
When you request a ride through Uber or Lyft, you expect a safe trip not an accident that leaves you injured, confused, and facing mounting medical bills. Unfortunately, rideshare crashes in Orangeburg County are becoming more common as more drivers hit the road to make extra income.
At Ted Law Firm, our Orangeburg rideshare accident lawyers help victims recover compensation after Uber and Lyft accidents. We know the local roads, the state laws, and the complex insurance rules that come with these cases, and we don’t get paid unless we win.
Rideshare Accidents in Orangeburg
From I-26 and US-301 to Magnolia Street and John C. Calhoun Drive, rideshare vehicles are a regular sight throughout Orangeburg. With drivers rushing between pickups, distracted by apps, or unfamiliar with local roads, accidents happen more often than people realize.
Common locations for Uber and Lyft crashes include:
- St. Matthews Road and Five Chop Road intersections
- I-26 exits near Bowman and Santee
- US-178 near Downtown Orangeburg
- Near South Carolina State University and Claflin University
When negligence leads to a rideshare accident, we make sure those responsible drivers, companies, or insurers are held accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies and multiple at-fault parties. Liable parties may include:
- The Uber or Lyft driver (negligent or distracted driving)
- Another motorist who caused the collision
- Uber or Lyft’s corporate insurer (if coverage period applies)
- Vehicle manufacturers or maintenance companies (for defective parts)
- City or county agencies (for unsafe roads or signage)
Our team traces every possible source of recovery to ensure no coverage is overlooked.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Orangeburg
- Driver distraction (texting, navigating, accepting rides mid-drive)
- Fatigued drivers working multiple shifts
- Speeding or unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield or follow traffic signals
- Impaired driving
- Poorly maintained vehicles
- Unfamiliarity with local roads
We work with accident reconstruction specialists and obtain driver app data to uncover exactly what caused your crash.
What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in Orangeburg
- Call 911 and report the crash to the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety or South Carolina Highway Patrol.
- Take screenshots of your Uber/Lyft trip details, ride receipt, and driver’s name.
- Get medical treatment immediately at Regional Medical Center (TRMC) or another local hospital — even if you feel okay.
- Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Get contact information for witnesses and other drivers.
- Do not speak to insurance adjusters or Uber/Lyft representatives before talking to a lawyer.
- Contact Ted Law Firm we’ll handle the investigation and communication with all insurers.
Preserving Digital Evidence
Rideshare claims often depend on app data. We immediately collect and preserve:
- Trip receipts and timestamps
- GPS route data
- Text and app communications
- Ride acceptance records
- Uber/Lyft driver background and safety reports
This information helps us prove driver activity at the time of the crash and hold the correct insurer responsible.
Fatal Rideshare Accidents & Family Claims
If a loved one was killed in an Uber or Lyft accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship and support
- Lost financial contributions
- Emotional pain and suffering
Our Orangeburg wrongful death attorneys guide families through every step with compassion and strength.
Understanding South Carolina’s Comparative Negligence Rule
South Carolina follows the modified comparative negligence law (51% rule):
- You can still recover compensation if you’re less than 51% at fault.
- Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If your total damages are $200,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you still recover $160,000.
We make sure insurance companies don’t unfairly blame you to reduce your settlement.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and post-accident anxiety
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes
We pursue every available policy Uber/Lyft’s commercial coverage, the driver’s personal policy, and your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Why Choose Our Orangeburg Rideshare Accident Lawyers
- Decades of experience handling complex motor vehicle claims in South Carolina
- Knowledge of Uber/Lyft coverage structures and how insurers try to avoid payouts
- Local understanding of Orangeburg County courts, judges, and roads
- Proven results in high-value injury and wrongful death claims
- No fees unless we win — guaranteed
- Available 24/7 for free consultations
When powerful rideshare companies and insurers push back, we push harder; fighting for your future and your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who pays after an Uber or Lyft accident in South Carolina?
It depends on the driver’s app status. Uber/Lyft insurance covers up to $1 million when a passenger is in the vehicle, but the driver’s personal insurance may apply at other times.
2. What if the rideshare driver wasn’t at fault?
You may still file a claim against another driver, using Uber/Lyft’s underinsured motorist coverage if necessary.
3. Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Usually, no — rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors. However, we can file against Uber/Lyft’s insurance policies.
4. What if I was a passenger during the accident?
As a passenger, you’re almost never at fault. You can claim against all negligent parties, including both drivers and rideshare insurers.
5. How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim?
In South Carolina, you typically have three years under S.C. Code § 15-3-530, but it’s best to act quickly before evidence disappears.
6. How much does it cost to hire Ted Law Firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront and no fees unless we win.
7. What if my loved one died in a rideshare crash?
Our firm helps families pursue wrongful death claims for funeral costs, emotional loss, and lost financial support.
Talk to an Orangeburg Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
Rideshare cases are complicated with multiple insurance companies, corporate attorneys, and app data to sort through. You need a law firm that knows how to take on Uber, Lyft, and their insurers.
Serving Orangeburg, Santee, Elloree, Bowman, and all surrounding communities. No fees unless we win. No risks, just results.
At Ted Law Firm, we fight for riders, drivers, and pedestrians ensuring every victim of a rideshare crash gets justice and the compensation they deserve.