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In Oklahoma, individuals injured in a rideshare vehicle accident — whether as passengers in an Uber or Lyft, or as occupants or drivers of another vehicle — have several avenues for legal recourse. The nature of rideshare services has introduced complexities in determining liability, insurance coverage and the best means for injured parties to seek compensation. Understanding these nuances is critical to ensuring full and fair recovery for injured parties.

An injured individual can file a personal injury claim against the party at fault for the accident. This could be the rideshare driver, a driver of another involved vehicle or even the rideshare company itself under certain circumstances. The basis for liability may be negligence, such as reckless driving or failure to follow traffic laws. A successful claim can result in compensation for a wide array of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages due to inability to work, pain and suffering and property damage. Importantly, Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning more than one party may be found partially liable, which can affect the amount of compensation available.

Liability in rideshare accidents can be multifaceted. Potential defendants include the rideshare driver, the rideshare company (such as Uber or Lyft), other third-party drivers or even vehicle manufacturers in cases where a mechanical defect contributed to the accident. While rideshare drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, there are circumstances — such as corporate negligence in vetting drivers — that can create direct or vicarious liability for the company itself. 

Oklahoma law specifically addresses insurance coverage for rideshare vehicles, and required coverage levels are determined by the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

1. Period 1 (app on, no ride accepted) — The rideshare company must provide minimum coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, as well as $25,000 for property damage.

2. Period 2 (en route to pick up passenger) — Once a ride has been accepted and the driver is en route to pick up a passenger, the required coverage increases substantially, with a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage.

3. Period 3 (passenger in the vehicle) — When a passenger is in the vehicle, a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage is required, plus coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists.

If the driver’s app is off, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies, not the rideshare company’s. However, many personal insurance policies contain exclusions for vehicles being used for commercial purposes, which can complicate coverage eligibility. This underscores the importance of confirming insurance coverage available in any rideshare accident scenario.

Timely consultation with skilled legal counsel is vital for anyone injured in an Oklahoma rideshare accident to protect their rights and pursue full recovery. An experienced automobile accident attorney can conduct a thorough investigation, determine all potential sources of compensation and work to maximize any settlement or court award. 

The law firm of Walsh & Franseen in Edmond has a track record of helping injured individuals obtain the recovery they deserve after car accidents in Oklahoma. Call our law firm at 405-843-7600 or contact us online to arrange a free case evaluation.