Colorado Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Colorado. Whether you’re catching a ride from Denver International Airport, heading to a concert in downtown Denver, getting to the ski resorts from Steamboat Springs, or simply getting home safely after a night out, rideshare apps provide convenient, on-demand transportation. However, when accidents involving rideshare vehicles occur, victims quickly discover that these cases are far more complicated than traditional car accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Colorado—whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or even a bicyclist—you face unique legal challenges. Determining which insurance policy applies, navigating multiple insurance companies, and understanding rideshare company policies requires experienced legal counsel who understands this evolving area of law.
At Eddington Law, our Colorado rideshare accident attorneys have been fighting for injured Coloradans for over 35 years. We’ve adapted our expertise to handle the complex insurance issues that rideshare accidents present, and we know how to hold Uber, Lyft, and negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Colorado
Rideshare accidents differ from typical car accidents because of the complex relationship between rideshare companies, drivers, and multiple insurance policies. Understanding how these policies work is essential to recovering fair compensation.
How Rideshare Insurance Works in Colorado
Rideshare drivers in Colorado must maintain personal auto insurance, but rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft also provide liability coverage. Which policy applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.
Period 0 – App Off (Driver’s Personal Insurance): When the rideshare app is turned off and the driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Most personal auto policies exclude coverage for commercial activity, so if a driver was logged into the app recently but claims they weren’t, there may be coverage disputes.
Period 1 – App On, Waiting for Request (Limited Rideshare Coverage): When the driver has the app on and is waiting for a ride request but hasn’t accepted one yet, rideshare companies provide limited liability coverage. Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage during this period. This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim.
Period 2 – Ride Accepted, En Route to Pickup (Full Rideshare Coverage): Once a driver accepts a ride request and is driving to pick up the passenger, full rideshare company insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage during this period, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
Period 3 – Passenger in Vehicle (Full Rideshare Coverage): From the moment the passenger enters the vehicle until they exit and the trip is ended in the app, full rideshare company insurance applies—$1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare drivers face unique challenges that can lead to accidents:
Driver Distraction: Rideshare drivers must constantly interact with their phones to accept rides, follow GPS directions, and communicate with passengers. This technology creates dangerous distractions at the wheel.
Driver Fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours, sometimes driving for multiple rideshare companies simultaneously or working rideshare driving as a second job after a full day of other work.
Unfamiliarity with Areas: Rideshare drivers may accept rides in areas they don’t know well, relying heavily on GPS and paying less attention to road conditions and traffic.
Pressure to Accept Rides Quickly: Drivers feel pressure to accept ride requests quickly and pick up passengers fast to maintain their ratings and maximize earnings.
Inadequate Driver Screening: While rideshare companies conduct background checks, these checks may not catch all dangerous drivers, and some drivers slip through with poor driving records.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Rideshare companies generally don’t inspect vehicles regularly. Some drivers use poorly maintained vehicles that may have mechanical problems.
Passenger Distractions: Passengers may distract drivers with conversation, requests to change destinations, or disruptive behavior.
Inexperienced Drivers: Some rideshare drivers have limited driving experience in Colorado’s challenging weather conditions, mountain roads, or urban traffic.
Types of Rideshare Accidents We Handle
Our Colorado rideshare accident attorneys represent victims in all types of rideshare-related accidents.
Passenger Injuries
If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you have the right to compensation regardless of who caused the accident. Whether your driver was at fault, another vehicle caused the collision, or the accident resulted from road conditions, you can pursue a claim for your injuries.
Passengers often sustain serious injuries in rideshare accidents because:
- Rideshare passengers frequently don’t wear seatbelts during short trips
- Passengers in the backseat lack the protection of airbags
- Drivers may not drive as cautiously as they would with family members in the vehicle
- Distraction from phone apps increases accident severity
Accidents Caused by Rideshare Drivers
If an Uber or Lyft driver caused an accident that injured you while you were in another vehicle, walking, or bicycling, you can file a claim against the rideshare driver and potentially against the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
These cases require determining which insurance coverage period the driver was in at the time of the accident, as this affects available coverage limits.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions Involving Rideshares
Rideshare vehicles are often involved in multi-vehicle accidents on Colorado’s busy highways and urban streets. These complex accidents may involve multiple insurance companies and require thorough investigation to determine fault and maximize recovery from all available sources.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Colorado’s cities encourage walking and cycling, but this puts pedestrians and cyclists at risk when they encounter distracted or negligent rideshare drivers. Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by rideshare vehicles often suffer catastrophic injuries.
Accidents Involving Rideshare Drivers as Victims
Rideshare drivers injured by other motorists also have rights to compensation. However, they face unique challenges because their status as commercial drivers may affect their personal insurance coverage. We help rideshare drivers navigate these complex coverage issues.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims
When an at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover your injuries from a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover compensation through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provided by Uber or Lyft during certain coverage periods.
Unique Challenges in Rideshare Accident Cases
Rideshare accident cases present challenges that don’t exist in typical car accident claims.
