Denver Rideshare Accident Attorney

There's no question that rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Denver. The rideshare industry has exploded in popularity over the past several years, perhaps because of the convenience, safety, and reliability of apps like Uber and Lyft. At the swipe of a finger, you can hail a car through your smartphone, and within minutes, you're picked up and whisked off to your destination.

What happens, however, if you're riding in an Uber or Lyft car and it's involved in an accident that leaves you injured? Who will be held accountable? Those injured in a rideshare accident in the Denver area should reach out to Mintz Law Firm's experienced Denver Uber and Lyft accident lawyers. We will assist you in filing a legal claim and getting the compensation you deserve.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF RIDESHARE ACCIDENTS IN DENVER?

While being driven somewhere can feel like a luxurious experience, not being in control of the vehicle you're in can cause anxiety. Driving is already difficult when you're the one behind the wheel, but as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you're putting a lot of trust into the drivers they allow on their platform. Traffic laws are broken far more frequently than anyone would think, and your accident could be caused by the irresponsible driving practices of either your driver or any other driver on the road.

Common causes of rideshare accidents include the following:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Inexperience
• Driver fatigue
• Ignoring traffic signs

Rideshare drivers are often driving in unfamiliar areas and are distracted by their work app while driving, which puts them at a higher risk of being in an accident.

WHO IS LIABLE FOR A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT IN COLORADO?

If you were injured as a rideshare passenger or hit by a rideshare driver, your case might involve several potentially liable parties. In addition, these parties will each have their own insurance company fighting to pay as little as possible for your damages. Matters become even more complicated when you consider that most ridesharing companies don't employ their drivers. Instead, they're considered independent contractors, which means you might not be able to sue Uber or Lyft for a car accident involving one of their drivers. However, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries.

In general, liability in an Uber or Lyft accident will fall upon whoever is responsible for the accident. This could be the rideshare driver, another driver, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or any number of other parties involved. While that might seem relatively straightforward, the insurance rules for compensation in cases like these can be confusing. Passengers in rideshare vehicles can rest assured knowing that they will not incur liability for the accident unless they somehow interfered with the driver or vehicle in some way.

As a passenger, the rideshare company’s third-party liability coverage would likely apply to your accident. However, dealing with insurance companies is rarely easy, and in most cases, insurance companies prefer to look for any reason to deny a claim or reduce a payout. When you hire an experienced Denver rideshare accident lawyer to defend you, your odds of winning an insurance claim increase.

WHAT DAMAGES CAN UBER ACCIDENT VICTIMS RECOVER IN COLORADO?

If you have been in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, like an Uber or Lyft, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses. When you take legal action to hold the liable party accountable for damages, you may be able to receive recovery for the following losses:

• Attorney or legal fees
• Medical fees
• Property damage
• Loss of wages
• Changes in wage-earning potential
• Wrongful death
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement

Depending on the circumstances, other losses may also qualify for compensation. An Uber/Lyft accident lawyer from Mintz Law Firm in Denver, CO can estimate the value of your case and increase your potential maximum compensation.

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER AN UBER OR LYFT ACCIDENT IN DENVER

Generally, you should approach rideshare accidents as if they involved your vehicle and you were the driver. Even though you are a passenger, you should take similar action to protect yourself physically and financially in addition to taking your rideshare service into account. After an Uber or Lyft accident, make sure you take the following steps:

Call Emergency Services

First and foremost, seek medical attention for anyone who's been injured, including yourself. Even if you feel fine, you should request medical attention immediately, as symptoms of many injuries don't appear right away. You should also make sure to request a police officer to the scene to report the accident and have the roads cleared, if necessary.

Take a Screenshot of the Rideshare App on Your Phone

It can support your claim for compensation by proving that you were in a ridesharing vehicle at the time of the accident.

Gather Information from Everyone Involved

Get the names, license plates, phone numbers, and insurance information from all parties involved, including other passengers, witnesses, and drivers of both vehicles.

Obtain Your Driver’s Insurance Information

Acquire the insurance information of the Uber or Lyft driver, as you will need this information for your claim. You shouldn't assume that the rideshare company will handle everything.

Document the Scene

If you can, use your phone to take pictures of the scene, including damage to your vehicle or injuries you sustained. You may also benefit from writing down what happened leading up to and during the accident so that you’re less likely to forget important details.

Perhaps most importantly, you must get in touch with an expert Denver rideshare accident attorney who will best be able to help you understand Colorado’s often confusing rideshare accident laws and execute a strategy that will most effectively help you navigate the claims process.

Understanding Insurance Coverage in an Uber or Lyft Accident

Ridesharing companies typically provide primary insurance coverage for drivers and passengers during a trip. This coverage includes liability coverage, which protects against injuries or property damage caused by the rideshare driver.

However, insurance coverage will vary depending on the driver's status during the trip. There are three periods to consider:

• Period 1: Driver Offline - Personal Insurance Applies
  • When the driver is offline or not actively engaged in a ride, their personal insurance is the primary coverage.
• Period 2: Driver Available - Contingent Liability Coverage
  • When the driver is available for rides but hasn't accepted a request, the rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage, supplementing the driver's personal insurance.
• Period 3: Trip Accepted - Full Coverage
  • Once a driver accepts a trip and is en route to pick up or has passengers in the car, the rideshare company's full coverage, including liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, is in effect.

If another driver is at fault in the accident, their insurance should cover your damages. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft provide additional coverage to protect you. Mintz Law Firm is experienced in navigating the claims process, confirming you receive the compensation you deserve.

HOW CAN A RIDESHARE ACCIDENT LAWYER ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR UBER OR LYFT ACCIDENT CLAIM?

Whenever you find yourself involved in legal matters, we strongly recommend you work with a qualified and experienced Denver Uber/Lyft accident lawyer. Your attorney can support you in several ways throughout the legal journey, reducing the stress you are forced to experience during the process. A Denver rideshare accident lawyer can also help you with the following tasks:

• Providing legal knowledge and resources
• Negotiating skillfully with court personnel and other parties
• Communicating on your behalf
• Fielding questions from insurance companies
• Identifying liable parties
• Increasing the value of your claims
• Determining the worth of your losses
• Completing and filing paperwork
• Managing your legal schedule
• Referring you to medical practitioners and specialists
• Collecting evidence
• Joining or leading investigations

Please refrain from representing yourself during legal matters, as this introduces serious risks of loss of compensation. You may also increase stress, impact your healing timeline, lose your case completely, or face other negative consequences. You can avoid these risks by working with a dedicated and supportive attorney.

CONTACT THE EXPERT DENVER UBER AND LYFT RIDESHARE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS AT MINTZ LAW FIRM

Rideshare services are relatively new compared to other forms of transportation, so most people are uncertain about how to deal with rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft accidents can be more complex than regular car accidents, which is why you will need an experienced Denver rideshare accident lawyer to step in and make everything more manageable.

At Mintz Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges of Uber & Lyft accident cases and have extensive experience handling rideshare accident claims. Our goal is to ease the burden by helping you seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost income. You'll always have direct communication with your attorney, not a case manager. Call us at (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form.