If you were injured in a Lyft accident whether by a rideshare driver or due to the actions of a rideshare program in Greenville, South Carolina, you’re likely wondering how much your settlement might be worth. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, this guide will help you understand how settlements are calculated, which factors influence the value of your claim, and how a rideshare accident lawyer can help you maximize compensation through a personal injury claim.
At Ted Law Firm, we represent injured passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers who have been harmed in Lyft and other rideshare-related accidents. Our experienced rideshare accident lawyers are here to guide you through the accident lawsuit if you find yourself in this situation. Here’s what you need to know about how settlements work, how liability is determined, and what steps you can take to protect your rights after a crash.
Important Facts to consider from Rideshare Accidents
Most of these ridesharing drivers are classified as independent contractors, and it’s not uncommon to encounter a negligent driver. Uber and Lyft accidents happen every day, especially during heavy traffic, which often leads to driver errors. There’s also a common question about ridesharing services and how they are held liable when an accident results in injury.
It’s important to note that any accident no matter how minor it may seem can lead to serious consequences such as internal bleeding, severe neck injuries, the need for ongoing medical care, mental anguish, and a significant loss in quality of life and pain.
Because these companies operate as third-party network providers, it’s important to note that you should always seek legal representation from a rideshare accident attorney or a personal injury lawyer in your area if you’re seeking compensation. If you intend to sue the liable party and pursue a fair settlement, legal guidance is essential.
It’s also important to note that one of the best ways to strengthen your claim for compensation is through credible witness testimony. This type of evidence can greatly support your version of events and help establish fault when dealing with insurers or in court.
Average Lyft Settlement Values Vary Widely
The amount you may receive from a Lyft settlement in Greenville depends heavily on the specifics of your case. Minor injury claims may settle for a few thousand dollars, while severe injury or wrongful death cases can result in six- or even seven-figure settlements.
Key factors that influence settlement value include:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your total medical expenses (past and future)
- Whether you missed work or lost income
- How the injury affects your daily life and future earnings
- Pain and suffering or emotional distress
- Property damage (if you were driving your own vehicle)
- Insurance policy limits
Rideshare accident claims tend to involve higher coverage limits than typical auto accidents. That’s because Lyft provides up to $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up. If your accident occurred during an active ride, you may have access to a significantly larger settlement than you would through a standard car insurance policy.
However, getting access to that coverage and securing a fair settlement is not automatic. Insurance companies will often try to minimize your injuries, delay your claim, or shift blame to reduce their payout. That’s why working with a Lyft accident lawyer in Greenville is so important.
It’s important to note that your confidential settlement will be in trusted hands. From gathering police reports and reviewing federal court records to analyzing medical equipment and holding all responsible parties accountable, we handle every detail with care. Whether it’s reviewing your auto insurance policy or ensuring the rideshare driver is held liable, our goal is to make your life easier after a traumatic experience.
Whether you’ve been involved in a rideshare company accident, a drunk driving crash, distracted driving case, motor vehicle accident, rear-end accidents, bad accidents or any other type of traffic accident, we’re here to help. Your personal injury attorney is committed to pursuing fair compensation on your behalf and standing up against a at-fault driver.
Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
The amount of available coverage depends on what the Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s a breakdown:
- Driver not using the app: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App is on, but no ride accepted: Lyft provides limited liability coverage: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Ride accepted or in progress: Lyft provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
If the at-fault party was not the Lyft driver for example, if you were hit by a third party while riding in a Lyft then the third party’s insurance would be pursued first. But if that party is uninsured or underinsured, Lyft’s coverage may still apply.
What Is Pain and Suffering Worth?
In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, your settlement may include pain and suffering, which refers to the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident. These types of damages can be difficult to quantify, but it can make up a significant portion of your compensation.
Some factors that influence pain and suffering calculations include:
- The length of your recovery
- Ongoing physical pain or limited mobility
- Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Future pain
- Psycological Pain
- Abdominal Pain
- Neck Injury
A Greenville personal injury attorney can negotiate aggressively to ensure these damages are fairly accounted for a fair compensation if you’re a rideshare accident victim.
How Long Will It Take to Get My Settlement?
Lyft accident settlements in South Carolina can take a few months to over a year, depending on:
- The clarity of liability
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether multiple parties are involved
- How quickly your medical treatment is completed
- Whether your case goes to trial
While it’s tempting to accept an early offer, doing so can mean settling for far less than you need especially if future surgeries or rehab are expected. At Ted Law Firm, we’ll never rush your case, but we’ll work efficiently to ensure your claim progresses smoothly while keeping you informed at every step.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation Today
If you were injured by a rideshare driver or in a Lyft/Uber accident or if you or your loved one encounter future accidents in Greenville, SC, and want to know what your case might be worth, contact Ted Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll review your injuries, expenses, and circumstances to give you a realistic understanding of your options, and we’ll fight to get the financial compensation you deserve.Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim. Get legal help today with our accident lawyers. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, or stop by one of our conveniently located South Carolina offices in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Aiken, or Mrtyle Beach so we can discuss your case face-to-face. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case, so there is no harm in scheduling a free consultation. You’re in good hands with Ted Law Firm.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
