Need an Injury Lawyer After a Ridesharing Accident in South Dakota?
Have you been injured due to the actions of a ridesharing driver in South Dakota? Perhaps you were on a ride when the accident happened. Maybe you were driving and a ridesharing car collided with you, or you could have even been a pedestrian when you were hit by a ridesharing driver.
As of July 1, 2016, ridesharing companies were permitted to operate in South Dakota. However, as with other states, both the ridesharing companies and their drivers must meet certain requirements. For example, South Dakota law requires that ridesharing drivers carry automobile insurance of “$50,000 per individual and a total of $100,000 in coverage per accident when the driver is logged into the app but does not have a passenger.”
Ridesharing Companies Attempt to Dodge Liability by Utilizing Independent Contractors
If you were injured because of a ridesharing driver, you are entitled to remedies under the law. However, the ridesharing companies have taken steps to shield themselves from the huge liability that can arise just by being in the transportation business. They do this by working with independent contractor drivers, instead of hiring the drivers as employees. As a result, the ridesharing company will often say that it is not responsible for the acts of its independent contractor driver.
However, if you were injured by a ridesharing driver you are not without legal recourse. In most states, ridesharing companies are required to carry sizeable liability insurance policies. Those who have been injured due to the actions of a ridesharing driver may potentially avail themselves of these insurance policies.
Don’t Go Up Against the Insurance Company Alone
If you have been injured as a result of a ridesharing driver’s actions, you should immediately contact an experienced personal injury trial attorney. That attorney should also have specific experience in obtaining money for clients who have also been injured by ridesharing drivers. The attorney should work with you in gathering all evidence related to the accident, your injuries and the financial repercussions. The attorney should also assert a commanding presence with the insurance company and let it know that your case is headed straight for trial if the insurance company does not adequately and justly compensate you for your damages.
Retain the Services of A Reputable South Dakota Trial Attorney
The insurance company may have much more to lose than you do if the case goes to trial. The insurance company faces the prospect of having to pay out thousands, possibly millions of dollars if they lose. In addition to that, the insurance company will not look very good to the public. Insurance companies generally care a great deal about their public reputation, especially since there is so much competition amongst insurance providers. Additionally, if the insurance company gets a bad reputation for denying claims, they could also lose in the court of public opinion.
So if you have an excellent trial attorney on your side, you have a better chance of obtaining just and fair compensation for your injuries caused by a driver for Uber, Lyft or other ridesharing companies. Contact us today to find out more!