The biggest mistake is thinking you can sort out insurance later. You can't. In Oregon, the first 48 hours can make or break what your claim is worth.

The dumbest myth is: "I was just the passenger, so fault and insurance aren't my problem." Wrong. As a Portland Uber or Lyft passenger, your claim can involve the rideshare company's policy, the driver's personal policy, and the other driver's insurer. During an active ride, there is usually up to $1 million in liability coverage available through the transportation network company, but insurers still look for reasons to pay less.

What destroys value fast:

• Waiting to get checked out. Fog pileups on I-5 south of Portland, bike-door crashes, and spring motorcycle wrecks often cause soft-tissue, head, and spine injuries that look minor at first. If you wait days, insurers argue you weren't really hurt.
• Giving a recorded statement early. They are not "just getting the facts." They are locking you into wording they can use later.
• Posting on social media. A smiling photo, a gym check-in, even a "doing okay" post gets used against you.
• Leaving without key evidence. Get the rideshare receipt, screenshots of the trip, plate numbers, driver names, witness info, and the police incident number.
• Skipping the DMV report. If the crash caused injury, death, or more than $2,500 in vehicle damage, Oregon usually requires filing an Oregon DMV Accident and Insurance Report within 72 hours if a police officer doesn't file one.
• Taking quick money. Early checks are often cheap buyouts before the full medical picture is clear.

Also, use your PIP coverage if available. Oregon auto policies generally include $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection for medical bills, regardless of fault. That can keep treatment moving while insurers fight over who pays.