Lyft ridesharing services have become a go-to for many in Oklahoma City. But with the increase in rideshare vehicles comes a rise in accidents. Being in a Lyft accident can leave you confused and hurt. That’s where Hasbrook & Hasbrook steps in, offering experienced legal help to navigate these challenging times.
While every car accident is serious, a rideshare accident (such as an Uber or Lyft) is even more complicated. Because of the rideshare driver involved, Uber and Lyft also have to get involved, along with the insurance company. If an Uber or Lyft vehicle is involved in your car accident, do not navigate this process alone.
Contact our Oklahoma City Lyft accident lawyer for help with your personal injury claim. We will fight to hold the rideshare company responsible for the collision.
Secure Legal Representation From an Oklahoma City Lyft Accident Lawyer to Help You With Your Case
A. Legal Expertise in Rideshare Accidents
Our team knows the ins and outs of rideshare laws. We stay updated on any changes in regulations. Our lawyers understand how Lyft’s policies can affect your case. We use this knowledge to build a strong case for you and navigate issues rideshare drivers and passengers face.
B. Investigative Skills in Gathering Evidence
We dig deep to gather evidence. This includes reviewing accident reports, talking to witnesses, and examining photos or videos. We work to piece together what happened. We aim to prove who is at fault and support your claim following an Uber or Lyft accident.
C. Advocating for Client’s Rights
Your rights matter to us. We fight to make sure no one overlooks or dismisses them. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or in court, we stand firm. We’re your voice, ensuring your side of the story gets the attention it deserves.
D. Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance can take time and effort. They often try to settle for less than you deserve. Our lawyers are tough negotiators. We aim to get you a fair settlement that covers your needs after a car accident.
Statistics on Lyft Accidents in Oklahoma City
Rideshare accident statistics in Oklahoma specifically are challenging to find, but Forbes reports that rideshare accidents contributed to close to 60 fatalities in 2019 and more than 40 more in 2020. In addition, Inc.com said that for-hire vehicle accidents tripled between 2014 and 2016. That is why extreme caution is needed when using Lyft and Uber.
Legal Requirements Oklahoma Rideshare Companies and Drivers Must Obey
In Oklahoma, rideshare companies like Lyft must follow strict laws. They need to ensure their drivers have proper licensing and insurance. These companies also need to conduct background checks on their drivers. This is to keep passengers and others on the road safe.
Oklahoma law also sets insurance requirements for rideshare vehicles. For instance, when a Lyft driver is waiting for a ride request, they must have certain insurance coverage. This coverage increases once a driver accepts a ride until the passenger exits the vehicle. Understanding these legalities helps in determining liability in an accident.
Causes of Lyft Accidents in Oklahoma City
Many factors can lead to Lyft accidents in Oklahoma City. From driver errors to mechanical issues, the causes vary. Knowing what led to the accident is crucial in building your case. It helps determine who is at fault and what compensation you may be entitled to.
Intoxicated Driving Accidents
Lyft drivers, like all drivers, must not drive under the influence. Yet, some do, leading to serious accidents. Intoxicated driving reduces reaction time and impairs judgment. If your Lyft driver was drunk, they are likely at fault.
In such cases, you might face both physical and emotional trauma. You might wonder how to prove the driver was intoxicated. We can help gather evidence, like police reports or witness statements. This evidence is crucial in establishing your claim.
Excessive Speed Accidents
Speeding is a common cause of Lyft accidents. When drivers go too fast, they have less time to react to road conditions. High speeds also increase the severity of accidents. Proving that speed was a factor can significantly affect your case.
We look at accident reports and sometimes use accident reconstruction experts. These experts can help show that speeding caused the crash. We use this evidence to strengthen your claim and fight for your rights.
Fatigue-Related Accidents
Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving intoxicated. Fatigue can slow reaction time and impair decision-making. Lyft drivers sometimes work long hours, leading to fatigue. This can result in serious accidents.
We work to prove that driver fatigue played a role in the accident. We may review the driver’s work hours or gather statements. This helps in proving negligence and getting you the compensation you deserve.
What You Can Do After a Ridesharing Accident in Oklahoma City
If you’re in a Lyft accident, knowing what to do is crucial. A few key steps include:
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- Check for Injuries: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
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- Report the Accident: Call the police to report the accident. A police report is a valuable piece of evidence.
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- Exchange Information: Get the Lyft driver’s information, including their name, phone number, and insurance details.
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- Take Photos: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any injuries.
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- Gather Witness Details: If there are witnesses, get their contact information. They might provide crucial statements later.
