Tulsa Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare Accident Attorney in Tulsa, OK

Thousands of people in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft every day, and most reach their destinations without issue. However, you are just as likely to experience an accident riding in an Uber or Lyft as you would be in any other vehicle, but these accidents tend to raise more complex legal questions. If you are injured in such an accident, you need to consult a Tulsa rideshare accident lawyer at your first opportunity.

Representing Injured Victims of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Tulsa, OK

The Tulsa personal injury lawyers at Fulmer Sill have a strong reputation as a leading choice for personal injury representation in Tulsa. Our team has assisted many accident victims in their recovery efforts, and we know how to help you overcome the legal challenges you are likely to face in the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident. You can trust our team to help you prove fault for the accident and pursue as much compensation as possible for your damages.

The most recent crash summary from Oklahoma Public Safety is from 2021, and that year, there were 762 fatalities and 30,195 injuries recorded from 66,074 vehicle accidents statewide. While it is difficult to say whether the popularity of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has increased or decreased collision rates in the US, a recent survey of rideshare drivers reported that about one-third of rideshare drivers claimed to have had at least one accident while driving for work.

Uber and Lyft accidents occur for the same reasons as other accidents. Driver negligence, such as speeding, moving violations, or distracted driving, can result in a collision, and it is also possible for illegal misconduct, like drunk driving, to cause an accident. Proving fault will be a crucial first step in your case, and a skilled local attorney can help you prove exactly how your accident happened and identify those responsible for your damages.

Filing an Auto Insurance Claim for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Tulsa

Oklahoma law requires every driver to have auto insurance, and this insurance must include bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. This requirement extends to rideshare drivers, but Uber and Lyft both have additional insurance that can apply to an accident involving one of their drivers. These companies’ insurance policies are roughly equivalent and function with different tiers of coverage based on the timing of an accident:

• If a rideshare driver is not logged into their driver app when they cause an accident, their personal auto insurance policy applies to cover damages they cause to anyone else. The injured victim would file a claim against the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance policy just as they would against an at-fault driver after any other accident.
• Once the rideshare driver is logged into their driver app and marked as available for a ride request, the first tier of the rideshare company’s insurance can function as third-party liability coverage. This usually includes $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident for injuries and $25,000 for property damage.
• Once the rideshare driver picks up a passenger, the higher tier of coverage applies until they drop off the passenger at their destination. This level provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

These coverage amounts may seem like enough to cover the damages in a rideshare accident, but most insurance companies try to settle injury claims for as little as possible. Some insurance company representatives may also engage in bad faith, attempting to take advantage of injured claimants. You are more likely to receive a fair settlement offer if the insurance company sees that you have legal representation.

Your Tulsa rideshare accident lawyer can not only determine which insurance policies apply to your damages, but also assist you with gathering the documentation you need to submit to the insurance carrier. If the insurance company mishandles your claim in any way, or if they try to justify a lowball settlement offer, your attorney will know how to respond.

Claiming Compensation With a Personal Injury Case

You may need to file a personal injury case in Tulsa to recover compensation after a rideshare accident in Tulsa. If so, success with your case hinges on your attorney’s ability to prove that the defendant’s negligence or misconduct directly caused your claimed damages. If you succeed in proving liability, you could potentially recover compensation for the economic and non-economic damages you suffered in the accident.

The damages an injured rideshare accident victim may recover with their attorney’s help could include: 

• Medical expenses: Many vehicle accidents in Tulsa cause severe injuries, and a plaintiff may not only require immediate emergency care but also ongoing rehabilitative treatment. Your attorney can calculate all of the medical expenses you incurred from your accident and help you secure full repayment.
• Lost wages: When a plaintiff is unable to earn income while they recover from their injuries, they have the right to claim compensation for the wages lost during this time. Additionally, if they suffered a severe injury that causes a permanent disability and they can no longer work, their attorney can help them claim compensation for their lost earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: A personal injury plaintiff in Oklahoma may claim compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering they experienced from their accident. Generally, pain and suffering compensation is proportionate to the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries and the scope of long-term or permanent harm they suffered.

Ultimately, you may have grounds to claim substantial compensation from your rideshare accident, but you need to hire a rideshare accident lawyer to build your case to have the greatest chance of reaching a favorable outcome. The team at Fulmer Sill has extensive experience handling these cases, and you can rely on our firm to guide you through every step of your case until we secure the compensation you need to recover as fully as possible from the accident.

Time is a critical concern for any car accident case in Tulsa, and the first steps you take following a rideshare accident are crucial. Once you have received medical treatment for your injuries, you should hire a rideshare accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can help you build your case. Reach out to Fulmer Sill right away to learn more about the legal services we offer and how we can assist with your recovery.

FAQs About Tulsa, OK Rideshare Accident Laws

How Do You Prove Fault for a Rideshare Accident in Tulsa?

Proving fault for a rideshare accident in Tulsa typically requires the same types of evidence as you would need in most other vehicle accident cases. Police reports, witness statements, photos of the crash scene, vehicle computer data, and cell phone records are often vital pieces of evidence. Your attorney may also seek records from the rideshare company if necessary to determine liability.

What Is My Rideshare Accident Claim Worth in Tulsa?

The value of a rideshare accident claim in Tulsa depends on several variables. You may have grounds to claim compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Some accident victims can recover compensation with auto insurance, but filing these claims can be challenging, especially if the rideshare company’s policy applies to the case. Consult your Tulsa rideshare accident attorney for their estimation of your claim’s total potential value.

Is a Rideshare Company Liable for Their Driver’s Accident?

Yes, a rideshare company can be liable for its driver’s accident under certain conditions. If their driver was actively logged into their driver app or transporting a passenger when they caused an accident, the rideshare company bears liability for the accident. Your Tulsa rideshare accident attorney can determine liability and explain which insurance coverage applies to your case.

Why Should I Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a rideshare accident lawyer to have a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Even if another party is clearly liable for the accident, actually holding them accountable and recovering suitable compensation for your damages will be more difficult than you expect, and the average person needs an experienced attorney on their side to navigate a difficult accident case successfully.

What Does it Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Tulsa?

The cost to hire a rideshare accident lawyer in Tulsa depends on the lawyer’s billing policy. Fulmer Sill handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not charge upfront fees for our representation. Instead, we charge a percentage of whatever compensation we recover for our client only after we succeed with their case. However, if we are unable to obtain compensation for our client for any reason, they pay no fee.

Contact A Tulsa, OK Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

The attorneys at Fulmer Sill empower injured people in their legal proceedings, helping them approach their recovery efforts with confidence and peace of mind. You’re likely to be confused and frustrated in the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident in Tulsa, and we can help you navigate this difficult situation and secure the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Tulsa rideshare accident lawyer you can trust.