Who pays after a rideshare accident depends on who is found at fault for the accident. This could be the rideshare driver or another motorist, depending on the circumstances.
Rideshare companies maintain high levels of insurance to pay for compensation to injured passengers, other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Colorado as an At-Fault State Insurance
Colorado is an at-fault state when it comes to car insurance. This means that the driver found at fault for a car accident is responsible for paying for the damages they cause through their negligence. This is usually accomplished when the accident victim files an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider. Liability insurance covers damages the driver causes to someone else, not their own damages.
All drivers in Colorado are required to maintain at least the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for more than one person
- $15,000 in property damage coverage
Just because a rideshare driver is involved in an accident does not necessarily mean that they are at fault for the accident. Insurance companies and personal injury lawyers may be able to determine who was at fault by:
- Reviewing accident reports
- Analyzing accident scene photos and video footage of the incident
- Interviewing witnesses
- Scrutinizing the location and intensity of the damage to each vehicle
If the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident, you may be able to recover compensation by filing a claim with their personal auto insurance and/or the insurance the rideshare company provides. However, if another motorist is at fault for the accident, you would file a claim with that driver’s insurance policy. If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may be able to file a claim with your uninsured motorist policy.
Which Insurance Policy Covers the Rideshare Driver?
The insurance policy and coverage limits that apply depend on when the accident occurred during the transaction. If the driver was not yet on the app, only their personal liability insurance policy applies.
If the driver was on the app but had not yet accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability insurance of $50,000 bodily injury and $100,000 per accident.
If the driver had accepted a ride request or was transporting a passenger at the time of the accident, Uber and Lyft’s $1 million policy applies.
Damages You Could Recover in a Rideshare Accident Claim
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your accident-related losses, such as:
- Ongoing medical treatment, medical bills, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Property damage for personal property damaged in the accident
- Pain and suffering
Contact an Experienced Rideshare Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
Rideshare companies are relatively new, so it’s essential that you work with a local car accident lawyer who is experienced at handling these types of cases and understands the legal rights and limitations involved in filing a rideshare accident claim. Dulin McQuinn Young can discuss your case during a free consultation.