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- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Some injuries don’t show up right away.
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- Contact a Lawyer: Before calling the insurance companies, contact a lawyer. They can guide you on what to say and what not to say.
After these steps, stay calm and follow your lawyer’s advice. They will handle the legal aspects while you focus on recovering.
Legal Process in Lyft Accident Cases
A. Initial Consultation
Our first meeting is about understanding your case. We listen to your story and explain your options. There’s no pressure, just information to help you decide what to do next.
B. Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We start by collecting evidence. This includes police reports, witness statements, and photos. We might also talk to experts. All this helps in building a solid case for you.
C. Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
Sometimes, we need to file a lawsuit to protect our rights. We handle all the legal paperwork and filings. Our team ensures everything is in order and meets legal standards.
D. Negotiation and Settlement
We often negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement. We know their tactics and how to counter them. Our goal is to get you a compensation that covers your needs.
E. Trial if Settlement Is Unsuccessful
If we can’t settle, we’re ready to go to trial. We present your case strongly and clearly. We fight for your rights and aim for the best possible outcome.
Parties Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Injuries in a Lyft Accident
Figuring out who is at fault in a Lyft accident can be complex. The driver might be responsible, especially if they were reckless or negligent. But sometimes, Lyft as a company might share responsibility. This could be due to their hiring practices or the need for proper oversight.
There might be other parties involved, too. For example, another driver might have caused the accident. Or a vehicle manufacturer might be at fault if a mechanical failure played a role. Identifying all responsible parties is critical to getting fair compensation.
Legal Challenges in Lyft Accident Cases
Lyft accident cases can be complicated. There are several legal challenges you might face.
Insurance Coverage Issues
Dealing with insurance in Lyft accidents can be tricky. Lyft has its own insurance policies. But these only apply under certain conditions. For instance, coverage changes based on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request or had a passenger. We help navigate these complexities and deal with insurance companies for you.
There are some situations where insurance companies might try to deny your claim. They might argue that their policy needs to cover your case. They may also offer a low settlement. We fight these tactics and aim to get you the coverage you deserve.
Liability Determination
Figuring out who is at fault can be complicated. Sometimes, it’s clear that the Lyft driver was negligent. But other times, multiple parties might share responsibility. We work to identify all liable parties. This ensures you get fair compensation from all sources.
In some accidents, Lyft might claim that their driver is an independent contractor. This can affect how liability is determined. We understand these legal arguments and know how to counter them. Our goal is to ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.
Comparative Fault
Oklahoma follows a comparative fault rule. It can reduce your compensation if you’re partly at fault for the accident. Insurance companies often use this to try to pay less. We work to prove your level of responsibility, if any, is minimal. This helps in maximizing your compensation.
Statute of Limitations
In Oklahoma, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a Lyft accident. This is known as the statute of limitations, and you have two years to file a claim in OK from the time of the crash. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to sue. To avoid missing this deadline, contact us as soon as possible.
Damages Available in a Lyft Accident in Oklahoma City
If you’re in a Lyft accident, you might be entitled to various damages. These can help cover your losses and support your recovery.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover financial losses due to the accident. This includes medical bills, both current and future. It also covers lost wages if you can’t work because of injuries. Sometimes, you might need ongoing care or therapy. Economic damages aim to cover these costs, too.
We work to calculate all your financial losses. This includes working with medical experts to estimate future costs. We aim to ensure your settlement covers all your financial needs related to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are losses that don’t have a direct financial value. This includes pain and suffering due to the accident. It also covers emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are more subjective but equally important.
We work to put a value on these intangible losses. We might use expert testimony or other methods. Our goal is to get you fair compensation for the accident’s physical and emotional impact.
How Our Oklahoma City Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help You
If you’re in a Lyft accident, having a skilled lawyer can make a big difference.
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- Expert Guidance: We guide you through each step of the legal process. You’re never alone in this.
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- Strong Advocacy: We fight for your rights and interests, both in and out of court.
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- Negotiation Skills: We’re tough negotiators, aiming to get you the best possible settlement.
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- Legal Knowledge: We know the laws and regulations related to Lyft accidents. We use this knowledge to strengthen your case.
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- Support and Compassion: We understand this is a tough time for you. We offer not just legal help but also support and understanding.
We aim to make the legal process as smooth as possible for you.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Lyft Accident Lawyers at Hasbrook & Hasbrook to Learn About Your Legal Rights
If you’ve been in a Lyft accident, it’s crucial to know your rights. Our Oklahoma City Lyft accident lawyers are here to help. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case. There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if you win.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Let us help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook today to schedule a free consultation.