You’re heading home in an Uber, enjoying a chance to relax and let someone else drive. Suddenly, you hear tires squealing and feel your Uber collide with another car. You’re dazed, possibly injured, and wondering what comes next.
Sound familiar? Countless Oregon residents have faced this situation in recent years. Here’s what to do after an Uber accident in Portland, Oregon.
Should I See a Doctor After My Portland Uber Accident?
You should seek medical attention immediately after an Uber accident because:
- You might have severe injuries that require urgent treatment.
- You need thorough documentation of your injuries for a future legal claim.
- Delaying treatment lets Uber and the insurance companies argue that your injuries are less severe than you say.
If I’m in an Uber Accident, Do I Have to Report It to Uber?
You should report the accident to Uber as soon as possible. Notifying Uber helps start the insurance claims process. Reporting quickly also creates an official record that may be vital later.
When reporting an Uber accident:
- Stick to the basic facts of what happened.
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating about who caused the crash.
- Don’t downplay your injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
- Keep your answers brief.
- Save a copy of your report and any messages you receive from Uber.
What Evidence Can Prove Who Was Responsible for My Portland Uber Accident?
Some evidence that can help you prove who’s liable for an Uber accident includes:
- Police report – The responding officer’s report is an official account of the crash, including diagrams, citations, and observations that support your version of events.
- Photos and videos – Visual evidence of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries can help show how the collision happened.
- Witness statements – Testimony from passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers can confirm details of the collision, bolstering your credibility.
- Uber trip records – Data from the app, such as trip times and driver status, can establish that you were in the Uber vehicle – so the company’s full liability coverage should apply.
- Medical records – These documents directly connect your injuries to the accident and show the crash’s physical impact.
What Auto Insurance Will Uber Provide?
Uber offers insurance for accidents, but the available coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Here’s how Uber insurance coverage in Oregon breaks down:
- Driver is offline – The company provides no insurance coverage if the Uber driver hasn’t logged into the app. Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies in these cases.
- Driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride – Uber offers limited liability coverage when the driver is waiting for a request. If the driver’s own insurance does not fully cover the crash, Uber may provide up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage applies only if the Uber driver causes a collision.
- Driver is en route or carrying a passenger – Once the driver accepts a ride request and while transporting a passenger, Uber’s policy includes up to $1 million in liability insurance for riders or third parties injured in an accident. This phase of coverage includes uninsured and underinsured motorist protection in case the at-fault driver has little or no insurance. Uber also carries personal injury protection (PIP), covering medical expenses and lost income for drivers and passengers – regardless of fault.
If you were in a collision while riding in an Uber, the company could provide up to $1 million in insurance coverage. However, you must prove the Uber driver caused the crash before Uber will pay your claim. Compensation for an Uber accident claim could cover your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
What Other Compensation Could I Receive If My Uber Driver Gets into an Accident in Portland?
If you have an Oregon auto insurance policy, you can use your mandatory personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to pay for some of your medical bills and lost wages – no matter who was at fault. You can also pursue compensation from other parties responsible for the crash. For example, if the other driver contributed to the collision, you may file a claim against them.
How Long Do I Have to File a Portland Uber Accident Lawsuit?
In most circumstances, you have two years after an Uber accident to file a lawsuit against the Uber driver or another liable party in Oregon. However, it’s best to contact a Portland car accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can gather crucial evidence before it deteriorates or witnesses’ memories fade.
Contact a Portland Uber Accident Lawyer
When your health and future are at stake, you need a capable, experienced attorney to defend your rights. The rideshare accident attorneys at Rizk Law have secured substantial compensation for our clients, including a recent case where we helped our client obtain $375,000 after their rideshare driver ran a red light and T-boned another vehicle. We can’t promise any specific compensation, but we will use every tool available to maximize your financial recovery.
While we aggressively defend your rights, we also prioritize customer service and your comfort at every stage. We know you’re going through a lot, and we’ll make the legal process as painless as possible. Here’s how one client described their experience with us:
“I would highly recommend Rizk Law to anyone. Both Richard Rizk and Sam Pope helped me with my personal injury case due to a not-at-fault car accident, and I could not be happier with the turn out. They both made sure that I was 100% before they talked about closing the case. The team followed up regularly, and they made sure that I was taken care. Car accidents are a lot to deal with, and with this team, it was a lot easier! Thank you so much!” — Angela Dyan
We’re ready to discuss your case at your earliest convenience. Call Rizk Law now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
