Tulsa Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Hurt in a Uber Accident or a Lyft Accident? Our Tulsa Rideshare Lawyers Can Help

At McGuire Law Firm, our Tulsa rideshare accident lawyers have the skills and experience to handle the full range of Uber accident claims and Lyft accident claims. Ridesharing accident cases are notoriously complex. There are often complicated insurance issues that need to be addressed and resolved as part of the claim. You cannot rely on any insurance company to look out for what is best for you and your family members. It is imperative that you have a strong advocate on your side. If you or your loved one was hurt in any type of ridesharing collision, we are here to help. Contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a top Tulsa Uber and Lyft accident attorney.

Uber and Lyft are Popular Transportation Options in Tulsa

Ridesharing is an increasingly popular form of transportation in Tulsa and throughout the wider region of Oklahoma. Indeed, Uber and Lyft have dramatically transformed the city transportation scene. At their best, these ridesharing services offer convenient, accessible, and relatively cost-effective services. At the same time, there are some serious safety questions that have been raised by Uber and Lyft. Ridesharing accidents happen. Ridesharing drivers, passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists could all be injured in a collision involving an Uber or a Lyft.

What to Do After a Ridesharing Accident in Tulsa, OK

While ridesharing platforms like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation in many cities, including Tulsa, crashes do happen. An accident involving a ridesharing vehicle can create an especially complex legal situation. There are often complex insurance issues that need to be addressed and resolved. If you were involved in a ridesharing accident, it is imperative that you know what to do to protect your rights and your interests. Here are five steps to take after a ridesharing accident in Tulsa:

  • Ensure that the Ridesharing Crash is Reported to the Police: All ridesharing accidents that result in injuries or significant property damage should be reported to law enforcement. Drivers are the parties who are responsible for reporting a collision in Oklahoma. If you are an Uber passenger or Lyft passenger who was hurt in a crash, you should ensure that your accident is properly reported to a law enforcement agency, such as the Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, or the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
  • Seek Prompt Medical Attention for Any Injuries: All motor vehicle accident injuries should be evaluated by a qualified physician, and ridesharing crash injuries are certainly not an exception. Seek prompt medical attention. While emergencies always take top priority, other injuries should still be evaluated by a doctor right away after an accident. You need to see a doctor to bring a ridesharing injury claim in Oklahoma.
  • Document the Ridesharing Accident: Injured victims will be in a far better position to get justice if they have comprehensive documentation about the crash. By taking steps to document the accident scene, you can significantly assist yourself in any subsequent legal proceedings. If possible, take pictures or videos of the scene showing vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible damages or injuries. Also, collect contact and insurance information from all involved parties, and note the details of your trip on the rideshare app, including the driver's name and the time and location of your pickup.
  • Report the Incident to the Company (Uber or Lyft): After a rideshare accident, it is important to report the incident to the rideshare company. Both Uber and Lyft have features within their apps to report accidents. Be as detailed as possible while narrating the incident. Remember that this report will form part of the accident record and could be used in subsequent legal proceedings. If you have any questions about notifying a ridesharing company of a crash, consult with a Tulsa Uber/Lyft accident attorney right away.
  • Consult With a Tulsa Attorney Before an Insurer: Ridesharing accident cases are complex. Neither Uber, Lyft, nor any of their insurance companies are on your side. They have their own financial interests that they are focused on protecting. Before you speak to any insurance company representative, be sure to consult with a Tulsa auto accident attorney who has experience handling rideshare accident claims.

An Overview of Oklahoma Ridesharing Insurance Regulations

One of the key challenges of ridesharing accident claims is that the industry, by definition, creates complex insurance issues. Ridesharing drivers generally provide services using their own personal vehicles. Oklahoma House Bill 1614 (HB 1614) is the state’s foundational legislation that is used to regulate the ridesharing industry. The bill is often referred to as The Oklahoma Transportation Network Company Services Act. Among other things, the law establishes regulations that address the various situations that could occur during a rideshare trip. Here is how the insurance works for different types of ridesharing accidents in Oklahoma:

  • The Ridesharing App is Off: If a rideshare driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance applies. In this situation, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage does not apply because the driver is not considered to be operating as a rideshare driver.
  • The Ridesharing App On, But No Passenger Match Yet: When the rideshare driver is logged into the app but hasn't accepted a ride request, the ridesharing company's insurance applies, but at lower limits. In Oklahoma, the minimum coverage in this situation is $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
  • The Ridesharing App On, Passenger Accepted or Already in Vehicle: Once a rideshare driver has accepted a ride request and until the passenger is dropped off, the ridesharing company's insurance significantly increases. During this period, Oklahoma law requires a $1 million combined single limit for bodily injury, death, and property damage per accident.

Every Serious Ridesharing Crash Requires a Comprehensive Investigation

Every serious ridesharing accident requires a comprehensive investigation to determine fault. Oklahoma operates under a fault-based standard of liability in car accidents, including those involving ridesharing vehicles. This means that the party who is at fault for causing the accident is responsible for the damages incurred. An investigation is especially important for occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The ridesharing company—and its insurer—may try to deny liability for the crash. Oklahoma is a comparative fault jurisdiction (Okla. Stat. Ann. Tit. 23 § 13)—meaning liability is proportional.

