One of the best ways to commute around Tulsa is by Uber. Whether you’re an Uber passenger, driver, another motorist, a motorcyclist, cyclist, or pedestrian, the last thing you want is to sustain serious injuries in an accident involving an Uber vehicle. As your medical expenses continue to mount, and your time away from work extends, you may find yourself caught in the midst of a complex situation.
At Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law, we’ve encountered car accidents with Uber vehicles before, and we understand how to secure compensation for your injuries and losses. In these cases, two or even three insurance companies may be pointing fingers at each other, each hesitant to cover your injuries and damages. As the victim, you usually end up caught in the middle, even though you did nothing wrong.
To learn more about your options and how we can help you in this unfortunate situation, contact us today for a free consultation.
Determining Liability in a Tulsa Uber Accident
The big question when there’s an Uber accident in Tulsa is who is legally responsible–or liable. Even with insurance in place, the extent of your potential recovery will probably hinge on the driver’s classification at the time of the accident.
Uber designates its drivers as:
- Independent contractors, which means that the driver’s personal insurance will be responsible for covering your losses.
Oklahoma has the following requirements when it comes to car insurance:
- Liability coverage – Oklahoma law requires liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage. The minimum coverage limits are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person – This is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for injuries to a single individual in an accident that you are found at fault for.
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident – This is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for all injuries in a single accident in which you are found at fault.
- $25,000 for property damage – This is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for property damage you cause in an at-fault accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage – Oklahoma also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This coverage helps protect you if you are in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages. The minimum limits for UM/UIM coverage are typically the same as the liability limits.
While this isn’t necessarily any different from a normal car accident, there’s other considerations when an Uber vehicle or driver is involved.
For instance, if your damages surpass the Uber driver’s personal insurance and the driver is found to be at fault, you may find it necessary to file a lawsuit against Uber. However, if another driver is involved in your accident, Uber typically covers the remaining costs.
Regardless, an insurance company will become a part of your claims process. Their primary objective is to minimize the payout, which is why having our seasoned team by your side is essential to ensure you receive the maximum possible result for your case.
What Should You Do After a Tulsa Uber Accident?
While there are slight legal differences between normal car accidents and ones involving an Uber driver, the actions you should take after an accident don’t differ. Like any other car accident, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your health–and your legal rights:
- Check for Injuries – Right away, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
- Report the accident to police – Reach out to the local police and let them know about the accident. They will come to the scene, assess what happened, and create an accident report, which contains important details.
- Gather information – Collect as much info as possible, including names, contact details of everyone involved, license plate numbers, insurance details, and vehicle specifics.
- Gather evidence – Take photos or videos of the accident site, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Talk to any witnesses – If there are any witnesses, get their contact info. Their statements could help determine who’s at fault.
- Notify Uber about the accident – Use the Uber app to report the accident. They have a process for dealing with accidents involving their drivers.
- Get medical help – Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, it’s smart to see a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not show up immediately.
- Inform your insurance company – Let your own insurance company know about the accident. Even if the Uber driver’s insurance is mainly responsible, your insurer should be in the loop.
- Be careful with statements – Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters or others without talking to your attorney first. Statements can be used against you.
- Keep records – Keep detailed records of your medical bills, property damage, and related costs. This documentation is crucial for your claim.
After a Tulsa Uber accident, prioritizing your health and well-being should be your first and top priority. After that, consider reaching out to our team. We’ll evaluate your claim and help you understand what to do moving forward in terms of your legal options.
Available Damages in a Tulsa Uber Accident
Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or involved in a collision in your own vehicle, the process of seeking compensation and the available benefits under Oklahoma law follows the same procedure as any other car accident. This involves initiating a claim for damages with the at-fault party’s insurance company or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Regardless of the path you choose, the potential damages you can recover cover:
- Vehicle damage – This covers the cost of fixing or replacing your vehicle after the accident.
- Medical expenses – This includes all expenses related to your medical care, such as doctor visits, medications, and hospital stays.
- Ongoing care – If you need long-term treatment or therapy for your injuries, these costs are part of your compensation.
- Lost wages – This accounts for the money you couldn’t earn while recovering from the accident and any future income you might lose due to lasting injuries.
- Pain and suffering – This compensation is for the physical and emotional distress you experienced because of the accident.
- Emotional distress – It addresses the psychological effects of the accident, like anxiety or PTSD.
In the event of an Uber accident, it becomes your responsibility to establish the extent of your injuries and other damages. So, it’s really important to go to your medical appointments and stick to the treatment plan. While our team can help you with different parts of your claim, it’s crucial for you to do your part in keeping your claim strong. Insurance companies are good at reducing their payouts, but with our experienced team, we can make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Assistance from Tulsa Uber Accident Lawyers
Being involved in a car accident as an Uber passenger or with an Uber driver can be a source of great frustration. Coping with injuries and vehicle damage is challenging, and navigating insurance-related processes can add further complexity.
At Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law, our team of seasoned Tulsa car accident lawyers have the expertise to hold insurance companies accountable for your injuries. Opting to work with our team is a positive step towards maximizing your injury claim. If you’ve suffered injuries in an Uber accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation. Once we assess your case, we’ll get right to work in helping you through your recovery.
