Experienced, Reputable Trial Lawyers

Rideshare Accident Lawyer In Denver, Colorado

Uber and Lyft are the two major ride-sharing apps. While there may be others, none of them have the same market share or reach, so few people know about them. And even fewer have any idea what to do if they end up in an accident as a rider. Contacting an Uber/Lyft accident attorney for help is a wise first step.

At Beem & Isley, P.C., our Uber/Lyft accident lawyers have worked for all personal injury victims in Denver for years. We have an established reputation for communication and service, and we take a lot of pride in that. We put our clients’ injuries front and center and diligently pursue the compensation they deserve.

Steps To Take Immediately After A Rideshare Accident

If you’re involved in an accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in your safety, recovery and ability to pursue compensation. Here are some crucial actions to take:

Check for injuries and call for help: First, check yourself and others for any signs of injury and call 911 if medical assistance is needed. If possible, move out of traffic, but avoid moving anyone with serious injuries to prevent further harm.
Report the accident to the police: Call the police to report the rideshare accident. Officers will document important details in an official police report, which can be valuable evidence if you need to make a claim later.
Document the scene thoroughly: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, any visible injuries and the surrounding area. Documenting these details can strengthen your case by providing visual evidence.
Notify Uber or Lyft about the accident: Use the app’s safety features to report the accident to Uber or Lyft. This creates an official record with the rideshare company, which can be helpful when dealing with their insurance.
Gather contact information: Collect contact and insurance information from the rideshare driver and any other involved drivers. If there are witnesses, try to get their names and contact details as well.
Seek immediate medical attention: Visit a doctor promptly, even if you do not feel injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Your medical records will also serve as evidence if you decide to file a claim for compensation.
Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident, but only provide basic details. Avoid giving a detailed account until you have spoken with a rideshare accident attorney to protect your rights.
Consult with a rideshare accident attorney: An experienced Uber/Lyft accident attorney can help you understand your legal options, manage communication with insurance companies and work to secure fair compensation for your injuries.

Taking these steps can help protect your health, strengthen your case and support your pursuit of fair compensation.

How Long Do You Have To File A Rideshare Accident Claim In Colorado?

You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for injuries sustained in a Colorado rideshare accident. This statute of limitations applies to both Uber and Lyft accidents. Failing to file within this period may result in losing your right to seek compensation.

What If You Are Partially At Fault For The Accident?

In Colorado, even if you are partially at fault for a rideshare accident, you may still be entitled to compensation so long as you are not more than 50% responsible for your own injuries.

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault for your losses. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%, so a $100,000 award would be lowered to $80,000. It’s crucial to have an experienced attorney assess your case and make sure that your degree of fault is accurately determined to maximize your potential recovery.

Why Do Uber/Lyft Accidents Occur?

Lyft and Uber’s accidents occur for many of the same reasons that other car accidents do, including speeding, unsafe conditions and lapses in judgment. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are more prone to two additional hazards:

Distractions: Uber and Lyft drivers must always search for the next rider. Often, this may mean accepting rides while in transit. There are many instances where the notifications or map functions can cause momentary lapses in attention, leading to accidents.
Fatigue: Uber and Lyft drivers often work grueling shifts. While, as individual contractors, they are entirely able to set whichever hours they wish, long stints of driving are taxing physically and mentally. This leads to mistakes and accidents.

Knowing why an accident happened is often not a great comfort, but it can make a significant difference in your injury case.

How Can An Attorney Help You?

In the pursuit of a Lyft or Uber accident claim, there are many moving parts that you have to keep track of. First, you have to file a lawsuit against the other driver. You may have to file a lawsuit against the driver of your vehicle. Then, you have to manage your hospital bills.

In some cases, with an Uber/Lyft accident, you may not need to file a claim against rideshare insurance. However, in more dire accidents, with greater injury damage, you will very likely overcome the insurance carried by the driver.

As your Uber/Lyft accident attorney, we offer:

Resources: We leverage our extensive legal knowledge to guide you through every step of the claims process and give you the necessary tools and information to make informed decisions.
Negotiation skills: We will handle all communication with involved parties, including the rideshare company, insurance adjusters and any other entities, so you can focus on your recovery.
Investigation practices: We will gather and preserve crucial evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements and medical records, to build a strong case that supports your claims.
Liability determinations: We will analyze the details of your case to pinpoint all parties who may be held responsible, whether it’s the rideshare driver, another motorist or the rideshare company.
Loss assessment: Accurately calculate the total financial impact of your injuries and losses, making sure that you seek a settlement that truly reflects the full scope of your damages.

On top of monitoring the unique aspects of the insurance side, as your Uber/Lyft accident attorney, we will ensure you meet every deadline and every filing is done with the utmost care. We’ll treat you with compassion and help you find the way forward.

How Insurance Plays A Role

Insurance coverage plays a key role in every aspect of a personal injury claim. In a Lyft/Uber accident, insurance coverage is of vital importance. Both companies maintain a $1 million liability policy to cover accidents, and it works with the driver’s insurance. This means that if the driver does not carry enough coverage for your injuries, you will have to make a claim against Uber or Lyft’s policy.

What Is The Process Of Filing A Rideshare Accident Claim?

Filing a rideshare accident claim involves navigating through mountains of paperwork and dealing with insurance companies and health care providers. Initially, your health care provider may handle much of the documentation involving your injuries and medical care after the rideshare crash.

However, there will likely come a time when you need to communicate with the involved insurers. This is a critical juncture where your statements can significantly impact your ability to recover adequate compensation.

It is crucial to seek guidance from your attorney at this time. An experienced lawyer understands the nuances of Colorado law and the claims process. They can help you file a claim without jeopardizing your potential recovery.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the claims process:

Initial contact: After the accident, notify the rideshare company and your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with only the necessary details about the incident (property damage, injuries, etc.).
Collect documentation: Gather all relevant documentation, including medical records, police reports, witness statements and photographs of the accident scene. They can serve as crucial evidence in substantiating your claim.
File the claim: Your attorney can help you file an accurate and error-free rideshare accident claim with the appropriate insurance company, completing and submitting all required forms and documents on your behalf.
Investigation: The insurance company will conduct an investigation into the accident. These investigations often involve reviewing the submitted documentation, speaking with witnesses and assessing the damages.
Negotiation: This stage may involve back-and-forth discussions to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurers, prioritizing a fair settlement.
Settlement or trial: If you reach a settlement, you will receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other related expenses. If negotiations fail, your case may go to trial, where a court will determine the outcome.

Deadlines are critical in this process. In Colorado, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is essential to file your claim within this timeframe to preserve your compensation. Additionally, certain documents related to your claim must be submitted within specific timeframes to avoid delays or denials.

The process of filing a rideshare accident claim can be complex and overwhelming, but we can help. Having knowledgeable attorney guidance can prevent errors and help you build a case that maximizes your potential financial recovery.

Beem & Isley, P.C., Is Here For You

We understand the difficulty of your situation. It’s complex, confusing and extremely stressful. We can help you, and we can guide you through these challenges. Call us today at 303-894-8100 or send an email using this form.