Colorado Rideshare Accident Lawyer

A rideshare accident is a car accident involving companies like Uber or Lyft where passengers pay to ride in a driver’s private vehicle.  Specifically, we are referring to a rideshare accident from the perspective of you being a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and not as a driver who was injured in their car by an Uber or Lyft driver.

Why Differentiate Between a Car Accident a Rideshare Accident?

Liability in a rideshare accident with Uber or Lyft is a little more complicated than in a car accident.  This is because the driver’s personal vehicle is involved, but Uber and Lyft insure their drivers while the meter is running on the way to the passenger’s destination.  Both Uber and Lyft insure their drivers up to $1 million in coverage, but this only applies while they have passengers and are headed somewhere.

The policy limits may be lower depending on if the driver is running the app, even with no passengers, or if the passenger is in the car versus if the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger.  Assuming that you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft at the time of the accident, the Uber or Lyft insurance coverage may be up to $1 million according to company policies and the circumstances of the case.  As such, if you are injured by an Uber or Lyft with no passengers, the insurance may be the driver’s personal car insurance and not go through the company they drive for.

Common Ride-Share Accident Causes in Colorado

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) investigates about 30% of traffic accidents and 70% of car accidents involving fatalities. In 2020 the CSP responded to 268 fatal crashes, the majority of which were caused by DUI/DUID, Lane Violations, and Exceeding Lawful Speeding.

While there is some overlap in the common factors that cause accidents in general, these are other common causes that are specific to Uber or Lyft accidents in Colorado:

• Inattentiveness while driving
• Inexperienced ride-share drivers
• Fatigue
• Speeding
• Improper passing
• Running stop signs

These causes for accidents apply more so to rideshare accidents specifically because of the context of it being a rideshare.  Since rideshare drivers are often focused on balancing looking at the road, looking at the app, and making sure their passengers are comfortable so they get a good rating, the Uber or Lyft driver may not be focusing all their attention on the road.  Additionally, because Uber or Lyft drivers typically have other main sources of income and are doing this on the side to earn extra money, they can be tired while they’re driving.  The more people they pick up, the more money the driver can make in a given time frame, so the driver has incentive to get people to their destinations as quickly as possible.  Moreover, unlike a taxi or a mode of transportation that requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Uber and Lyft do not teach their drivers tactics to avoid dangerous situations.  Due to this, drivers may find themselves in situations they may not be able to maneuver out of which other similar companies may have prepared their drivers for ahead of time. These conditions result in these causes being more common in this specific type of accident rather than a general car accident.

Common Injuries as the Result of a Rideshare Accident in Colorado

Common car accident injuries are:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Soft tissue injuries
• Chest injuries
• Internal injuries
• Sprains, strains, and muscle tears

Rideshare Accident Law Firm

If the above sounds like your situation, you may be questioning if you should hire a rideshare accident lawyer, and if so, how to know which lawyer is right for you. In making your decision, consider your safety and peace of mind.  Ideally, a rideshare accident lawyer would relieve your stress—not add to it.  When looking for a rideshare accident lawyer, make sure to hire one who takes a personalized approach and considers the best option for your specific case.  Cases can last for months if not years, so make sure your rideshare accident lawyer is reputable and committed.

When looking for a lawyer, ask yourself:

• How long have the lawyer(s) been practicing attorneys?
• Does the firm have experience with this type of case?
• How often do they try versus settle cases?
• What kind of results do they get for their clients?
• What reputation do they have in the legal community?

Can I Handle My Rideshare Accident Without a Lawyer?

Ride-share accidents that result in injuries and fatalities are on the rise (link to a different page?) https://www.accidentdenver.com/deadheading-and-ridesharing-accidents (I found information from this link but I think it’s another lawyer)  in Colorado. Since the arrival of rideshares, they have been associated with a 2-3% increase in crash deaths and fatal accidents.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, a rideshare accident lawyer can help. Rideshare accident injuries range in terms of severity, but they almost always cost money and peace of mind. A Colorado rideshare accident lawyer will be able to evaluate your case, make a claim against the responsible party, and get you on the path to recovery.

