The ride-sharing industry greatly benefits Denver residents and those living throughout Colorado. Not only is it convenient and often easier than hailing a cab or taxi, but it also offers individuals the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and small business owners by driving for these larger organizations.
However, despite all the benefits of the ridesharing industry, there can be drawbacks – especially when an individual experiences a wreck causing a personal injury in Denver due to a ridesharing driver’s negligent action or inaction.
If this describes something you or a loved one is experiencing, just know that the trial-proven firm of Kane Dulin McQuinn Young is on your side. Our track record of success is highlighted by decades of experience and millions of dollars won.
So if you or a loved one have been injured in a ridesharing accident in Denver, reach out to our team today to book your free, no-obligation case review and consultation. Our Denver Uber & Lyft accident lawyers are ready to get work on your ridesharing accident case.
Understanding The Ridesharing Landscape In Denver
In 2014, Colorado Springs was one of the first cities in the nation outside of Silicon Valley to get ridesharing service apps like Uber and Lyft. That immediately triggered a regulatory reaction at the Colorado Legislature, causing lawmakers to make a new classification of vehicles outside of taxis or limos under SB 125.
Colorado was the first state in the nation in 2015 to enact regulatory legislation for Uber and Lyft called the Transportation Network Company Act. But even with all this regulatory oversight, it may not have ultimately led to better road outcomes for drivers.
As a University of Chicago study reports, vehicle fatalities and fatal accidents have increased by about 3% between 2014 and 2016, coinciding with the widespread adoption of ridesharing services.
Although some experts suggest that these services may lower accident rates by providing a safe alternative to drunk and high driving, reducing Denver drunk driving incidents does not necessarily compensate for the overall increase in crashes.
Liability Coverage In Denver Ridesharing Accidents
As in most states, Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors. Because they’re driving their vehicle for this service, they must have their car personal insurance to cover incidents and accidents that could occur while on the road.
But whenever the individual is actively driving on the clock for either Lyft or Uber or is just between rides but with the app on, they have additional liability coverage from their parent organization.
Both Lyft and Uber have nearly identical ridesharing driver coverage, which includes the following coverage levels:
- Coverage for when the app is on, but the driver isn’t actively driving:
- $25,000/accident for property
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- Coverage for when the app is on, and the driver is actively on a ride:
- $1,000,000 for third party auto liability per accident
Additionally, Colorado’s legislature, to close loopholes in liability coverage offered by Lyft and Uber, passed a bill that went into effect May 2022.
HB 22-1089 requires Lyft, Uber, and other ridesharing companies to carry additional liability coverage for uninsured motorists (which would cover a hit-and-run) of at least $200,000 per rider and $400,000 per occurrence. This seeks to cover individuals who are riding in ridesharing cars but do not have car insurance themselves.
Injuries That Could Come From A Denver Uber Or Lyft Accident
To be able to bring legal action against a negligent ridesharing driver, an individual will need to show that they suffered bodily injury as a result of their ridesharing case.
Examples of the types of bodily injuries someone could sustain as a result of a ridesharing accident include
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Burns
- Broken Bones
- Fractured Ribs or Pelvis
- Concussion or Whiplash
- Crushed Limbs
Additionally, an individual may experience a host of emotional symptoms as the result of a Denver uber & lyft accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional distress, and anxiety and depression after their ridesharing accident.
Potential Damages From Uber Or Lyft Accident Cases In Denver
Similar to other car accidents in Denver, victims may be able to recover damages from their Denver Uber or Lyft accident case. These can be economic damages to cover medical bills and other real-world expenses from the accident or non-economic damages to cover intangible damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
If the ridesharing driver’s behavior was exceptionally egregious, a victim might be able to recover punitive damages that seek to punish the driver by discouraging the behavior that caused the incident.
However, it is essential to note that the recoverable damages in each case depend on the specific circumstances of the accident, the severity of the injuries, and the extent of the Uber or Lyft driver’s liability. Contact our Denver Uber and Lyft accident lawyers for your free case review.
Ridesharing Accident Statute Of Limitations In Colorado
Uber and Lyft cases fall within the motor vehicle statute of limitations, which gives the victim or their families three years to bring a case against another driver who caused their injuries.
If someone dies in a ridesharing car accident in Denver due to negligence, their family may be entitled to file a Denver wrongful death claim within two years of the individual passing away.
In a Denver hit-and-run case involving a ridesharing driver resulting in vehicular homicide, the statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim in Denver is four years.
Trust Denver’s Go To Legal Team: Kane Dulin McQuinn Young
At Kane Dulin McQuinn Young, our Denver Uber & Lyft accident attorneys believe no one should live in fear on Denver roads. So if you’re lost among the complexities of your Uber or Lyft vehicle accident case, just know you’re not alone. With a legal partner like our Denver Uber & Lyft accident lawyers by your side, we’re ready to do what it takes to win your case.
Reach out to our team today to receive your free, no-obligation Uber or Lyft case review. A real team member will contact you in 24 hours to schedule your consultation.