Rideshare Accident Lawyer | Rideshare Accident Attorney in Colorado
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident in Colorado, experienced Robig rideshare accident Lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim and get you the compensation you deserve.
Ridesharing services in Colorado and elsewhere allow riders and drivers to connect using a simple rideshare app.
But, like other vehicles on the road, rideshare vehicles can be victims of car accidents.
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, it may not be clear who may be held responsible, as many parties are involved.
Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft use independent contractors and limit their liability for any accidents or property damage that may occur.
Legal advice from experienced personal injury attorneys is exactly what you need to get straight answers, not frustrating chatter.
The highly skilled rideshare accident attorneys serving Florin|Roebig, Colorado, have handled these cases before and know exactly what to do.
We’re available to take the call, sort through the details, and present a strong case that gets you the compensation you deserve.
In Colorado Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare drivers, passengers, and other vehicles involved The driver and passengers in rideshare vehicle accidents are covered by liability insurance.
The tricky part is that coverage varies depending on where you are on your rideshare journey. For example, if you have just logged into the app and sent a ride request, you are not covered yet.
Uber and Lyft drivers are covered from when they pair with a rider and are on their way to pick them up until they arrive at their ride destination.
Full coverage auto insurance for bodily injury and property damage takes effect as soon as the ride begins.
If you are injured in an auto accident while ridesharing, you can seek compensation to cover medical expenses and other related costs.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident in Colorado?
When you are in an accident, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. Medical treatment and tests can determine the extent of your injuries from the impact.
Even if you do not have serious injuries, it is highly recommended that you seek medical attention. Some injuries may have hidden symptoms after an accident.
It can be tempting for rideshare passengers to contact their insurance company and file an insurance claim first. But you have the right to seek legal advice before doing anything else.
It’s a good idea to talk to a rideshare accident attorney to help you ensure that you don’t say or do anything that will hurt your case.
Your injury attorney can guide you on what to tell the insurance adjuster. They can help you start your personal injury case when you’re ready.
Be sure to collect contact information for the driver, any other accident victims, and eyewitnesses, such as their driver’s license numbers and phone numbers, in case you or your attorney need to contact them later.
What to Know About Uber and Lyft Accident Claims
Rideshare accident claims fall under personal injury law and depends on each party’s negligence.
In Colorado, you are subject to the doctrine of contributory negligence. This means that the court will determine fault based on the actions of each party.
Colorado was one of the first states to legislate for rideshare drivers.
Companies like Uber and Lyft require driver vehicles to pass safety inspections and criminal history background checks.
Drivers also need a permit issued by the Public Utilities Commission, which must be renewed yearly. If any of these requirements were violated, this might be a reason for filing a claim.
Are rideshare drivers always responsible for accidents?
Liability is a complex consideration that depends on many factors. A Lyft or Uber driver may not always be liable for injured passengers.
For example, if the accident were caused by another driver hitting your rideshare vehicle, the rideshare driver probably would not be held liable if they were obeying all traffic laws at the time of the accident.
In addition, Lyft or Uber drivers may not be held liable if they are involved in an accident due to unsafe road conditions.
In these cases, the responsible party would be the driver in the other vehicle and the entity responsible for maintaining the roadways.
Because liability can be difficult to determine, it is best to work with a skilled Colorado rideshare accident attorney who knows who will be liable for your injuries.
Can Lyft or Uber Drivers in Colorado Be Disabled After an Accident?
Uber and Lyft suspend any drivers involved in an accident pending an investigation into the accident.
Deactivating a driver’s account means they can no longer drive and pick up passengers for Uber or Lyft during inactivity.
While inactivity is temporary, most drivers do not reactivate after an accident.
When Should You File a Lyft or Uber Accident Claim?
A rideshare accident claim may be the key to getting the financial assistance you need to cover accident-related expenses, such as medical bills or lost wages.
Whether you lost work because of your injuries or required full-time medical care, you can file a personal injury claim to request and receive compensation.
But there are bigger reasons to file rideshare accident claims in Colorado beyond your expenses.
Reckless drivers may not make as many mistakes if there are consequences for their actions. Filing a claim means you assign blame to the responsible party, which may limit the damage they can do in the future. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Unless you were at fault for the car accident, any reason could be considered a reason to file a claim. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
Any of the following factors can cause ridesharing accidents:
Whether an Uber driver or any other driver on the road, traveling too fast reduces the time for drivers to react to a dangerous situation.
Distraction: Uber and Lyft drivers need to use an app to work, which can lead to distracted driving and accidents on the road.
Drugs/Alcohol: A driver driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs can lead to a preventable collision.
Sudden pickup stops: Rideshare drivers can pick people up anywhere, and sudden stops can cause accidents to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
The causes and culpability of rideshare accidents can confuse drivers and passengers.
For example, what if a passenger was drunk and misbehaving at the time of the accident? Are they held accountable for their actions?
Colorado rideshare accident attorneys can help you determine fault so you can decide whether or not to file a claim. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
Damages Awarded for Rideshare Accident Cases in Colorado
The term ‘damage’ refers to the various ways the accident may have affected your life for which you or an injured loved one may be entitled to compensation.
