Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become an important mode of travel in Colorado. While most rides end without incident, accidents do happen. After all, rideshare drivers don’t have additional training or licensing that helps them avoid accidents.
When you’re injured in a Uber or Lyft accident in Centennial or anywhere else in Colorado, it can be confusing to know who is responsible for your damages and how to protect your legal rights. The sections below outline the key steps you should take after a rideshare accident in Colorado.
Rideshare Insurance Limits for Uber and Lyft in Colorado
Colorado law requires rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to carry significant liability coverage for passengers, but the available coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- Driver Not Logged Into the App – If the driver isn’t logged into the rideshare app, only their personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft’s policies won’t cover accidents in this scenario.
- Driver Logged In or Waiting for a Ride Request – If the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride, limited liability coverage applies. Uber and Lyft typically offer $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride – Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in liability insurance per accident when a driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger. This coverage applies to injuries to passengers, other drivers, bicyclists, or pedestrians. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also apply.
Understanding the available coverage after your crash is essential for pursuing maximum compensation.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of a rideshare accident can help you protect your health and your injury claim.
You should take the following steps after a rideshare collision:
1. Call 911 and Get Medical Help
Call 911 as soon as possible after the accident. If you are injured, you should request medical assistance and let paramedics evaluate you. Some injuries like concussions, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately obvious.
2. Report the Accident
Ask the police to come to the scene and prepare an accident report. This official document will provide valuable evidence for your claim, including details about the crash and preliminary determinations of fault. Also, you should report the crash directly through the Uber or Lyft app, but be careful not to provide any statements that could be used against you later.
3. Gather Evidence
If you are able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries. Exchange names and contact information with the rideshare driver, other parties, and witnesses.
4. Preserve Medical and Expense Records
Keep copies of your medical bills, treatment records, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. If you’ve missed work, you should also document your lost income. These records will help establish the full extent of your damages.
5. Be Cautious With Insurance Adjusters
After the crash, you may be contacted by insurance companies representing Uber, Lyft, or other drivers. Remember that their goal is to minimize payouts. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer before speaking with a personal injury attorney in Centennial.
6. Contact a Colorado Rideshare Accident Lawyer for Help
Rideshare accidents aren’t like traditional car accident claims in Centennial, CO; they often involve multiple parties, complex insurance issues, and aggressive corporate defense teams. Trying to handle a claim on your own can put you at a serious disadvantage.
An experienced Colorado rideshare accident lawyer can help you navigate your claim and avoid mistakes that hurt your chances of recovering damages. Importantly, your attorney can determine what insurance coverage applies to your case and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under Colorado law.
Contact Legal Help in Colorado for a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options after an Uber or Lyft crash.