Portland Rideshare Accident Attorney

Were you injured in a collision caused by a rideshare driver? Get a free case review from an experienced Portland Uber and Lyft accident lawyer at Newlin Law Offices.

Get a Free Case Review
Lawyer Injury

Newlin Law Offices: Your Portland Uber and Lyft Accident Legal Team

You might not know where to turn after a rideshare accident. It’s much harder to determine who was at fault, and you might not make the right call when filing an insurance claim.

At Newlin Law Offices, we understand the unique stress and confusion you’re facing. Our team is led by Todd Newlin, a Portland Uber and Lyft accident lawyer who is committed to helping accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. We will be your shield against insurance companies and their lawyers so that you can focus on recovery.

Call us at 503-755-8539, tell us about your accident, and let us help you on the path toward healing and financial recovery.

Uber and Lyft Accident Liability in Portland: When Accidents Happen, Who Pays?

Oregon law is clear: The at-fault driver is responsible for losses related to a car accident. But when the at-fault driver works for a ridesharing company, things are rarely that straightforward.

Uber and Lyft drivers in Portland are independent contractors, not employees. This distinction affects which party you can hold accountable after a crash occurs. Because ridesharing companies don’t directly employ their drivers, it is harder to establish a company’s liability when its driver injures someone else.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Our legal team at Newlin Law Offices knows how to investigate these cases and determine who is liable for your damages.

When Your Ride Turns Traumatic: Types of Injuries We Help With

While the convenience of rideshare services is undeniable, every ride carries inherent risks. When negligence behind the wheel results in a car accident, the impact on victims can be devastating. Rideshare accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries.

Catastrophic Injuries

Some injuries cause severe and long-term, often permanent, damage. These catastrophic injuries include amputations, paralysis, severe burns, multiple fractures, and organ damage. The impact on a victim's life is often profound, as they require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and potentially lifelong support.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Even seemingly minor bumps to the head can result in TBIs. These brain injuries can change victims’ lives, affecting cognitive function, mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. In the most serious cases, TBIs may result in permanent impairment or death.

Neck and Back Injuries

A back injury from even a minor fender bender can disrupt a victim's daily life. Sudden, forceful motions during a crash may cause whiplash and neck pain, potentially leading to long-term discomfort and limited mobility.

More seriously, the spinal cord in the back and neck can be damaged in the force of a crash. Spinal cord injuries may cause chronic pain, numbness, or paralysis.

Broken Bones

Broken bones require significant medical treatment and recovery time. In severe cases, bones are crushed by the impact and require surgery or even amputation. These injuries often leave victims unable to work, resulting in financial strain on top of physical suffering.

Internal Injuries

Blunt-force trauma from a collision can damage the internal organs, sometimes causing life-threatening internal bleeding.

Hurt in a Rideshare Accident? Don't Delay.
You have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our team today for your free consultation.
Schedule a Free Consultation

Common Causes of Portland Rideshare Accidents

You can better understand your rights after an Uber or Lyft accident if you know what caused it:

  • Driver distractions: Drivers might check for new ride requests, adjust GPS settings, or even send text messages while behind the wheel.
  • Driver fatigue: With flexible work schedules and the pressure to earn, many rideshare drivers are on the road for long hours.
  • Aggressive driving: Pressure to meet pickup targets, navigate through heavy traffic, and complete more rides can push drivers toward risky behaviors on the road.
  • Other drivers: Not every accident involving a rideshare vehicle is the Uber or Lyft driver's fault; many are caused by negligent drivers in other vehicles.
  • Poor road conditions or vehicle defects: Unmaintained roads, inadequate signage, or even mechanical problems with the vehicle can contribute to collisions.

Some accidents have multiple causes, and more than one person may be at fault. When that happens, our Portland rideshare attorney is ready to dig into the details and determine which parties to hold accountable for your losses.

