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Last Modified on Apr 06, 2026
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become very popular in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma in recent years. However, you are just as likely to experience an accident in a rideshare driver’s vehicle as you are in any other vehicle. After Uber & Lyft accidents in Tulsa, injured victims are likely to wonder who is liable for their damages and how they can recover compensation.
Legal Options for Uber & Lyft Accidents in Tulsa
If you use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, it is important to remember that rideshare drivers are not professionally trained. They are average people driving for work and are just as likely to cause accidents as anyone else. A recent survey of rideshare drivers reports that about one-third of drivers surveyed have had at least one accident while driving for work.
Every driver in Oklahoma is required to have auto insurance, and a policy must include coverage for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. When a covered driver injures someone else, the victim can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy to seek compensation for their damages. Rideshare drivers are required to have auto insurance, but Uber and Lyft have additional insurance that provides different coverage levels.
Your first challenge after any vehicle accident in Tulsa is proving fault. You need to identify the party or parties responsible for causing the accident and then prove how they caused it before you can claim any compensation for your damages. Oklahoma follows a fault-based system to resolve vehicle accidents, so the driver at fault is liable for the resulting damages. The at-fault driver’s insurance then pays for the victim’s damages.
This may sound straightforward enough, but when an accident involves a rideshare driver, resolving the legal aftermath can be more difficult. The timing of the accident determines whether the rideshare company’s insurance applies to the victim’s damages:
- If a rideshare driver causes a crash while they are not logged into their driver app, their own personal auto insurance policy would apply if they injure another driver.
- Once the rideshare driver has logged into their driver app, the first level of the rideshare company’s insurance applies as third-party coverage if the rideshare driver causes an accident. Both Uber and Lyft provide up to $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident to cover bodily injuries and up to $25,000 to cover property damage.
- If the rideshare driver picks up a passenger, the second level of the rideshare company’s insurance is in effect until they drop off the passenger at their destination. This tier of coverage provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
The insurance claim-filing process after a vehicle accident in Oklahoma may appear simple at first, but the reality is that most insurance companies will look for any justification they can find to deny a claim or offer a lowball settlement. An injured rideshare accident victim should consult legal counsel before attempting to claim compensation from auto insurance. If you hire a rideshare accident lawyer to assist you, you are more likely to obtain a fair settlement.
Ultimately, the legal process of recovering compensation after a rideshare accident in Tulsa is likely to mirror what you can expect after most other vehicle accidents in Oklahoma. However, the insurance-related issues you could face will be more difficult to resolve. The attorneys at Fulmer Sill can help you recover from a recent Uber or Lyft accident, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can assist with your case.
FAQs
How Do You Prove Liability for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Tulsa?
Proving liability for an Uber or Lyft accident in Tulsa requires the same types of evidence you would need to prove fault for any other type of vehicle accident. Your attorney can secure police reports, witness statements, vehicle computer data, and cell phone records to help you prove fault. In some rideshare accident cases, documentation from the rideshare company could also be useful evidence.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Rideshare Accident?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a rideshare accident depends on the severity of the damages you suffered. If you can prove another party caused the accident, a skilled attorney may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Can I Sue a Rideshare Company for an Accident in Tulsa?
Yes, you can file a claim against a rideshare company for an accident in Tulsa if their driver caused the accident. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft maintain commercial auto insurance coverage that acts as third-party liability coverage when their driver’s insurance cannot fully pay for damages they cause. It is also possible for the rideshare company to be liable for negligent hiring if they hired a driver without performing a proper background check.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Rideshare Accident Case?
The time it could take to settle a rideshare accident case depends on several variables. If you hire a skilled attorney to represent you, they can guide you through the insurance claim-filing process efficiently, potentially helping you secure a settlement within a few weeks of the accident. If you must file a personal injury case to recover compensation, this will take longer, and settling the case outside of court is generally faster than litigation.
Why Should I Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a rideshare accident lawyer to help you with the legal challenges you are likely to face in the aftermath of this type of accident. Your case may require filing a complex insurance claim, resolving disputes with insurance companies, or building a personal injury claim. You are more likely to succeed with the claim and more likely to increase your recovery if you hire a rideshare accident lawyer to represent you.
Contact Fulmer Sill Today
The attorneys at Fulmer Sill can help you understand your legal options after a rideshare accident. We have represented many clients injured in Uber & Lyft accidents in Tulsa and will apply this experience to your case. You have a short time to pursue accountability and compensation for your damages, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tulsa rideshare accident lawyer.