Determining Which Insurance Applies
The most significant challenge in rideshare cases is determining which insurance policy provides coverage. This depends on:
- Whether the driver had the app on at the time of the accident
- Whether the driver had accepted a ride request
- Whether a passenger was in the vehicle
- Whether the driver’s personal insurance covers commercial activity
- Whether the driver was truthful about their app status
Insurance companies often dispute which coverage period applied, with each insurer trying to shift responsibility to another policy.
Dealing with Multiple Insurance Companies
A single rideshare accident may involve:
- The rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance
- Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy
- Your own auto insurance (if you were in another vehicle)
- The insurance of other drivers involved in the accident
- Your health insurance
Coordinating claims with multiple insurers, each trying to minimize their payout, requires experienced legal representation.
Rideshare Company Policies and Procedures
Uber and Lyft have specific procedures for handling accident claims. These companies often try to distance themselves from liability by claiming drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. Navigating their claims processes and understanding their insurance policies requires specific expertise.
Evidence Preservation
Critical evidence in rideshare cases can disappear quickly:
- The rideshare app data showing the driver’s status
- GPS and trip information
- Internal communications between drivers and companies
- Driver qualification and background check information
- Vehicle inspection records
- Driver history and ratings
We act quickly to preserve this evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
Disputes Over App Status
Drivers sometimes claim they didn’t have the app on during an accident to avoid insurance complications, even when they actually did. Proving the driver’s true app status may require obtaining electronic records from the rideshare company through legal process.
Colorado Laws Affecting Rideshare Accidents
Several Colorado laws and regulations impact rideshare accident cases.
Colorado Transportation Network Company Insurance Requirements
Colorado law requires transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft to maintain specific insurance coverage:
- Minimum liability coverage during all periods when drivers are logged into the app
- $1 million in liability coverage when drivers are transporting passengers or en route to pick them up
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage during active rides
Driver Qualification Requirements
Colorado requires rideshare companies to conduct background checks on drivers, verify that drivers have valid Colorado licenses, ensure drivers maintain proper vehicle registration and insurance, and verify that vehicles pass safety inspections.
When rideshare companies fail to properly screen drivers or allow unqualified drivers to operate, they may face liability for negligent hiring or supervision.
Comparative Negligence
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
This rule can affect rideshare passengers who may share some fault (for example, by distracting the driver), but passengers rarely bear significant fault for accidents.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can cause serious injuries, especially to passengers who may not be wearing seatbelts.
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are common in rideshare accidents, particularly for backseat passengers who may strike their heads on front seats or windows. These injuries range from concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care.
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries
The force of a collision can cause whiplash, herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and in the most severe cases, paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and may result in permanent disability.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The impact from rideshare accidents can cause fractures to arms, legs, ribs, hips, and other bones. Some fractures require surgery with plates, screws, or rods, followed by lengthy recovery and rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, muscle tears, and ligament damage are common in rideshare accidents. While these may seem minor initially, soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and require extended physical therapy.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries can be life-threatening if not quickly diagnosed and treated.
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, rideshare accident victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety about riding in vehicles, depression, and other psychological injuries that require professional treatment.
Compensation in Rideshare Accident Cases
Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation for their losses.
Economic Damages
Tangible financial losses include:
Medical Expenses: Emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation, medical equipment and devices, future medical care, and travel expenses for medical appointments.
Lost Income: Wages lost while recovering, reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job, lost business opportunities for self-employed victims, and loss of benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions.
Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement value, damage to personal belongings, and rental car expenses during repairs.
Non-Economic Damages
Intangible but very real losses include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Diminished quality of life
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly egregious conduct—such as a rideshare driver operating while intoxicated or the rideshare company knowingly allowing a dangerous driver to operate—Colorado law allows punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
How Eddington Law Handles Rideshare Accident Cases
Our comprehensive approach to rideshare accident cases addresses all the unique challenges these claims present.
Immediate Investigation
Time is critical in rideshare cases. We immediately begin investigating to:
- Determine the driver’s app status at the time of the accident
- Identify all potentially applicable insurance policies
- Gather accident scene evidence before it’s lost
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Obtain police reports and accident documentation
- Preserve electronic evidence from the rideshare app
Dealing with Rideshare Companies
We know how to navigate Uber and Lyft’s claims processes and have experience dealing with their insurance companies. We send preservation letters to ensure critical evidence isn’t destroyed, file claims with the appropriate insurance companies, negotiate with rideshare company representatives, and when necessary, litigate against rideshare companies and their insurers.
Maximizing Available Coverage
We identify all potential sources of compensation:
- Rideshare company insurance policies
- The driver’s personal auto insurance (when applicable)
- Your own insurance policies (UM/UIM, medical payments, etc.)
- Other drivers’ insurance if multiple vehicles were involved
- Your health insurance to cover immediate medical expenses
Building a Strong Case
We build compelling cases by:
- Obtaining your complete medical records and bills
- Working with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries
- Calculating all economic losses including future expenses
- Documenting the impact injuries have had on your life and family
- Gathering evidence of the driver’s negligence
- Identifying any violations of Colorado law or rideshare company policies
Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
Insurance companies know we’re prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. This reputation often leads to better settlement offers. When settlement negotiations fail, we file lawsuits and aggressively pursue your case through trial.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Colorado
The steps you take immediately after a rideshare accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Care
Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, get evaluated by medical professionals. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and having prompt medical documentation is important for your claim.
