Uber & Lyft Accident FAQs: The Questions Oklahoma Injury Victims Ask Most

The aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident is far more confusing than in other accident cases. This is largely due to the fact that there are multiple parties who could be liable, injured individuals may have to deal with insurance companies covering the rideshare service, and the complex legal issues that do not arise in other cases.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an Uber or Lyft, you likely have many questions. It is important to get the sound legal advice you need after a crash so you are prepared for the process of filing a claim. Below, one of our Oklahoma Uber and Lyft accident lawyers outlines the questions we most frequently hear and the answers to them.

Who is liable for Uber or Lyft accidents?

One of the most confusing aspects after any Uber or Lyft accident is determining who is liable, or at fault, for your injuries. There are multiple parties who could be to blame, and they include the following:

• The Uber or Lyft driver: Uber and Lyft drivers can act negligently just like other motorists on the road. Speeding, distracted driving, and failing to yield are just a few types of negligence that rideshare drivers may exhibit. Uber and Lyft drivers use their own personal vehicles when providing rides. Due to this, their liability depends on the circumstances of the crash and the driver’s activity at the time, meaning whether they were logged into the rideshare app.
• Another driver: Other motorists can also cause rideshare accidents. For instance, if another driver ran a red light and hit the rideshare vehicle, they can be held liable. In these cases, you must typically file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
• Vehicle manufacturers: Manufacturing defects, such as blown tires and faulty braking systems, can also cause a rideshare accident. In these instances, vehicle manufacturers can be held liable because they have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe and free of defects.
• Government entities: Government entities have a responsibility to design and maintain roads properly. When government entities fail to fulfill this responsibility, they can be held liable. Missing signage, improperly maintained roads, and inadequate road designs are a few examples of when government entities may be at fault for a rideshare accident. These claims have different procedures and special rules, so it is critical to work with an attorney if a government entity is to blame for your crash.

Do Uber and Lyft offer insurance after an accident?

Both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage after an accident. The amount of coverage available depends on the rideshare driver’s activity at the time of the crash. The insurance coverage provided by Uber and Lyft works in the following ways:

• The rideshare driver is not logged into the app: When rideshare drivers are not logged into the app, they are considered off duty and unavailable for rides. If the driver causes an accident during this time, injured individuals must usually file a claim against the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance policy.
• The rideshare driver is waiting for a ride request: When Uber and Lyft drivers are available for a ride and logged into the app, but they have not yet accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft will provide some insurance coverage if the rideshare driver causes a crash. In these cases, Uber and Lyft both provide up to $50,000 per person for bodily injuries or up to $100,000 per accident if multiple people are injured.
• The rideshare driver is transporting a passenger or is on their way to pick up a passenger: If the rideshare driver is actively picking up or transporting a passenger, both Uber and Lyft offer additional insurance. In these instances, the rideshare services offer up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.

What compensation is available after an Uber or Lyft accident?

Regardless of who is responsible for paying compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident, there are different types of damages available. Working with an experienced Uber or Lyft accident lawyer, you may be able to claim the following types of compensation:

• Current and future medical expenses, including doctor’s appointments, prescription medication, surgical procedures, and physical therapy
• Lost wages if you are unable to return to work
• Loss of future earning capacity, if you cannot return to the same line of work in the future
• Pain and suffering
• The cost of repairing or replacing personal property, such as your vehicle or smartphone

What steps should I take after an Uber or Lyft accident?

Immediately after an Uber or Lyft accident, it is critical to report the crash to the police and to seek medical treatment. After taking these necessary steps, you can then do the following:

• Collect evidence: While still at the scene, take photos of the entire accident scene, your injuries, and damage to any property. Locate witnesses and ask them for their name and contact information. As soon as possible, also write down detailed notes of the crash and anything you remember while your memory is still fresh. Also, keep all records from the rideshare app, including receipts, screenshots of the ride details, and any communication with the driver or rideshare company.
• Follow through on all medical recommendations: Follow through on all of your doctor’s recommendations and advice. Attend all appointments, take detailed notes of the treatments you are receiving, and document if they are successful. This not only supports a full recovery, but also means that your injuries will be well documented.
• Contact an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer: Again, the aftermath of rideshare accidents is extremely complex. An attorney can help you navigate your medical care and the legal process afterward to make it as easy as possible for you.

How long do I have to file a claim after an Uber or Lyft accident?

In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a claim. This strict timeline is known as the statute of limitations, and if it expires before you take legal action, you will likely be barred from receiving any compensation at all.

Our Uber and Lyft accident lawyers in Oklahoma can advise on your next steps

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a rideshare vehicle or by a rideshare driver, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries. At Cunningham & Mears, our Oklahoma Uber and Lyft accident lawyers can advise you of your rights, ensure they are protected, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation and get the legal help you need.