Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we travel, but accidents involving these services can be complex and overwhelming. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Broomfield, you need an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who understands Colorado laws and can fight for your rights.
Contact the law office of Goldman & Haydel, where our experienced rideshare accident lawyers are ready to provide legal help. With over 25 years of combined experience, our law firm is trusted in Colorado for pursuing justice and fair compensation after car accidents. Discuss your Uber or Lyft accident with us – your consultation is free. Call Goldman & Haydel at (303) 957-3095 today.
Lyft and Uber Ridesharing in Broomfield
Ridesharing platforms like Uber, Lyft, and HopSkipDrive allow users to conveniently book and pay for rides through a mobile app, ensuring easy access to affordable transportation anywhere in the metro.
Ridesharing is generally a cost-effective and convenient option, except during peak pricing periods. However, if you’re involved in an accident with a rideshare driver, you may wonder whether you’re entitled to additional compensation for your injuries. Goldman & Haydel can help clarify liability and ensure you understand your legal options.
Colorado: The First State to Regulate Rideshare Services
Colorado is known for fostering innovation, making it an ideal location for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Such companies operate as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). In 2014, Colorado became the first state to implement regulations specifically for TNCs, setting a precedent that many other states have since followed.
Colorado law establishes key requirements for rideshare operations, including:
- Auto insurance and liability coverage – Ensuring proper coverage for drivers and passengers
- Vehicle safety inspections – Verifying that rideshare vehicles meet safety standards
- Driver background checks – Reviewing applicants’ criminal and driving history
- Restrictions on drivers with certain criminal records – Preventing individuals with specific convictions from working for TNCs
- Age requirements for drivers – Mandating that all drivers must be at least 21 years old.
Additionally, rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees of Uber or Lyft, which can impact liability and legal claims.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents in Broomfield are frequently caused by:
- Distracted driving: Uber and Lyft drivers often rely on their phones for navigation or communication, increasing the risk of distraction.
- Weather conditions: Colorado’s snowy winters and sudden weather changes can make driving hazardous.
- Driver fatigue: Many rideshare drivers work long hours, leading to exhaustion and slower reaction times.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Determining fault in a rideshare accident can be tricky:
- If the rideshare driver caused the accident while logged into their app or transporting passengers, Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance policy may apply.
- If another party (for example, a third-party driver) was at fault for the accident, their liability coverage will be pursued.
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage under certain conditions, but this depends on whether the driver was actively transporting passengers or waiting for ride requests.
Another factor that makes rideshare accidents more complex than standard car crashes is that multiple parties may share responsibility. Possible liable parties include:
- Rideshare driver – If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident, their personal auto insurance or the rideshare company’s coverage may apply.
- Rideshare company (Uber, Lyft, or HopSkipDrive) – The company may be held accountable if it was negligent in hiring the driver or failed to enforce safety regulations.
- Other motorists – If another driver was responsible for the collision, their insurance would cover the damages.
Identifying the at-fault party requires a skilled attorney who can evaluate the accident details and insurance policies involved.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Case of Accidents Colorado
If you’ve been in a crash caused by an Uber or Lyft driver, one of your first questions might be “Will the ridesharing insurance pay for this?” The answer depends on the rideshare driver’s status when the accident occurred. Here’s how rideshare insurance typically works:
- If driver was off duty (not logged into the app): The driver’s personal auto insurance applies. In Colorado, while Uber and Lyft have their own policies, all rideshare drivers must carry personal auto insurance that meets state minimum coverage.
- If driver was logged in and available for rides: The rideshare company’s initial coverage applies (explained below).
- If driver was on duty with passenger onboard: The rideshare company’s higher coverage tier applies (explained below).
How much will Uber or Lyft cover if their driver causes an accident? These are the typical coverages carried by ridesharing companies in Colorado:
- First tier (if crash occurred while driver was available for rides):
- $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
- $100,000 total for multiple injured parties
- $25,000 for property damage.
- Second tier (if crash occurred while passenger was onboard):
- Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
Seeking Compensation After a Rideshare Accident in Broomfield
Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
If you were injured due to a rideshare driver’s negligence, you may file a claim against either the driver’s personal auto insurance or the rideshare company’s policy, depending on applicability. Our car accident attorneys at Goldman & Haydel can help you determine which insurance policy should pay for your losses.
Filing a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit
If your losses exceed insurance coverage, you can consider a personal injury lawsuit. You may be able to sue the at-fault driver if, for example, they were driving recklessly or intoxicated at the wheel. Meanwhile, if the rideshare company was negligent in hiring an unqualified driver, a civil suit may be an option against this company.
Our Broomfield rideshare accident lawyer can guide you through insurance claims and legal action. Working with an experienced attorney can help maximize compensation.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue
Victims of rideshare accidents may seek compensation for various losses such as:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Property damage to vehicles or personal belongings
- Emotional pain and suffering caused by trauma.
In severe cases involving long-term injuries, compensation may also cover anticipated future costs.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Taking immediate action after an accident is crucial:
- Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
- Report the incident: Notify Uber or Lyft through their app about the crash. By Colorado law, you must also report the accident to authorities such as the police.
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, consult a doctor to assess potential long-term effects.
- Contact a lawyer: Before speaking with insurance adjusters, get the legal guidance of a personal injury attorney to avoid making damaging statements about your case. Your lawyer should also advise you on your best next steps for compensation.
Challenges in Rideshare Accident Claims
- Identifying the applicable insurance policy – Rideshare accidents can involve multiple insurance providers, including the driver’s personal policy, the rideshare company’s coverage, or a third-party driver’s insurance.
- Dealing with insurance company tactics – Insurers for Uber and Lyft often attempt to minimize payouts by delaying claims, disputing liability, or offering insufficient settlements.
- Issues on driver employment – Since rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, proving the company’s liability can be more challenging.
Why Do You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident is no simple task. Insurance policies for rideshare services are layered, often involving liability coverage from both the driver’s personal auto insurance and the company’s policy. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help you untangle these complexities, identify who is at fault, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
When you work with Goldman & Haydel, our experienced attorney will:
- Negotiate assertively with insurance companies refusing fair settlements
- Build your case using expert testimony, medical records, and accident reconstruction
- Represent you in court if necessary, ensuring all evidence is presented effectively.
Hiring an attorney makes navigating complex legal processes much easier while maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Get the Legal Help You Deserve!
A rideshare accident can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future. Don’t let Uber, Lyft, or their insurance companies minimize your claim. At Goldman & Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, we have the experience and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced in handling complex rideshare accident claims
Skilled at negotiating with insurance companies
Committed to maximizing your compensation.
Your injuries deserve justice. Schedule a free consultation today and let us help you secure the financial recovery you need. Call (303) 957-3095 now.
