Denver Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney

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 Colorado 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:

• 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. Though, 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 ridesharing accident lawyer to defend you, your odds of winning an insurance claim increase.

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 Uber or Lyft driver's insurance information, as you will need it 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.

Contact the Expert Denver Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Attorneys at Mintz Law

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 Uber and Lyft accident lawyer to step in and make everything more manageable.

If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident and wish to pursue an injury claim against the at-fault party, consider reaching out to the qualified personal injury lawyers at Mintz Law Firm. 

Our attorneys are passionate about treating clients with respect and empathy. Using our extensive knowledge of Colorado personal injury law, we have provided attentive and honest representation to various accident victims. For a free consultation, call (303) 462-2999 or complete our online contact form today.