Denver Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Denver Personal Injury Lawyers » Denver Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Since Uber was founded in 2009 disrupting the global taxi industry, other rideshare companies like Lyft have also emerged. Customers are hooked on the convenience of “hailing” a cab from their smartphone wherever they are. Whether you are in your local city or visiting a new city, all you need is access to your rideshare app to get a car at your location. Unlike traditional taxi companies, rideshare companies do not own the vehicles that deliver services to their customers.

Vehicles are owned by third-parties who register with the rideshare company and access customers on the rideshare platform. Many rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles to provide services on platforms like Uber and Lyft. This little detail can be a big problem if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident and need to file an insurance claim.

If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident due to the negligence of the Uber or Lyft driver, you may be entitled to compensation. The Denver Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Fuicelli & Lee can help you understand your legal rights and get compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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Why Choose Fuicelli & Lee

Fuicelli & Lee, is an accomplished Denver personal injury law firm, representing clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of someone else’s reckless or careless actions.
As a boutique law firm, we do not measure our success by the volume of cases we handle, but by the difference we make in our clients’ lives.
Many firms are intimidated to go to trial and don’t have the experience needed to win in court. Several of our attorneys are former prosecutors with 20+ years of experience.
We truly care about our clients. We specifically limit our case docket to ensure every client receives our undivided attention.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident due to the negligence of an Uber or Lyft driver, call the Denver Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Fuicelli & Lee today. Your initial consultation is free, and we will be honest and straightforward with you about the merits of your case. Time may be running out to make a claim for compensation, so give us a call today at (303) 444-4444 to schedule your free consultation.

What Is a Transportation Network Company?

Under Colorado state law, a transportation network company is any transportation services business that uses a digital network to connect riders to drivers. The business could be a corporation like Uber and Lyft or a sole proprietorship. The law assumes that a transportation network company does not own, operate, control or manage any of the vehicles used by drivers to provide transportation services to riders. Essentially, a transportation network company refers to what we know more popularly as rideshare companies.

Financial Requirements of Transportation Network Companies

Recognizing the difficulties that may arise when Uber and Lyft drivers cause injury or death while providing their services, Colorado state has enacted laws to require adequate insurance coverage for rideshare drivers. The responsibility for adequate insurance coverage falls equally on the rideshare company and the driver. The law makes a distinction between when a driver is connected to the platform and delivering a ride service and when a driver is not.

Coverage Requirement While Delivering a Rideshare Service

A rideshare driver must have insurance coverage in the amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) for every accident.

Coverage Requirement While on the Platform But Not Delivering Rideshare Service

The rideshare company or the driver must have insurance coverage that meets the following requirements:

The insurance policy must recognize that the driver is a rideshare driver and covers the driver for their rideshare services
Must cover at the minimum:
- $50,000 for one person in an accident
- $100,000 for all persons in an accident
- $30,000 for property damage
The insurance policy must be either of the following:
- A rider to the driver’s personal vehicle insurance which covers the use of a vehicle for rideshare purposes; or
- The rideshare business’s corporate liability insurance policy coverage that applies when the driver is logged on the rideshare platform.

Rideshare companies are responsible for ensuring that the drivers on their network have adequate insurance. Although the law provides that both the driver and the rideshare company have financial obligations for insurance, the rideshare company is responsible for compliance.

Rideshare Accident Insurance Claims Are More Complex

Rideshare accident claims are far more complicated than those arising from typical car accident cases. Medical bills can quickly accumulate, adding to the financial burden of injuries sustained in such accidents. Lyft and Uber claims involve a web of laws, policies, and insurance requirements unique to rideshare services. Determining who is liable—whether the driver, the rideshare company, or both—often requires a detailed investigation and a thorough understanding of federal and state rideshare laws.

Uber and Lyft also have sophisticated legal teams and insurance providers that may try to minimize payouts. Without an experienced Denver rideshare accident lawyer, you risk receiving far less compensation than you deserve.

Understanding which insurance company is responsible for payouts is crucial in navigating the claims process and ensuring adequate coverage for your injuries. At Fuicelli & Lee, our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers fight to protect your rights pursue full and fair compensation for all your damages and losses. We understand the complexities of rideshare car accidents will work tirelessly to maximize your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate these challenges.

Safety Requirements for Rideshare Drivers

Although rideshare drivers are typically not employees of rideshare companies, the rideshare companies are responsible for the safe provision of services to riders.

Rideshare companies must ensure the following:

That all drivers on their network are:
- Mentally and physically fit to drive
- At least 21 years old
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Possess proof of adequate vehicle insurance
- Possess proof of a valid Colorado vehicle registration
That no driver provides rideshare services for more than twelve consecutive hours.
That the rideshare company has a policy that does not allow for any level of intoxication for drivers providing services, and is made available to the public.
That vehicle safety inspections are conducted on every vehicle in use through their network.

Risks Associated with Rideshare Services

Rideshare services offer convenience and accessibility, but they also present unique risks stemming from the way rideshare companies operate. Unlike traditional taxi services, which often involve rigorous driver training, fleet-owned vehicles, and direct oversight, companies like Uber and Lyft use a decentralized business model that introduces certain safety challenges.