The law and insurance policies can be difficult enough to navigate without also dealing with personal injury or loss. Let a Colorado rideshare accident lawyer handle everything from negotiating with insurance companies to presenting evidence in court, if your case comes to that.

Car accidents happen every day, but you may not be prepared for being injured in one.

Rideshare accidents cost a lot of money. Between damages to your vehicle, damages to your property inside your vehicle, medical bills, and the time you missed at work, you could be looking at a devastating loss – a loss that you might not ever be able to recover from.  A Denver rideshare accident lawyer can lower your initial costs in negotiations with insurance companies and help you avoid having to pay for damages and lost wages by ensuring that the responsible party and their insurance cover necessary costs.

Rideshare accidents, and navigating the aftermath of them, are stressful enough.  Rather than having to worry about battling for getting money back, leave it to us so you can get on with your life.

Car Accident Laws in Colorado

Car accident laws vary from state to state. The following laws are applicable in the state of Colorado:

• The at-fault driver must pay for the provable damages that occurred as a result of the accident.
• There is a 3-year (from the date of the incident) statute of limitations for a car accident-related injury or loss
• There is a 2-year (from the date of death) statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim against the driver who was at fault
• Any party is able to receive compensation from another party that has been determined to be more at-fault in an accident, even if they are both considered to be liable

There are three reasons you might not be eligible for receiving compensation after a car accident in Colorado:

1. Your vehicle was damaged by another vehicle that you own
2. You were driving for a ride share service (Uber, Lyft, etc.), or taxi company
3. You are at fault for your own damages

Requirements for a Personal Injury Claim after a Rideshare Accident in Colorado

In order to file a personal injury claim in Colorado, your claim must meet the following requirements:

1. There must be an identifiable at-fault driver
2. You must have bodily injuries
3. A medical professional must have your injuries documented
4. You must be able to prove that your injuries are a result of the accident

Once you have all of the above information it’s time to call the best car accident lawyer Colorado, if you haven’t already. Never give a recorded statement, written statement, or sign any insurance papers without consulting a lawyer.

Damages That Can Be Recovered After a Rideshare Accident in Colorado

There are two types of damages that a truck accident lawyer can recover for you after you’ve been in a crash:

1. Economic damages – this refers to medical expenses, loss of wages, and any additional costs that are related to how your injuries alter your life.
2. Non-economic damages – this generally refers to pain and suffering; damages that occur as a result of your (or a loved one’s) physical and non-physical injuries.

In order to have medical expenses paid, you will need to give your rideshare accident lawyer a copy of your medical records, tests, prescriptions, etc.

To have your wages reimbursed, you will have to provide your rideshare accident lawyer with a recent tax return or recent pay stubs so they can verify your income.

Hiring a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Colorado

It’s always a good idea to call a rideshare accident lawyer in Colorado, especially if there are serious damages to you, a loved one, or your property. A rideshare accident can seriously alter your life in the blink of an eye. The best rideshare accident lawyer in Colorado will be able to help get you what you need to live a healthy and comfortable life. Let one of our Denver rideshare accident lawyers help you. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, complete the “Contact Me Now” information available on this page.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Colorado

The steps you take after you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Colorado are crucial because they determine the future of your claim.

• Report the accident on the app
• Move your car out of traffic, if possible
• Wait for emergency services. Medical personnel will evaluate you when they arrive
• Do not leave the scene or touch any evidence
• Take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, road conditions, debris, traffic signals, signage – anything that could be pertinent to building a case
• Exchange insurance information with the other involved driver(s)
• File a police report
• Don’t speak to any insurance agents until you get the best rideshare accident lawyer

While you may not be able to do some of this as the passenger in a crash, do what you can or make sure that the driver(s) involved are doing what they need to do.  If you are in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft, on both apps, there is a way to report it.  Make sure that you report the accident in a timely manner.  This will assist in recovering the insurance money from the rideshare company later.