Call the Police
Always report rideshare accidents to the police, even seemingly minor ones. A police report provides independent documentation of the accident and may include the officer’s determination of fault.
Document Everything
If you’re able:
- Take photos of all vehicles, damage, the accident scene, and your injuries
- Get contact information from the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved
- Obtain insurance information from all drivers
- Note whether the rideshare driver had the app on and whether there was a passenger
- Collect contact information from witnesses
- Screenshot your rideshare trip information if you were a passenger
Report to the Rideshare Company
If you were a passenger, report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app. This creates a record of the incident with the rideshare company.
Preserve Evidence
Keep all documentation related to the accident:
- Medical records and bills
- Police reports
- Photos and videos
- Communications with insurance companies
- Rideshare trip receipts and screenshots
- Records of lost wages
Limit Your Statements
Be cautious about what you say to insurance adjusters. They may try to use your statements against you. Politely provide only basic factual information and avoid discussing fault or the extent of your injuries until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
Don’t Accept Quick Settlements
Insurance companies often make quick, lowball settlement offers hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation later.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Attorney
The sooner you contact an experienced attorney, the better. Early legal involvement ensures critical evidence is preserved, proper claims are filed with all appropriate insurance companies, and you don’t say anything that could hurt your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Rideshare Accidents
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly if I’m injured in a rideshare accident?
It depends on the circumstances. If the rideshare driver was at fault and had the app on, you typically make a claim against the rideshare company’s insurance policy. In some cases involving negligent hiring, supervision, or company policies, you may have direct claims against the rideshare company itself.
What if I was a passenger and my Uber driver caused the accident?
As a passenger, you’re entitled to compensation regardless of who caused the accident. If your driver was at fault, you can file a claim against Uber or Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy. You may also have claims against other drivers if they contributed to the accident.
The rideshare driver says they didn’t have the app on. What can I do?
Drivers sometimes lie about their app status to avoid insurance complications. We can obtain electronic records from the rideshare company through legal process to prove the driver’s actual app status at the time of the accident.
Can I use my own insurance if I’m hit by a rideshare driver?
You can file a claim with your own insurance company, particularly if you have medical payments coverage or collision coverage. However, this may affect your rates. We typically pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance first to protect your own policy.
What if the rideshare driver who hit me didn’t have enough insurance?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate insurance, you may be able to recover additional compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. During certain coverage periods, Uber and Lyft also provide UM/UIM coverage.
How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident?
Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, you should contact an attorney much sooner to ensure evidence is preserved and claims are properly filed with all insurance companies.
Will my case go to trial?
Most rideshare accident cases settle before trial, but we’re always prepared to take cases to court if necessary. Insurance companies know we’re willing to try cases, which often leads to better settlement offers.
How much is my rideshare accident case worth?
Case value depends on many factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, permanent disability, degree of fault, and available insurance coverage. After evaluating your case, we can provide a more specific assessment of its potential value.
Why Choose Eddington Law for Your Rideshare Accident Case
Rideshare accident cases require attorneys who understand both personal injury law and the unique complexities of rideshare insurance coverage.
Over 35 Years of Colorado Experience
Since 1984, we’ve been fighting for injured Coloradans. While rideshare technology is relatively new, our decades of experience handling complex insurance disputes and serious injury cases gives us the foundation to excel in rideshare litigation.
Understanding of Rideshare Insurance Complexities
We’ve invested significant time understanding how rideshare insurance works, the policies Uber and Lyft maintain, and the strategies insurance companies use to deny or minimize rideshare claims. This specialized knowledge benefits our clients.
Resources to Fight Large Companies
Uber and Lyft are billion-dollar companies with vast resources and experienced attorneys. We have the financial resources and legal expertise to take them on and win.
Proven Track Record
We’ve successfully recovered substantial compensation for rideshare accident victims throughout Colorado. Our results speak for themselves, and insurance companies respect our reputation as aggressive advocates.
Personalized Attention
You’re not just a case number. When you work with Eddington Law, you’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who genuinely care about your recovery and your family’s well-being.
No Fees Unless We Win
We handle rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of litigation, so you never worry about how to afford quality representation.
Statewide Service
With offices in Denver and Steamboat Springs, we serve rideshare accident victims throughout Colorado—from urban areas where rideshares are most common to mountain communities where tourists often use rideshare services.
Contact Eddington Law for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident anywhere in Colorado, don’t navigate the complex insurance issues alone. Eddington Law’s experienced rideshare accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain which insurance policies may provide coverage, and outline your legal options. There’s no obligation and no cost for the initial consultation.
Don’t let Uber, Lyft, or their insurance companies take advantage of you. Call (303) 815-1585 or visit our offices in Denver or Steamboat Springs to speak with a Colorado rideshare accident attorney who will protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation.
Time is critical in rideshare accident cases. Contact us today to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Eddington Law – Protecting Colorado Rideshare Accident Victims Since 1984