When you need a ride, and you do not want to drive yourself, you might request a ride from an Uber or Lyft driver. This is an easy and convenient option that has gained a lot of popularity over the years. Most rideshare experiences get you to your desired destination without any problems. However, accidents do happen, and if you were injured in an Uber/Lyft/Rideshare accident in Tulsa, you may not know your legal options.
That is where LaCourse Law could help. Our experienced car crash attorneys could answer your questions about accidents that involved a rideshare vehicle and guide you through the legal steps to file a personal injury claim.
Rideshare vehicle drivers must meet high standards before they are allowed to drive. They must maintain a good driving record and drive a vehicle that meets a set of safety standards. Unfortunately, this is not always enough to prevent accidents from happening. Here is a closer look at some of the reasons for Uber or Lyft accidents in Tulsa.
Like any driver on the road, rideshare drivers have a responsibility to pay attention to the road and the other vehicles around them. Uber and Lyft drivers use an app on their phone to find clients who want their services. They may also use the app to help them navigate to specific locations.
It is very tempting for them to pay more attention to their phones than to the road, which often leads to accidents. Drivers could also become distracted by food or drink, reaching for something on the floor, or paying too much attention to their passengers.
Uber and Lyft drivers have the potential to be tired and overworked. They may commit to more hours behind the wheel than is safe, or they may be doing their Uber driving as a side gig after their full-time job. A fatigued driver does not always make good decisions, leading to dangerous accidents.
Some rideshare drivers may speed, weave in and out of lanes, and break traffic laws in order to get to their location faster. This type of aggressive driving is unsafe and could put lives in danger.
While catching an Uber or Lyft ride is fairly common in Tulsa, not everyone knows what happens after one of these rideshare vehicles gets into a crash. A knowledgeable lawyer could help explain what insurance pays for and whether you have a right to file a personal injury claim if you were injured in the accident.
Uber and Lyft have insurance policies to cover damages in accidents, up to one million dollars. There are certain criteria that have to be met for the insurance to pay out. The Uber or Lyft driver needs to be logged into the company app at the time of the accident. Typically, the driver also needs to have an active ride on board if the insurance company is going to cover the damages. If the accident happened outside of the driver’s work time, then the driver’s personal insurance company deals with the damages.
Many different types of damages are typically covered in personal injury cases. These may include:
Justice and the compensation you deserve are what the attorneys at LaCourse fight for when we take your case involving a rideshare accident in Tulsa.
Insurance issues can be confusing, especially if it is unclear who is liable for the damage in an accident. That is why you need a lawyer who has experience with Uber/Lyft/Rideshare accidents in Tulsa. We can help you better understand your situation and let you know if you could collect compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. We are here to help.