Ridesharing passengers in Oklahoma should always be covered by the company’s $1 million commercial insurance policy. Though, in practice, ridesharing passengers can still struggle to secure the full and fair financial compensation that they deserve. Identifying faults is still vital in these cases. Regardless of the situation that you find yourself in, your ridesharing crash should be thoroughly investigated by an Uber or Lyft accident attorney who has experience handling ridesharing accident injury cases in Oklahoma.

We Help Injured Victims in Tulsa Secure the Maximum Financial Compensation

Oklahoma law allows injured victims to seek financial compensation for the full value of their losses, including direct monetary damages and non-economic (intangible) damages. Your financial recovery will depend on a wide variety of case-specific factors. The large insurance companies that represent Uber and Lyft are well-staffed. They are focused on settling claims for less. At McGuire Law Firm, our Tulsa Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have what it takes to hold big ridesharing companies and their insurance carriers accountable. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for the following:

  • Property vehicle, such as vehicle repairs;
  • Ambulance costs and other emergency medical care;
  • Hospital bills and other health care expenses;
  • Physical therapy and psychological counseling;
  • Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Long-term disability;
  • Permanent scarring; and
  • Wrongful death of a family member.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations in a Ridesharing Accident Claim

You should notify a ridesharing company (Uber or Lyft) of an accident right away. From there, you do not have an unlimited amount of time to file a claim. In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases—including ridesharing accident claims—is two years from the date of the accident. Put another way, injured victims have a two-year window to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained in a ridesharing accident. There are few exceptions. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to legal recourse at all. Do not fall behind the ridesharing company or its commercial insurers in the claims process. Consult with a Tulsa ridesharing accident attorney as soon as possible after a serious collision.

At McGuire Law Firm, Our Tulsa Personal Injury Attorney Also Focuses on the Following Practice Areas:

How the Tulsa Ridesharing Accident Lawyers at McGuire Law Firm Can Help

Ridesharing accident claims are uniquely complex. You do not have to go up against Uber, Lyft, or any commercial insurance company alone. Attorneys Kent McGuire and Linda McGuire have the experience needed to get justice for victims and families. We are a small family firm committed to personalized representation and driven to get big results. Among other things, our Tulsa ridesharing accident attorneys are prepared to:

  • Conduct a free, comprehensive review and evaluation of your Uber or Lyft accident claim;
  • Investigate the collision—gathering all of the evidence that you need to proceed;
  • Handle all of the correspondence between you, the ridesharing company, and insurers; and
  • Take action to help secure the compensation needed to support yourself and your family.

With ridesharing accident claims, a one-size-fits-all approach is not sufficient. You need a lawyer who is going to put forward time, resources, and personalized attention. With testimonials from previous clients and a record of settlements and judgments, our Tulsa Uber and Lyft accident attorneys go above and beyond to get justice for our clients.

Contact Our Tulsa Ridesharing Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

At McGuire Law Firm, our Tulsa ridesharing accident attorneys have the professional skills and legal expertise to handle the full range of Uber accident and Lyft accident claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a ridesharing crash, we can help. Contact our Tulsa personal injury attorneys today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation. We handle ridesharing accident claims in Tulsa and throughout the surrounding region, including in Tulsa County, Osage County, Rogers County, and Wagoner County.

Frequently Asked Questions for Rideshare Accident Attorney in Tulsa

What exactly is a rideshare accident?

A rideshare accident refers to any collision involving vehicles operating under rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. These accidents can involve the rideshare vehicle, other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.

How do I determine liability in a rideshare accident case?

Liability in rideshare accidents can be complex. It depends on various factors such as the driver’s actions, road conditions, and other involved parties. An attorney experienced in handling rideshare accident cases can investigate thoroughly to determine liability.

What if the rideshare driver was at fault?

If the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from their insurance policy or the rideshare company’s insurance coverage, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

What if the rideshare driver was not at fault?

Even if the rideshare driver was not at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation. In such cases, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance or explore other avenues for compensation with the help of an attorney.

Should I speak to the insurance company without a lawyer?

It’s generally advisable to refrain from speaking to insurance companies without consulting a lawyer first. Insurance companies may try to minimize their payout or shift blame onto you. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.

How can I get started with my rideshare accident claim?

To get started with your rideshare accident claim, simply contact McGuire Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, discuss your options, and guide you through the legal process every step of the way.

How long does it take to resolve a rideshare accident claim?

The time it takes to resolve a rideshare accident claim varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and negotiations with insurance companies. While some cases may settle relatively quickly, others may require litigation and could take longer to resolve.

Do I need to go to court for a rideshare accident claim?

Not necessarily. Many rideshare accident claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement outside of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to litigation. Rest assured, our attorneys at McGuire Law Firm are prepared to advocate for your rights in and out of the courtroom.