within three years to seek compensation for injuries or damages caused by a Lyft accident.
There are however exceptions to this rule that make it important to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible for advice. Furthermore, there are specific circumstances that may lengthen or shorten the standard limitation period.
Initiating an insurance claim as soon as possible after the accident can ensure that all relevant evidence is preserved, you meet any statutory deadlines, and your claim is considered in a timely manner.
How Attorney Marc Brown Can Help
Hiring experienced Sumter injury attorneys can significantly influence the outcome of your Lyft accident claim. Here’s how Attorney Brown and his team can assist:
Expert Legal Representation:
- Case Evaluation: A thorough assessment of your case to outline viable legal strategies.
- Gathering Evidence: Help with collecting and analyzing all relevant evidence, including driver records, vehicle maintenance logs, and witness statements.
- Negotiation: Skilled negotiation with the liable insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation without settling for less.
- Preparation for Trial: We will prepare your case for trial, if necessary, to advocate aggressively on your behalf in court.
Contact Marc Brown Law Firm for a Lyft Accident Lawyer in Sumter, South Carolina
If you or someone you know has been involved in a Lyft accident in Sumter, South Carolina, securing the right legal representation is crucial. Marc Brown Law Firm specializes in handling Lyft accident claims with a commitment to achieving justice and the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Visit our website at Marc Brown Law Firm or call us directly to schedule your free consultation. We never charge a fee unless we win your case.