Rideshare Accident

Rideshare Accident

Rideshare services provide convenience for both visitors and residents of Colorado. Whether you’re touring this beautiful state, or you are a local without a car or one that chooses not to drive, rideshare services can get you where you want to go. Though the hope is that you reach your destination safely, these services have actually caused an increase in traffic accidents and deaths. If you have been one of the unfortunate victims of a rideshare accident, our Colorado personal injury lawyers are here to help.

Reasons Behind a Rideshare Accident in Colorado

One of the reasons that rideshare services have caused an increase in accidents is simple: there are more vehicles on the road. Before ridesharing, more passengers utilized public transportation when they could not or did not want to drive themselves. Now, more people enjoy the privacy of ridesharing, leading to more vehicles and congestion on the road.

Another major factor is how rideshare drivers manage their jobs. To put it simply, picking up passengers and delivering them to their destination is how the drivers get paid. More rides equals higher pay. Like any other worker who is paid per client or project, it is understandable that rideshare drivers aim to pick up as many rides as possible.

The trouble is that they often do this while passengers are in their vehicles. When they receive an alert that a ride has been requested, they pick up their phone to accept the ride. This distracts them from driving, which can easily lead to a rideshare accident in Colorado.

Additionally, most drivers provide rides via more than one platform – for example, Lyft and Uber. To pick up rides, they often have to switch between these platforms, which creates even more distraction. None of this is to mention that many drivers speed and drive recklessly to complete rides faster. With all of these factors combined, it’s no wonder so many passengers have been injured in a rideshare accident.

Can I Get Compensation After a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare accident victims in Colorado are entitled to compensation. This can include compensation for current and future medical bills, lost wages, proper damage, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. However, you could have a fight on your hands to receive this compensation.

Rideshare drivers in Colorado are required to carry insurance, but insurance companies do not like to pay insurance claims. They will try to deny claims if they can prove you weren’t wearing a seatbelt. They might also try to blame the rideshare accident on the driver of the other vehicle if one was involved. This can lead to the two insurance companies fighting with one another while you wait for compensation. In short, receiving compensation can be quite a hassle, but following the steps below can make it a bit easier.

Steps You Should Take After a Rideshare Accident in Colorado

If you are physically able, follow these steps to improve your chance of a successful compensation claim.

1. Call the Police Immediately
   Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Call and report the rideshare accident as soon as it occurs. Check on all parties and share their condition with the authorities.
2. Gather Evidence
   Once you have made your call and determined that everyone is okay, use your phone to take as many photos as possible. If there are any witnesses nearby, get their contact information and ask them to make a statement.
3. Seek Medical Attention
   Once emergency services have arrived, allow them to check you out, but don’t stop there. Injuries aren’t always noticed right after a rideshare accident as the body tends to be in shock. It can be days, weeks, or longer before you feel the symptoms. It’s best to visit the hospital as well as a doctor or chiropractor as soon as possible.
4. Contact the Rideshare Service
   No matter who is at fault in the rideshare accident, the rideshare service needs to be made aware of the situation. Report the incident as soon as possible.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney in Colorado
   Recovering from a rideshare accident is difficult enough. Dealing with claims to receive compensation isn’t something that you should have to deal with. A personal injury lawyer can help through the entire process – from the claim to the compensation. This frees you from the burden of fighting for what’s rightfully yours and being intimidated by insurance companies.

Contact Our Experienced Colorado Rideshare Accident Attorneys

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Colorado, let our team of experienced rideshare accident attorneys handle your claim while you focus on recovering. Contact The Morgan Law Group to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights and how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.