Fort Collins Ride Share Accident Attorney

In today’s world, many people place their trust in ride share drivers from Uber, Lyft, and taxis to get them safely to their destinations. While it’s one thing to trust a friend or family member, it’s another to rely on unknown drivers from these companies. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a ride share driver, don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with a dedicated rideshare accident lawyer.

Ride share drivers are expected to uphold the same duty of care as any other driver, but often, they are held to even higher standards due to their role as professional drivers. They have a significant responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers. Unfortunately, there have been serious incidents, including high-profile rape cases and fatalities, resulting from driver negligence. Let us help you seek justice.

If you are injured by a negligent rideshare driver, you may be wondering if you can hold them accountable. The answer is yes—you can sue a negligent Uber or Lyft driver. When you order a ride, the driver has a high duty of care to ensure your safety throughout the trip, similar to the responsibility of a bus or taxi driver. If the driver’s negligence results in an accident, such as rear-ending another vehicle, you can file a claim against their insurance for your injuries and damages.

However, the insurance process can be complex. Sometimes, a driver’s insurance company may argue that Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance should be the primary coverage. This means you might need to file a claim against the rideshare company itself before pursuing compensation from the driver’s insurance.

Navigating the insurance maze requires the expertise of an experienced car accident lawyer. In some cases, the driver’s insurance will be the primary coverage, while in others, the claim may need to be directed at the rideshare company.

Thoroughly investigating the details of the accident is crucial for determining the correct insurance coverage. As a Fort Collins rideshare accident lawyer, I specialize in finding the right insurance coverage to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, such as one operated by Uber or Lyft, or if you’re involved in an accident with a bus or taxi, you can file a claim against the relevant insurance company for damages caused by the driver’s negligence. This applies whether you’re a passenger in another vehicle, driving your own car, riding a bicycle, or even walking.

To successfully pursue a claim, your attorney must prove three key elements: liability (that the driver was at fault), causation (that the driver’s negligence led to your injuries), and damages (the amount required to compensate you for your losses). All three elements are crucial; without them, you won’t have a valid case. Even if one element is weaker, a skilled attorney can often still negotiate a settlement.

Typically, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft carry up to $1 million in liability coverage. If liability and causation can be established, this coverage is usually sufficient to cover damages, unless the accident results in death. Colorado law, specifically Colorado Statute 40-10.1-601, regulates rideshare companies under the Transportation Network Company Act (TNCA). This act applies to rideshare services using a computer app to connect passengers with drivers, but it does not cover traditional taxi services.

Uber and Lyft, for example, implement stringent criminal background checks for their drivers, disqualifying those with felony convictions in the past five years and other serious offenses. While these measures add a layer of protection, they cannot guarantee that all drivers are flawless. Colorado law requires periodic updates to criminal background checks every five years.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, contacting an experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex insurance landscape and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

In Colorado, rideshare drivers and their companies must meet specific insurance requirements to ensure adequate coverage in case of accidents. Drivers must provide proof of insurance that specifically covers their rideshare activities, ensuring that there are no disputes about coverage later.

Currently, both Uber and Lyft require each driver to have $1 million in liability coverage. This substantial insurance coverage is designed to provide ample protection and settlement options for most car accidents, far exceeding the typical insurance levels for regular drivers. For comparison, standard drivers often have liability coverage limits of $25,000, $100,000, or $300,000.