Drunk Driver Slams Uber, Kills Ridesharing Passenger

Responsible drivers know that drunk driving is a leading cause of car accidents and injuries. Operating a motor vehicle after having even one or two drinks puts you and other motorists at risk. Buzzed driving is still drunk driving. Relying on ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft after a night out is a smart choice and a common practice in Portland. Unfortunately, this does not shield you from the consequences if you encounter another drunk driver on the road. A recent drunk driving accident in Portland claimed the life of a local man and emphasizes the dangers you could face, even if you are not the one who is intoxicated behind the wheel.

Accident Involving Drunk Driver Claims Life of Uber Passenger

A local man became the latest victim in a string of fatal car accidents to plague Portland. According to an April 21, 2019 news report by the Willamette Week, the fatal crash occurred close to midnight on the Saturday night before Easter. The victim had taken an Uber and was sitting in the back seat as it headed along Northeast 102nd Avenue. Crossing the overpass, the Uber encountered an intoxicated, speeding motorist heading the opposite direction in a stolen Dodge pickup truck. The drunk driver, who was estimated to be traveling at 100 miles per hour, swerved out of his own lane, crossed the median, and crashed head on into the Uber!

Both the pickup truck driver and the Uber driver suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash. The Uber passenger, however, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. Anyone who is injured or killed while ridesharing should talk to a rideshare accident attorney immediately. 

Drunk Driving and Car Accidents

According to statistics from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), drunk driving is a factor in more than half of all fatal car accidents that happen each year in our area. These types of collisions become even more common over holidays, when there are an increased number of tourists on the road and more parties or celebrations being held with family and friends.

While you can protect yourself by not getting behind the wheel after consuming any amount of alcohol, you still need to be aware of the dangers other drunk drivers could pose to you and your passengers. Be alert to the warning signs that another motorist is intoxicated and steer clear of their path. These include:

• Going either excessively above or below the speed limit;
• Making sudden stops and starts;
• Drifting in and out of lanes;
• Driving with their headlights off or with turn signals and other traffic indicators on.

Let Us Help You Today

If you or someone you love is impacted by the actions of a drunk driver, the Johnston Law Firm provides the aggressive legal representation needed to hold them accountable. Request a FREE consultation by contacting our Portland drunk driving accident attorneys online or call (503) 546-3167 today.