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Denver Rideshare Accident Attorneys

Growing up, everyone told you not to get into cars with strangers. In today’s modern world full of technology, every day, people are getting into cars with strangers using ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft. These rides are different from hailing a taxi and are, therefore, more dangerous. Accidents happen more often, injuring rideshare passengers and other motorists.

Ridesharing companies present lots of red tape when filing accident claims. They do not want to accept fault for the accident even though their driver was involved.

The complexity of rideshare cases makes it difficult for accident victims to obtain compensation for their injuries and losses. You need a law firm that takes an innovative approach to rideshare accidents. You can file a claim against many entities, including the driver, rideshare company, insurance companies, and any legal teams these parties have.

Varner Faddis Elite Legal represents victims of all types of car accidents, including those involving rideshare vehicles. We have obtained results worth $800,000, $730,000, $550,000, and more in motor vehicle accident cases. We can assess how much your claim is worth.

How far above and beyond do we go for our clients? When a loophole in ridesharing insurance requirements kept our client from getting the compensation they deserved, we successfully lobbied the state legislature and governor to change the law.

Contact us today for more information about how Denver Rideshare Accident Lawyer can help you.

Table of Contents

How does ridesharing work?

The ridesharing process is simple, allowing riders to contact a driver and get to their destination quickly. You pick up your phone, open the ridesharing app of your choice, enter location information and wait for a driver to appear. The driver will arrive at your location; you will verify the information and get in the car. Most rides go without incident, but when an accident does occur, things can get messy.NTL
The driver’s status at the time of the accident will determine which insurance company you need to file a claim with. These intricacies cause a lot of contention for many accident claims. While you may already be home, it will help if you had screenshots of the app during the accident. You can share your trip with friends who might have information that can be useful to your claim.

Statistics of rideshare accidents

Uber has become very popular in recent years, and with the uptick in use, there has also been an uptick in accidents.

Reports for one recent year show that:

  • Uber accidents resulted in 97 fatalities
  • 30 percent of Uber accidents involve pedestrians
  • Most accidents occur in urban areas
  • 2 percent of Uber accidents involve bicycles

Additionally, the latest reporting year had 469 fatalities in Colorado due to motor vehicle collisions.

How do ridesharing accidents happen?

Driver error is a prevalent cause of motor vehicle accidents, whether it involves rideshare or not. Many Uber and Lyft drivers are in a hurry to get to their destination and move to the next ride. Rideshare drivers face additional pressure and distraction. They must constantly be glancing at their phone for directions and the next opportunity for a gig. These and other factors will heavily impact how rideshare accidents happen.

The most common driver errors in Denver rideshare accidents are:

  • Distractions: All drivers face distractions, but Uber and Lyft drivers face additional distractions. They are constantly checking their phones for incoming rides, using the GPS to navigate unknown territory, and paying attention to the passengers they pick up. Some apps will allow passengers to choose the type of music they want to listen to, meaning the driver must change the music with each passenger. The apps aim for passenger comfort without considering the drivers must pay attention to the road.
  • Speeding: Drivers are in a rush to get their passengers to their next location and will use excessive speeds to arrive quickly. The more rides they take, the more money they will make. That translates to drivers wanting to finish rides quickly by not following the road rules. Speeding also results in more severe injuries and devastation.
  • Unsafe lane changes: Another reckless driver error is hazardous lane changes. The driver will change lanes quickly to make it to their location faster. They do not care about the rules of the road. Their primary objective is to make it through traffic and drop you off.
  • Following too closely: To pressure other drivers out of their way, rideshare drivers will tailgate. They think that by pressuring drivers, they will move out of their way. All drivers must legally follow at a distance to ensure no rear-end accidents. When a car is following too closely, they cannot stop if the vehicle in front of them faces a hazard. There is sure to be a collision.
  • Improper vehicle maintenance: All drivers on the road must adequately maintain their vehicles and ensure they are safe to be on the road. The car will not perform as intended when you do not fill up your tires or change your brakes. The driver can face tire blowout or a brake malfunction due to lack of maintenance.
  • Disobeying traffic signs and signals: For the flow of traffic and the safety of everyone, there are many signs and signals found across the city. When a driver disobeys these laws, a collision is imminent. For example, a driver takes a red light, and cars are already in the intersection. The vehicles in the intersection with the right of way are not expecting another car, and a tragedy can happen.
  • Fatigue: Since Uber and Lyft drivers only get paid when they take rides, they often stay online for longer to get as many rides as possible. Driving while tired is almost the same as driving while under the influence. The impairment ratings are the same in both cases.
  • Looking for passengers: Drivers often pick up passengers in unknown locations. Since they are unfamiliar with the location, they will pay attention to addresses instead of on the road. They will even stop loading and unloading passengers in unsafe areas to save time. When they stop suddenly, and in a prohibited area, the other cars on the road will not have enough time to stop and avoid them, causing a rear-end collision. A situation where one passenger is exiting and another is entering has many legal implications.

There are many other reasons a rideshare accident in Denver can occur, and it is vital to stay alert. While you have legal protections, you must also remember that drivers and the companies they work for will try to place hurdles in your path to recovery.

