Rideshare Accident Attorney in Colorado Springs
Ubers, Lyft, and other rideshare services offer a convenient way to get around, but when you get in an accident in one of these vehicles, the cases can be complex and require the help of an injury attorney well versed in how to handle them properly. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when you have been injured in a rideshare vehicle, but these car crashes typically involve multiple insurance policies which may apply depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. This can be difficult to unravel.
While exact numbers are not tracked separately, rideshare vehicles are involved in Colorado’s broader traffic accident totals, which exceed 90,000 crashes annually. With more Uber and Lyft drivers on the road and increased reliance on mobile apps while driving, rideshare-related accidents are becoming a more common issue in urban areas like Colorado Springs.
At The Law Office of Rodemer | Kane, we have experience dealing with rideshare insurance companies and have helped victims of rideshare accidents understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Why Are Rideshare Accident Claims More Complicated?
Rideshare accident cases are often more complex than standard car accident claims because:
- Multiple insurance companies may be involved
- Coverage depends on the driver’s app status
- Liability may be disputed between drivers and companies
- Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts
Because of this, having an experienced Colorado Springs rideshare accident lawyer near you can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Liability in a rideshare accident depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. There are typically three scenarios:
1. Driver Is Offline
Just because someone is an Uber driver does not mean they are covered by Uber insurance 100% of the time. If the rideshare driver is not using the Uber or Lyft app, their personal auto insurance applies.
2. Driver Is Logged In (Waiting for a Ride)
Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage for drivers that are logged into the app and waiting to confirm a ride, which may include:
- Up to $50,000 per person for injuries
- Up to $100,000 per accident
- Property damage coverage
Because in this scenario the driver is not actively driving someone, this type of insurance is designed to protect Uber and Lyft drivers in the event of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
3. Driver Is En Route or Carrying a Passenger
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage for accidents that occur during an active ride.
Understanding which policy applies to your situation is critical for maximizing the compensation you can anticipate.
What Is the Average Uber Accident Settlement?
Although Uber and other rideshare companies carry million dollar insurance policies, there is no specific average Uber accident settlement, because every case depends on unique factors like the severity of the injuries, insurance coverage, and who is at fault. However, most Uber accident claims do fall within a general range.
According to online data, in many cases, settlements range from $15,000 to $75,000 for moderate injuries, while more serious cases can reach $100,000 to $500,000 or more. If you are involved in a catastrophic accident involving permanent disability or wrongful death then the case may exceed $1 million, especially if Uber’s $1 million liability policy applies during an active ride.
What Affects an Uber Accident Settlement?
Several key factors determine how much your case may be worth:
- Severity of injuries and long-term impact
- Medical expenses, including future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Available insurance coverage, including Uber’s policy
- Liability and percentage of fault under Colorado law
Why Uber Settlements Can Be Higher
Uber accident claims can involve larger settlements than typical car accidents because of the higher insurance limits available. When a driver is actively transporting a passenger or en route to a pickup, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, which can significantly increase the value of a claim. It is important to speak with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer near you if you have been in an accident in an Uber or Lyft vehicle to see what sort of compensation you may expect.
What Should You Do After an Uber Accident?
If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you need to take the proper steps to protect both your health and your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Call the police and report the accident
- Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and scene
- Get contact information from the Uber driver, other drivers, and witnesses
- Take a screenshot of your Uber ride details (if applicable)
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies alone
- Contact a rideshare accident lawyer
Frequently Asked Uber Accident Case Questions
Can I sue Uber or Lyft after an accident?
In most cases, you will file a claim against insurance policies rather than suing Uber or Lyft directly. However, their insurance coverage may apply depending on the situation.
What if I was a passenger in an Uber?
Passengers are rarely at fault and are typically eligible to recover compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
What if the Uber driver was not at fault?
You may still recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or other applicable policies.
Talk to a Colorado Springs Rideshare Accident Lawyer Near You Today
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t try to navigate multiple insurance policies on your own. These cases can quickly become complicated, and insurance companies are not on your side. Contact The Law Office of Rodemer | Kane today for a free consultation. We’ll review your rideshare accident case, explain your options, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.