Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Here’s What to Know

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have changed the way we travel. But what happens if you’re injured in a crash while taking a rideshare? The reality is that when an accident happens, things get complicated. Unlike a typical car crash, rideshare accidents involve multiple parties and layered insurance policies that depend on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash, along with unique Colorado laws that determine who’s responsible.

If you’ve been injured while riding in or struck by a rideshare vehicle, here’s what you need to know — and why working with an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows Colorado rideshare accident laws can make all the difference.

Why Are Rideshare Accidents Different?

Let’s start by taking a look at why rideshare accidents are different than regular vehicle accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers typically use their personal vehicles, but they’re also connected to large corporations with their own insurance and legal teams. Because of this, a rideshare crash isn’t handled like an ordinary auto accident. The key difference is that coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. Let’s take a look at the scenarios:

• App off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies, or the carrier that insures the vehicle, if different
• App on, waiting for a ride request: Limited coverage may apply from Uber or Lyft
• Driver en route or transporting a passenger: Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy is typically active

Determining exactly which phase the driver was in during the accident is essential — and often the first thing an accident lawyer will investigate. They’ll also try to determine who was at fault: the rideshare driver or the other motorist involved.

Colorado Laws That Affect Uber and Lyft Accident Claims

Colorado was one of the first states to regulate rideshare companies, known legally as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). Here are a few Colorado rideshare accident laws and protections that might apply if you’ve experienced an accident in or by a rideshare service:

1. Mandatory Insurance Coverage: When an Uber or Lyft driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger, Colorado law requires at least $1,000,000 in primary liability coverage per incident. This coverage protects both passengers and third parties injured during a rideshare trip.

2. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: In 2022, Colorado House Bill 22-1089 required TNCs to provide $200,000 per person and $400,000 per accident in UM/UIM coverage. This protects you if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance or flees the scene.

3. Statute of Limitations: Under Colorado law, you generally have three years from the date of a vehicle accident to file a personal injury claim. It’s best to consult a lawyer as quickly as possible after an accident, though, as evidence from apps, GPS data, and rideshare records can disappear.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident 

If you’ve suffered an accident during an Uber or Lyft ride, it’s important to follow the steps below to ensure you have the evidence and information you need for any legal or insurance proceedings that may follow. Be sure you take immediate action at the scene, report the accident, contact a personal injury lawyer, get a legal and insurance investigation started, and work to settle damages you’re owed. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to take these steps immediately:

Immediate actions at the scene: 

• Call 911 for medical help and to get law enforcement on scene. A police report is crucial, and Colorado law requires accident reporting when injuries occur.
• Get medical care even for minor symptoms, which could potentially be more serious than you think: document everything.
• Preserve evidence: this includes photos of vehicles, license plates, the rideshare app screen (trip status, driver name/ID), driver’s license, and contact information for drivers and witnesses. Screenshot the trip in the app immediately to show details like pick-up time and trip ID.
• Do not admit fault or downplay injuries on the scene. Stick to the facts when talking to the police.
• Attempt to get a car accident witness statement. 

Report the crash and contact an attorney:

• Report the crash to the rideshare company through the app (or their help portal).
• Notify your own insurer and, if you were a passenger, consider contacting the TNC’s insurance. Bowman Law’s personal injury attorneys will handle insurer communications for clients. However, many TNCs require prompt notice for claims.
• Be sure to contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Bowman Law, we will help protect evidence, identify and preserve insurance rights, and handle communications with insurers so your medical treatment and records aren’t used against you.

Investigation and insurance coordination:

• After the accident, start working with an attorney to collect evidence. Your attorney can gather the app data (e.g., driver status, timestamps, GPS), police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements to establish fault and the applicable insurance. 
• Identify which laws and policies apply: Because Colorado law and the TNC’s policies create different coverage triggers, your lawyer can determine whether the TNC’s $1,000,000 policy applies, whether the driver’s personal policy is primary, and whether the HB22-1089 UM/UIM protection is available.

Damage evaluation and settlement negotiations:

• You may be entitled to damages that include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care. 
• Rideshare claims proceed through insurer negotiations. If they refuse fair compensation, your case may proceed to suit within the statutory deadline.

Why You Need a Colorado Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

It goes without saying that rideshare companies are backed by powerful insurance carriers and defense teams that can be challenging to deal with alone. Without representation, it’s easy to accept a settlement that doesn’t reflect the true cost of your injuries.

A skilled personal injury attorney can support you so you aren’t navigating the claims process alone. They can help:

• Collect and preserve digital evidence from the rideshare app
• Determine which insurance policies apply
• Handle communication with all insurers
• File an accident lawsuit if negotiations fail
• Ensure deadlines under Colorado rideshare accident laws are met

Most importantly, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand the compensation you may be entitled to, such as: 

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages or reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress

Your attorney can calculate the full value of your damages and handle negotiations with multiple insurers to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer 

A rideshare crash can leave you dealing with medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about who will pay for it all. Colorado law provides strong protections for rideshare passengers and drivers, but only if you know how to use them.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t navigate the process alone. Contact us at Bowman Law right away to protect your rights and help you gain the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury lawyers have extensive knowledge and expertise about the claims process and will be with you every step of the way.