What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident in Denver?

Being injured in a rideshare accident can be an unexpected and traumatic experience, especially in a busy city like Denver. Perhaps you decided to take an Uber home after a night out at Union Station or a game at Coors Field when your Uber driver rear-ended another vehicle on I-25 while checking GPS.

The uncertainty following an accident, whether you’re a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or another motorist, can heighten the stress from any injuries or property damage.

Unlike a typical car accident, Uber and Lyft crashes involve additional complexities, including corporate insurance policies, third-party liability issues, and the unique status of rideshare drivers as independent contractors. That’s why talking to a rideshare accident attorney early on can make a big difference. They can help you navigate the legal side of things while you focus on healing. Knowing what you should do after a rideshare accident in Denver can help you understand your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Prevalence of Rideshare Accidents in Denver

While specific statistics on rideshare-related accidents in Denver are limited, the overall increase in rideshare usage indicates a corresponding rise in rideshare crashes.

National studies have indicated that the introduction of rideshare services has led to a 2-3% increase in traffic fatalities throughout the U.S. The increasing popularity of rideshare services in Denver, combined with the city’s rapid growth and traffic congestion, suggest that the frequency of local rideshare accidents may be mirroring or even exceeding national trends.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Denver

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of rideshare accidents in the Denver area:

• Traffic Congestion: Denver’s rapid growth has resulted in increased traffic density, especially during peak hours. Heavy traffic can lead to impatient driving behaviors, such as tailgating and abrupt lane changes, which elevate the risk of collisions.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Denver experiences diverse weather patterns, including snow, ice, and rain, particularly during the winter months. These conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents when rideshare drivers fail to compensate for them.
• Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers rely on GPS navigation to locate passengers and destinations. This dependence can divert attention from the road, leading to potential hazards.
• Urban Infrastructure Challenges: Denver’s mix of historic and modern roadways can make navigating more difficult, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the area. Complex intersections and one-way streets may contribute to confusion and accidents.
• Increased Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT): The rise of rideshare services has added more vehicles to Denver’s roads, contributing to higher traffic volumes.

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Denver

Knowing what to do after an Uber or Lyft accident in Denver can directly impact your ability to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The decisions you make in the hours and days after the accident will impact your health, financial stability, and legal options. By acting quickly and strategically, you can protect your rights, build a strong claim, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Keep All Medical Appointments and Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

One of the most important things you can do after a rideshare accident is to prioritize your health. Even if you received initial medical attention, be sure to follow up with your doctor and attend all scheduled medical appointments. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, and spinal damage, may not present symptoms fully or immediately, and ongoing medical evaluations can help detect underlying issues.

Skipping medical appointments or failing to follow a treatment plan can harm your recovery and weaken your personal injury claim. Insurance companies often argue that gaps in medical treatment indicate a lack of injury severity, which can reduce the compensation you are entitled to receive.

Document Your Injuries and Recovery Process

Keeping thorough records of your injuries and medical treatment is essential. This documentation can help strengthen your claim by providing clear evidence of the accident’s impact on your life. Consider keeping a journal where you document:

• Daily pain levels and physical limitations
• Emotional and psychological effects of the accident
• Medications and treatments prescribed
• Any changes in your ability to work or perform daily activities

Additionally, save all medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and correspondence with healthcare providers.

Report the Accident to the Police and Obtain a Copy of the Report

Colorado law requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. If you’re in a rideshare crash in busy areas like Downtown Denver, the Denver Tech Center, or on highways like I-25 or I-70, calling the police ensures an official report is filed, which will be a key piece of evidence in your claim. The responding officers will file an official crash report, which can be a critical piece of evidence when determining liability.

Gather Evidence Related to the Accident

If you are physically able, collect as much information as possible, including:

• The rideshare driver’s name and contact information
• The rideshare company’s details (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
• The driver’s insurance information
• The make, model, and license plate number of all vehicles involved
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
• Screenshots of your rideshare trip details (if you were a passenger)

Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company

Both Uber and Lyft require accidents to be reported through their apps or customer service lines. Reporting an accident with a rideshare company ensures that their insurance providers are aware of the incident.

Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer

Multiple insurance companies may contact you following an Uber or Lyft accident, including those representing the rideshare company, the at-fault driver, or even your own provider. These adjusters work to minimize payouts and may try to shift blame, downplay your injuries, or pressure you into accepting a low settlement before you understand the full extent of your damages.

Do not negotiate with these insurance companies on your own. Their goal is to protect their financial interests, not to ensure you receive fair compensation. They may ask misleading questions, misinterpret your statements, or delay your claim to pressure you into settling for less.

