Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become part of daily life across Oregon. Every day, thousands of people use these apps to get to work, school, and social events. While this convenience has changed how people travel around Hillsboro and the Portland metro area, it’s also led to a sharp increase in car accidents involving rideshare vehicles.
When a rideshare driver causes an accident, the situation becomes harder to sort out because multiple insurance companies and corporate policies are suddenly involved. At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, our Hillsboro Uber and Lyft accident lawyers know how to investigate what happened, determine which insurance policy will pay compensation, and build a compelling case for a full and fair settlement. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, reach out for a free consultation today and learn how we can help you take legal action.
Why Choose Harris Velázquez Gibbens for Your Uber and Lyft Accident Claim?
Rideshare accidents are a lot more complicated than other types of motor vehicle accidents, but that’s not all. Insurance carriers that represent Uber and Lyft are large national companies with legal teams trained to limit payouts. You need personal injury lawyers who know how to challenge them and have a record of success doing so. When you hire Harris Velázquez Gibbens as your legal representation, you benefit from the following:
- Skilled Representation: Our Hillsboro personal injury attorneys handle rideshare and motor vehicle accident claims every year across Oregon. We know how to examine evidence, determine coverage under Uber and Lyft’s policies, and present proof that connects the driver’s negligence to your injuries. From gathering app data to reviewing police reports and medical records, we make sure your claim is supported by verified facts.
- Team Approach: You don’t rely on one car accident attorney to manage everything alone. Your case benefits from a coordinated group of lawyers and staff who understand injury law, insurance defense tactics, and courtroom procedure. This approach helps us prepare a winning claim and maintain consistent communication while negotiations or litigation move forward.
- Clear Communication: You receive direct updates about claim progress, deadlines, and settlement discussions. We return calls and emails promptly so you always know how your case is advancing. Our goal is to make sure you never have to guess what’s happening or what’s expected of you.
- Bilingual Support: Our office includes rideshare accident attorneys and staff who speak Spanish. Clear communication helps you share important details about your crash and treatment without language barriers, and it ensures that you fully understand each decision related to your claim.
- Recognized Excellence: Harris Velázquez Gibbens has earned professional ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and recognition from Super Lawyers. These honors reflect stellar performance and ethical standards within the legal community, giving you confidence that your case is handled with professionalism and respect.
Our Hillsboro Uber and Lyft accident lawyers fight to secure the best possible result through determined investigation, negotiation, and, when necessary, trial. We invite you to experience why so many clients have been trusting us with their personal injury claims since 1997.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different
When a Lyft or Uber driver causes an accident, several insurers may be involved, each with separate policies and limits. These overlapping coverages can leave you unsure which insurance provider is responsible for your damages or how to file your claim. Oregon law allows multiple paths for recovery, but the right one for your claim will depend on the driver’s app status at the time of the collision.
- Driver Logged Out of the App: When the driver is not logged into Uber or Lyft, the company’s policy does not apply. Only the driver’s personal auto insurance covers the crash. In these cases, we review the driver’s policy limits and explore all other available coverage options to make sure your losses are fully addressed.
- Driver Logged In and Waiting for a Ride: Once the app is active but the driver has not yet accepted a trip, limited liability coverage becomes available through Uber or Lyft. This coverage usually provides up to $50,000 for injuries per person, $100,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage. We confirm the driver’s activity records to show that this coverage applies and hold the company’s insurer responsible.
- Driver En Route to a Passenger or Transporting One: When the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has someone in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. This policy can also include uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. We collect digital trip logs, app timestamps, and communication records to prove that the higher coverage was in effect at the time of the collision.
Depending on the situation, you may also be protected by:
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Oregon requires these coverages on most auto policies, and they may apply if the rideshare driver or another motorist lacks adequate insurance. Our team examines your policy and any available rideshare coverage to ensure that you receive all benefits available under state law.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Oregon drivers must carry PIP coverage that pays initial medical bills and wage loss. We coordinate PIP benefits with the rideshare company’s coverage and any third-party claims to prevent overlap and maximize your total recovery.
Other complications include:
- Corporate Involvement: Uber and Lyft employ national claims administrators and outside counsel who handle accident reports daily. Their representatives may contact you quickly to obtain statements that reduce the company’s exposure. Having your own rideshare accident attorney ensures those communications are managed correctly and that no information is shared that could weaken your case.
- Independent Contractor Status: Rideshare drivers operate as independent contractors, not employees. This arrangement limits when the companies can be sued directly. However, Oregon law still allows recovery through corporate insurance policies when the driver was logged into the platform or transporting a passenger.
- Evidence Preservation: Key data such as GPS coordinates, trip logs, and communication records can establish fault and timing. These records are controlled by Uber and Lyft and may not remain accessible for long. That’s why we issue formal preservation requests and work with technical experts to secure the data needed to prove how the collision occurred.
