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Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are often convenient and affordable alternatives. However, companies like Uber and Lyft provide little information about their safety, and we know that the convenience of ridesharing services may come at a cost.
Big cities have adopted services like Uber and Lyft, but no one wants to be responsible for what happens to accident victims or the financial compensation they are entitled to. If you were injured in an Uber accident, the personal injury lawyers at Siefman Law LLC will help you hold negligent parties accountable and demand the compensation you deserve. Call us for a free consultation.
You may be entitled to compensation for various damages in an Uber or Lyft accident claim. Depending on the specifics of your case, these could include:
Victims could be compensated for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, therapy, medications, and future medical care they may need.
If your accident has kept you from work, it may be possible to seek compensation for the income you've lost. And if injuries prevent you from future work, you might pursue a claim for loss of earning capacity.
These damages cover the pain and emotional toll caused by the accident and your injuries. It can be challenging to quantify, but it's a significant part of many accident claims.
Unlike traditional taxi services, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction can complicate matters when it comes to liability in an accident.
Oregon law hinges on whether a driver is logged into the rideshare app, waiting at a passenger’s beck and call, or is between rides, unplugged from the digital hitchhiking world.
This status dictates the flow of liability and the intricacies of insurance coverage, where the driver’s personal policy often serves as the starting point, and the rideshare company coverage starts if the personal limits fall short.
Identifying the liable party in a rideshare accident can be more complicated to navigate than in a typical car accident. Liability could fall on the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or a third party. Here's how each scenario works:
If the Uber driver were at fault for the accident, they would typically be responsible for any damages. However, whether their insurance carrier or the rideshare company's insurance applies depends on their status during the accident.
Direct liability in most car accidents involves the at-fault driver. However, determining liability can be more complex in the case of ridesharing services.
While Uber and Lyft classify rideshare drivers as independent contractors to limit their liability, there are circumstances where they could be held accountable through direct liability.
If the ridesharing company failed to run a proper background check on a driver who then caused an accident or if it did not properly train or supervise its drivers, it could be directly liable for the resulting damages.
In such cases, direct liability is significant since it can impact the outcome of a legal claim and the potential for accident victims to receive compensation.
In some cases, another driver's insurance company may be responsible for the accident. For example, if another driver ran a red light and hit your Uber or Lyft vehicle, they would be responsible for damages.
When the dust settles after a rideshare accident, pinpointing the at-fault party is a meticulous process of elimination and evidence. Understanding your insurance coverage after a rideshare accident is crucial to securing fair compensation for injuries and losses. Let's break it down:
There are several reasons why Uber and Lyft accidents occur in Portland. Here are some of the most common causes:
With the constant need to check the app for new ride requests, routes, and passenger information, rideshare drivers are often distracted. This lack of focus on the road can easily lead to accidents.
While Uber and Lyft have strict policies against intoxicated driving, there have been instances where drivers ignore these rules, putting passengers and other road users at risk.
Prescription medications and over-the-counter medications may also compromise a driver’s ability, leading to an increase in accidents.
Rideshare drivers often work long hours to maximize their earnings. Fatigue and drowsiness can lead to traffic violations, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. These cases are complex because proving an at-fault driver was indeed unfit for driving can be challenging.
Portland roads can be challenging due to weather conditions, construction work, or general wear and tear. State and local agencies may be held responsible for accidents that result from excessive potholes or other dangerous road conditions caused by negligence.
You have legal rights if you've been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident caused by any of these factors. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.
When you've been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, an Uber/ Lyft accident attorney can play a crucial role in your recovery. Here's how we can help:
Investigate the Accident: We gather all necessary evidence to establish liability and prove damages. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, and more.
Handle Insurance Companies: We deal with all negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. We know their tactics and how to fight them to ensure you get a fair settlement.
Pursue all Available Compensation: We calculate all your past, current, and future losses to determine the full extent of your damages. Then, we aggressively pursue all available sources of compensation.
Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement can't be reached, we're prepared to take your case to court. We have extensive trial experience and won't hesitate to fight for your rights.
Our experienced rideshare accident lawyer, Jeff Siefman, believes everyone deserves high-quality legal representation after an accident. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis — you don't pay us unless we win your case.
If you've been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Portland, taking the proper steps is essential to increase your chances of a successful claim. Here's what you should do:
Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911.
Report the Accident: Call the police and report the accident. A police report can be priceless in your insurance claim.
Collect Information: Gather as much information as possible from those involved in the accident, including names, insurance information, and vehicle details.
Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel normal after the accident, getting a medical check-up is crucial. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable but could cause problems later.
Contact an Attorney: Before contacting any insurance company, it's wise to consult a personal injury lawyer who has experience with Uber and Lyft accidents. They can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.
If you believe you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit after an Uber or Lyft accident, keep in mind that personal injury lawsuits in Oregon must be filed within two years after the accident.
If you fail to file your lawsuit before the two-year deadline has expired, you will likely lose your right to demand compensation.
Navigating these insurance issues can be complicated and confusing, especially when recovering from injuries. At Siefman Law LLC, we handle all negotiations with insurance companies and fight for the maximum compensation available under the law while you take the time to heal.
The lasting effects of a car accident can be overwhelming. Physical injuries can range from minor whiplash to life-changing spinal injuries. In addition, there is the financial stress from medical bills and lost wages. The last thing you need is to navigate the complex legal process alone.
Our law firm has years of experience in personal injury law, and we can tap into a range of Uber or Lyft accident resources tailored to the specifics of your case. We're committed to helping victims of Uber and Lyft accidents get the compensation they deserve. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
Immediately report the incident by calling 911, seek medical attention, and use the rideshare app to report the accident and gather evidence. Contact a Portland Uber Lyft accident lawyer for legal advice.
Yes, if you can prove negligence in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, you could file a third-party personal injury lawsuit against them. Uber and Lyft are transportation network companies that see their drivers as independent contractors to limit their liability, but there are circumstances where they could be held accountable.
Yes, in Portland, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the accident for filing a personal injury claim after a rideshare accident. It's crucial to act promptly to protect your right to compensation.