Damages can be economical (meaning they have a set value, such as medical expenses) or non-economic, which is hard to calculate, such as emotional pain. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
You can file for multiple damages on a single rideshare accident claim, such as:
Medical bills: Both the rideshare company and the Uber or Lyft driver will have insurance to cover expenses related to bodily injury. This can include anything from surgery to a part-time home helper.
Pain and Suffering: This damage comes under the non-economic category and relates to the mental stress and suffering you experience after the accident.
Loss of Consortium: If you lose a spouse or partner in a rideshare accident, you can file for damages related to loss of support.
Lost wages: This figure can include your current and future earnings, depending on the extent of your injuries.
Wrongful Death: If your loved one dies due to a Lyft or Uber accident, you can file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
Estimating the amount of your rideshare accident settlement can be difficult, as lawyers usually have to consider several forms of insurance.
However, common personal injury law still applies because the court will consider all aspects of your injury and how it affected your life.
For example, suppose you were in school to become a doctor but suffered a brain injury during an accident. In that case, the courts will examine how the accident affected your career path and future financial situation.
It should be noted that rideshare companies typically have a maximum of $1 million in liability coverage per accident and $1 million for bodily injury per incident.
Colorado also limits the amount of non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering, loss of consortium, etc.) you can request.
A rideshare accident attorney helps you maximize your chances of compensation.
They will provide a free case assessment to assess your damages and ensure that you claim all possible damages. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
Colorado Rideshare Accident Law
Before 2022, Colorado rideshare laws did not extend to uninsured motorist coverage or apply to hit-and-run accidents.
That is, a rideshare passenger who was injured in a hit-and-run accident or who was injured but had no personal insurance would not be covered.
Due to the two persons in Colorado being injured and unable to receive compensation for such an incident, Colorado House Bill 22-1089 was enacted.
The bill now requires transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft to provide uninsured motorist coverage and ensure that both the rider and the driver are covered in the event of an accident at all times. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
Insurance Requirements for Lyft and Uber Drivers in Colorado
In most accidents, there is only the driver, passenger, and the respective insurance companies to consider.
In rideshare accidents, insurance coverage is provided by the company, which means a third party is involved.
However, the coverage is difficult to navigate. Here’s what to know about rideshare insurance coverage in Colorado. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
When does rideshare insurance coverage for accident victims apply?
Insurance policies for rideshare drivers and passengers in Colorado generally go into effect when:
- rideshare app on
- Rideshare driver on the way to pick up a passenger (‘Scheduled Ride’)
- rideshare driver picking up a passenger
How does rideshare insurance coverage work in America?
Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors for their respective TNCs – not employees.
This means that they and their passengers may be covered in the event of an accident, but the coverage may not be sufficient.
This is why most drivers opt to add rideshare insurance to their auto insurance.
The driver’s insurance policy (personal) shall not be intended for business purposes and thus shall not cover the rideshare driver in the event of an accident during ridesharing. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
Rideshare Insurance Policy Limitations
Colorado law requires transportation network companies to have minimum liability insurance coverage for all drivers and their passengers:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to a person
- $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage
In addition, TNCs in Colorado must now provide uninsured motorist coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $400,000 per incident. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
Rideshare Accident Rates in Colorado
Only the state of Colorado has some statistics on rideshare accident rates. However, there are a few facts worth noting:
- 11 percent of all rides in the state occur late at night, increasing the likelihood of disabled drivers being on the road.
- Ride-hailing is responsible for an 83 percent increase in miles traveled in the Denver metro area.
- For every 100 miles driven by an Uber or Lyft driver in the capital, 69 passengers go without.
- There were 691 deaths in traffic accidents in 2021 in Colorado.
- An impaired driver will be involved in one-third of all traffic deaths in Colorado in 2021.
Colorado Rideshare Accident Claim FAQs
For answers to commonly asked questions about Uber or Lyft accidents, browse the list below.
Am I covered if a Lyft or Uber driver has an accident?
Victims of an accident in a Lyft or Uber accident are covered, even if they do not have insurance coverage.
Thanks to the recent Colorado House Bill 22-1089, both insured and uninsured motorists are now involved in the event of rideshare accidents. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
What if my rideshare driver has an accident?
If your rideshare accident claim does not reach an out-of-court settlement amount, you can start a personal injury lawsuit against Uber or Lyft. A rideshare accident attorney can help you understand whether this is the right legal option. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
Uber or Lyft Worth the Accident Case?
The settlement amount awarded to you in a Lyft or Uber accident case depends on several factors.
These can include the extent of your injuries, whether you’ll recover fully, the cost of your medical bills, how long it took you to recover, and more. (Rideshare Accident Lawyer)
Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer to Start a Case?
You do not need to hire a Denver rideshare accident attorney to begin your case in Colorado, yet working with one can bring many advantages to your case.
An attorney can communicate with insurance companies and rideshare companies representatives, represent you in court, explain complex legal terms, and guide you through all the legal decisions throughout your case.
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