Denver Uber Accident Lawyer: Expert Help for Rideshare Accident Victims

Understanding Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular in America and are an alternative to taxis. However, there is a downside to using these services.

Lyft and Uber accidents are more complicated than the average car or taxi accidents. Rideshare companies like these attempt to avoid damage or personal injury liability from their drivers by using them as independent contractors.

If you suffered injuries in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we have experienced Denver rideshare accident lawyers available ready to help you with your case.

Our personal injury attorneys can help you with every aspect of your journey through the Uber or Lyft accident claim process and get you the best outcome. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so we do not collect any legal fees until we win your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be a great alternative to costly cab companies, but they don’t come without risk. When someone gets into an accident with a Lyft or Uber driver, filing a claim and receiving compensation can be confusing. Victims of these accidents may be unclear who is liable for their damages: the driver or the rideshare company? 

When these rideshare businesses first launched, they required drivers to have their own auto insurance to cover damages they incur should they cause an accident.

However, there has been a recent shift in laws across the US. Many states, like Colorado, made it mandatory for rideshare companies to assume more responsibility for handling accidents involving their drivers when transporting individuals for fares. Now, depending on the drivers' service phase, the rideshare company's insurance policy covers drivers, passengers, and third parties.

When a rideshare driver has the app turned on and set to “Ready," they are expecting a ride request under the rideshare company's provisions.

Therefore, should an accident occur during this time that the driver caused, it would fall under the rideshare’s third-party insurance coverage. However, if a driver has an accident while the Uber app is offline, then only the driver's personal insurance policy applies. 

Uber and Lyft’s insurance policy covers up to:

• $25,000 per accident in property damage
• Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• Up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury

Should a collision occur when a driver is transporting passengers or on their way to pick up passengers, Uber and Lyft’s third-party insurance coverage provides $1,000,000 of liability coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and contingent collision coverage. However, the driver must pay a $2,500 deductible before this coverage begins.

Liability in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Determining who is liable in an Uber or Lyft accident can be complicated, and pinpointing exactly who the responsible party is may not be obvious. Potentially liable parties include:

• The rideshare company
• The rideshare driver
• The driver of another vehicle involved in the accident

The blame rarely falls on the rideshare passenger unless they interfere somehow with the driver of the vehicle and cause the accident. 

If a rideshare driver crashes into another vehicle, it would be like any other crash where the liability falls on whoever is at fault. However, proving who was at fault in an accident requires establishing who was negligent or failed to use reasonable actions in a situation.

This may include speeding, failing to yield the right of way, not stopping for a red light, texting, or driving under the influence. In a personal injury case, the victim's Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Denver must prove that the driver is responsible for the claimed damages.

Alpha Accident Lawyers can help get you the best outcome possible in your Denver rideshare accident claim. 

Common Causes of Colorado Rideshare Accidents

Unlike taxi drivers, rideshare drivers are not required to have received special training or testing. Many times, Uber and Lyft drivers are using the app as a side gig, so it’s easy to see how they are just like any other driver on the road. Similar to other drivers, rideshare drivers can get into accidents due to distraction, speeding, or tiredness. Below are some of the top causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Colorado: 

• Fatigue
• Distraction
• Speeding
• Inexperience
• Failure to obey traffic signals and signs
• Unsafe pickup locations
• Drunk driving
• Poor vehicle maintenance

Getting into a car accident is stressful. When you factor in a rideshare company, a standard car accident claim can become even more complicated. Hiring an experienced Uber and Lyft accident attorney is your best bet for fair compensation. 

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident

You’re likely to experience shock after an accident occurs. In a state of shock, you may not realize the moments following a crash are the most critical. Here are some important steps to take:

1. Call 911. Call the police and wait for them to arrive. Ask for a copy of the accident report, which will contain important details of the accident.
2. Seek medical treatment. Whether or not an ambulance arrives at the accident scene, visit an emergency room or urgent care to get checked out by a physician. 
3. Gather important information. Get the contact information and insurance details of the Uber or Lyft driver or other driver involved. If you can, take photos of the rideshare vehicle damage or damage to your vehicle and your injuries. 
4. Report the incident. Notify the rideshare company and your insurance company of the accident. Be careful not to apologize or discuss who is at fault, as this can hurt your claim later on.
5. Contact a Denver rideshare accident attorney. An Uber and Lyft accident attorney can help you file a claim and negotiate with the driver’s insurance company or the ridesharing company.

Your Rights as a Rideshare Accident Victim

As a rideshare passenger, you are entitled to financial compensation for any losses, such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage, if you are hurt in an accident. 

Damages You Can Recover

If you suffer injuries as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, you are covered under their third-party liability insurance coverage. However, if the insurance company denies the claim, you will need to take some safety measures. 

