Determining fault in an “ordinary” car accident can be challenging, but figuring out who is liable for an Uber accident in Oklahoma is even more complex. Legal responsibility for a car accident involving a rideshare car depends on who was at fault for the accident and which work duties, if any, the driver was performing at the time of the collision. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or other road sharer involved in an accident with an Uber, an Ponca City car accident lawyer can help you navigate all the legal complexities and maximize your chances of getting the best possible settlement.
Liability for an Uber Accident Depends on the Accident Circumstances
Using a rideshare app to get where you are going can be much more affordable than paying for your own car payments and vehicle maintenance, but the medical bills from a car accident are enough to put a major dent in anyone’s finances, regardless of who owns the car. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have enough insurance coverage to pay for accidents caused by their vehicles, but how much money is available for your claim depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the collision, as well as what you were doing.
It is one thing if you are riding in an Uber car when the driver runs a stop sign and gets into a collision. In that case, the driver is “on the job” and should be covered by company insurance. However, if the Uber driver is off duty, not even logged into their Uber app when they hit you or your car, then the driver’s own insurance is responsible for compensating you. If the driver is en-route to a pickup and hits you or your car on the way, the insurance complexities increase.
If you are driving another car and are involved in an accident with an Uber, there will be even more to consider, as the Uber driver may claim that you hold at least some blame for the incident. Whatever the circumstances of your accident, do not try to navigate your claim alone. Partner with an Oklahoma rideshare accident lawyer from BDIW as soon as possible, and your experienced attorney will do all the navigating for you.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYHow an Uber or Rideshare Company’s Insurance Works
If an Uber or other rideshare driver causes an accident that causes you injury, you deserve compensation, but you must first figure out who is responsible for paying you that compensation. An Uber accident attorney in Oklahoma will carry out a thorough investigation to determine who holds liability.
Assuming the driver was on duty at the time of the accident, the amount of insurance coverage depends on specific factors:
- If the driver has their rideshare app turned on but has not accepted a ride request, the rideshare company’s insurance must cover up to $50,000 per person and up to $100,000 in medical bills per accident
- If the driver causes an accident while on their way to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s $1 million policy limits apply
- If the driver causes an accident while transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s $1 million policy limits apply
If the driver did not have their Uber or Lyft app turned on, it is not the rideshare company’s responsibility. The driver’s personal car insurance policy must pay.
How to Protect Yourself When Reporting an Accident to a Rideshare Company
As long as no one needs emergency medical care, start gathering information and evidence for your potential claim at the accident scene. Get the Uber driver’s identifying information and insurance information, both for their personal and company coverage. Take pictures of your injuries, damage to your property, road conditions, and anything else with potential relevance to your claim.
Visit a doctor, even if your injuries are not immediately debilitating, as some symptoms take time to show and can worsen significantly if not treated. Delaying treatment can hurt you physically but also damage your case. The Uber driver can argue your injuries could not have been that bad if you did not see a doctor right away or blame your worsened condition on your decision to delay care.
Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft have online forms for reporting accidents. You should have a car accident lawyer help you draft the message you send when reporting your accident so that you do not accidentally say something that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
BDIW Will Hold the Liable Party Accountable
If you were injured in a car accident involving an Uber or other rideshare vehicle, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and recover your accident-related losses. Our attorneys have served residents of Oklahoma City and surrounding areas victims for decades. Contact BDIW today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Uber accident attorney who is ready to fight for you.
