November 15, 2024 | Personal Injury

Ridesharing is a popular form of transportation in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and throughout the state of Oklahoma. Unfortunately, accidents happen. If you are injured as a passenger in an Uber or a Lyft, it is imperative that you know your rights. Here, our Tulsa ridesharing accident lawyer provides an overview of your rights and options if you were hurt as a passenger in an Uber or a Lyft. 

Rideshare Passenger Rights in tusla

Know the Law: Ridesharing Companies in Oklahoma Subject to Specialized Insurance Law

One of the key things that make ridesharing accident claims complicated is that ridesharing companies—such as Uber and Lyft—are subject to unique insurance regulations. Under the Oklahoma Ridesharing Act, all ridesharing companies are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance to cover incidents that may occur during a ride. The statute emphasizes that commercial insurance coverage must apply from the moment a ride request is accepted until the passenger is dropped off. In other words, ridesharing passengers are always covered by the minimum mandatory policy. There is a $1 million minimum policy for ridesharing passengers. 

Your Rights as a Ridesharing Passenger After a Crash in Oklahoma

Imagine that you got into an Uber or a Lyft in Tulsa or elsewhere in Oklahoma. Unfortunately, the vehicle ends up in an accident. Whether or not that crash was the fault of the ridesharing driver, you have important legal rights. Here are four key things to know about your rights as a ridesharing passenger who was involved in an accident in Oklahoma: 

  1. You Have a Right to Report the Crash to the Police: All injury crashes in Oklahoma should be reported to law enforcement. The ridesharing driver needs to report the crash. It is their duty to do so under state law. As a ridesharing passenger involved in a crash in Oklahoma, you possess the undeniable right to report the incident to the police. If they do not or will not report the crash to the police, you can and should call and report the collision. 
  2. You Have a Right to Notify the Ridesharing Company: If you are involved in an accident while using a ridesharing service, you have the right to notify the company immediately. To be clear, you do not need to know all of the details at this point during the process. Still, make sure that your ridesharing crash is reported to the company. Simply give them notice that you were in a vehicle that crashed. Do not give a full statement. Consult with a lawyer before speaking to the insurance company of a rideshare company. 
  3. You Have a Right to Get the Medical Attention that You Need: Following a crash in a rideshare vehicle, you have the right to seek necessary medical attention. Regardless of how minor injuries may seem, it is critical to obtain a professional medical evaluation promptly to document any health impacts resulting from the accident. Not only is seeing a doctor needed to protect your health, but it is also a required part of the legal claims process. Without supporting medical records, you will not be in a position to get compensation for the injuries sustained in your ridesharing collision. 
  4. You Have a Right to Bring a Claim for Financial Compensation: Depending on the nature of your accident and your injuries, you may be entitled to recover for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Remember, Uber and Lyft are both required to carry at least $1 million in liability coverage for ridesharing passengers. 

Why Trust the Oklahoma Ridesharing Accident Lawyers at the McGuire Law Firm?

Ridesharing accident claims are complicated. It is normal to have a ton of questions about your rights, your options, and what needs to be done to get compensation. Our lead attorney Kent McGuire has the professional knowledge that you can trust. We are committed to helping injured ridesharing passengers secure the maximum compensation after a crash. Uber, Lyft, individual ridesharing drivers, and any other negligent party must be held accountable. 

Contact Our Tulsa, OK, Ridesharing Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Review

At McGuire Law Firm, our Tulsa Uber and Lyft crash attorneys have the legal knowledge that you can count on. If you or someone you care about was hurt in a ridesharing crash, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-commitment initial consultation. We represent injured ridesharing passengers in Tulsa, Tulsa County, and throughout the wider region of Oklahoma.