Ridesharing companies do not directly employ their drivers, but instead, typically hire them as independent contractors. Additionally, ridesharing companies do not maintain or own the vehicles that operate under their company or name. As a result, victims of ridesharing accidents often feel confused regarding who actually has any kind of liability and responsibility to pay for their injuries or losses resulting from a ridesharing driver’s negligence. If you experienced any kind of accident involving a rideshare vehicle, contact our legal team for a free consultation. An Oklahoma City ridesharing accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you understand all of your legal rights. Call (844) 730-0233.
Insurance and Ridesharing Drivers
Some commercial car insurance companies, such as those recommended by the National Association of Insurance Commissions (NAIC), do offer insurance coverage to rideshare drivers. However, in other cases, the actual ridesharing company may offer insurance for their drivers, such as Uber. Making a determination regarding insurance is an important and critical step for any victim of a ridesharing accident. Before a victim can receive any type of compensation for their injuries or losses related to a ridesharing accident, they must understand which insurance will remain responsible to reimburse them for their economic and non-economic damages. This process can prove complex, timely, and challenging. Consulting an attorney can ensure that your legal rights remain protected throughout the insurance company negotiation process.
For a free legal consultation with a ridesharing accidents lawyer serving Oklahoma City, call (844) 730-0233
How Ridesharing Accidents Differ from Other Passenger Vehicle Accidents
While a ridesharing driver may use their own vehicle, a ridesharing accident is different from a typical passenger accident between two vehicles. Here are some notable differences to keep in mind.
- Make sure to contact the ridesharing company’s emergency phone number as soon as possible following the ridesharing accident. If you have not done so already, find their emergency phone number and report the accident. You can state the events surrounding the accident but remember that the phone call may be recorded in some way, so remain cautious with what you tell the ridesharing company. Anything you say to a representative of a ridesharing company can eventually be used to potentially decrease the financial compensation you receive.
- If possible, obtain the ridesharing number of the driver of the ridesharing vehicle as well as the license plate number and driver’s license information.
- Make sure to screenshot any applicable information related to your ride from your ridesharing app in order to preserve it for evidence at a later time.
Oklahoma City Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Types of Compensation a Victim May Receive Following a Ridesharing Accident
Accident victims have the legal right to pursue compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses related to their ridesharing accident resulting from the wrongful acts or negligence of a third-party. Some of the types of compensation a victim may receive following a ridesharing accident may include:
- Medical costs
- Continued medical bills (rehabilitation, psychological distress, etc.)
- Loss of wages
- Loss of future wages due to injuries related to the accident
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in certain cases where the actions of the negligent party are particularly egregious and show a wanton or reckless disregard for human life)
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A Rideshare Company’s Insurance Policy
If you already experienced a ridesharing accident, consult with our legal team to learn how an Oklahoma City ridesharing accident lawyer can work with you to help you understand all of your legal rights and options.
Here is how Uber’s insurance policy for ridesharing drivers works:
- Offline or the Driver App is Off – The driver’s personal insurance policy and coverage apply.
- Waiting for Ride Request (App is On) – Uber covers the following on the driver’s behalf: Third-party liability if the driver’s personal auto insurance does not apply.
$50,000 in bodily injury per person
$100,000 in bodily injury per accident
$25,000 in property damage per accident
- On the Way to Pick up Riders and During Trips – Uber’s coverage includes:
$1,000,000 third-party liability
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist bodily injury
Contingent comprehensive and collision (up to actual cash value of the car with a $1000 deductible)
Of course, other rideshare companies such as Lyft have their own insurance policy coverage. Lyft also offers $1,000,000 third-party liability coverage if the accident occurs while picking up a rider or taking a rider to their destination. It is always best to check with an Oklahoma City ridesharing accident lawyer to find out how the company’s policy specifically affects you following the accident.
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Learn More about How Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Help You
Ridesharing accident victims often feel overwhelmed following an accident. There are more legally challenging aspects and moving pieces to a ridesharing accident than there are in a typical passenger vehicle accident. From the determination of liability to ensuring that you receive a fair and just settlement offer from an insurance company, you may have a lot of questions regarding your legal rights and how to ensure they remain protected throughout the entire process of a personal injury claim. Our legal team can provide you some answers and explain how an Oklahoma City ridesharing accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 can work with you to ensure you understand all of your legal rights. The call is free and there is no obligation. We do not shy away from tough cases.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form