Everything You Need to Know About Rideshare Accidents in Oklahoma

As ridesharing options like Uber and Lyft become more and more a part of our everyday lives, we’ve been faced with new challenges and questions when it comes to car accidents. Getting into an accident in your own car is a stressful situation, but what if you’re in an accident while ridesharing?

Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, knowing what to do can be confusing. Additionally, filing a claim with a ridesharing company can be challenging since laws can vary from state to state.

We’ve compiled everything you need to know about ridesharing accidents from common injuries to insurance policies and everything in between. Keep reading to learn more about the steps you should take after getting into an Uber or Lyft Accident in Oklahoma.

Common Injuries After Ridesharing Accidents

As with any vehicle accident, Uber and Lyft collisions can occur for multiple reasons and may result in a number of injuries, from minor bumps and bruises to more severe afflictions, including but not limited to:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Death

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident

If you get into an accident while using rideshare, it’s important that you know how to proceed. Anyone who sustained injuries caused by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver may be entitled to compensation.

Similarly, if you suffered injuries as a direct result of another motorist’s reckless actions while working for a rideshare company or while riding as a passenger, you may be able to file a claim for damages.

Unfortunately, some people make decisions in the heat of the moment that end up hurting their chances of receiving maximum compensation for their injuries.

To protect your chances of being compensated, it’s important to understand what steps to take after an accident:

1. Remain at the scene of the accident.
2. Check to see if anyone involved suffered injuries.
3. Call for help. This can include first responders and the police.
4. Take pictures of the scene of the accident and any injuries.
5. Collect statements from witnesses, if applicable.
6. File a report with the ridesharing app.
7. If you suffered injuries that were not your fault, contact an attorney about your options.

To help the process of filing a claim go as smoothly as possible, you should also make sure to ask for the contact information of everyone involved in the wreck.

Rideshare Companies and Their Insurance Policies

Uber and Lyft both have insurance policies that are intended to protect drivers and passengers who are involved in an accident while using their services.

If You’re the Passenger

Passengers who suffer an injury in an accident while using a ridesharing service may be eligible to obtain compensation for damages. However, it must be proven that your injuries were a direct result of the negligent behavior of the driver or another motorist, as in any other vehicle accident.

The key difference between filing a claim in a regular motor vehicle accident and a ridesharing accident is which insurance company will be liable for your damages.

In some cases, the driver’s personal insurance company may be responsible for paying your claim. Other times, the ridesharing company may cover your expenses. It can be difficult to determine who is liable after an accident and which insurance company to file your claim against. Due to these complexities, we recommend that you contact an attorney to discuss the best course of action.

If You’re the Driver

Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance for drivers in the event of an accident. In addition to this coverage, drivers are required to have their own personal car insurance.

The policies provided by Uber and Lyft are not exactly the same, and the terms stated in each policy vary from state to state. Below is a brief overview of what is generally included in each policy:

Uber’s Insurance Policy

If the accident occurs while you’re:

Offline or the app is turned off

Your personal car insurance coverage will apply.

Available or waiting for a ride request

• Third-party liability, if your personal auto insurance doesn’t apply
• $50,000 in bodily injury per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

En route to pick up riders during trips

• $1,000,000 third-party liability
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
• Contingent comprehensive and collision
  • Up to the actual cash value of the car ($1,000 deductible)

Lyft’s Insurance Policy

If the accident occurs while you’re:

Offline or the app is off

Your auto insurance will apply.

The app is on/in driver mode

Drivers have four types of coverage available under Lyft. These four coverages are in effect from the time you accept a ride until the time the ride has ended in the app, unless otherwise noted. The four coverages include:

• Contingent liability (coverage only while in driver mode waiting for a ride request)
• Primary automobile liability
• Contingent comprehensive and collision
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)

Damages You May Be Entitled To

After being involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to obtain compensation for damages. Every case is different and the amount of compensation you may receive will depend on the severity of your injuries. Typically, though, compensation can help cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Other types of compensation may be available, depending on the circumstances of your case.

If You’ve Been Injured, We’re Here to Help

Car accident cases can be complex, especially when they involve a ridesharing vehicle. For this reason, it’s often in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney like those on our team to help you understand your options.

At Colbert Cooper Hill Attorneys, we’re passionate about helping injured Oklahomans receive the justice they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a ridesharing accident and need help knowing what to do next, just give us a call or fill out our online form to get started on your free case review.