Decoding Insurance Coverage: Uber and Lyft Accident Policies

Uber and Lyft accidents involve multiple types of insurance coverage. Here is a brief overview:

Driver's Status Uber/Lyft Coverage Driver's Personal Policy Notes
Off duty Does not apply Applies The driver is acting as a private individual
On duty and waiting for a ride request through the app Contingent coverage up to specific limits May apply first before contingent coverage A lawyer may be vital in these complex scenarios
En route to a pickup or carrying a passenger $1 million liability coverage Usually does not apply The company’s coverage is primary

Deciding whether to file a claim with the driver’s or the ridesharing company's insurer is often the first step after a rideshare accident.

A mistake at this point can delay your claim. This is where our team can make all the difference. We investigate the details of your rideshare accident and fight on your behalf for the coverage you rightfully deserve.

How Our Legal Team Can Help with Your Case

At Newlin Law Offices, we're not just skilled at personal injury law; we're well-versed in complicated insurance regulations, and we stay informed about new legislation and court rulings that affect rideshare accident claims. Here’s how we’ll handle your case.

Investigate Your Accident

After listening to your story, we may collect police reports and video footage (if available), interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident. This evidence will help us demonstrate what happened and who was at fault.

Determine Liability

We’re firm about proving liability even when a driver attempts to shift the blame or when a ridesharing company denies responsibility. We understand the legal tactics commonly used by both insurance companies and rideshare corporations and will fight to overcome those challenges.

File Insurance Claims

We'll meticulously prepare and submit insurance claims, making sure we target the right insurance carrier or carriers for the best chance at a successful settlement.

Negotiate with Insurers

We're seasoned negotiators skilled in dealing with insurance companies and advocating for fair settlements. If the other side offers a low settlement or denies your claim, we are ready to escalate your case.

Prepare for Trial, If Necessary

Should your case require it, our Portland Uber and Lyft accident attorney is ready to take your claim to court and advocate for you in front of a judge or jury.

Seeking Fair Compensation

Our commitment extends beyond just proving liability. We work tirelessly to secure the full financial compensation our clients deserve after Portland rideshare accidents.

Past and Future Medical Expenses

Recovering full compensation for medical expenses is crucial. This compensation may include the cost of ambulance transport, hospital stays, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and all other treatments related to the rideshare accident. We also account for the costs of long-term medical care that you may require in the future.

Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity

A crash may leave you unable to work, resulting in lost wages. If you're facing a long-term or permanent disability that impacts your future ability to earn a living, we will fight for a settlement large enough to protect your and your family’s future.

Pain and Suffering

You deserve to be compensated not only for physical injuries but also for emotional and mental suffering. Your nonmonetary losses may include physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, PTSD, and other psychological harm that affects your well-being.

Other Losses

Additional losses we may address in your claim include damage to your vehicle or personal property. If appropriate, we may ask for compensation for childcare, transportation, and other costs you’ve incurred due to your injury.

Need Help After a Portland Rideshare Accident?
It’s easy to schedule a free consultation. Contact Newlin Law Offices today to discuss your situation and learn how our compassionate legal team can help.
Free Case Review

Why Choose Newlin Law Offices?

When you're facing legal obstacles after an Uber or Lyft accident, you need a legal team with experience, skill, and unwavering dedication. Here's why our team is the right choice to represent you.

  • free consalt

    Compassionate Advocacy

    We treat every client like family. Founding attorney Todd Newlin brings to the firm his own firsthand experience with personal injury. His empathy and insightfulness empower all of us to provide unwavering support and guidance to our clients.

  • no recovery

    No Fee Unless We Win

    Everyone deserves strong legal representation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay us nothing unless we win your case. You should be focusing on your recovery, not the costs of litigation.

  • 24/7

    24/7 Accessibility

    We understand that accidents happen at any time. We are always available to answer your questions, provide updates on your case, and ensure that you never feel alone.

