Lyft Accident Lawyer Aurora

Assisting Victims of Aurora Rideshare Accidents

The use of rideshare services like Uber or Lyft is increasingly popular in Aurora. However, with this surge comes the unfortunate reality of car accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers. If you’ve been a victim of a rideshare accident in Aurora, it’s crucial to secure legal representation from an experienced Aurora rideshare accident lawyer. Our team at Genco Injury Attorneys is dedicated to assisting victims of motor vehicle accidents in obtaining the compensation they rightfully deserve. Contact us at 720-802-9120 or 720-706-7673 for a free case evaluation.

What Steps Should I Take If I’m in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Aurora?

If you find yourself in an Uber or Lyft accident in Aurora, Colorado, your immediate concern should be your safety and that of others involved. Dial 911 if there are any injuries and report the accident to the police. Gathering as much information as possible at the scene is also crucial, including the rideshare driver’s details, any witness information, and photographs of where the accident occurred.

Following this, seek prompt medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and could manifest later. Having a medical record from right after the accident can be crucial evidence in your case.

Finally, get in touch with a proficient Aurora rideshare accident lawyer. Colorado law surrounding rideshare accidents can be intricate, and having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make a significant difference in your case.

How Does Colorado Law Treat Rideshare Accidents?

Colorado law treats rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft differently than traditional taxi services. Under Colorado law, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This distinction can complicate matters when it comes to liability in an accident.

However, Colorado law mandates rideshare companies to carry a $1 million liability insurance policy. This policy is in effect from the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger is dropped off. If you’re injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you’re covered by this policy.

But what happens if you’re another driver or a pedestrian hit by a rideshare driver who’s not currently on a ride? In this case, the driver’s personal insurance policy would typically apply. However, many personal auto insurance policies have a “business use exception” that may not cover accidents that occur while the driver is logged into the Uber or Lyft app. In these situations, the rideshare company’s contingent liability coverage may apply, but it has lower limits.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect After a Rideshare Accident?

The compensation you might receive after a rideshare accident in Aurora depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical bills, any lost wages due to time off work, and the impact of the accident on your daily life.

In Colorado, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that can be easily quantified, like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages are less tangible and can include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious or reckless. However, punitive damages are relatively rare in car accident cases.

What Happens If the Uber or Lyft Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?

In Colorado, all drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance. However, there may be instances where a rideshare driver is uninsured or underinsured. In such cases, the rideshare company’s insurance policy should cover you. Uber and Lyft’s policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects passengers if they’re injured by a driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance.

However, dealing with insurance companies can be a complex and frustrating process. They may try to deny your claim or offer you less compensation than you deserve. This is where a proficient Aurora rideshare accident lawyer can be invaluable. They can handle the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

What Happens If I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. However, if you were more than 50% at fault for the accident, you would not be able to recover any compensation.

What Is the Time Limit to File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident?

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

However, it’s important to note that this time limit does not apply to insurance claims. Insurance companies often require you to report an accident within a few days or weeks. Therefore, it’s crucial to contact a proficient Aurora rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. They can help ensure that all deadlines are met and that your claim is handled properly.

What If My Injuries Appear Later After the Accident?

Sometimes, injuries from a car accident may not be immediately apparent. You might feel fine right after the accident, only to start experiencing symptoms days or even weeks later. This is particularly common with soft tissue injuries, like whiplash, which can take time to manifest.

If this happens to you, seek medical attention as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. Not only is this important for your health, but it also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident, which can be crucial evidence in your case.

What If the Uber or Lyft Driver Was Under the Influence?

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. If you were injured in a rideshare accident and the driver was intoxicated, this could significantly impact your case.

In Colorado, victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. However, proving that the driver was intoxicated and that their intoxication caused the accident can be challenging.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against Uber or Lyft Directly?

In most cases, you cannot sue a rideshare company directly for an accident caused by one of their drivers. This is because, as mentioned earlier, Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

For example, if the rideshare company knew or should have known that a driver was unfit to drive and still allowed them to drive for their platform, you might be able to sue the rideshare company directly. This could be the case if the driver had a history of drunk driving or reckless driving that the rideshare company failed to discover during their background check.

What If I Was a Pedestrian or Cyclist Hit by a Rideshare Driver?

If you were a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a rideshare driver, you have the same rights as any other accident victim. You can file a claim against the driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance, depending on the circumstances of the accident. However, these cases can be particularly complex, as they often involve serious injuries and questions of right-of-way.

