An insurance company has filed a lawsuit in an effort to avoid having to pay more than $75,000 in claims after it says multiple people filed frivolous claims that stem from staged Uber accidents [Source: The State]. The suit was filed in federal court by James River Insurance and identifies 52 people who the company believes are part of a big scheme. Many of the defendants allegedly hailed Uber rides that were rear-ended by another vehicle that would flee the scene of the accident. The passenger of the Uber vehicle would then go to the hospital and file a claim with the rideshare’s insurer.
The company believes that many of the accidents that occurred in the Columbia area never happened or they were staged. The insurer was able to draw these conclusions after acknowledging the relationships that existed between the claimants. Apparently, many are “social acquaintances, neighbors, and/or have other personal relationships with their co-defendants.”
The lawsuit says that “Such personal relationships decrease the likelihood that the defendants were all actually involved in real hit-and-run accidents while using an Uber ride share and increase the likelihood that these alleged ‘accidents’ are actually staged motor vehicle accidents for the purpose of committing insurance fraud.” The suit alleges that all but seven individuals who were named in the lawsuit are residents of Richland County and at least two of the Uber drivers were in on the scam.
The news source highlights that between June 2017 and January 2019, the insurer was notified of 21 different collisions, some of which allegedly resulted in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Others reported minor damage or no damage at all. In one of the incidents that were reported, the insurance company was notified of an Uber accident that occurred on Augusta Highway. The Uber vehicle was rear-ended by a car that attempted to get away. The Uber driver followed the motorist and the two vehicles collided a second time.
The motorist who rear-ended the Uber vehicle eventually abandoned the vehicle, got into another, and drove away. It was later determined that the vehicle actually belonged to the passenger in the Uber.
The insurer is also disputing another case of a hit-and-run “because the $3,000 in damage to the car is “consistent with an impact with a fixed object and inconsistent with an impact with a moving vehicle.” The lawsuit even says that a woman who was involved in one of the staged collisions that occurred on an Interstate 26 on-ramp from Harbison Boulevard was pregnant.
Although the lawsuit identifies several people as defendants, only one person listed in the legal document responded and he/she has denied the allegations that were made. The source says no charges have been filed as of yet.
Were you involved in an accident with someone who intentionally caused a collision or is attempting to hold you liable for a crash you didn’t cause?
If you were involved in an accident in Columbia, SC with another driver, whether it was intentional or not, it is best you retain legal counsel right away to ensure you are able to recover the compensation you are due for your injuries. While there are some individuals out there who will intentionally cause a collision in order to recover compensation from an insurer, there are others who are responsible for causing an accident but refuse to take the blame for their actions.
In either case, when you have a dependable and aggressive accident lawyer in Columbia, SC working on your side, you will be sure to recoup the money you need for your property damage, medical expenses, and more. If you are being blamed for an accident you didn’t cause, contact Louthian Law Firm, P.A. so that you can discuss your incident with one of our experienced Columbia, SC accident attorneys.
What if I was involved in an Uber accident in Columbia, SC and the insurer doesn’t want to pay my claim?
While Uber drivers are covered by the company’s insurance policy when they are en route to pick someone up or while transporting someone from one destination to the next, not always will the rideshare’s insurer pay your claim. If you were involved in an accident with an Uber driver or while being transported in an Uber vehicle, the Louthian Law Firm, P.A. is here to help you get your claim filed and paid. In the event your claim was denied, that doesn’t mean you will be forced to cover your damages.
When an insurer denies a claim, the claimant holds the right to appeal the insurer’s decision and this can easily be done when you have a car accident lawyer in Columbia helping you. If that doesn’t work, then a lawyer can explore the other options that are available to you which might include filing a lawsuit.
Now, if you would like to learn more about our accident firm located in Columbia, SC and how we can help you get the money you need and deserve for the injuries you suffered, contact us now at 888-316-9040.
Louthian Law Firm, P.A. can be reached at:
1116 Blanding Street, #3A
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 888-316-9040
Website: www.louthianlaw.com
Bert Louthian has been practicing law in Columbia with his father, Herb, since 1985. After receiving his Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina, Bert launched his legal career in his father’s firm. With 80 years of legal experience between them, Louthian Law, P.A. remains Family-Owned and Family-Focused.
Bert understands that when life goes wrong – when you or someone you love gets hurt or suffers a loss, it can feel like nothing will ever be right or fair again. He gets up and goes to work every day to prove that feeling wrong – and does everything in his power to make things right again.