An experienced rideshare accident lawyer will handle all communication with insurance companies to protect your interests. They will gather crucial evidence, build a strong case, and aggressively negotiate to secure full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Common Rideshare Accident Injuries

Rideshare accidents can result in a spectrum of injuries that range from minor to severe and, in some cases, may cause permanent disability or psychological trauma. Understanding the types of injuries commonly sustained in rideshare accidents can help you recognize the importance of seeking medical care and legal assistance.

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden impact of a collision can cause rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, leading to whiplash. Whiplash often results in stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility, sometimes requiring physical therapy.
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A strong impact to the head can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries, which can cause dizziness, memory loss, cognitive impairment, and long-term neurological issues.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even paralysis. These injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a crash can lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones, potentially requiring surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can sustain damage due to sudden impact, leading to sprains, strains, and long-lasting pain that may require ongoing medical treatment.
• Psychological Trauma: The emotional toll of a rideshare accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Many accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, all of which can impact their quality of life.

The severity of these injuries varies from case to case, but even seemingly minor injuries can develop into chronic conditions if not properly treated. Seeking prompt medical attention and consulting with a legal professional can help safeguard your future.

Recoverable Damages in a Rideshare Accident Claim

A rideshare accident can impact every part of your life, from your health to your finances and emotional well-being. Medical expenses pile up quickly, lost wages create financial strain, and emotional trauma can last long after the accident. Car accident damages generally fall into two categories:

Economic Damages

Victims may recover tangible financial losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical care.
• Lost Wages or Income: Compensation for missed work
• Diminished Earning Capacity: If serious injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement costs for damaged vehicles and personal belongings.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages account for the accident’s emotional and physical toll, including:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, mental anguish
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Covers reduced ability to participate in daily activities.
• Emotional Trauma: Addresses anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological effects caused by the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: When your injuries harm your family relationships

Wrongful Death

Nothing can fix the inconsolable loss of a loved one, but compensation for your loss can give you the time to grieve and the resources to rebuild your life. Wrongful death damages typically include:

• Loss of Financial Support: Lost income and benefits that the decedent would have earned
• Pain and Suffering: The trauma and grief of losing a loved one should never be underestimated
• Medical Bills: Any hospital costs related to your loved one’s accident before death
• Funeral and Burial Expenses

Colorado Laws Governing Rideshare Accidents

Colorado law requires rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to provide specific insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. These are the insurance requirements for rideshare drivers in Denver:

• Period 1: If the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $30,000 for property damage.
• Period 2: If the driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger, the coverage increases to $1 million in liability insurance.
• Period 3: Once the passenger is in the vehicle, the $1 million coverage continues until the ride is completed.

If the rideshare driver was not logged into the app at the time of the crash, their personal auto insurance policy would apply.

Colorado’s Statute of Limitations for Rideshare Accidents

Colorado’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim involving motor vehicle accidents, including rideshare accidents, is three years from the date of the crash. This means that if you do not take legal action within this time frame, you may forfeit your right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Exceptions may apply in certain cases, such as those involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries, so it is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident can be a complex process due to the multiple parties involved. Liability depends on factors such as who caused the accident, the driver’s status within the rideshare app, and the insurance coverage available at the time of the crash. Several parties may be responsible for the accident, including:

• The Rideshare Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to obey traffic laws, they could be held liable. However, their personal insurance coverage may not always apply if they were actively engaged in a ride.
• Another Motorist: If another driver caused the accident, their insurance would typically be responsible for damages. This is common in multi-vehicle crashes.
• Uber or Lyft: While rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, they provide liability insurance coverage when drivers are logged into the app. If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up, the company’s $1 million liability policy may apply.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defective vehicle component, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning airbag, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor could be held responsible.
• Government Entities: If poor road maintenance, malfunctioning traffic signals, or improperly marked construction zones played a role in the crash, a local or state government agency may be liable.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Rideshare Accident

Investigate the Accident: An attorney gathers crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and surveillance footage. They work with experts to reconstruct the crash and determine liability.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. A lawyer protects you from unfair tactics, negotiates aggressively, and ensures you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Determine Liability: Rideshare accidents involve multiple parties, including drivers, rideshare companies, and other motorists. An attorney identifies all responsible parties to maximize your claim.

Represent You in Court: If insurance companies refuse a fair settlement, a skilled attorney prepares your case for trial, presenting compelling arguments to secure the compensation you deserve.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Anything you pay us is an agreed-upon percentage of your recovery. You owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Contact Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers for Help

A rideshare accident can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. You shouldn’t have to face this alone. At Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers, we fight to secure full and fair compensation for accident victims in Denver and throughout Colorado.

Insurance companies work hard to minimize payouts. We work harder to ensure you receive what you deserve. With a track record of life-changing settlements and verdicts, we have the experience to take on even the toughest cases.

Call Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers today at (303) 444-4444 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.