Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are everywhere in Charleston. They are convenient, but they also bring new risks, especially for pedestrians. If you were walking downtown, crossing near King Street, or navigating a busy intersection and were hit by a rideshare vehicle, you may be unsure who is responsible or what steps to take next.
Rideshare pedestrian accidents are different from standard car accidents. Multiple insurance policies may apply, and liability can change based on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Understanding your rights early can make a real difference.
Charleston is consistently cited as one of the more dangerous areas in the country for pedestrians. Heavy tourism, growing rideshare traffic, and road designs that favor cars over foot traffic all contribute to the risk. Key points to know:
For pedestrians, these conditions increase the chances of serious injury when a rideshare vehicle is involved, especially in crowded or high-traffic areas.
When a pedestrian is hit by a rideshare vehicle, liability depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident. That single detail can affect which insurance policy applies and how much coverage is available. Common scenarios could include:
Each situation triggers different insurance rules, which is why these cases are often more complicated than they first appear.
More than one party may be responsible in a Charleston rideshare pedestrian accident. Liability often depends on the facts of the crash. Potentially responsible parties include:
Sorting this out usually requires careful investigation and coordination with multiple insurance carriers.
If you were hit by a rideshare vehicle while walking, taking the right steps early can help protect both your health and your legal claim. Key steps to take include:
What you say and do in the hours and days after the accident can affect your claim later.
Rideshare companies typically carry large insurance policies, often up to one million dollars, but those policies only apply under certain conditions. If the driver was not actively engaged in a ride, coverage may be much lower or may fall back on the driver’s personal insurance.
South Carolina law also requires uninsured motorist coverage, which may come into play if the available insurance does not fully cover your damages. These overlapping rules make local experience especially important.
Pedestrian accidents in Charleston often involve busy tourist areas, narrow streets, and heavy foot traffic. Local knowledge of Charleston roads, traffic patterns, and court procedures can be a key advantage when building a strong claim.
A personal injury attorney familiar with Charleston pedestrian and rideshare accidents understands how these cases are evaluated and what insurers tend to focus on.
If you were injured as a pedestrian in a rideshare accident, you do not have to sort this out alone. Lesemann & Associates helps injured pedestrians understand their rights and pursue fair compensation under South Carolina law.
Reach out to Lesemann & Associates to speak with Charleston car accident lawyers who can review your situation, explain your options, and help you decide what steps make sense next. Acting sooner can help protect your claim and your recovery.