What If the Uber or Lyft Driver Leaves the Scene?

Hit-and-run accidents are not only illegal but also incredibly stressful for the victims. If you’re involved in a rideshare accident and the driver flees the scene, call the police immediately and provide them with as much information as possible about the driver and their vehicle.

In these cases, the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist coverage should apply, providing you with compensation for your injuries. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver is not identified.

What If I Was Injured While Entering or Exiting the Uber or Lyft Vehicle?

Accidents can happen not only during the ride but also while you’re entering or exiting the Uber or Lyft vehicle. For example, you might be hit by a passing car, or you might trip and fall due to the driver’s negligence.

In these cases, you might still be able to file a claim against the driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance, depending on the circumstances. However, these cases can be complex and require a thorough investigation to determine liability.

What If the Uber or Lyft Driver Was Distracted?

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, and rideshare drivers are no exception. If you were injured in a rideshare accident and the driver was distracted – for example, by their phone or GPS – this could significantly impact your case.

In Colorado, victims of distracted driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. However, proving that the driver was distracted and that their distraction caused the accident can be challenging.

What If the Uber or Lyft Driver Broke Traffic Laws?

If the Uber or Lyft driver broke traffic laws – for example, by speeding, running a red light, or making an illegal turn – and this violation caused the accident, this could significantly strengthen your case.

In Colorado, evidence of a traffic violation can be used to establish negligence. The driver is automatically considered negligent because they violated a law designed to protect the public.

What If the Uber or Lyft Driver Was Fatigued?

Driver fatigue is a serious issue that can lead to accidents. If you were injured in a rideshare accident and the driver was fatigued – for example, because they were driving for too many hours without a break – this could significantly impact your case.

In Colorado, victims of fatigue-related accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. However, proving that the driver was fatigued and that their fatigue caused the accident can be challenging.

What If the Uber or Lyft Vehicle Was Poorly Maintained?

Vehicle maintenance is a crucial aspect of road safety. If an Uber or Lyft vehicle was poorly maintained, leading to a mechanical failure that caused an accident, this could significantly impact your case. For instance, if the brakes failed or a tire blew out due to lack of maintenance, and this led to the accident, you may have a strong claim.

However, proving that poor vehicle maintenance caused the accident can be challenging. It often requires testimony from professionals and a thorough investigation. A proficient Aurora rideshare accident lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence and work with other professionals to demonstrate how the vehicle’s poor maintenance led to your injuries.

What If I Was a Rideshare Driver Injured in an Accident?

If you were driving for Uber or Lyft and got injured in an accident, you might be wondering about your rights. As a rideshare driver, you’re covered by the rideshare company’s $1 million liability insurance policy from the moment you accept a ride request until the passenger is dropped off. If you’re injured during this period, you should be covered by this policy.

However, if you’re logged into the Uber or Lyft app but haven’t accepted a ride request yet, things can get more complicated. In this case, the rideshare company’s contingent liability coverage may apply, but it has lower limits.

An experienced Aurora rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and navigate the insurance claims process. They can also help you gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

What If the Accident Involved Multiple Vehicles?

Accidents involving multiple vehicles can be particularly complex. Determining liability can be challenging, as multiple parties may share the blame. Furthermore, multiple insurance policies may come into play, adding another layer of complexity to the claims process.

In such cases, it’s best to have an experienced rideshare accident lawyer on your side. They can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work with other professionals to determine liability. They can also handle the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

How Can an Aurora Rideshare Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A proficient Aurora rideshare accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in several ways. They can help you understand the complexities of Colorado law as it applies to rideshare accidents. They can also help you navigate the insurance claims process, which can be particularly complicated in rideshare accidents.

Your attorney can also help gather evidence to support your claim. This might include medical records, police reports, witness statements, and even testimony. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, working to get you the compensation you deserve.

If your case goes to court, your attorney can represent you, presenting your case in the most compelling way possible. They can also guide you through the legal process, answering any questions you might have and providing you with advice on the best course of action.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

Our law firm is dedicated to providing top-notch legal services to victims of rideshare accidents. Our team of proficient Aurora rideshare accident lawyers has the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex cases. We understand the intricacies of Colorado law as it applies to rideshare accidents, and we’re committed to fighting for the rights of our clients. We’ll work tirelessly to gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process, providing you with the advice and support you need.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to call us today at 720-802-9120 or 720-706-7673 to schedule a free consultation.