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Charleston Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Charleston

Uber and Lyft have reshaped how Charleston moves, but their growth brings new legal challenges when crashes happen. Unlike ordinary traffic accidents, rideshare crashes pull in large companies with complicated insurance rules and legal teams.

According to academic research from Rice University and the University of Chicago, Uber and Lyft usage correlates with a 2–3% jump in nationwide traffic deaths, adding up to about 1,000 lives lost per year.

Anyone hurt in a rideshare collision in Charleston needs to act quickly to protect their case and seek maximum compensation.

Liability in Charleston Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents are legally complex because responsibility changes depending on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred. The coverage available — whether it’s from the driver, Uber or Lyft, or another party — depends on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a trip, or carrying a passenger.

App Off:

The driver’s personal insurance applies.

App On (No Passenger):

Uber or Lyft provides limited third-party liability coverage (usually $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).

App On (With Passenger or En Route):

The full $1 million liability coverage kicks in.

That’s why our attorneys analyze trip data, app usage logs, and driver records to determine exactly which insurance policy should be responsible. Whether the issue is denied coverage or disputed facts, our firm is equipped to push back aggressively.

Top Reasons for Rideshare Crashes in Charleston

Uber and Lyft drivers are frequently navigating busy roads while managing ride requests, customer service, and app-based instructions. That multitasking leads to serious safety issues and contributes to many of the accidents we see involving rideshare vehicles.

Distracted driving (e.g., checking the app, GPS, texting)
Fatigue from long driving shifts
Speeding or aggressive driving to meet ride quotas
Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with Charleston roads
Unsafe pick-up or drop-off locations

Uber and Lyft run background checks, but with so many drivers on the road, standards can be inconsistent. We leave no stone unturned in tracing the cause of the accident and proving where negligence occurred.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Charleston

Getting injured in an Uber or Lyft crash means you need to take immediate action to preserve your legal options. You should document the crash, see a doctor, and speak with a rideshare accident lawyer to understand your next steps.

Call 911 and request medical assistance if needed.

Get the names, contact info, and insurance details of all parties involved.

Take screenshots of your Uber or Lyft trip, including timestamps.

Document the scene with photos or videos (vehicles, street signs, damage).

Do not accept early settlement offers or give recorded statements to insurance without legal guidance.

Rideshare companies may try to limit their financial exposure by shifting blame or delaying claim processes. Having a legal advocate from the start can protect you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation.

Injuries Frequently Linked to Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare crashes often occur in dense traffic or urban corridors, where even a low-speed collision can cause significant injury. We’ve represented Charleston clients who suffered from:

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal bleeding or organ damage
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Even seemingly minor minor injuries may develop into serious complications over time. Avoid letting an insurance company downplay your pain — our attorneys are committed to making sure every consequence of your injury is carefully detailed and properly evaluated.

The Urgency Behind Taking Action Against Rideshare Companies in Charleston

Corporate policies, shifting insurance tiers, and skilled legal teams make it hard for victims to get fair compensation. The level of coverage you’re entitled to depends on whether the driver was logged in, waiting for a ride, or carrying a passenger.

Without skilled legal help, victims often walk away with settlements that don’t begin to cover their losses. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we confront rideshare companies directly and pursue every legal strategy available to recover full damages.

What Happens After a Rideshare Accident in Charleston

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle, these steps are crucial to protect your legal and financial interests:

Get Medical Help Immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, documentation is essential.

Report the Accident to Authorities

Ensure police are called and a report is filed on the scene.

Document Everything

Photos, witness contact info, rideshare app screenshots, and vehicle damage.

Avoid Statements to Insurance Adjusters

Anything you say can be used to lower or deny your claim.

Contact an Attorney Quickly

Time-sensitive evidence and complex insurance policies require early legal intervention.

Even small mistakes — like not preserving app data or failing to identify the correct insurance tier — can cost you the compensation you deserve. Our team ensures every detail is covered from the very beginning.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Charleston

Accidents with rideshare vehicles are usually caused with added hazards due to driver multitasking and long, irregular shifts. Analysis of recent data shows the top contributors include:

Distracted Driving – Rideshare drivers constantly check their apps for routes, messages, and updates.
Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours or drive for multiple services, increasing the risk of exhaustion.
Unfamiliar Routes – Unlike professional drivers, rideshare operators often rely entirely on GPS navigation.
Rush to Accept Fares – Quick turnarounds between rides can cause reckless maneuvers or speeding.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Drivers are responsible for their own vehicle upkeep, and issues may go unreported.

Groundbreaking research from top U.S. universities linked rideshare services to a 2 to 3 percent increase in traffic fatalities across major U.S. cities. This data proves the public safety concerns of corporate convenience at the expense of human life.

How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works in Charleston, Illinois

Making sense of insurance coverage after an Uber or Lyft crash in Charleston, Illinois can be confusing without legal guidance. Both platforms provide third-party liability insurance, but the protection it offers depends on what the driver was doing at the point of collision. These activity periods matter — and in Illinois, regional laws make them even more significant.

Here’s a breakdown of the three distinct coverage periods:

Offline (App Off):

Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.

Available for Rides (App On, No Passenger):

Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

En Route or Transporting Passenger:

Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

Unlocking this coverage often becomes a legal battle. Rideshare companies commonly dispute driver status, argue about policy activation timing, or shift liability to personal insurers. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we don’t let those tricks slide and build solid, evidence-backed claims to prove liability, engagement, and damages.

How Our Charleston Uber and Lyft Accident Attorneys Build Your Case

Our attorneys build your claim through a well-tested process designed to strengthen difficult rideshare cases. Given the tendency of these corporations to deny responsibility, we act immediately — securing rideshare logs, reviewing trip histories, and ensuring nothing is left to chance.

Immediate Investigation: We gather crash reports, app screenshots, black box data, and rideshare platform logs.
Driver Background Checks: We examine whether the driver had any history of violations or prior accidents.
Medical Record Coordination: We work closely with healthcare providers to document the true scope of your injury.
Expert Testimony: When needed, we bring in accident reconstructionists and economists to strengthen your claim.

By controlling the narrative early, we stop the rideshare company from shifting blame and ensure your story is told clearly, accurately, and with the right legal framing.

How Much Can You Recover After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Charleston?

Passengers, pedestrians, or drivers hurt in these accidents may be entitled to a wide range of compensation under Illinois law. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we are committed to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:

You may be able to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
Lost income and reduced earning potential
Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and PTSD
Property damage
Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability

We don’t let the insurance company lowball your claim — we partner with economic and medical experts to accurately value your losses and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Contact a Charleston, Illinois Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with massive insurance corporations alone. At Boyadzhyan Law Firm, we handle the paperwork and legal strategy so you can heal in peace. Our Charleston, Illinois attorneys have deep experience with rideshare injury claims and hold accountable big companies like Uber and Lyft.

We offer:

Free consultations with zero upfront costs

Contingency-fee representation — you don’t pay unless we win

Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies

Compassionate support from day one through resolution

Don’t wait to get help. Let Boyadzhyan Law Firm be the advocate you deserve and help you navigate this complex legal terrain.

Providing compassionate legal assistance for you and your family.

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