Insurance companies may claim another driver was responsible or argue that your injuries existed before the crash. We respond by gathering your medical records, securing expert evaluations, and preserving electronic data that links your injuries directly to the event.
Common Types of Ridesharing Accidents We Handle
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, Hillsboro Uber and Lyft accident lawyers handle a wide range of rideshare crash cases. They include, but may not be limited to:
- Passenger Injuries During a Trip: When you’re riding in an Uber or Lyft and the vehicle is involved in an accident, the company’s $1 million insurance policy may apply. We confirm the driver’s status at the time of the collision and pursue full payment for your medical treatment, lost income, and other damages.
- Drivers Injured by Rideshare Vehicles: If you were struck by an Uber or Lyft vehicle while driving your own car, multiple insurers may be involved. We investigate the crash, obtain app data to confirm the driver’s activity, and present claims to both the driver’s personal and commercial carriers.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Collisions: Rideshare drivers spend a great deal of time searching for passengers or drop-off locations. This distraction increases the risk of hitting pedestrians and cyclists. Our firm collects video footage, witness statements, and trip records to prove the driver’s inattention and establish liability.
- Rideshare Driver Injury Claims: Uber and Lyft drivers can also suffer injuries caused by other negligent motorists. We assist drivers in understanding how their own insurance, company coverage, and other policies interact after a crash.
- Accidents During Pickups or Drop-Offs: Many serious collisions occur when a driver stops suddenly or pulls to the side of the road to let a passenger in or out. We examine how traffic laws apply and identify any contributing factors such as improper stopping, poor visibility, or distracted driving.
- Fatal Rideshare Accidents: When a rideshare collision results in death, family members can pursue a wrongful death claim under Oregon law. These cases involve careful documentation of damages and compassionate but firm representation through settlement or trial.
Our attorneys evaluate each rideshare accident by reviewing digital records, driver statements, and all available insurance coverages. We approach every claim with the goal of holding the responsible parties accountable and securing full financial recovery for you and your family.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Oregon law allows you to pursue compensation for all losses caused by another driver’s negligence. In a rideshare accident, this may include:
- Medical Expenses: Your insurance claim can include the full range of medical treatment linked to the crash. That includes ambulance transportation, emergency room care, diagnostic imaging, surgery, rehabilitation, and prescription medication. We collect complete billing records and physician statements to demonstrate how your injuries relate to the accident.
- Future Medical and Rehabilitation Needs: Many rideshare collisions result in injuries that require long-term care. Our personal injury law firm consults with treating physicians and independent medical experts to estimate the future expenses associated with therapy, follow-up procedures, and assistive equipment.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: Time away from work has a direct financial impact. You may also face permanent limitations that affect your ability to earn income at the same level as before. We use employment records, wage statements, and vocational evaluations to prove how your injuries have reduced your earning potential and to establish fair compensation for that loss.
- Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Beyond financial costs, a crash can disrupt your comfort, independence, and relationships. Oregon law recognizes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. We document these effects through medical reports, personal statements, and testimony from family or friends who can explain how your life has changed since the accident.
- Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement costs form another part of your claim. We review repair estimates, market values, and depreciation data to ensure that you recover the correct amount for property loss. Personal belongings damaged in the collision can also be included.
- Wrongful Death Compensation: When a rideshare accident results in loss of life, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim. Recoverable damages can include funeral and burial costs, loss of the decedent’s income, and the value of the companionship and guidance that person provided.
Each category contributes to the full value of your claim. Insurance companies may focus on limited areas or attempt to exclude future costs, which is why a complete assessment is critical. At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we document every form of loss and pursue compensation through negotiation or trial.
Can You Bring a Claim Against Uber or Lyft Directly?
Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than company employees, which limits direct claims against Uber or Lyft. However, their insurance coverage still applies when the driver is active on the app. We examine trip data and company records to establish coverage and pursue payment from the appropriate insurer. In cases involving corporate negligence, we evaluate whether additional claims can be made under Oregon law.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, you don’t pay any upfront fees. We work on a contingency basis, meaning our fee is a percentage of the recovery obtained through settlement or trial. If we don’t secure compensation, you owe no attorney’s fee. This arrangement allows you to pursue your car accident claim without having to come up with a retainer first.
Get a Free Consultation From a Hillsboro Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer
Although more complicated from an insurance perspective, a collision involving a rideshare vehicle has one thing in common with a regular car accident: you could be left with serious injuries, high medical bills, and loss of income. At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we identify all insurance policies that may apply and prepare a claim that reflects the full extent of your losses.
Our team manages direct communication with Uber, Lyft, and their insurers to prevent delays and ensure that your claim moves forward with accurate information and clear demands. If negotiations fail to produce a fair result, we are prepared to file suit and present your case in court. To schedule your free consultation, call (503) 300-6661. Se habla español.
