North Charleston Lyft Accident Injury Lawyers

Attorneys for Victims of Rideshare Wrecks in N. Charleston, SC

Rideshare services like Lyft have made getting around North Charleston easier and have also contributed to rising accident numbers. In the most recent reporting year, South Carolina recorded 143,426 total collisions, and Charleston County had the highest number of crashes statewide. With Lyft vehicles adding to already congested roads, rideshare-related accidents have become more common, especially on state highways, where crashes happen most frequently.

At Steinberg Law Firm, we have been fighting for accident victims in South Carolina for nearly a century. Our firm has recovered over $800 million for injured clients in the last decade, including multi-million-dollar settlements for car accident victims. Lyft and its insurers will try to protect their bottom line—our job is to protect you. If a rideshare accident has left you injured, you deserve experienced legal representation that will fight for your recovery.

Statistics on Traffic Accidents in South Carolina and North Charleston

South Carolina continues to have a high rate of traffic accidents, affecting thousands of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians each year. While 2024 data shows that fatal crashes have declined for four consecutive years, the overall number of collisions remains high, with 143,426 crashes reported in the most recent year.

Among all counties, Charleston County experiences the highest number of crashes statewide. Many of these accidents occur on state highways, where heavy traffic and high speeds increase the risk of serious injuries and fatalities.

How Often Do Crashes Happen?

Traffic accidents happen at an alarming frequency across South Carolina, affecting drivers every few minutes. Based on recent data:

• One crash happens every 3.7 minutes, showing how common accidents are across the state;
• An injury collision occurs every 15.4 minutes, leaving thousands of people with serious medical needs each year;
• A fatal crash happens every 8.6 hours, impacting families and communities daily; and
• Alcohol-related crashes remain a major concern, with one DUI-related fatality occurring every 8 hours.

With crashes happening so often, drivers in North Charleston must remain alert and take extra precautions, especially when using rideshare services like Lyft.

The Most Dangerous Times for Drivers

Certain months, days, and times see higher numbers of accidents across South Carolina. The data shows that:

• October saw the most fatal crashes (107), followed by July (98) and September (91);
• Most accidents happen between 3:01 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., during rush hour when traffic congestion peaks; 
• Fatal crashes occur most often between 9:01 p.m. and midnight when visibility is lower and more impaired drivers are on the road; and
• More than half of all fatal crashes happen on weekends, with Saturdays accounting for 19.4% of deadly accidents.

Since rideshare trips increase during weekends, evenings, and holidays, Lyft passengers and drivers must be especially careful during these high-risk periods.

South Carolina’s Personal Auto Insurance Requirements

In South Carolina, all drivers, including those operating rideshare vehicles, must carry minimum auto insurance coverage as mandated by the South Carolina Department of Insurance:

• Bodily Injury Liability & Property Damage Liability —$25,000 per person 
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage—equal to the minimum liability limits.

While these are the state-required minimums, rideshare companies like Lyft offer additional coverage when drivers are active on the app, as detailed below.

Establishing Fault in a North Charleston Lyft Car Accident

Lyft drivers may sometimes be involved in accidents that impact other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers in other cars. The insurance coverage applicable in these situations depends on the driver’s status at the time of the incident:

• App On, Awaiting Ride Request. Lyft provides third-party liability coverage for covered accidents if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply, with limits of:
  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $25,000 per accident for property damage
• App On, En Route to Pick Up Passengers, or During Rides. The $1,000,000 third-party liability coverage applies.

It’s important to note that if the Lyft driver’s app is off, Lyft’s insurance does not provide coverage; the driver’s personal auto insurance would be applicable. To hold someone accountable for your injuries, you must prove the following four key elements of negligence.

• Duty of care. Every driver, including Lyft operators, is legally responsible for driving safely. This duty extends to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
• Breach of duty. The at-fault party must have acted negligently or recklessly. This could include speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, or driving under the influence.
• Causation. You must show that the driver’s negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries. Insurance companies often dispute this, making strong evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, critical to your case.
• Damages. To secure compensation, you need to prove the financial and emotional burden you face. In South Carolina, you have the right to pursue both economic and non-economic damages.

Our North Charleston Lyft accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. From investigating the Lyft car crash, handling insurance negotiations, to taking your case to trial if necessary, we fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The toll of the accident includes medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

How Driver Behavior Contributes to Collisions

Many crashes in South Carolina result from dangerous choices behind the wheel. The leading causes of accidents include:

• Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes;
• Failure to yield often leads to intersection accidents and side-impact collisions.
• Distracted driving, including texting, eating, or using a GPS while behind the wheel;
• Running red lights or ignoring stop signs increases the risk of T-bone and pedestrian accidents; and
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the deadliest causes of crashes.

Every driver has a responsibility to make safe choices, yet thousands of people suffer injuries each year due to reckless and negligent driving.

Complexities of Rideshare Accidents

No two accidents are alike. The complexities we have seen in crashes involving rideshare cars would be daunting for the average passenger to address on their own. One situation we have seen is where the actual driver is someone different than the authorized Lyft driver and insured person. It is not uncommon for a rideshare driver to share their vehicle with a family member who may not even have a license to drive. In other cases, drivers were so new to the area that they did not know where they were going and made decisions that caused a crash.

These issues were only uncovered by the investigative work of our attorneys. 

The Financial Impact of South Carolina Accidents

Traffic accidents not only cause serious injuries and fatalities, but they also lead to significant financial losses. In 2024, crashes across the state resulted in:

• $5.10 billion in total economic losses, impacting medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage; and
• Thousands of families are facing unexpected financial hardships, often struggling to cover medical bills and lost income.

With Charleston County leading in total crashes, North Charleston residents are at higher risk of being involved in an accident. Many of these crashes involve Lyft and other rideshare vehicles, making it important for injury victims to understand their rights and know who is responsible for covering their losses.

What Types of Compensation Are Available After a North Charleston Lyft Accident?

After a Lyft accident in North Charleston, injury victims have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the physical and emotional toll of the crash. To recover damages, you must first prove that another party was responsible—the Lyft driver, another motorist, or even Lyft itself. Once liability is established, the next step is determining the full value of your losses.

Economic Damages

These damages cover the financial losses directly linked to the accident, including:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs.
• Future medical needs, such as long-term treatments, physical therapy, and anticipated medical costs. 
• Lost income, including wages lost due to time away from work while recovering.
• Reduced earning capacity if injuries impact your ability to work in the same capacity as before.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages address the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of an accident, including:

• Pain and suffering, such as chronic pain or long-term physical discomfort.
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health struggles.
• Disfigurement and scarring, such as permanent physical changes caused by the accident.
• Loss of companionship, including damages for spouses or loved ones affected by the victim’s injuries.

The amount awarded for non-economic damages depends on how significantly the accident impacted the victim’s daily life. Testimony, medical records, and expert opinions often help establish the full extent of these losses.

If You’ve Been Injured in a North Charleston Lyft Accident, We Can Help

If you were injured in a Lyft accident in North Charleston, the thought of pursuing a case against Lyft can understandably feel overwhelming. However, the legal team at the Steinberg Law Firm is here for you. We’ve been standing up for accident victims for nearly a century, securing over $800 million for clients. Whether you’re dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, or insurance disputes, we are here to help. Rideshare companies and their insurers often try to limit payouts, but we know how to challenge their tactics and fight for what you deserve. Don’t wait to take action—call Steinberg Law Firm today at 843-720-2800 for a free consultation and find out how we can help in your fight for fair compensation.