Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies have become some of the most popular modes of transportation in recent years. As rideshare giants like Uber and Lyft have become household names, more and more rideshare drivers are occupying the roads.
While convenient for passengers, the increase in rideshare drivers poses a risk for everyone on the roadways. If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you will need to know who you file a claim against to recover compensation.
Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers are more complex and complicated than typical car accidents. It’s important to know that you, as the passenger, cannot be held liable for the crash. However, you are entitled to compensation for the losses you may have suffered. Hiring an experienced Denver rideshare accident attorney who can advocate for your rights throughout the process will make your claims processes easier.
If you were involved in an accident while in a rideshare vehicle, our Denver rideshare accident attorneys can help you. We will ensure that we handle your claim appropriately to get you justice.
How Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Cause Accidents?
Uber and Lyft drivers may spend more time on the roads than typical commuters. They may also need to check their phones frequently to navigate various locations. And since they are making money while driving, they may rush to get to their next customer or drop off a passenger.
Despite being convenient and accessible, rideshare accidents happen. Since rideshare drivers need to use their phones to deliver services, they are inherently more vulnerable and likely to be involved in car accidents. The nature of rideshare drivers’ jobs creates the danger of cell phone use while driving or distracted driving. Victims who have suffered injuries may be left with trauma and damages to repair afterward.
According to research done by the US Department of Transportation, distracted driving can be as dangerous as, if not more than, drunk driving. Drivers who are multi-tasking while operating a vehicle or delivering ride services pose a danger to themselves, their passengers, and other drivers. If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligent driving of a rideshare driver, you should not wait to seek legal counsel from Denver ridesharing car accident attorneys.
It’s crucial to take prompt legal action after a rideshare accident, especially if someone is injured. Whether or not the accident was your rideshare driver’s fault or not, you will want to consult with a qualified Denver rideshare attorney to discuss your case as soon as possible.
Who Is Liable in the Event of a Rideshare Crash?
Since Colorado is an at-fault state, the party responsible for causing the accident will cover damages. Or their insurance company will be responsible for paying everyone’s damages. So, if a Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash, the driver and the company could be liable for the accident. Who is held accountable will depend on how and when the accident occurred.
You, as the passenger, will have several different options after the rideshare accident. For example, you were in a rideshare, and another driver struck your Uber or Lyft. The driver who hit your Uber or Lyft vehicle would be responsible for paying compensation. If, however, your driver caused the accident, you can file a claim under their liability policy. Sometimes rideshare passengers are even covered under UM/UIM policies.
Can the Injured Party Be Partially Liable for the Accident?
Colorado is an at-fault state, but it also has comparative negligence laws. So, either party in the accident can be considered liable if they had some fault.
Comparative negligence means that a jury or judge can assign a percentage of fault to each party. Therefore, if you are partially at fault, a judge or jury will reduce your compensation by your fault percentage.
To illustrate, as the victim, you won $100,000 but were assigned 10% of the fault for the accident. Then your damages award would be reduced by 10%, leaving you with $90,000.
Do Rideshare Drivers Carry Liability Insurance?
Both rideshare drivers and their affiliated companies are required by Colorado law to carry liability insurance. Uber and Lyft drivers are required to have the following minimum liability insurance coverage amounts:
- $25,000 physical injuries or fatality of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injuries or fatality of one person
- $15,000 for property damage
The rideshare companies are also required to have commercial liability insurance if their drivers are at fault for the accident. Coverage amounts will vary depending on how the accident occurred and what the driver was doing when the accident happened.
If a rideshare driver is off duty, only their personal insurance coverage will apply to any damages. If, however, the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a customer fare, company liability insurance will cover up to:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
If the driver is transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger while the accident occurs, then the company’s liability insurance will apply. Large rideshare companies usually have $1,000,000 limits per accident.
Why You Need a Denver Ridesharing Car Accident Attorney
Were you involved in an accident caused by a rideshare driver’s negligent driving? If so, Denver ridesharing car accident attorneys can provide you with the proper legal representation to get you the maximum cash settlement you deserve.
Our experienced and accomplished team of attorneys will never accept a settlement offer that does not adequately cover the intensive costs you may have incurred from a rideshare accident.
Contact a Rideshare Car Accident Attorney in Denver, CO
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If a rideshare accident has left you or a loved one injured, contact our Denver rideshare attorneys as soon as possible.
With a combination of a proven track record, impressive financial resources, esteemed legal reputation, and a compassionate approach, we believe there is no better Denver rideshare car accident attorney team than us.
