An Oklahoma rideshare accident attorney can help people who have been injured or harmed as a result of an accident involving a rideshare driver or their vehicle. Although rideshare companies, including Lyft and Uber, have gained popularity in Oklahoma, some local and state transportation companies claim that the services are illegal and are calling for stricter regulations. People who have been injured in accidents involving a rideshare automobile might be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of an Oklahoma rideshare accident lawyer.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Oklahoma today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Oklahoma rideshare accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is a Rideshare?
Ridesharing is technically the practice of sharing a vehicle with other passengers to save money and reduce fuel emissions. Rideshare services, however, have become synonymous with companies such as Lyft and Uber, two app-based services that connect passengers with drivers at the tap of a smartphone button. Rideshare services, also known as transportation networking companies, maintain their business models throughout the United States and across the globe. Both Lyft and Uber operate in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
What Kinds of Insurance are Rideshare Drivers Required to Have?
An Oklahoma rideshare accident attorney notes that drivers for rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft must maintain their own vehicle insurance in order to work for those companies. In most cases, the type of insurance a driver will need to have depends on the city and state in which the driver lives, however, some states may require drivers to purchase a commercial insurance policy before they can contract as a rideshare driver.
After lawsuits were filed against Uber in 2014, both Lyft and Uber began supplementing insurance coverage for their drivers in the case of an accident. For example, Uber drivers are covered by the company’s contingent liability plan until a passenger enters the vehicle for a ride. From the time a passenger is picked up to the time they are dropped off at their destination, Uber’s primary liability coverage insures the vehicle for up to $1 million.
Oklahoma Rideshare Regulation
As the business model of rideshare companies continues to spread across the U.S., many state and local authorities have started to look at ways of regulating the services. In Oklahoma, for example, ridesharing companies have drawn the ire of other transportation companies, particularly taxicabs and limousine operations. According to NewsOK.com, regulation has been considered that would place ridesharing companies under the control of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, potentially placing insurance regulations on the services and requiring drivers to undergo rigorous background checks.
How an Oklahoma Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for its passengers, drivers, other commuters, and pedestrians. If there are risks of harm associated with rideshare company drivers, the company must also provide adequate warnings and safeguards. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty, they, as well as the company, could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured as a result of a car accident involving a rideshare car through no fault of their own may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died in car accidents may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact the Attorney Group for Oklahoma. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
