McAlester Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Rideshare Accident Victims in Oklahoma

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you deserve fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our McAlester rideshare accident lawyers at the Stipe Law Firm can help you understand your legal options and hold the rideshare company accountable for its negligence.

To schedule a consultation, call (918) 505-7741 or contact us online to get started with our McAlester rideshare accident attorney.

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, liability in a rideshare accident can involve multiple parties. Responsibility may lie with the driver of the rideshare vehicle, the rideshare company itself, or even another driver involved in the accident.

Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, carry insurance policies that cover their drivers when they're logged into the app and transporting passengers. However, these companies often attempt to limit their liability by arguing that their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, which could make the claims process more complicated. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance company may also be liable for covering your damages.

Tactics Used by Rideshare Companies

Rideshare companies often employ tactics to reduce their liability and payout. These tactics might include disputing the severity of injuries, questioning the victim's account of the accident, or asserting that the driver was not logged into their app at the time of the accident.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Like any other vehicle on the road, rideshare vehicles get into accidents. The causes of these accidents, however, are often different from accidents involving other vehicles. Common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Distracted Driving
• Speeding
• Fatigued Driving
• Failure to Yield
• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under the Influence
• Failure to Stop
• Road Defects
• Poor Weather Conditions
• Poor Road Conditions
• Vehicle Malfunctions
• Vehicle Defects
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues

Rideshare companies are not immune to liability for the injuries and deaths that result from their drivers' negligence. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you need to know your legal rights. Our McAlester rideshare accident attorneys can help you understand what you are owed and hold the rideshare company accountable.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: A sudden collision impact can cause the neck to convulse violently, resulting in whiplash. This injury often results in pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion and can sometimes have long-term effects.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Passengers and drivers may suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) if their heads strike the window, dashboard, or other hard surfaces during an accident.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a crash can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries often demand extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a rideshare accident could result in fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. These injuries could require surgery and a lengthy recovery period, depending on the severity.
• Internal Injuries: The blunt force trauma from an accident can cause internal bleeding and harm to critical organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries are often life-threatening and need prompt medical attention.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Shattered glass and other debris from the accident could lead to deep cuts and lacerations, which could lead to scarring and infection if not properly treated.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Possible damages may include the following:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all present and future medical costs related to the accident, like hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and assistive devices.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries stop you from working, you may be qualified for compensation for your lost wages during your recovery. This can also include loss of earning capability if your injuries affect your capacity to work in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: Rideshare accidents can cause significant physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering seeks to address the non-economic impact of your injuries, including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or personal property had been damaged in the accident, you could recover the repair or replacement costs.
• Punitive Damages: In instances where the rideshare driver’s actions were especially reckless or egregious, punitive damages could be granted to penalize the driver and deter similar behavior.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have negatively affected your relationship with your partner, you could be able to recover damages for loss of consortium, which covers the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.