Hear from Our Clients

  • I was referred to Todd after a car accident. I had not sought representation for auto incidents before. I had concerns about my physical health and how my insurance company was handling it. Todd was amazing.  He had me start medical treatment, and he handled everything. I was compensated and referred family members, friends, and everyone to Todd. He's helped me and the people I care about navigate getting the best support after an accident. Todd is the best!!

    Sarah Dunn
    5
  • I am so grateful for Todd’s work in navigating the insurance claims after my van was rear ended.  The medical adjusters were calling me regularly while I was in treatment, which I found very overwhelming.  Once Todd took my case, he handled all the communications between my insurance and my medical providers, which relieved me of the weight of that responsibility and gave me the space to fully heal from the accident.  He clearly explained my rights under the laws of personal injury protection, and negotiated a settlement far exceeding what I could have done on my own.  I highly recommend his services to anyone who has experienced and auto accident.

    Rachel Stern
    5
  • Todd helped me navigate the overwhelming steps of an auto accident. I was rear ended at a stop light, my car was totaled and I was taken to the ER. Post accident, it was hard to wrap my mind around anything and what needed to be done. Todd ensured that my health was priority and helped get me the treatment I needed. While I was able to focus on my rehabilitation, he took care of the insurance and dealt with the aftermath of what needed to be done. Though it was a stressful time, being able to rely on Todd to handle the claim and other legal matters was the biggest relief. He is extremely communicative, easy to reach and truly cared about my progress even when we settled. Forever thankful and would highly recommend.

    Lisa Harris
    5
  • I was in a MVA and had no clue what to do with the insurance company or how anything worked. Todd walked me through everything step by step. There were no dumb questions and he gave excellent guidance. My insurance company turned out to be a massive pain in the butt and were horrible to work with. Todd was able to step in once that fact became apparent and was able to swiftly and successfully close my case that had been dragged out for 3 extra months by the insurance company. He and his staff are very knowledgeable and straight shooters. Overall wonderful to work with and his office is my first call if I need him in the future.

    Jack Agger
    5
  • Todd is great at what he does and an amazing resource to anyone needing legal support for auto accidents. In 2015 I was injured as a result of an auto collision, and Todd was instrumental in ensuring I received medical care. His professionalism and dedication to the case was an immense relief to me, especially as someone who never had an accident before.

    Emmy Quinn
    5
Transparent Mountains

The Faces Behind the Fight: Get to Know Our Team

  • Todd Newlin

    Todd Newlin

    Founding Attorney
  • Attorney
  • Registered Nurse
  • Legal Assistant

Get the Justice You Deserve: Let Us Take on Your Rideshare Injury Claim

After a Portland Uber or Lyft accident, time is of the essence. Don't wait to reach out for help — we’re here to answer your questions and make your legal options clear.

Reaching out to our team won't cost you a cent. Contact us today at (503) 405-8273 or complete the form below to explore your potential case for free.

Average Form Response Time is 24 hours
(503) 405-8273
Available 24/7

* Communication through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship between you and Newlin Law Offices P.C.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Landscape

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You may have multiple paths to pursuing compensation. Depending on how the injury happened, these may include the driver's insurance policy, the company’s liability coverage, or your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorney will assess which options are best for your situation.

  • Yes, your legal options after an accident will depend on the rideshare driver's status. We’ll investigate whether they were off duty, waiting for a ride request with the app turned on, or actively driving for Uber or Lyft.

    The driver’s status may affect which insurance company we file a claim with as well as how much coverage is available. Speak to our attorney to determine how the driver’s status may affect your case.

  • The first path to compensation is filing an insurance claim against the driver, the ridesharing company, or both. Uber and Lyft carry coverage that may kick in when an on-duty driver causes an accident. However, the company might try to use the driver’s classification as an independent contractor to shield itself from being held directly liable.

    In some cases, a lawsuit may be the best way to hold the ridesharing company responsible. This may occur if we can show that the company was negligent in carrying out the driver's background check or enforcing safety protocols, for example. We'll thoroughly investigate all avenues for obtaining compensation on your behalf, including insurance claims and lawsuits.

newlin