Ylla | Gosney Attorneys at Law represent injured rideshare victims in Norman, Oklahoma. When you call an Uber or Lyft because you want to get home safely, you never expect a rideshare to end with injuries in an accident. However, the unfortunate reality is that these accidents do happen and victims will most likely need to take legal action to recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, and missed time at work.
We find that most rideshare victims stop short of taking legal action because the process seems intimidating, or they’re unsure of the proper steps. But that’s where Ylla | Gosney can help. We make the process of recovering compensation after a rideshare accident quick and easy. So, if you need help recovering damages from a rideshare accident, don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action. Get started by contacting us for a no-cost, no-obligation case review.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Rideshare Accident in Norman?
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft consider their drivers independently contracted employees. So, in most cases, if you find yourself in an accident with one of their drivers, you would file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance policy, not the company. However, depending on the situation, the rideshare company could be held liable for the accident. For example, if Uber or Lyft knowingly hired someone unqualified or with a bad driving record, they could be held responsible.
Making this determination can become a complex and time-consuming issue as rideshare companies will have a team of lawyers ready to defend them, even if the company is clearly at fault. For this reason, it is advisable to seek the counsel of a Rideshare Accident Attorney at Ylla | Gosney. Our firm will begin managing your accident claim by:
- Investigating and determining wrongdoing or recklessness: Delivery driver accidents are complicated due to the amount of potential liable parties involved. Typically, there will be several people to get statements from, and some parties may only be discussing their involvement through their attorneys.
- Collecting and preserving key evidence: Walmart Spark driver logs, street cameras, dash cams, and witness statements are all key points of evidence for your case. A lawyer can take the proper legal steps to obtain this information and strengthen your claim against the liable party’s insurance.
- Communicating with insurance companies and other attorneys: When dealing with major corporations and defense attorneys, it is recommended to have a personal injury attorney speak to the insurance adjusters on your behalf. Oftentimes, insurance companies will attempt to trick you into taking part of the blame or get you to say something that hurts your claim. An attorney can protect your liability and right to fair compensation.
- Proving liability: with several parties being involved, any number of them could have caused or contributed to the incident. This makes determining and proving liability challenging. An attorney will assign a team of investigators to determine the cause of the accident, identify all liable parties, and hold those responsible for compensating you for your damages.
What Happens If You Get in an Accident With Uber?
The outcome of an Uber accident will depend on the details of the accident, as well as the insurance coverage of the driver. For example, if the at-fault driver was an Uber driver waiting for a ride request, Uber offers liability coverage for its employees up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, plus $25,000 for property damage.
Also, if the at-fault driver was an Uber driver on their way to pick up a passenger, or if they already had a passenger in their car, liability insurance coverage increases to $1,000,000. However, just because a policy is $1,000,000, it does not mean you are entitled to it.
The insurance company will fight you for every dollar, which is why it’s important to consult with a Rideshare Attorney at Ylla | Gosney to ensure you are paid what you’re owed. To explore your legal options, contact us today for a free case review.
Submitting an Insurance Claim to Uber
While an accident with an Uber driver may seem like any other accident, there are a few distinct differences. According to Uber, they maintain a $1 million liability insurance policy for their drivers. Anyone looking to file an insurance claim with Uber can do so here. According to Uber, their insurance coverage depends upon whether the driver was:
- Offline
- Online
- En route
- On-trip
- Or operating solely on their own insurance policy
So, if the Uber driver caused the accident, then the driver’s Uber work app must reflect that they were in transport for work when the accident occurred. If the driver was not performing a work-related activity, then you would most likely need to file a claim against the driver’s personal injury policy.
How Much Can I Sue for After an Uber Accident?
After you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, you are entitled to recover the full amount of your legal damages. The insurance of the at-fault party or Uber’s insurance will make you a settlement offer, but if the settlement is not adequate for your injuries, you can partner with an Uber accident attorney to file a lawsuit. The attorneys at Ylla | Gosney will hold the insurance adjusters responsible for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
You can sue for compensation to cover all of these losses. If you consult with one of our Car Accident Attorneys, we can give you an idea of the amount of compensation you can expect to receive. That’s why establishing an attorney-client relationship is an important step in understanding what your case is worth and maximizing the compensation for your injuries.
What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident in Norman?
Whether you’re catching a ride home after a night on Norman’s downtown Main Street with friends, bar hopping, or driving your own vehicle home after work. Rideshare drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers, as well as preventing accidents with other drivers on the road.
Rideshare driver accidents should be handled the same as your typical car accident. A main difference amongst rideshare companies is that some of them offer auto insurance for their drivers, and some do not. For example, Uber Eats drivers are offered car insurance, while Walmart Spark drivers are not. So, if you get into an accident with a rideshare driver, it is recommended to follow these steps to protect yourself from liability and build a strong claim:
- Gather the driver’s information and insurance policy
- Notate whether the driver was making a delivery or not
- Understand which city, or local laws may apply to delivery service accidents
- The city of Norman requires rideshare drivers to be 18+ years of age with a valid license and insurance
- Do NOT admit fault
- Get a copy of the police report
Insurance companies deal with thousands of accidents all over Oklahoma every year, so it may be difficult to get them to pay attention to your claim. However, if you contact Ylla | Gosney, we will take swift legal action, so the at-fault driver’s insurance company will have no choice but to take your claim seriously.
FAQs
Q: Are Uber drivers considered employees or independent contractors in Oklahoma?
A: In Oklahoma, they are considered independent contractors.
Q: What damages can I recover after a rideshare accident?
A: You would recover the same damages as you would in a normal accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Q: What if I can’t afford a lawyer after an accident?
A: With most rideshare accident attorneys, upfront money is not required, and they do not charge a fee until your case has been won.
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer in Tuttle
If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a rideshare driver’s recklessness, we can help. The accident attorneys at Ylla | Gosney are experienced with Uber accident cases and understand how to use the judicial system to get you the compensation you need. While insurance adjusters are trained to get you to settle low, we hold them accountable for every cent you’re owed. No upfront money is required, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Don’t wait until it is too late to take legal action. Contact Ylla | Gosney today for a free consultation and case evaluation.