Rideshare companies operate by contracting drivers who use their personal vehicles. This structure limits the companies’ control over critical safety aspects, such as vehicle maintenance, driver training, and on-the-job monitoring. While most rideshare drivers operate responsibly, the inherent risks of rideshare services include:

1. Distracted Driving
Rideshare drivers rely on smartphone apps for navigation, ride requests, and communication with passengers. Constantly interacting with their devices increases the risk of distracted driving. A glance away from the road to accept a ride or check a GPS route can result in a collision.

2. Fatigue and Overwork
Many rideshare drivers work long hours, sometimes driving for multiple platforms or combining rideshare driving with other jobs. Fatigue impairs reaction times, judgment, and focus, making accidents more likely, especially on Denver’s busy roads and highways.

3. Lack of Familiarity with Local Roads
Rideshare drivers may be unfamiliar with some parts of Denver they must drop off or pick up passengers. This can lead to sudden stops, missed turns, or risky maneuvers in an attempt to follow GPS directions, all of which increase the likelihood of accidents.

4. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Lyft and Uber drivers may feel pressured to complete rides quickly to maximize earnings, leading to speeding or aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or failing to yield. These actions are especially dangerous in areas with heavy traffic or challenging weather conditions.

5. Failure to Adjust for Weather Conditions
Denver’s seasonal weather can create hazardous driving conditions, from icy roads in winter to heavy rain in spring. Rideshare drivers who fail to slow down, increase following distances, or take other precautions during poor weather put everyone on the road at risk.

6. Inexperience and Limited Training
Unlike professional taxi drivers, rideshare drivers are not required to undergo rigorous training or certification processes. Many drivers may lack the skills or experience to handle emergencies, navigate challenging terrain, or safely drive in adverse weather conditions common in the Denver area.

7. Rideshare Vehicle Maintenance Issues
Since rideshare drivers use their own vehicles, the responsibility for maintenance falls on them. Some drivers may neglect regular vehicle inspections or necessary repairs, resulting in unsafe cars on the road. Worn tires, faulty brakes, or other mechanical problems can contribute to accidents.

8. Driving Under the Influence
Although rideshare companies enforce strict policies against intoxication, some drivers still operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents and endangers everyone on the road.

9. Rushed Pickups and Drop-offs
In their eagerness to pick up or drop off passengers, rideshare drivers may stop abruptly or in unsafe locations, such as bike lanes, crosswalks, or busy intersections. These actions can create hazards for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Rideshare services are intended to provide safe and reliable transportation, but these risks highlight the importance of driver accountability. When rideshare drivers act negligently, they put lives in danger. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a rideshare driver, a Denver rideshare accident lawyer with Fuicelli & Lee can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The Role of Denver Weather in Rideshare Accidents

The often unpredictable seasonal weather in Denver and the Front Range poses considerable challenges for all drivers. For rideshare drivers, adverse weather can be particularly dangerous. Icy roads in winter, sudden downpours in spring, and dense fog that obscures street names and traffic signs, are just some of the weather conditions that demand extra attention and adjustments. Some Uber and Lyft drivers may fail to take these challenges seriously, putting passengers and other road users at risk.

Rideshare drivers are responsible driving safely and responsibly in all conditions. Whether navigating slick mountain passes after snowfall or handling reduced visibility during Denver’s infamous summer thunderstorms, drivers must slow down, maintain greater following distances, and remain focused. Rideshare drivers who negligently ignore these precautions are often the root cause of accidents.

At Fuicelli & Lee, we hold drivers accountable when they fail to adjust to seasonal hazards. If you’ve been injured because a rideshare driver didn’t take Denver’s weather conditions into account, call Fuicelli & Lee to discuss filing a rideshare accident claim.

How Can I Get Compensation for My Uber or Lift Accident Injuries?

The facts of your case will determine how you get compensation for your injuries. If the accident was caused by the driver’s reckless or careless driving as defined under Colorado state laws, you may have a successful negligence claim against the driver.

You may also have a claim against the rideshare company if the accident was a result of their failure to meet the safety requirements set out by Colorado state law.

An experienced Denver Uber and Lyft accident attorney will have the resources to conduct a full investigation of your accident. As the injured party, you must prove that either the driver or the rideshare company failed in their duty of care to you, and that failure caused your injuries. Proving this requires the expertise of other investigators who you may not have access to on your own. You may also need the expertise of an economist who can put a value on any non-economic losses you may have suffered as a result of your injuries.

Contact a Denver Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney

Denver Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer, John Lee

If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident due to no fault of your own, the law gives you a limited amount of time to make a claim. Your Denver rideshare accident attorney will need time to investigate your case and gather the evidence needed to make your claim. The earlier work on your case begins, the sooner you can get compensation and put the accident behind you. At Fuicelli & Lee, we offer free initial consultations. We will let you know right away if we believe in the merits of your case. Call us today at (303) 444-4444 to schedule your free consultation.

Client Testimonial

“Lori Tolle and her team are fantastic! They communicate well and are very compassionate. They made a complicated case go much smoother than anticipated. I highly recommend Fuicelli & Lee, P.C.” – Troy H. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fuicelli & Lee, PC – Denver Office

1731 Gilpin Street
Denver, CO 80218
P: (303) 444-4444