Three Immediate Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Colorado

It is crucial to recognize the complexity of a rideshare accident in Colorado. Unlike a typical car accident, there are often multiple insurance companies involved. The rideshare driver’s insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and your policy may all play a role in the aftermath.

Navigating these insurance complexities is challenging and requires experienced legal guidance. That is where The Morgan Law Group comes in. Our injury lawyers in Colorado specialize in these types of accident cases, fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Three Immediate Steps to Take After an Uber/Lyft Accident in Colorado

The moments after a rideshare accident can be a whirlwind of shock, confusion, and perhaps even physical pain. Staying calm and keeping these immediate actions in mind is vital:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention

• Assess the Situation: Take a deep breath and quickly check yourself and anyone else in the accident for injuries. Even seemingly minor bumps and bruises might require medical attention later, so erring on the side of caution is always best.
• Call for Help: If even minor injuries are present or suspected, do not hesitate to dial 911. Emergency responders will provide immediate medical care and can assess if further treatment at a hospital is necessary.
• Secure the Scene: If safe to do so, move your vehicle and yourself out of direct traffic flow. Turn on hazard lights and, if possible, deploy flares or cones to warn other drivers of the situation.

Step 2: Gather Evidence the Correct Way

• Documentation: Utilize your smartphone or camera to take extensive photos and videos of the scene. Include damage to all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, signage–anything that might help recreate the accident later.
• Exchange Vital Information: Obtain the following from all drivers involved, including the rideshare driver: full name and contact information, driver’s license number, insurance company and policy information, and vehicle license plate and registration.
• Talk to Witnesses: If anyone witnessed the accident, get their names, contact information, and a brief account of what they saw. Their testimony might provide pivotal details about the accident.
• Notify all Relevant Parties: Use the Uber or Lyft app or website to report the accident to the rideshare company. Additionally, it is wise to file a police report, especially if there are injuries or significant vehicle damage. This official report provides a neutral third-party account of the incident.

Step 3: Seek a Colorado Rideshare Accident Attorney

• Protect Your Legal Rights: Immediately contacting a Colorado rideshare accident attorney is crucial. They guide you during a complex and stressful time, protecting you from insurance company tactics and ensuring your right to full compensation.
• Experienced Advocacy: Rideshare accidents are complex due to multiple insurance policies and varying levels of company liability. An attorney knows how to navigate these intricacies to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Maximizing Your Recovery: Your Colorado rideshare accident lawyer will meticulously investigate the accident to determine all liable parties. They will fight to obtain the maximum financial compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and any further impact of the accident on your life.

While dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident in Colorado can be overwhelming, remembering these three steps gives you a plan of action. Prioritizing your health, preserving evidence, and contacting an experienced Colorado rideshare accident lawyer is essential for protecting your rights and getting back on your feet.

Liabilities and Insurance Complexities in Rideshare Accidents

Uber and Lyft maintain insurance policies with varying levels of coverage depending on the driver’s status:

1. Driver Offline – If an accident occurs while the driver’s app is off, their insurance applies.
2. Driver Waiting for a Ride – If they are logged in and available, limited liability coverage from the rideshare company may apply.
3. Passengers in the Vehicle – The rideshare company typically provides the highest level of insurance coverage if the driver is actively transporting a passenger.

Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, liable parties could include the rideshare driver, the driver of another vehicle, the rideshare company (under specific conditions), and a manufacturer, if a defective vehicle part was involved.

What Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident

A rideshare accident can leave you not only with physical injuries but also substantial financial and emotional burdens. The types of damages you may be entitled to include:

• Medical Expenses – This includes all costs related to your accident injuries, including:
  • Hospitalizations and surgeries
  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Medications and prescriptions
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Ongoing or future medical needs
• Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for your lost income. This covers both past wages lost during your recovery and future wages if your injuries impact your ability to work long-term.
• Reduced Earning Capacity – When a rideshare accident results in a disability or impairment that affects your ability to earn the same level of income, you may be able to recover compensation for the difference between your former and current earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering – This encompasses the physical pain, discomfort, and limitations caused by your injuries.  It is essential to claim fair compensation for these impacts, which can be substantial and lasting.
• Emotional Distress – Rideshare accidents can cause significant emotional and psychological trauma including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.  These effects deserve compensation just as much as your physical injuries.
• Property Damage – If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you can seek reimbursement for repairs or replacement costs.

No amount of money can fully undo the trauma of a rideshare accident. However, securing the maximum compensation you deserve is vital for covering your expenses, navigating your recovery, and regaining a sense of financial security.

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation With Us Today

Colorado has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, typically 3 years from the accident date. It is vital to act quickly to preserve your right to legal action.

At The Morgan Law Group, our injury lawyers in Colorado have extensive experience handling cases like rideshare accidents. We will aggressively pursue your claim to ensure you have the resources needed for recovery.

We will conduct a full investigation, gather evidence, work with experts, and build a solid case strategy. Our Colorado rideshare accident lawyer will fight for the full payout you are owed, resisting insurance company tactics aimed at minimizing your settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, our rideshare accident attorney is prepared to take the case to trial and advocate for you in court.

Contact us for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case.