Ridesharing services have made headlines all over the world. Technology makes it possible to connect riders and drivers without having to do more than press a few buttons on a phone.
But the reality is that services like Uber and Lyft are new and don’t have the same kinds of regulations that a more established industry might have. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, it may not be clear who to contact because there are so many parties involved.
If you’re looking for rideshare accident lawyers, you’re on the right track. Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft use independent contractors and tend to limit their liability for any accidents or property damage that may occur.
Legal advisement during this confusing time can be exactly what you need to get straightforward answers, rather than a frustrating runaround. Experienced rideshare accident attorneys serving Colorado, like those at Florin|Roebig, have handled these cases before and know exactly what to do. They’re available to make the calls, sort through the details, and present the case in a way that gets you the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes Of Rideshare Accidents
Ridesharing accidents can be caused by any of the following factors:
- speeding: Whether it’s the Uber driver or another driver on the road, going too fast decreases the time drivers have to react to a dangerous situation.
- distraction: Uber and Lyft drivers are required to use an app to operate and this can lead to distracted driving and accidents on the road.
- drugs/alcohol: If any driver is using drugs or alcohol on the road, this can lead to a preventable collision.
- sudden pickups: Rideshare drivers can pick people up nearly anywhere, but sudden pickups can cause accidents for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
As long as you weren’t at fault for the accident, any of these causes could be considered cause for a claim. However, the causes and fault of rideshare accidents can be confusing for both drivers and passengers given the additional element of an unknown rider and driver together on the road.
For example, what if a passenger was under the influence and acting erratically at the time of the crash. Are they held liable for their actions? Rideshare accident lawyers can help you determine fault so you can decide if and when to file a claim.
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Understanding Rideshare Accident Claims
Rideshare accident claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury law and hinge on the negligence of each party. In Colorado, you’re subject to contributory negligence. This means that the court will decide fault based on each party’s actions.
Colorado was one of the first states to enact laws for rideshare drivers. Companies such as Uber and Lyft are required to perform safety inspections for driver vehicles as well as a criminal history background check.
Drivers also need a permit issued from the public utilities commission and must renew it every year. If any of these requirements were violated, it could be a reason to file a claim.
What Rights Do You Have After A Rideshare Accident?
When you’re in an accident, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. Medical treatment and testing can determine the extent of your injuries from the impact. Even if you feel fine, it’s highly recommended that you seek a professional opinion before you assume anything about your health.
When people think of any type of accident on the road, they likely think that insurance should be contacted first. But this is not the case in Colorado. In the case of a messy accident, you have the right to seek legal counsel before doing anything else.
Talking to a rideshare accident attorney is not only a good way to understand the laws of the state, but also a great way to save time. You may not have to spend weeks waiting for an insurance company to do their due diligence if you have the right legal professional by your side.
Why File A Rideshare Accident Claim?
A rideshare accident claim can be the key to getting the financial help you need. Whether you’ve lost work due to your injuries or you need full-time care, you can use the formal process to request and receive compensation.
But there are bigger reasons to file rideshare accident claims in Colorado beyond your personal expenses. Careless drivers may not make so many mistakes if there are consequences to their actions. Filing a claim means that you hold the responsible party at fault, which can limit the damage they do in the future.
Damages Awarded For Rideshare Accident Claims In Colorado
You can file for multiple damage types under a single accident, such as:
- bodily injury: Both the rideshare company and the Uber or Lyft driver will have insurance to cover the expenses related to bodily injury. This may include anything from multiple surgeries to a part-time home assistant for standard daily activities.
- pain and suffering: This damage falls under the non-economic category and is generally related to the mental stress and anguish after an accident.
- loss of consortium: If your spouse or partner has suffered due to your injuries, they can file for damages related to the loss of support.
- lost wages: This figure can include both your current and future earnings, depending on the extent of your injuries.
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
Rideshare accidents are tricky because attorneys typically have to take into account several forms of insurance. However, the standard laws of personal injury still apply in that the court will consider all aspects of your injury and how it impacted your life.
For example, if you were in school to become a doctor but you suffered a brain injury during the accident, the courts will take into account how the accident affected your current career path and future financial status.
It should be noted that rideshare companies typically have a maximum of $1 million of liability coverage per accident and $1 million for bodily injury per incident. Colorado also caps the amount of noneconomic damages (e.g., pain and suffering, loss of consortium, etc.) you can request.
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Rideshare Accident Rates In Colorado
There are very few statistics on rideshare accident rates in the state of Colorado, however, there are a few facts of note:
- 11 percent of all rides take place late at night in the state, increasing the odds of impaired drivers being on the road.
- Ride-hailing is responsible for an 83 percent increase in miles driven in the Denver metro area.
- 69 of every 100 miles driven by an Uber or Lyft driver in the capital is done without a passenger.
List Of Rideshare Accident Attorneys Serving Colorado
Having the help of an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference in your claim.
Florin|Roebig is here to help the people of Colorado find justice after a rideshare accident with a strong team of rideshare accident lawyers, including:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig. B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
These are just a few members of our award-winning legal staff. To learn more about which of our rideshare accident attorneys can help you with your claim in Colorado, please call our office for more information.
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Find Help With Filing A Rideshare Accident Claim
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the prospect of filing a claim, it’s time to reach out to Florin|Roebig for a consultation. We understand how state laws will affect your claim and when to use those laws to your advantage.
We can figure out which party is at fault and how to structure the damages to fit your needs — whether emotional or physical. When you’re with us, you have access to a professional attorney with your best interest in mind. Contact us today to set up an appointment to discuss your claim.
