Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney in Colorado Serving Denver and Surrounding Cities

Rideshare Accidents in Colorado: Understanding Your Legal Rights After an Uber or Lyft Crash

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in Colorado, offering convenience and affordability for riders. However, accidents involving rideshare vehicles can be legally complex. If you’re injured in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, driver, or third party—you may be entitled to compensation.

Attorney Aaron Israels helps accident victims in The Denver Metro area and throughout the state of Colorado understand their legal rights and recover the compensation they deserve. Here’s what you need to know about rideshare accidents in Colorado.

Who is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident depends on who caused the crash and the rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident. The party responsible could be:

• The Uber or Lyft Driver – If the rideshare driver was negligent (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light), their insurance—or Uber/Lyft’s insurance—may be responsible.
• Another Driver – If another motorist caused the accident, their auto insurance should cover your damages.
• Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Policy – Rideshare companies provide $1 million in liability coverage, but coverage depends on whether the driver was actively working for the company at the time of the crash.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Bills – Coverage for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost income.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for emotional distress, trauma, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage – If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the crash.

Can Uber & Lyft Be Held Responsible for Intentional Driver Misconduct?

One of the biggest legal challenges in these cases is that Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This means they often argue they are not responsible for the driver’s intentional actions, such as sexual assault or harassment. However, courts have ruled in some cases that rideshare companies can be held liable for negligence, such as:

• Failure to properly vet drivers (allowing drivers with criminal records or prior complaints to remain active).
• Ignoring passenger complaints about misconduct.
• Failing to implement proper safety measures, such as real-time monitoring of rides.

In Colorado, negligent hiring and retention claims can be brought against rideshare companies if it can be shown that they failed to act on red flags regarding a driver’s behavior. For example, if a driver had multiple past complaints of harassment and Uber or Lyft failed to remove them from the platform, the company could be held liable in a lawsuit.

To reduce the risk of driver misconduct, passengers should take extra precautions, such as:
– Verifying the driver and car details before entering the vehicle.
– Sharing ride details with a friend or family member.
– Sitting in the back seat and avoiding personal conversations about home addresses or routines.
– Exiting immediately (when safe to do so) if you feel unsafe and reporting concerns to Uber/Lyft or the police.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident

Taking the right steps after a rideshare accident can protect your rights and strengthen your case:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
2. Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
3. Get Contact Information – Collect details from the rideshare driver, other involved drivers, and witnesses.
4. Request a Copy of the Police Report – This serves as valuable evidence.
5. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries can appear later.
6. Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft – Use the rideshare app to notify the company.
7. Consult a Denver Metro area Rideshare Accident Lawyer – Insurance companies often minimize or deny claims, so legal representation is essential.

Why You Need a Colorado Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Uber and Lyft have powerful insurance companies that may try to limit or deny your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

–Investigate the accident and determine liability
– Deal with Uber, Lyft, and insurance companies on your behalf
– Ensure you receive full No-Fault benefits for medical bills and lost wages
– Pursue additional compensation through a lawsuit if necessary

Aaron Israels is an attorney who represents rideshare accident victims throughout the state of Colorado. He will fight against insurance companies and ensure you get the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Get a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a rideshare accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Rideshare accident claims are complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make a big difference in your case.

For a free consultation:

Call (720) 599-3505

Visit our website at www.AaronUnderstands.com

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.