Can You Sue an Uber Driver in Oklahoma If You’re Injured in an Accident?

Tony Edwards | | Auto Accidents
Uber passenger got hurt from car accident complaining to uber driver.

Ridesharing has become a popular mode of transportation in Oklahoma and cities across the U.S., but it does come with risks, including the possibility of being injured in a collision.

The gray area between a privately owned automobile and a publicly-traded rideshare company can complicate the process of seeking compensation in the event of an accident. For example, do you sue Uber, or do you sue the driver? What if you were riding in an Uber vehicle that was hit by another motorist? How can you get the compensation you deserve?

If you or a loved one were injured in an Oklahoma Uber accident, contact the legal team at Edwards & Patterson Law. Navigating any car accident claim can be difficult, let alone an Uber car accident claim, given the many potentially liable parties and complex insurance structures. However, an attorney at our firm can help prepare your claim and negotiate on your behalf, giving you a better chance at recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Our Oklahoma rideshare accident attorneys are prepared to discuss your case with you in detail at absolutely no cost to you. We will review your situation and discuss all your legal options. Contact a personal injury attorney at the law offices of Edwards & Patterson Law today.

What Happens If You Are Injured in an Uber in Oklahoma?

Being involved in an accident can be shocking, especially when you aren’t the one driving. You trust your Uber driver to get you where you are going safely. When that doesn’t happen, you can be placed in a frightening and vulnerable position. You may not know what to do next.

After a collision, you may have several options for seeking compensation for your injuries. Which avenue you can pursue depends on who is at fault for the accident. In general, you may be able to pursue compensation from any one of the following:

  • Uber
  • The Uber driver
  • Another at-fault driver or third-party

In most cases, you would not actually sue the at-fault party but would instead make a claim against their insurance policy. However, there are certain circumstances in which you could sue any of the above parties.

Before taking any action, it is in your best interest to talk to a skilled Oklahoma Uber car accident attorney first. At Edwards & Patterson Law, we can review the details of your crash and advise you on your legal options for pursuing the money you need.

Can You Sue Uber for Getting in a Car Accident in Oklahoma?

Yes, you can attempt to sue Uber after a collision in some instances. Large companies such as Uber are extremely good at protecting themselves from lawsuits and have teams of lawyers ready to challenge the validity of car accident cases. However, in most cases, you would not sue Uber to get the compensation you need but would instead make a claim against their insurance policy.

One of the circumstances where it may be appropriate to sue Uber is when the company hires a negligent driver. Uber generally has a responsibility to ensure that all its drivers are competent and legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle. If for any reason, the company fails to vet a driver, they could potentially be held responsible for damages resulting from a crash.

What Type of Insurance Coverage Does Uber Provide?

Uber driver picking up customer.Uber provides its drivers with insurance coverage, though the driver’s status at the time of the incident dictates whether this policy is active. Here is how the company’s insurance coverage works:

  • When the Uber driver is offline – An Uber driver is considered offline when they are not logged in to the Uber ridesharing app. If the driver is not logged in when a crash occurs, Uber’s insurance will not cover the damage. If you are hit by an offline Uber driver, you would seek compensation from the driver’s car insurance policy.
  • When the Uber driver is online and waiting for a request – This describes a driver who has the Uber app active but has not yet accepted any driving assignments. Uber offers contingent liability coverage if an accident occurs during this stage, with the following limits:
    • $50,000 in bodily injury per person
    • $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
    • $25,000 in property damage per accident

Uber does not cover the losses a driver suffers under these circumstances. When a driver is offline or online and waiting for a request, their personal auto insurance coverage is generally considered their primary coverage.

  • When the Uber driver is online and driving to the pickup location – At this point, a driver is online in the app, they have accepted a ride request, and they are on their way to pick up their fare. If an accident happens at this stage, Uber’s full liability coverage will apply. This coverage includes:
    • $1 million third-party liability
    • Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage
    • Contingent collision and comprehensive collision coverage
  • When the Uber driver is online and transporting passengers to their destination – An Uber driver who has picked up passengers and is driving them to their destination receives the same coverage as a driver who is en route for pickup.

What Type of Compensation Can I Seek in an Oklahoma Uber Accident?

The amount of compensation you may be owed after an Uber accident will depend on the nature of your injuries and the cause of the accident. Generally, someone who has been injured in a collision caused by an Uber driver may be able to recover compensation for loss, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage

To best assess the value of your Uber claim, talk to a knowledgeable Oklahoma Uber accident attorney.

Get Help from Our Uber Accident Lawyers in Oklahoma Now

The complex nature of Uber’s insurance coverages means that getting full compensation can be difficult without experienced legal guidance. Remove the stress of navigating Uber’s insurance system and talk to an Oklahoma Uber car accident attorney with Edwards & Patterson Law.

To discuss your legal options, contact our office now. We offer Uber car accident victims a free and confidential consultation.

Visit Our Uber Accident Injury Law Offices

Author: Tony Edwards
Tony Edwards

Tony Edwards is a McAlester native who has practiced civil litigation in Oklahoma for nearly four decades. Tony earned his undergraduate degree from East Central University and his law degree from the Oklahoma University College of Law. Today, he focuses his practice exclusively on the representation of accident and injury victims, including mass tort cases involving defective products. He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, indicating the highest level in legal ability and ethical standards. In addition to his law practice, Tony serves as an elder in Lakewood Christian Church and is active in Shared Blessings, an organization which his wife, DeVonna, launched in 1998 to provide clothes for people in need.

Author: Tony Edwards
Tony Edwards

Tony Edwards is a McAlester native who has practiced civil litigation in Oklahoma for nearly four decades. Tony earned his undergraduate degree from East Central University and his law degree from the Oklahoma University College of Law. Today, he focuses his practice exclusively on the representation of accident and injury victims, including mass tort cases involving defective products. He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, indicating the highest level in legal ability and ethical standards. In addition to his law practice, Tony serves as an elder in Lakewood Christian Church and is active in Shared Blessings, an organization which his wife, DeVonna, launched in 1998 to provide clothes for people in need.