OREGON UBER & LYFT
ACCIDENT LAWYER

Expert Legal Support for Uber & Lyft Accident Victims

X

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have made it easy for the residents of Oregon to get around with just a few taps on the phone. Unfortunately, with the rise of ridesharing has come an increase in accidents involving these vehicles. 

While rideshare drivers provide a valuable service, they are not professionally trained drivers – and accidents occur frequently. According to a recent study, one-third of rideshare drivers interviewed reported being involved in a crash while on the job. 

If you have been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, contact Johnston Law Firm today. We have a proven track record of helping rideshare accident victims recover fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm offers free consultations, so reach out to us online or give us a call to schedule yours today. 

Oregon Uber and Lyft Accidents Are Becoming Increasingly Common

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles are commonly caused by driver error, including:

• Distracted driving: Lyft and Uber drivers often rely on GPS or smartphone apps to navigate, especially in larger cities like Portland. Constantly checking these apps can lead to distractions and accidents. 
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Keep in mind that ridesharing companies do not inspect driver’s vehicles, and maintenance is the owner’s responsibility. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause serious accidents. 
• Driver fatigue: Rideshare drivers often work long hours, either part-time or as a primary source of income. Driving for extended periods of time can lead to drowsiness, increasing the risk of an accident. 
• Speeding: In a rush to complete as many rides as possible, some Uber or Lyft drivers may drive over the posted speed limit to meet customer demand.
• Driving under the influence: Rideshare drivers are independent contractors with little or no supervision, and some may drink alcohol or use drugs between fares. They are not subject to regular screening for drugs or alcohol. 
• Inexperienced drivers: Not all Lyft and Uber drivers have extensive experience with heavy traffic or poor weather conditions, leading to accidents in situations they are ill-equipped to handle.

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

Steps to Take Following an Oregon Lyft or Uber Accident

The actions you take following an Uber or Lyft accident can make a difference in your physical and financial recovery. 

Here are some essential steps to follow:

Consult an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer: Personal injury lawyers can handle all communication with the ridesharing companies and their insurers on your behalf. They can evaluate your case and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. 

Get medical attention: Your health is your top priority. Even if your injuries appear minor, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not present symptoms immediately. 

Report the accident: Be sure to report the accident to both Uber or Lyft and the police. This creates an official record of the incident, which can be important for your insurance claim. 

Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from all parties involved, including eyewitnesses.

Avoid speaking to insurers without a lawyer: You will likely hear from the insurance company shortly after the accident. They may try to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement or admitting fault. Consulting an attorney is recommended before providing any statements.

Consult an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer: Personal injury lawyers can handle all communication with the ridesharing companies and their insurers on your behalf. They can evaluate your case and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

What Makes Uber and Lyft Accidents Complex

Unlike traditional car accidents, those involving Uber and Lyft vehicles can be more complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties. These parties can include the driver, the rideshare company, and even motorists or pedestrians. 

Determining liability can be complex, especially when considering factors like whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger or simply waiting for a ride request. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but the amount of coverage varies depending on the circumstances of the accident. 

The status of the driver, as the examples listed below indicate, will have an impact on liability:

• Driver not logged into the app: When the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, the company’s insurance does not apply. The driver’s personal insurance would cover the accident. 
• Driver logged into the app, awaiting a ride request: When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, limited coverage is provided by Uber or Lyft. This coverage is typically $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. 
• Driver has accepted a rideshare request or is actively transporting a passenger: When a driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger, both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage 

This tiered insurance system can be confusing for accident victims who may not know how to pursue compensation. An Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can be vital.

Why Hire an Oregon Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Some people might think that getting fair compensation following a rideshare accident should be easy – after all, Uber and Lyft have these large insurance policies in place. However, getting the compensation you deserve can be even more complicated if a large rideshare company is involved. 

Uber and Lyft are large corporations with powerful teams of defense lawyers. Their commercial insurance providers are going to do everything they can to avoid a fair payout of an accident claim. It is the job of personal injury lawyers to gather evidence and prove that your injuries are extensive enough to receive compensation. 

Here are some ways in which experienced personal injury attorneys can assist.

Handle complex liability issues

Determining who is responsible for the accident can be complicated, especially when rideshare companies deny liability for their drivers. An Oregon Uber/Lyft accident lawyer who understands the nuances of these claims can ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to from all applicable insurance policies. 

Determine liability

One of the biggest challenges in any type of car accident case is determining who is liable. In cases involving a rideshare company, a lawyer is qualified to establish whether the rideshare company, the driver, or another party should be accountable for your injuries. 

Communicate with ridesharing companies

Uber and Lyft have powerful legal teams working to minimize their liability in accidents. It can be intimidating to face them on your own, especially if you are injured and recovering. A personal injury attorney can communicate with them on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process. 

Prove negligence

To receive compensation in a rideshare accident, you must prove that the driver or another party was negligent. Experienced personal injury attorneys have the resources and experience required to gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case for their clients. 

The following evidence is often used in Lyft and Uber accident cases:

• Police reports
• Photos of the accident scene
• Video surveillance or dashcam footage
• Witness statements
• Medical records

Offer support

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, medical treatments, and insurance claims can be stressful and overwhelming. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you allows you to focus on your recovery while the attorney handles the legal aspects of your case. Your lawyer will keep you informed every step of the way and fight to secure the best outcome for your case. 

Maximize your compensation

When you are harmed in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, insurance companies will try to settle your case quickly – and for as little money as possible. Without seeking a lawyer’s input, you may not be aware of the full value of your claim. A personal injury attorney will assess all of your losses related to the accident, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your current injuries and future medical needs. 

Handling legal deadlines

Uber and Lyft accident claims have strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. Your personal injury attorney will make sure that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, protecting your right to take legal action. 

Compensation Available to Uber and Lyft Accident Victims

Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Pain and suffering: These damages are meant to compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident

Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, medications, surgeries, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and future medical care related to your injuries

Lost wages: If the injuries from the accident prevent you from returning to work, you can seek compensation for lost income

Loss of future earning potential: If your injuries are life-altering and prevent you from returning to your previous line of work, you could recover compensation for future lost income

Property damage: If your vehicle or personal property, such as a smartphone or laptop, was damaged in the accident, you can pursue compensation for repair or replacement costs