Liability is complex

Many riders are unaware of the complexities that these cases genuinely have. You see an everyday driver with their vehicle, driver’s license, and insurance policy. You assume that filing a claim will be the same as any other motor vehicle collision. However, the most significant difference is how these ridesharing companies handle car accident claims. How Uber and Lyft handle claims will depend on what the driver did during the accident.

There are three possible outcomes and considerations:

  • A Lyft or Uber driver is not logged into the app but is on personal time when the accident occurs. When that is the case, the party responsible for the damages is the driver’s insurance carrier.
  • When the rideshare driver is logged onto the app but does not have a ride, their insurance is liable for injuries in a collision. However, in these cases, Uber and Lyft provide additional coverage if a claim gets denied or the policy does not cover all damages.
  • When a driver has a passenger or has accepted a ride and is on the way to pick up the passenger, the rideshare and the company’s insurance policy will kick in. Both Uber and Lyft have $1 million liability insurance policies to cover all parties in an accident. While these policies and limits exist, filing a claim and receiving compensation is not always straightforward.

Liability will heavily depend on the app, and it is crucial to have information on your trip at the time of the accident. Sometimes, a driver will end a trip before you reach your destination or have left the vehicle.

They are not supposed to do this, and these actions can hurt your case. There is no additional oversight for the operation of these rideshare companies like there is for taxis which means these companies make their own rules. The rules they make will benefit them and save them money.

The policies these companies have in place do not benefit the victims, but with a rideshare accident lawyer in Denver, you can get the justice you deserve.

Additionally, another driver may have caused the accident. There are many ways these accidents can go regarding liability, making them so complex. Many drivers and vehicles are on the road, meaning many different parties can be liable for an accident.

When another driver on the street is at fault for the accident while you are in rideshare, the liability complications are even more challenging. Instead of only dealing with the rideshare and their insurance company, you will now also need to handle another driver’s insurance company.

Rideshare accident injuries

Most passengers ride in the back seat and do not pay much mind to the road. After all, the trust that the driver has enough experience to avoid an accident and follow all the road rules. You might believe a backseat is safe, but it is perilous. Passengers do not realize there is about to be an accident, and therefore they do not adequately brace themselves for the impact, which can lead to more catastrophic injuries. Backseats do not have airbags, and many riders will not use their seatbelt. During an accident, you will have little to no protection.

Some common accident injuries include:

  • Chest and rib injuries
  • Lacerations and bruising
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissues injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Wrongful Death
  • Eye injuries
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Spinal cord trauma
  • Herniations in the head or neck

The list is not all-inclusive and shows just a few possible outcomes for your Denver rideshare accident. Depending on your injuries, your medical treatment can take weeks to months. Some accidents will result in years of treatment due to permanent impairment. Many injury victims cannot return to their everyday lives and will face a complete restructuring. Meanwhile, the parties who caused your accident are moving on with their lives. You will need to adjust how you move through life and make an income.

What compensation can you obtain?

These accidents are like any other car accident, and the results are often the same. The main difference is who will pay for the damages. While your Denver rideshare accident lawyer works to determine liability and who to file a claim against, you are recovering emotionally, physically, and financially.

A claim can result in payment for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Ongoing medical bills
  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Loss of enjoyment of life payment
  • Lost wages
  • Lost benefits from your loss of employment
  • Property damage for any personal items you had during the crash
  • Loss of future earning potential
  • Mental anguish

Every case is unique, and while these are a few examples of compensation you can recover, it is not an exhaustive list. You must work with your Denver rideshare accident lawyer to determine how much your claim is worth and find every avenue for compensation.

Why You Need a Denver Rideshare Accident Attorney From Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC?

It is vital to have a law firm on your side that uses state-of-the-art technology to find evidence that can help you build a solid case and hold the driver, rideshare company, and all other parties liable for their negligence.

You need a law firm that will fight for your rights by:

  • Obtaining critical evidence for your claim
  • Proving liability in your case
  • Request and analyze insurance policies
  • Ensure you get the quality medical treatment you need for your injuries
  • Advocate for fair treatment during the legal process
  • Handle communication between all relevant parties to ensure there are no underhanded tactics underway
  • Build a solid case to present during negotiations
  • Take your case into litigation and prepare for trial
  • Represent you in a trial if the need arises
Lauren Varner Denver Personal Injury Lawyer

Denver Rideshare Accident Attorneys, Lauren Varner

Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC will take over your case and handle every aspect on this list and more. We are client invested and results-oriented. You will have personal and timely access to the Denver rideshare accident lawyer handling your case, a benefit not all law firms can offer.

Just contact us at (720) 770-8335 and let us start with your free claim evaluation.

Office

6025 South Quebec St.
Suite 100
Centennial, CO 80111
Phone: 720-573-9807

Testimonials

All Charges-Found NOT GUILTY

“Eric took my case about a month before I had to go to trial. He showed up and showed out! His preparation for the case was phenomenal! He didn’t forget to study anything. He is the only lawyer I have ever met who actually cares about his clients, they are not just a paycheck to him. He will give you his all!

– Anonymous, Criminal Defense Client

Awards and as featured on

Top 40 Under 40 National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Included in TOP 40 Under 40 by The National TRIAL Lawyers in Centennial CO American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 5280 Denver Top Lawyers 10 Best Attorney