In Denver, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient and affordable options for getting around the city. However, with the rise of these services comes an increase in rideshare-related accidents, with unique legal challenges for those involved. These cases typically involve multiple parties and complex insurance policies, so it’s essential to secure experienced legal representation.
At Boesen Law, our car accident lawyers in Denver work to recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages. With over a decade of experience in personal injury law, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
Why Hire a Denver Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney at Boesen Law?
At Boesen Law, we understand all that Uber and Lyft accident cases involve, from dealing with multiple insurance companies to navigating rideshare companies’ liability policies. To overcome these challenges, we offer:
- Extensive experience in handling complex rideshare accident cases: Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in Uber and Lyft accident claims and over a decade of experience, ensuring your case is in capable hands.
- Access to resources and experts for thorough case evaluation: We investigate your case, collaborate with industry experts to prove liability, and build a compelling argument backed by solid evidence.
- Personalized attention to build a strong case and maximize compensation: We use a personalized approach to create a tailored legal strategy and ensure we address all aspects of your case.
- No upfront fees – pay only if we win your case: Our contingency fee structure means you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details, as you’ll only need to pay if we secure rightful compensation.
Our team of skilled attorneys has the knowledge and experience to handle the unique challenges rideshare accidents present, providing personalized legal support tailored to your needs.
What Are the Lawsuits Against Uber and Lyft About?
Uber and Lyft have faced lawsuits in several states, including California, over their classification of drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. These lawsuits argue that the companies have denied drivers essential benefits such as minimum wage, overtime pay, reimbursement for work-related expenses, and other protections typically granted to employees. By labeling drivers as independent contractors, the lawsuits claim, Uber and Lyft have avoided providing these critical worker rights, sparking widespread legal and political debates about fair labor practices in the gig economy.
Understanding Liability in Uber & Lyft Accidents
It’s essential to prove fault to pursue a successful claim for an accident that occurred while using the services of a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft. Commonly, liability will fall on one or more of these parties:
- Rideshare drivers: Negligence or reckless behavior by the driver, such as distracted driving or speeding, can lead to liability.
- Other motorists: When accidents involve other vehicles such as trucks or motorbikes, the drivers of those vehicles will also be potentially liable for the damages.
- Uber or Lyft companies: Rideshare companies share liability if their policies or practices contribute to the accident.
- Vehicle manufacturers or maintenance companies: They are liable when defective vehicle parts or inadequate maintenance leads to accidents.
Your attorney will evaluate the specific circumstances surrounding your case to determine which parties were actually at fault for your injuries or property damage.
Navigating Insurance Coverage
Personal auto insurance typically covers you when using your vehicle for personal purposes, such as commuting to work or running errands. However, standard personal insurance policies generally don’t cover commercial activities (such as driving for Uber or Lyft).
If there is an accident while you are driving for a rideshare service, your personal insurance might deny the claim because using the vehicle for commercial purposes violates the policy terms.
However, in Colorado, rideshare companies are required by C.R.S. § 40-10.1-604 to provide coverage of at least $1 million per accident, which covers you in the event of an accident.
Who Qualifies for an Uber Settlement?
The Uber settlement applies to drivers who worked for the company between 2016 and December 15, 2020, during the timeframe addressed by the lawsuits. If you were an Uber or Lyft driver during this period, you may be eligible for compensation without needing to file an individual claim. This settlement is designed to cover all drivers who were active during this period, making the process simpler for those who qualify.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
With over 10,000+ crashes in Denver each year, rideshare accidents can occur for various reasons, including:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue or drowsy driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Drunk driving
To determine liability and thus the party responsible for compensating you, our lawyers embark on thorough case investigations. We gather evidence, prove fault, and build a compelling case with solid arguments to protect your right to compensation.
What Should You Do If Your Lyft Driver Is in an Accident?
If you’re involved in an accident while riding with a Lyft driver, it’s important to take the following steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights:
- Call 911 for Emergencies: If there are injuries or significant damage, contact emergency services immediately to report the accident and request medical or police assistance.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, including the vehicles involved, any visible damage, and your surroundings. Note down important details, such as the driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance information.
- File an Accident Report with Lyft: Visit Lyft’s platform and complete their accident report form, which typically takes 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for starting a claim for injury or property damage.
- Contact Lyft’s Claims Customer Care Team: If you need further assistance, reach out to Lyft’s claims department. They can provide guidance on the next steps for submitting and processing your claim.
Taking these steps ensures that your safety and rights are prioritized while addressing the incident responsibly.
Types of Injuries in Uber & Lyft Accidents
Unfortunately, car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic, severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in our clients’ cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Emotional and psychological trauma
With decades of experience helping the injured, we understand that each accident uniquely impacts the victim and their family. Our commitment is to consider the full extent of damage and your medical needs to claim fair compensation.
Potential Compensation for Rideshare Accident Victims
There are various types of damages in a personal injury lawsuit, which aim to cover the victim’s losses and support their recovery. They include:
- Medical expenses (current and future): Compensation for all medical costs related to your injuries.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: Reimbursement for income lost due to your inability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
- Property damage: Coverage for repairs or replacement of damaged property.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident.
Who Insures Lyft in Colorado?
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for drivers when they are using the app. This coverage varies depending on the stage of the ride:
- App on, waiting for a ride: During this time, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, typically $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Ride accepted, en route to pick up: When a driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance provides a $1 million liability coverage.
- Passenger in Vehicle: Full coverage is in effect once a passenger is in the vehicle until they are dropped off, also with a $1 million liability coverage.
How Much Is the Settlement for Uber and Lyft Accidents?
Several factors influence settlement amounts for Uber and Lyft accidents, including:
- Severity of injuries and medical costs: More severe injuries usually lead to higher settlements, as they require extensive medical treatment and may result in long-term or permanent disabilities.
- Impact on quality of life and ability to work: If the accident affects your ability to enjoy life, perform daily activities, or work, either temporarily or permanently, this will significantly impact the settlement value.
- Liability and insurance coverage: The degree of fault and the insurance policies in place will influence the settlement amount.
To get a sense of potential outcomes, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer at Boesen Law. During this meeting, we’ll discuss our case results to see examples of how similar cases have been resolved and the compensation achieved. This way, you’ll get an estimate of your case’s potential value.
Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accident Claims
There are several time limits on personal injury cases you need to be aware of. After an Uber or Lyft accident in Colorado, you generally have three years from the incident’s date to file a personal injury claim, as outlined in C.R.S. § 13-80-101. However, if your claim involves a wrongful death resulting from the accident, the statute of limitations is two years.
Failing to build a case and file a claim within this timeframe will result in losing your right to recover compensation for the accident. So, make sure you act promptly and consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to be aware of the legal deadlines applicable to your case.
Get in Touch with a Denver Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
At Boesen Law, our team of experienced attorneys is ready to help you with every stage of your claim. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, our goal is to stand by you, protect your rights, and fiercely advocate for your best interests.
Our structured approach allowed us to recover hundreds of millions in settlements for injured individuals across Colorado, and we can do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery and justice.
Our Law Office
5675 DTC Blvd., Suite 250, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Phone: 303-999-9999
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
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