One major step in this process is seeking an experienced rideshare accident attorney in Denver, CO, to protect your legal rights. Like any other personal injury claim, your rideshare accident claim can recover several damage types.

Medical Expenses

The cost of medical bills, both short and long-term, from rehabilitative care to your hospital bills, whether or not your injuries were serious.

Loss of Income

If you cannot work because of your injuries, your personal injury claim can include your lost income as damages.

Property Damage

If you had lost, damaged, or destroyed personal property during an accident as a passenger, you can include it in your claim. If a rideshare driver hit you, your insurance claim can include the cost to repair your vehicle.

Pain and Suffering

You can be compensated for pain, suffering, and emotional distress incurred due to the accident. 

Colorado Statute of Limitations

It's important to note that under Colorado law, Lyft and Uber accident victims have three years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury claim. This is why it is crucial to seek legal counsel who can protect your rights as soon as possible.

Colorado Rideshare Laws and Regulations

Colorado became the first state to implement laws specifically regulating rideshare services, known as an "on-demand transportation network company" (TNC). 

Key regulations include: 

1. Insurance Requirements: Rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, must provide $1 million in liability coverage per incident for accidents involving passengers, ensuring protection for both riders and drivers during trips.
2. Inspection: All rideshare vehicles must be inspected before being approved and must undergo inspection at least once every year. 
3. Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Drivers must be covered by uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance whenever they are engaged in a prearranged ride, further safeguarding passengers in case of an uninsured incident.
4. Criminal history: Rideshare companies are required to review all drivers' driving and criminal histories. They must disqualify drivers with specific felony convictions or serious traffic violations. Additionally, drivers under 21 are not allowed to operate rideshare vehicles. 
5. Transparency: Colorado is the first state to require rideshare platforms to report platform fees, driver wages, and other details to increase transparency about how fares are distributed between companies and drivers. 

Rideshare Accident Statistics

Less than 1% of Uber trips result in accidents or other incidents, making rideshare services an extremely safe option. However, that doesn’t mean accidents don’t occur. 

Uber's safety report for 2019 and 2020 reported 20 total fatalities, yet Uber has not issued a safety report since 2020. Similarly, Lyft has not issued a safety report since 2021 and did not report any accident-related injuries or fatalities. 

In a study conducted by the Journal of Safety Research, one-third of rideshare drivers reported being involved in a crash while on the job. Distracted driving, drowsy driving, and driving on unfamiliar roads were all cited as common causes of rideshare accidents. 

What to Expect from a Denver Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a Denver ridesharing accident is stressful enough. Adding to the uncertainty and financial burden, the process of filing a rideshare accident claim becomes unsurmountable. 

When you hire a Denver rideshare accident lawyer,  they will handle all aspects of your case, including negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Lastly, you can feel confident that your lawyer is diligently working on your case, as they typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means that your lawyer does not get paid until you do. If your case does not result in a settlement, you owe nothing. 

How to Choose the Right Denver Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Selecting the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Consider the following: 

• Experience: Look for a lawyer with experience handling rideshare accident cases.  
• Proven track record: Ensure the lawyer has a history of successfully securing compensation for their clients. A strong record of settlements and trial victories shows they can effectively represent you.
• Dedication: Choose an Uber accident attorney who will fully commit to your case, providing personalized attention and working tirelessly to secure the best outcome. 
• Communication: Your lawyer should keep you informed throughout the process, answering your questions and explaining legal matters in a way you can understand.

Schedule a Free Consultation

One of the major benefits of working with Uber and Lyft accident lawyers is that they offer free consultations. During a free consultation, the lawyer will review the details of your case, assess your potential for maximum compensation, and provide guidance on the best legal steps to take, all without any financial obligation. 

If you are satisfied with the lawyer and what they can offer, you can agree to sign with the lawyer during the consultation. If you would like to talk to other lawyers before deciding, you are free to do so. 

Get the Compensation You Deserve 

Car accidents happen suddenly and without warning. Serious accidents can result in injuries with long-lasting implications. The at-fault driver and their insurance company should be held accountable to pay for any damages and suffering sustained in the crash. 

If you or a loved one was injured in a Colorado Uber or Lyft accident, our experienced attorneys can help you get compensation and hold the right party liable. We never ask for fees unless we recover a settlement.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we are experienced in personal injury law. We will fight to ensure you get the settlement due to you to cover your damages, suffering, lost income, and more, not only now but in the future. 

Our Denver Uber and Lyft accident attorneys are proud to serve Denver and the surrounding communities of Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Commerce City, Englewood, Fort Collins, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Morrison, Thornton, and Westminster. 

Alpha Accident Lawyers
Located at: 1630 Welton St Suite 917, Denver, CO 80202
Call us: (720) 799-9986